P&HCC Website

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

The two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program is designed to prepare the student with the knowledge and skills to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to administer physical therapy treatments in a variety of settings. 

- PTA Career Information
- PTA information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

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The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program accepts applications once a year during the posted application period.

The next application period for the program will take place in August 2023 (dates TBA).

- Requirements for application and admission

- Application Information Packet 

- Observation Hours Form

- Essential Functions of PTA Students

- Catalog Information

For additional information, students can contact the Healthcare Program Advisor (clester@patrickhenry.edu). Students planning to apply to the PTA program are highly encouraged to speak with the PTA Program Director to review the academic requirements, behavioral expectations, and essential functions of interested PTA applicants.

Register a complaint
Members of the general public have the ability to express a concern or register a complaint regarding the PTA program or its graduates through the PTA Program Director at (276) 656-5469 or via email at rduff@patrickhenry.edu

Unresolved complaints
Unresolved complaints may be directed to the Director of Nursing and Allied Health at (276) 656-0248 or via email at awebster@patrickhenry.edu or to the Dean of STEM-Health and Applied Programs at (276) 656-0349 or via email at cferguson@patrickhenry.edu.  All complaints will be documented and kept on file in the program office.

Accreditation concerns
Accreditation concerns should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), using the following link:  accreditation@apta.org

1. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will graduate entry-level physical therapist assistants able to competently work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
2. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will prepare graduates to effectively communicate in a culturally competent manner with patients and caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
3. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will produce graduates who can exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Program faculty will provide a positive learning environment to enhance student learning and a comprehensive curriculum based on contemporary evidence-based physical therapy practice.
5. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will promote the importance of personal and professional development through life-long learning and membership in professional organizations.

P&HCC PTA Mission Statement
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Patrick & Henry Community College will successfully prepare students through a comprehensive curriculum based on contemporary physical therapy practice to meet the needs of the community and beyond by delivering competent care as entry-level physical therapist assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Employment rate definition: Employment as a PTA within one year of graduation for graduates seeking employment.

Graduation Rate (2021): 93.75%
Employment Rate (2021): N/A Data to be provided once available
Ultimate Licensure Exam Pass Rate (2021): N/A Data to be provided once available
First-Time Licensure Exam Pass Rate (2021): N/A Data to be provided once available

Cohorts below are listed by starting year of program:

2022 Cohort (Fall 2021 Application Period)

2021 Cohort (Fall 2020 Application Period)

Admissions information: 38 applicants with 34 students meeting program admission criteria 
Students Accepted: 16
Acceptance %: 47% 

2020 Cohort (Fall 2019 Application Period)

Admissions information: 28 applicants with 26 students meeting program admission criteria 
Students Accepted: 16
Acceptance %: 61.5%

2021/22 PTA Program Financial Fact Sheet

Contact

Dr. Rebecca Duff (Program Director)
rduff@patrickhenry.edu
Phone: (276) 656-5469
Office: Philpott 133

Christy Lester (Health Program Advisor)
clester@patrickhenry.edu
Phone: (276) 656-5469
Office: Philpott 123

Accreditation Status of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program: The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Patrick & Henry Community College is 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 276-656-5469 or email rduff@patrickhenry.edu.