Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Program Type
Bachelor of Science
Delivery Method
Online
Course Length
Approximately
16 Months
Program Objective
Students in the B.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant program are able to choose between an inpatient and outpatient curriculum track. Curriculum promotes advanced understanding of topics, such as:
- Evidence-based practice/treatment
- Practice-specific rehabilitation
- Pharmacology
- PTA technical skills
- Patient advocacy skills
- Leadership and management skills, including current policy issues
- Higher-level communication with patients, physical therapists and other medical professionals
- Advanced knowledge of technology and its use in physical therapy
While this program is 100% online, students still complete a capstone project that features real-world application of their coursework to their current career in physical therapy. During the Capstone course, students will also prepare a professional ePortfolio to ready them for whatever is the next step in their career.
- Graduation from a PTA program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Possession of a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Completion of a total of 66 semester credits of specific coursework at the postsecondary level, including 15 general education, 39 PTA technical and 12 related credits
Why Do Students Choose Our B.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program?
Careers With a Physical Therapist Assistant B.S.
What Are My Career Opportunities With a Physical Therapist Assistant B.S.?
What Are My Career Opportunities With a Physical Therapist Assistant B.S.?
With a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, graduates can become leaders in their field, take on increased responsibilities, guide change in their practice and advocate for patients.
Career opportunities include:
- Higher education, such as Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Leadership and management positions
- Full-time instructor position in PTA program (state-dependent)
- Further certifications that require a bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook
Job Outlook
Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an aging population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
Continued Education
Continued Education
Don’t stop at your bachelor’s! At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within your field, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Transfer of Credit
15 general education, 39 PTA, 12 related credits
Semester l
Semester lI
Semester III
Semester IV
Interested In Starting This Program?
Find out more about our enrollment process, view our How to Apply page.
Success Is Within Reach
We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.
“I met my current husband in the PTA program. I literally opened the door to the lab for him one day and opened the door to a new life. In 2015, my husband and I started an outpatient rehabilitation facility, of which I am the director. It was a lot of hard work and I had to learn all the processes and make sure things were done the right way. But, we continue to grow and we love hiring Pima Medical graduates!”
Carmen Marquez, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate
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Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered via an online delivery method. Pima Medical Institute is an approved institution through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC SARA) which allows Pima Medical Institute Tucson to offer distance learning programs to residents of states other than Arizona. Participation in NC SARA does not exempt an institution from state professional licensing requirements.
A student’s physical location is determined at the time of enrollment by submission of government-issued identification as well as a student attestation of their physical location in the enrollment agreement. Students agree to update the institution if their physical location changes. Students are able to notify the institution of a change to their physical location in the Pima Medical Institute Student Portal. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that a change in physical location may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.