Physical Therapist Assistant Technology

• NATION’S FIRST ATC-TO-PTA PROGRAM

• STATE-OF-THE-ART PT LAB ON CAMPUS

• ACCREDITED PTA PROGRAM SINCE 1988

• CAREER HIGHLIGHT: 23% JOB GROWTH RATE

Program Introduction

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology provides students with the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to become licensed or certified as a physical therapist assistant, who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Licensure or certification in most states requires graduation from an accredited program, background clearances and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.

The integrated curriculum includes lecture, lecture/lab, seminar and practicum courses. Major course content is cumulative and taught in four sequential semesters in a two year cycle. The technical study curriculum requires student to be on campus or in the clinic three to five days per week each term. The convenient and affordable PTA program is offered at both the Ashtabula and East Liverpool campuses featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, clinical experiences at local facilities, and guidance from our experienced faculty. 

The Physical Therapist Assistant Technology major includes the following optional concentration:

• The PTA Program for the NATA-BOC Certified Athletic Trainer concentration is for board-certified athletic trainers and may be completed, at minimum, in 15 months. The concentration adds the skills and knowledge of a physical therapist assistant to the certified athletic trainers knowledge and skill competency. The concentration is offered primarily online and requires six three-day in person on the Ashtabula Campus to conduct laboratory assignments. In addition, students must complete a minimum 640 hours of clinical education, which, typically, can be arranged anywhere in the country.

Program Resources

• Student Outcomes Data (PDF | Doc
• Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) competency requirements courses
• PTA at Ashtabula
• PTA at East Liverpool
• Ashtabula Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

This Program is Right For You If

• Want to make a difference in the lives of patients and have freedom to do different things. The PTA s an important part of the rehabilitation team dedicated to returning the patient to maximal function. 
• Desire to become a movement expert.  PTAs may provide therapeutic exercise, functional training, or soft tissue massage. PTAs may also provide electrotherapy, ultrasound, and other treatments when included in the plan of care for the patient.
• Love your job and enjoy job security. The soaring demand for physical therapist assistants can be attributed to the aging population, particularly baby boomers who are more vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require physical therapy services. And the media annual wages of PTAs rank among the highest salaries in home health care services and nursing care facilities.

This Program Will Teach You To

• Provide appropriate and effective physical therapy interventions within the plan of care established by a physical therapist.
• Effectively communicate with others, teaching or instructing when appropriate.
• Produce legal and ethical documentation to meet professional expectations and the needs of third party payers.
• Ethically manage fiscal and human resources to provide high-quality, efficient and cost-effective physical therapy services.
• Consistently demonstrate the value-based behaviors of a physical therapy assistant; altruism, caring and compassion, continuing competence, duty, integrity, physical therapist/physical therapy assistant collaboration, responsibility and social responsibility.

HOW TO APPLY

The PTA program has a two-step application process:

• Apply online to Kent State University. Select the Ashtabula campus and choose the Physical Therapist Assistant Technology major.
• Once you have met the requirements to enter the PTA program, submit a program-specific application.  

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Kent State University at Ashtabula and East Liverpool, and the PTA program for NATA-BOC Certified Athletic Trainers are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Ashley Vlasov 440-964-4275 or email at avlasov@kent.edu.

For More Information on Physical Therapy Programs Offered

For more information on the physical therapy degree programs offered at Kent State Ashtabula, please contact Theresa Hootman, Program Secretary, at 440-964-4252 or by e-mail at thootma1@kent.edu.  She will be happy to provide additional information about our degree programs and the admissions process.

Complaints, Concerns & Compliments

Feedback is welcome and appreciated regarding the AAS-PTST degree program at Kent State University, including the curriculum, outcomes, students, or faculty. Please put any comments in writing to the assistant dean: Ashtabula Campus: awadia@kent.edu; East Liverpool Campus: srossi3@kent.edu.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE DISCLOSURE

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure  in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.