Physical Therapist Assistant Program
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and perform a variety of tasks such as:
- Exercises
- Massages
- Electrical stimulation
- Paraffin baths
- Hot and cold packs
- Traction
- Ultrasound
Physical therapist assistants record the patient responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
Physical therapist assistants are patient, resourceful, empathetic and tactful in order to help patients and their families understand their treatments and adjust to rehabilitation. They also need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with treatment.
For physical therapist assistants, employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and private practice, as well as long-term care facilities and sports medicine centers.
Associate Degree Program
As a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, you'll learn techniques that will help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.
View the current accreditation status for the Physical Therapist Assistant program
Courses:
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | |||
| CMT 100 | Medical Terminology | 15 | 1.0 | |||||
| CSK 100 | Study Skills | 15 | 1.0 | |||||
| BIO 100 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 45 | 30 | 4.0 | ||||
| PTA 102 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 45 | 3.0 | |||||
| MTH 100 | Math & Physics Applications | 45 | 3.0 | |||||
| CCM 120 | Communications for the Health Professions | 30 | 2.0 | |||||
| CLE 120 | Law & Ethics | 15 | 1.0 | |||||
| Semester I Total | 210 | 30 | 15.0 | |||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | |||
| PTA 103 | PTA Techniques | 30 | 45 | 3.5 | ||||
| BIO 101 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 45 | 30 | 4.0 | ||||
| PTA 104 | Fundamentals of Disease | 45 | 3.0 | |||||
| PTA 105 | Growth & Development | 45 | 3.0 | |||||
| Semester II Total | 165 | 75 | 13.5 | |||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | |||
| PTA 200 | Kinesiology | 30 | 45 | 3.5 | ||||
| PTA 201 | Rehabilitation I | 30 | 30 | 3.0 | ||||
| PTA 205 | Therapeutic Exercise I | 45 | 30 | 4.0 | ||||
| PTA 210 | Clinical Practicum I | 80 | 1.5 | |||||
| Semester III Total | 105 | 105 | 80 | 12.0 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | |||
| PTA 207 | Therapeutic Exercise II | 30 | 30 | 3.0 | ||||
| PTA 202 | Rehabilitation II | 38 | 30 | 3.5 | ||||
| PTA 211 | Clinical Practicum II | 280 | 6.0 | |||||
| Semester IV Total | 68 | 60 | 280 | 12.5 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | |||
| PTA 204 | Administrative Procedures | 30 | 2.0 | |||||
| PTA 208 | Special Topics | 45 | 21 | 3.5 | ||||
| PTA 209 | PTA Seminar | 32 | 2.0 | |||||
| PTA 212 | Clinical Practicum III | 280 | 6.0 | |||||
| Semester V Total | 107 | 21 | 280 | 13.5 | ||||
| PROGRAM TOTALS | 655 | 291 | 640 | 66.5 | ||||
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow 46 percent nationally, much faster than the average, through the year 2020, reflecting the growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function.*
Program Length
Approximately 18 months
For more detailed information on Pima's Physical Therapist Assistant program specifics and financial aid eligibility, please visit your local campus below.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Denver, Colorado Houston, Texas Las Vegas, Nevada Mesa, Arizona Seattle, Washington Tucson, Arizona
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm


