Physical Therapist Assistant Program
2019-2020
Attention: Prospective Students
This application is now 100% online and will be available through the Allied Health Department page. Paper applications will not be accepted.
OPENS: May 28, 2019 at 12 pm - June 28, 2019 at 12 pm
Description
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares the student for employment as a physical therapist assistant. The physical therapist assistant, working under the supervision of a registered physical therapist, assists in the provision of physical therapy services, such as electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, massage, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation activities.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax, Alexandria, VA., 1-800-999-APTA) and approved by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Graduates are eligible to take the examination for licensure as a physical therapist assistant.
A grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all courses to continue in the program. Course repetition in this program is not permitted. The program is governed by the Allied Health Department Policies.
Eligibility for enrollment in this program is determined by a special admission procedure. Interested persons should call the Special Programs Admissions Clerk in the Admissions Office, 619-388-2684.
NOTE: Current information is for the class of 2017. View class of 2018 requirements here
For more information about the program as well as accreditation information please go to the Physical Therapist Assistant Department page
Statement of Goals
At the completion of the program’s curriculum, the job-ready graduate will be able to work safely and effectively under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Career Options
Employment as physical therapist assistant after passing state-administered national examination.
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Diego Mesa College is to provide excellence in the education and development of competent physical therapist assistants that provide high quality patient care through evidence based practice to diverse population s and become leaders within the health care community and profession.
| Award Type | Units |
|---|---|
| Associate of Science Degree: | |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | 46 units* |
*Required courses for major
Associate of Science Degree
Physical Therapist Assistant
For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree.
Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
| Program Prerequisites: | Units | |
| BIOL 160 | Elements of Human Anatomy and Physiology or | 4 |
| BIOL 230 | Human Anatomy and | 4 |
| BIOL 235 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| MATH 96 | Intermediate Algebra and Geometry | 5 |
| COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Reading Assessment R5 and Writing Assessment W5 | ||
| Total Units = 12-16 units | ||
| Courses Required for the Major: | Units | |
| PHYR 210 | Physical Therapy Introduction | 2 |
| PHYR 215 | Documentation Skills | 1 |
| PHYR 220 | Growth, Development & Aging | 3 |
| PHYR 225 | Acute Care Techniques | 2 |
| PHYR 225L | Acute Care Techniques Lab | 2 |
| PHYR 230 | Introduction To Human Movement | 3 |
| PHYR 240 | Introduction to Pathology | 3 |
| PHYR 250 | Introduction to Therapeutic Exercise | 2 |
| PHYR 260 | Topics in Neurology and Rehabilitation | 2 |
| PHYR 260L | Topics in Neurology and Rehabilitation Lab | 2 |
| PHYR 263 | Patient Management | 1 |
| PHYR 264 | Therapeutic Modalities | 1.5 |
| PHYR 264L | Therapeutic Modalities Lab | 1.5 |
| PHYR 275 | Orthopedic Exercise and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| PHYR 275L | Orthopedic Exercise and Rehabilitation-Lab | 2 |
| PHYR 280 | Organization of Physical Therapy | 2 |
| PHYR 291 | Directed Clinical Practice | 3 |
| PHYR 295 | Directed Clinical Practice II | 5 |
| PHYR 298 | Directed Clinical Practice III | 5 |
| Total Units = 46 units | ||
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses required for the university major and the general education pattern required by that transfer institution. See catalog TRANSFER INFORMATION section. Additional courses may be required to meet university lower-division requirements.
Course requirements at the transfer institution are subject to change and may be verified by a counselor or by consulting the current university catalog. Many Baccalaureate in Arts degrees require third semester competency in a foreign language. Consult the current catalog of the transfer institution and consult with a counselor.