Physical Therapist Assistant Degree, AAS

Why Complete an Associate Degree to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Be a part of one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation! A Physical Therapist Assistant AAS is a great choice whether you're:

• 想要转行
• 找第一份工作
• Upgrading your physical therapy 技能

As a PTA, you'll play a vital role in a patient's independence and recovery. 你的职责包括:

• Instructing patients in therapeutic exercise
• Assisting patients with using equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches
• Managing pain through treatments, 包括按摩, 超声波, 电疗法, 还有热敷或冷敷

You will have the opportunity to work in multiple settings as a licensed PTA, 从医院, 养老院, 家庭健康机构, and outpatient clinics to schools, 体育, 健身设施.

The associate degree in physical therapist assistant takes about two years to complete. Because of the high demand for PTAs, you'll start your new career quickly. Find a rewarding career as a physical therapist assistant by applying today!

Why Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant AAS at 火博体育?

面对面和在线课程

We offer two physical therapist assistant programs to fit your needs as a 火博体育 student. 你可以填写我们的 on-campus Physical Therapist Assistant program 短短五个学期.

您也可以完成 online/hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant program 只用了五个学期. In this option, most of your coursework will be online. You will be required to travel to the 火博体育 campus for approximately 9-18 consecutive days (including weekends and/or holidays) for labs 在 each semester.

现实世界的经验

Get the training you need to jumpstart your career at SJC. Practice in our state-of-the-art facilities that simulate patient care in outpatient clinics, 养老院, 和医院. You'll have access to the following:

• 两个程序实验室
• Health Sciences 模拟中心
• Health and Human Performance Center

As part of your courses, you'll also complete two full-time clinical externships. Interact with patients to get real-world experience so you can start your career as a physical therapist assistant.

负担得起的选择

Our degree program combines excellent teaching with an affordable cost. For in-state residents, the estimated cost of the on-campus program is $6,655. Find out if you can get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity Scholarship.

What You'll Learn in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Physical therapist assistants are healthcare professionals who directly assist the physical therapist in the treatment of people of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need care and treatment. But PTAs also assist people who want to become healthier and prevent future problems.

Through your courses at 火博体育, you will learn about physical therapy fundamentals and procedures, clinical techniques related to therapeutic exercise, 治疗策略. 你将学习: 

• Anatomy, pathophysiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, 和更多的;
• Fundamental procedures related to patient care, 包括疼痛评估, 活动范围, 床上移动, 和转移;
• How to assist patients with 伸展运动, 加强, 平衡, 协调, 敏捷性, 有氧调节;
• The importance and techniques of modalities, 按摩, airway clearance techniques, and wound care;
• Types of physical therapy, including traction, 电疗法, aquatics, and hydrotherapy; and
• Treatment strategies for patients with complex diagnoses, such as developmental disorders.

In your courses and clinical rotations, you will develop 技能 such as:

• 术前监测患者, 在, and after therapy sessions for changes in health status or function;
• Developing and assisting patients with specific exercises as outlined in the plan of care;
• Treating patients using various techniques, 比如手工疗法, 按摩, 伸展运动, 加强, 运动再学习计划, 等.;
• Educating patients and their caregivers with the use of exercises, devices, and equipment;
• Using effective clinical judgment and reasoning 技能 to ensure patient and clinician safety and ensure the efficacy of treatment;
• Documenting notes of patient progress and health status; and
• Adhering to professional and legal standards as outlined by the American 物理治疗 Association (APTA).

当你完成课程的时候, you will be prepared for an entry-level physical therapist assistant position with the appropriate knowledge, 技能, 以及职业行为.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Curriculum

职业和成果

You'll find a fulfilling and in-demand career as a physical therapist assistant. 根据 美国劳工统计局(BLS), employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 26% from 2022 to 2032. The median annual wage for PTAs was $62,770 in May 2022. Top earners earn $85,230 or more.

You'll help our aging population recover from mobility-related injuries, heart attacks, and strokes. You'll also help patients who have chronic conditions, 比如糖尿病和肥胖症, 正在从创伤中恢复.

Our graduates go on to work for:

• Hospitals and outpatient clinics
• 康复中心单位
• 养老院
• 家庭健康机构
• 学校
• 体育健身设施
• Travel assignments throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii
• 研究和学术

Employers of recent graduates include:

• San Juan Regional Medical Center
• Mercy Regional Medical Center (Durango, CO)
• 物理治疗 & Sports Medicine of Northern New Mexico, Aztec location
• Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque
• Fyzical疗法 & Balance Center, Las Cruces location
• 三河理疗
• 治疗一个
• 生命运动(CA)
• 雷诺骨科诊所(NV)
• ROCK 物理治疗 Resilience and 培训 Center

Some of our graduates have become faculty and directors of physical therapist assistant programs, 包括在火博体育!

You may also choose to advance your career and earn a Doctorate of 物理治疗. Look for DPT Programs or bridge programs that help you transition from a PTA to DPT. Other graduates have used their AAS to pursue other career paths in healthcare, 比如医生助理, 护理, 和更多的.

学生奖状

认证

We are one of only four physical therapist assistant programs in New Mexico accredited by the Commission on 认证 in 物理治疗 教育 (CAPTE). Our graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing Examination. PTAs are licensed or certified in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 波多黎各, 以及美属维尔京群岛.

入学要求

The PTA program offers an AAS degree to students through its on-campus and online/hybrid programs. Each program accepts up to 20 students every year. To learn about the admission requirements, download our Physical Therapist Assistant Application Instructions.