Program Duration

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is a two calendar year course of study leading to an Associate of Science Degree and eligibility to take the National PTA licensing examination. The program is offered on a full-time basis with day (and occasional evening) courses offered Monday – Friday.

Mission Statement

To help meet the growing need of our community for competent and compassionate health care professionals, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the Institute of Medical Education provides a comprehensive educational program that prepares a diverse student population for practice as licensed Physical Therapist Assistants.

Objectives of the Program

The objectives of the PTA Program at the Institute of Medical Education are as follows:

1. The program will offer a curriculum that is sequential, integrated, and that reflects contemporary Physical Therapist Assistant practice.
2. The program will participate in recruitment and retention initiatives designed to attract and support a diverse student population.
3. The faculty will employ faculty who demonstrate current knowledge in the areas they teach, who are committed to the education of Physical Therapist Assistants, and who are committed to the current professional tandards of excellence.
4. The program will provide a variety of clinical education settings to facilitate the development of student competence with clinical skills.
5. The program will provide theoretical and practical learning experiences that lead to the attainment of student learning outcomes that represent entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant competency.

Admissions Requirements/ Prerequisites

1. The student must be 18 years of age of older.
2. The student must have graduated from high school, or earned a GED.
3. Pass the school’s entrance exam.
4. Pre-Requisite Courses (Required):
   1. Anatomy and Physiology (with laboratory)
   2. English Composition
5. Pre-Requisite Courses (Recommended):
   1. Medical Terminology
   2. Psychology
   3. Nutrition
   4. Math (Algebra Equivalent)

Course Description

The PTA Program at the Institute of Medical Education admits no more than 32 students per year. In addition to lecture and laboratory courses, the PTA Program also has a vey substantial clinical affiliation portion of the curriculum. Our students will have the opportunity to practice and improve upon the skills taught in their courses under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. The Institute of Medical Education believes that the best training a student can receive is on the job training. It is expected that students will be able to travel to their off-site clinical affiliations that are located throughout the greater Bay Area.

IME is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org). The program will submit an Application for Candidacy on March 1, 2010, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the program will be granted Accreditation.

IME expects to enroll the charter PTA Program class in late August/early September in the year 2010. It is recommended that all interested applicants complete the pre-requisite courses prior to August, 2010. For more information regarding the PTA Program, please contact IME and ask to speak with the PTA Program Director.

Job Description

Physical Therapy is a profession, within the health care industry, which promotes optimal human health and function. The licensed physical therapist applies scientific principles to prevent, identify, alleviate, correct or reduce acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled clinical practitioner who performs patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and carries out a treatment plan following established procedures. The PTA trains patients in exercises and activities of daily living; administers treatments using special equipment, observes and reports the patient’s responses to treatment, and assists in performing evaluations, special tests and complicated treatment procedures. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants work as a team, treating clients with dignity and respect, allowing achievement of the highest level of independence. Our PTA Program offers the opportunity for individuals from diverse educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds to receive highly personalized learning experiences. We strive to produce PTAs with open minds and excellent critical thinking skills, who can give quality care to those they serve.

Job Outlook

Government economists expect job growth for physical therapist assistants to be much faster than the average for all careers through 2016. In fact, it is among the twenty-fastest-growing careers. There are several reasons for this job growth. As the U.S. population ages, more people will need physical therapy. Also, physical therapist assistants are doing more of the work that physical therapists used to do. That’s because this is a good way to keep the cost of treatment down. The average starting yearly salary for physical therapist assistants was $55,000 in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, in the Bay Area, the starting salary tends to range from $65,000-$75,000 annually.