Physical Therapist Assistant

Nature of Work

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are skilled health care workers who assist the Physical Therapist in treating patients who have been disabled by inactivity or disease, accidents at the workplace or on the playing field, or those who were born with a physical disability.

PTAs perform various treatment procedures which have been delegated to them by the Physical Therapist. These procedures include: therapeutic use of exercise, water, massage, ultrasound, light and electricity to promote healing, coordination, endurance, range of motion, strength and relaxation.

The demand for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants will come from an increase in the aged population, growth in the field of sports medicine, and recognition of the importance of physical therapy in patient rehabilitation following selected diseases and trauma.

The rewards of a career in physical therapy include working directly with injured patients, good job opportunities and salaries.

Program Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a fully accredited, two-year program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The curriculum consists of general education and professional courses. The courses are designed to help the student develop the intellectual, technical, and social skills necessary to become a competent, safe, and ethical Physical Therapist Assistant.

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

View CSN's PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the College of Southern Nevada is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email:  accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Joann Gutschick at 702-651-5588 or email joann.gutschick@ csn.edu

Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS) Requirements

• Physical Therapist Assistant Advising Sheet
• Physical Therapist Assistant Career Guide
• Physical Therapist Assistant Selection Criteria

NOTE: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions for PTA Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Admission Requirements

This is a Limited Entry Program. Therefore, an application for admission must be submitted by the application deadline and all prerequisite requirements must be completed by the completion deadline in order to be eligible for consideration. This material is reviewed using selection criteria set by the program. Applicants are notified of their standing by the Limited Entry office.

• PTA Observation Report Record
• PTA Recommendation Form for Admission

Find out how to apply to this program through the Limited Entry Office.

Guidelines and Policies

• Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook

Note: Accepted students must print and review material. Signed forms must be turned into the department when requested. Students interested in the program may view the handbook for informational purposes only.

Student's First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Getting Started page. This page provides information on the registration process for new students seeking a Limited Entry Health Science Degree or Certificate.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.