Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

Visit PTA Site

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program graduated their first class from SUNY Broome Community College in 1989. The PTA program prepares students to carry out a planned patient care program under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) in a variety of health-care settings. Interventions provided by a PTA include: exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; the use of heat, cold, electricity, sound and water to relieve pain and stimulate muscle activity; instruction in activities of daily living; and the use of assistive devices such as walkers, crutches and wheel chairs. A significant part of this program includes on-site clinical experiences where the student practices physical therapy skills under the supervision of a PTA or PT. Upon successful completion of the PTA curriculum, students graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree. They are then eligible to take a National Licensing Examination and apply for certification as a physical therapist assistant.

This program is not designed as a transfer program to an upper-division Physical Therapy program leading to the master’s degree or doctorate program. However, students can continue their education, earn a bachelors degree and then apply to an upper division PT program. SUNY Broome Community College has an articulation agreement with Excelsior College to assist the student in bridging the gap to a bachelor’s degree. If you would like to discuss options for continuing in the career of physical therapy, please contact the department chairperson.

Subscribe to the SUNY Broome PTA Content on iTunes

Outcome Measures

The following are some program outcome measures for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

• Graduation rate (2013 – 2015): 71.7%
• Licensure examination pass rate (aggregate of 2013-2015):  84.7%
• Employment Rate (2015): 100%