Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a health-care professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA works with a variety of patients who have been disabled by illness, accident, or congenital handicap. The duties of a PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs that may involve exercise, manual therapy and hydrotherapy; the use of heat, cold, electricity, or sound; and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses. As clinicians, PTAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and for physical therapists in outpatient independent practice settings.
Following graduation, graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensing examination. A criminal background check is required. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Southwest Tennessee Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 901-333-5395 or email jstevens@southwest.tn.edu.
Program Outcomes
Graduation Rate
2017 and 2018 graduation rates were 93.8 percent and 100 percent respectively. The 2-year average graduation rate is 96.9%.
Some students did not complete the program due to academic, financial, medical, or personal reasons.
2018 and 2019 graduation rates were 100 percent and 100 percent respectively. The 2-year average graduation rate is 100%.
Licensure Examination Pass Rate
- Class of 2017 = 100 percent
- Class of 2018 = 94.7 percent
Employment Rate of Graduates
100 percent of graduates from the classes of 2017 and 2018 have been offered employment within twelve (12) months of becoming licensed Physical Therapist Assistants.
Degree Map
Page Links
- Physical Therapist Assistant A.A.S. Academic Map
- Allied Health Programs Admission and Retention Procedures
- Physical Therapist Assistant General and Admission Procedures
- Physical Therapist Assistant Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
Union Avenue Campus Allied Health Sciences Department
Allied Health [H] Building, Room 106
Phone: 901-333-5400
Fax: 901-333-5391
Secretary: Teresa White
Email: tadavis5@southwest.tn.edu
Phone: 901-333-5400
Program Coordinator:
Jennifer Stevens
Email: jstevens@southwest.tn.edu
Phone: 901-333-5395
Director of Clinical Education:
Faith Kiphut
Email: fnkiphut@southwest.tn.edu
Phone: 901-333-5794