Program Details

Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate of Applied Science

Tidewater Community College

This program is included in: G3

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is designed for those who wish to enter employment as physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist. Graduates may work in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, fitness and wellness centers, public schools, and similar settings.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the PTA program, with 25 to 30 students admitted to the program each fall semester. Selection is highly competitive, and is based on a system of points using several criteria. Entrance requirements include VPT placement into MTH 154 with no co-requisite required or successful completion of an equivalent or higher level college math class; and successful completion of BIO 141, ENG 111, HLT 130, PSY 230, and SDV 101 (or SDV 100), with achievement in BIO 141 as a key admission determinant. Participation in a minimum of 40 documented observation hours in specific health care settings is required and applicants must submit recommendation letters from two separate employers, professional associates, physical therapy clinicians or professors.

Official transcripts from other colleges attended must be sent to Tidewater Community College, Office of the College Registrar, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA 23509, and be evaluated prior to the application deadline date. For further information regarding admission, continuance and graduation, go to tcc.edu (search keywords "physical therapist assistant").

Licensure is required in most states. In Virginia, program graduates must pass a national licensure examination.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 757-822-7251 or email mbasinger@tcc.edu

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 40 graduates in 2020-21, 0 graduates in 2019-20, 28 graduates in 2018-19, 27 graduates in 2017-18, and 27 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Physical Therapist Assistant.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assist	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapy	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant - Partnership Agreement with Germanna Community College	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
31-2021.00	Physical Therapist Assistants	Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.	Healthcare Support Occupations
25-1071.00	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-1123.00	Physical Therapists	Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
31-9099.02	Endoscopy Technicians	Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-9099.00	Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	All healthcare support workers not listed separately.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-2012.00	Occupational Therapy Aides	Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-2022.00	Physical Therapist Aides	Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-9099.01	Speech-Language Pathology Assistants	Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.	Healthcare Support Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 67 credits remaining to be completed

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant at Tidewater Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$165	Per Credit	$11,055	$0	$11,055	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$469	0	$469	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$201	0	$201	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,340	0	$1,340	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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