Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.)
Department website: https://www.cerritos.edu/pta/
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
The Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled technical health worker who performs physical therapy interventions under the direction of a Physical Therapist. Technical Standards/Essential Functions are available for your review on the program’s website. They have been designed to give you more information about the profession and important skills/functions. This information will be helpful to assist you in deciding on your career path.
Students will be considered for admission to the PTA Program by separate application only. Please check the PTA website for the most updated information about the application process, required pre-requisite courses for consideration for admission, and other physical therapist assistant associate of science program details: https://www.cerritos.edu/pta
LICENSURE
Successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program and conferral of the Associate of Science degree qualifies graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, as well as the California Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. Once a graduate passes these exams, they are eligible to be licensed as a PTA and can work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. Additional information regarding license applicant requirements can be found on the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) website: http://www.ptbc.ca.gov
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students respect the culture, customs, ethnicity and values of their patients
- Students utilize legal and ethical professional practices while conducting physical therapy.
- Students employ effective documentation, oral and written communication skills in all settings.
- Students apply safe and effective patient-centered interventions using sound reasoning.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PTA 110 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 4.0 |
| PTA 120 | Kinesiology | 4.0 |
| Second Semester | ||
| PTA 125 | Pathology | 3.0 |
| PTA 126 | Clinical Practicum I | 4.0 |
| PTA 128 | Physical Therapy Aspects of Growth and Development | 3.0 |
| PTA 130 | Soft Tissue Interventions | 1.0 |
| PTA 235 | Neurology | 3.0 |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PTA 230 | Therapeutic Exercise | 4.0 |
| PTA 233 | Prosthetics and Orthotics for Allied Health Professionals | 2.0 |
| PTA 236 | Clinical Practicum II | 4.0 |
| PTA 129 | Physical Therapy Aspects of Aging and Integumentary Management 1 | 1.5 |
| Second Semester | ||
| PTA 240 | Activities of Daily Living | 2.0 |
| PTA 245 | Advanced Modalities | 3.0 |
| PTA 246 | Clinical Affiliation | 4.0 |
| PTA 250 | Licensure Examination Preparation | 1.5 |
| Total Units | 44 | |
- 1
Class may be offered in summer session between first and second year.
Note: See Cerritos College Graduation Requirements.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Complete a minimum of 60 units to include (1) the above major requirements, (2) the General Education requirements, and (3) electives as needed.