Physical Therapist Assistant Program Information

Start a career in the exciting allied health field of rehabilitation by pursuing an Associate’s in Applied Science degree from the Owens Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. 

The program prepares students to become licensed physical therapist assistants who, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, work with patients to improve mobility and function. Treatments may include prescribed exercises for strength, coordination, balance and flexibility as well as the application of various modalities to reduce pain, inflammation and to promote healing. A licensed physical therapist assistant may work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, sports medicine facilities, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, in-home care and schools. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the state licensing examination.

4755-27 Conduct of Licensees

4755-27-05 - (5) “Student physical therapist” means a student enrolled in an accredited or candidacy status entry level physical therapist education program who is completing a required clinical education course. Effective January 1, 2020, a student physical therapist shall be at least eighteen years old.

Mission

The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to provide a comprehensive curriculum to prepare PTA graduates to serve patients and the medical community through education, empowerment, and quality rehabilitation. PTA students are our program’s success.

Vision

Owens Community College strives to prepare Physical Therapist Assistants who are at the top of their field integrating knowledge, skill, and competence in patient care. Owens PTA program graduates will have a positive impact on their communities and the physical therapy profession.

Contact Information for Department of Physical Therapy Assisting

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Owens Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 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 567-661-2984 or email Bradley_wood3@owens.edu (Accredited to June 30, 2029)

Membership

Faculty and students in the PTA program become members of the American Physical Therapist Association (APTA), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1488, phone number 703-684-APTA (2782) or  800-999-2782 web address www.apta.org. Students also have opportunity to join the student Physical Therapist Assistant organization.

Professional Course Format

Theory is presented in lectures. Students learn hands-on application skills during class laboratories. This provides a foundation of knowledge for students to refine skills during their clinical education. Students participate in approximately 720 clinical education hours before graduation. Students must complete a physical exam prior to starting their clinical education and are responsible for the costs (approx. $300).

Health Requirements

The program includes three 6-week full-time clinical placements. Prior to the first clinical each student must have a physical by his/her physician including a statement that the student is fit for duty and free from communicable diseases. The results of the physical are effective for one year. In addition, the student must have blood tests done to verify immunity to specific diseases or have immunizations done prior to the clinical experiences.

Background Check Requirements

The program does not require a background check for admission or graduation. However, BCI and FBI background checks must be done as part of the state licensure application process in order to practice as a physical therapist assistant.  Background checks by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are required for licensure. The student assumes the cost of the background checks.   Final licensure eligibility based on an individual’s background is determined on a case by case basis during the licensure application process. For more information regarding background checks visit the following websites: 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I), www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), www.fbi.gov

Licensure Examination

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) national licensure exam.  After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).  Passing  the Ohio’s licensure exam also will allow graduates to obtain a license in nearly every other state by endorsement, because it is a national exam. Licensure is required to practice physical therapy and bill for services in the State of Ohio. Students are responsible for inquiring about licensing requirements before enrolling in the program.  For more information regarding licensure application and requirements visit The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website, www.fsbpt.org.

Essential Functions

A qualified applicant with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, can perform the same essential functions as a non-disabled person in the same position.

If a student has a disability or acquires one, he/she may be entitled to receive individualized services and/or accommodations intended to assure an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the program. To receive more information or to apply for services, please contact the Disability Resources Services Office at (567) 661-7007.

- view Essential Functions  

Employment Opportunities

The education and clinical skills acquired through the program, as well as successful passing of the state board exam qualify graduates for positions as licensed physical therapist assistant in settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Home health care
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Comprehensive rehabilitation facilities
• Outpatient private practice clinics
• Schools
• Corporate wellness facilities
• Outpatient hospital clinics

A successful graduate of the Owens Community College’s PTA program that passes the state licensing exam will become a licensed physical therapist assistant. The PTA assists the licensed Physical Therapist in delivering rehabilitative care to patients that range from newborn to elderly depending on the setting.

Growth and Income

According to the recent Ohio Bureau of Employment Services job growth projections, PTAs are in the top 20 for the fastest-growing occupations in Northwest Ohio.  PTAs are ranked in top 15 in the State of Ohio.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists physical therapist assistants as one of 5 fastest growing occupations projected for the time period 2014-2024. The population of the country continues to age and along with that demographic comes an increasing need for rehabilitation professionals. The fastest-growing age group in the country is those 85 years of age and older. A good number of those people will need rehabilitation care which assures a strong need for Physical Therapist professionals now and into the future.

According to the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a Physical Therapist Assistant is $55,170/year. Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 40 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Clinical Experiences

Clinical education is one of the cornerstones of the education of a physical therapist assistant. At Owens Community College, students have three 6-week full-time clinical experiences in acute care, skilled care and/or out-patient therapy. Students receive on-site supervision by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant as well as a liaison who is a member of the clinical education program at Owens Community College.

- view Clinical Affiliations  

Facilities and Equipment

Owens Community College offers students state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including a dedicated physical therapy lab room. Students will be able to access the 80,000+ sq.ft. Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC).

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Owens Community College maintains an Office of Student Financial Services on each campus. The Office of Student Financial Services is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid. Contact: 1-800-GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387 Email: studentfinancial@owens.edu.

Scholarships are available through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), www.apta.org.

Transfer Information

In order to become a physical therapist a student must complete a graduate degree, and admission is competitive. The University of Toledo offers a graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program. A prospective student must have a bachelor’s degree in order to apply. There are two different types of Doctor of Physical Therapy programs offered by the University of Findlay: the Traditional Program (3 plus 3) and the Weekend College program. For more information please contact admissions counselors at these universities.