The Associate Degree Program at Rhodes State College provides the student with an excellent physical therapist assistant education encouraging personal and professional growth. The curriculum is a combination of general education, applied physical therapy sciences, technical skills, and clinical education rotations. In the classroom and laboratory, the student will experience a hands-on and interactive learning environment that is both supportive and challenging. Furthermore, the student will gain valuable experience by completing field work in the community and clinical settings with qualified clinical instructors who are dedicated to educating Rhodes State students.

Additional Resources

• Ohio Physical Therapy Association
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board
• The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• American Physical Therapy Association-Become a PT/PTA

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Rhodes State College exists to develop students into ethical, safe, and critical thinking members of the health care team who assist physical therapists in the provision of physical therapy. The student-centered learning environment is managed by a core of qualified faculty which focuses on the delivery of a dynamic curriculum that strives to foster life-long learning, an appreciation for global diversity, and advocacy for the PTA profession through community involvement and social responsibility.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of PTAs is expected to grow by 32% over the 2006-2016 decade. The long term demand for PTAs will continue to rise secondary to the increasing elderly population who are particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Moreover, future medical developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating added demands for therapy services.

Graduation Rate:

• Graduation Rate for the Class of 2008: 48.14%
• Graduation Rate of Last Three Graduating Classes: 57% (2006-2008)

Performance on Licensure Examination

• First time pass rate for the Class of 2008: 86%
• Ultimate pass rate of last three graduating classes: 100% (2006-2008)

Employment Rate:

• Employment rate for the Class of 2008: 100%
• Employment rate of last three graduating classes: 100% (2006-2008)

This program is fully accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Inquiries regarding accreditation should be directed to:

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 706-3245

The Program has been accredited since its inception in May 1993.

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Physical Therapist Assistant applicants:

1. ACT composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 25 or higher in mathematics; 20 or higher in natural science; 18 or higher in English and Social Science or other appropriate test scores/developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” in the catalog)

2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.

3. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.

4. Forty (40) hours of documented observation, work or volunteer experience with a licensed Physical Therapy clinician in a clinical facility of the applicant’s choice. Validation of this requirement must be received by the Physical Therapist Assistant Chair before placement on the qualified list may occur. (The Office of Advising has forms for documentation of this experience.)

*Requirements 5, 6 and 7 must be met by enrollment in the first PTA clinical course (PTA 211).

5. Current basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualifications from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute prior to the beginning of supervised clinical practice. Must be maintained through graduation.

6. Satisfactory physical examination results from a physician to include specified laboratory tests and immunizations. Validation of this requirement must be received by the Physical Therapist Assistant Chair and the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) prior to the beginning of supervised clinical practice. Students are not permitted to attend clinical rotations until this requirement has been satisfied.

7. To meet the expanding requirements of our clinical affiliates, both a criminal background check and a drug screen will be mandatory prior to clinical experiences for all PTA students.  Anyone with a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors is at risk.  Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related convictions will be ineligible for admission into clinical experiences.  A criminal record may also prevent an individual from obtaining a license or certificate in a chosen healthcare profession.  Students admitted to the PTA program will be required to submit to drug screening. Positive drug screenings will result in dismissal from all clinical courses.  Any student who refuses/fails to cooperate, or complete any required drug screening will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the clinical component of their program.  All students requiring drug screening may be subject to random drug screens and for cause during the program.

Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program.

Admission to this program is limited; therefore, it is advisable to submit application materials as soon as possible.