College of Technology - Building Unlimited Career Opportunities
Physical Therapist Assistant
Program Options & Length:
- Program begins in August
- Program length is 4 1/2 semesters
- Admits 20 students each year
Program Description
The physical therapist assistant is a part of the health care team that plans and implements a patient care program. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, the assistant carries out a treatment program that might include exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; the use of heat, cold, electricity, sound or water to relieve pain and stimulate muscle activity; instruction in safe physical activities and the use of devices such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs.
The PTA might also assist the therapist in performing tests and assessments as well as observing and reporting patient responses to treatment. This broad-based approach to patient rehabilitation is the cornerstone of physical therapy, and the PTA plays an important role in the process.
Certificates & Degrees
Associate of Applied Science degree: Physical Therapist Assistant
- Associate degrees in health can articulate into the Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
- All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.
- Students may choose to pursue a curriculum that will matriculate into the ISU Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
Program Requirements
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application
Entry into the Physical Therapy Assistant program is competitive and the top 20 students will be selected for the program each year. Students must have a 2.5 GPA in all classes to apply.
Students will be required to successfully pass a FBI Background Check once accepted. Students who have a criminal history are strongly encouraged to meet with Student Services or the coordinator of the program before applying to the PTA program.
Upon acceptance students must show documentation of a current physical examination and immunizations.
Admission Steps
- Complete an application for admission and pay fees online. Be sure to click on the Professional Technical Application and select your program choice. * If you are applying for the Associate Degree Registered Nurse program, the Respiratory Therapy program or a bachelor's degree offered through the College of Technology, go to the Undergraduate Application.
- High school graduation or GED is required. Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education).
- Submit an official college transcript from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Either COMPASS or ACT scores.
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
or - Submit ACT scores, (valid for seven years from date of testing).
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Meet with one of the College of Technology advisors to finalize your acceptance. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Apply for Financial Aid if needed. Questions — call (208)282-2756.
Note: Some programs have additional admission criteria. Contact Student Services at 208-282-2622 for assistance.
Career Opportunities
82% of 2008 and 2009 Physical Therapist Assistant graduates were employed in related jobs.
- Physical Therapy Clinics
- Hospitals
- Nursing and personal care facilities
- Doctor’s offices and clinics
- Median income in Idaho is $37,680 and nationally, $39,490 in this field*
- About 280 physical therapist assistants work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.
Cost of Attendance
Fees are determined by the current Idaho State University fee schedule, which includes mandatory student health insurance. Students with existing health insurance coverage may waive student health insurance. Waivers are available at http://www.isu.edu/stuhlth/insurance/.
Additional program, equipment, and book costs are listed here.
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action, ADA & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Idaho State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the State of Idaho and the federal government, including applicable executive orders
pertaining to civil rights. All rights, privileges, and activities of the University are made available without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, national origin or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Evidence of practices that are not consistent with such a policy should be reported to:
Joyce Hammond-Perry J.D.
Affirmative Action Director
Rendezvous Complex 157 Stop 8315
(208) 282-3973
ADA Policy Statement
Idaho State University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with documented disabilities. If you have a diagnosed disability or if you believe that you have a disability that might require reasonable accomodation, please contact:
Dennis J. Toney,
ADA Disabilities and Resource Center Director
Graveley Hall 123 Box 8121
E-mail tonedenn@isu.edu
208-282-3599
