The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct patient care settings under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Physical therapist assistants must complete a 2-year education program. The course of study includes 1 semester of general education courses and 4 semesters of technical physical therapist assistant courses. Graduates receive an associate of applied science degree and are eligible to take the national licensure examination administered by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing or subacute facilities, extended care facilities, homes, education centers, schools, hospices, industrial health centers, athletic facilities, and fitness centers. Settings, employment arrangements, career responsibilities, and career opportunities depend on the interests and skills of each practitioner.
Students may complete the general education prerequistie courses at any accredited college; however, enrollment in the PTA program at GTCC is limited. To view complete information about the admissions process, select "Department" and then "Requirements" at the top of the page.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program has received full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association.
