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Program Requirements

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Program Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate Degree 10-524-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2025

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
524-139 PTA Patient Interventions 4 Program student; 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 524-156, 524-157 An introduction to basic skills and physical therapy interventions performed by the physical therapist assistant.
Course #: 524-139
Title: PTA Patient Interventions
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 524-156, 524-157 An introduction to basic skills and physical therapy interventions performed by the physical therapist assistant.
524-156 PTA Applied Kinesiology 1 4 Weeks 1-8 | Program student; 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 524-139, 524-157 Introduces basic principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, kinematics, and clinical assessment. Students locate and identify muscles, joints, and other landmarks of the lower quadrant in addition to assessing range of motion and strength.
Course #: 524-156
Title: PTA Applied Kinesiology 1
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Weeks 1-8 | Program student; 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 524-139, 524-157 Introduces basic principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, kinematics, and clinical assessment. Students locate and identify muscles, joints, and other landmarks of the lower quadrant in addition to assessing range of motion and strength.
524-157 PTA Applied Kinesiology 2 3 Weeks 9-16 | Program student; 806-177 and (524-156 or concurrent or T156 Test Score); Corequisite: 524-139 Applies basic principles from PTA Kinesiology 1 to the axial skeleton and upper quadrant including location and identification of muscles, joints and other landmarks. Assess range of motion and strength of the axial skeleton and upper quadrant. Integrate analysis of posture and gait.
Course #: 524-157
Title: PTA Applied Kinesiology 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Weeks 9-16 | Program student; 806-177 and (524-156 or concurrent or T156 Test Score); Corequisite: 524-139 Applies basic principles from PTA Kinesiology 1 to the axial skeleton and upper quadrant including location and identification of muscles, joints and other landmarks. Assess range of motion and strength of the axial skeleton and upper quadrant. Integrate analysis of posture and gait.
806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology 4 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
Course #: 806-177
Title: Gen Anatomy & Physiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
524-140 PTA Professional Issues 1 2 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-142, 524-143, 524-145, 524-147 Introduces the history and development of the physical therapy program, legal and ethical issues, the interdisciplinary health care team, and professional communication skills.
Course #: 524-140
Title: PTA Professional Issues 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-142, 524-143, 524-145, 524-147 Introduces the history and development of the physical therapy program, legal and ethical issues, the interdisciplinary health care team, and professional communication skills.
524-142 PTA Therapeutic Exercise 3 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-143, 524-145, 524-147 Provides instruction on the implementation of a variety of therapeutic exercise principles. Learners implement, educate, adapt, and assess responses to therapeutic exercises.
Course #: 524-142
Title: PTA Therapeutic Exercise
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-143, 524-145, 524-147 Provides instruction on the implementation of a variety of therapeutic exercise principles. Learners implement, educate, adapt, and assess responses to therapeutic exercises.
524-143 PTA Biophysical Agents 4 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-142, 524-145, 524-147 Develops the knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform numerous therapeutic modalities likely to be utilized as a PTA.
Course #: 524-143
Title: PTA Biophysical Agents
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-142, 524-145, 524-147 Develops the knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform numerous therapeutic modalities likely to be utilized as a PTA.
524-145 PTA Princ of Musculo Rehab 4 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-142, 524-143, 524-147 Integrates concepts of musculoskeletal pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
Course #: 524-145
Title: PTA Princ of Musculo Rehab
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-139 and (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157; Corequisite: 524-140, 524-142, 524-143, 524-147 Integrates concepts of musculoskeletal pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
524-147 PTA Clinical Practice 1 2 Winter term | (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157 and 524-139; Corequisite: 524-142, 524-143, 524-145 Provides a part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills pertinent to physical therapy practice.
Course #: 524-147
Title: PTA Clinical Practice 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Winter term | (524-156 or T156 Test Score) and 524-157 and 524-139; Corequisite: 524-142, 524-143, 524-145 Provides a part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills pertinent to physical therapy practice.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
524-148 PTA Clinical Practice 2 3 (524-140 or T140 Test Score) and 524-142 and (524-143 or T143 Test Score) and 524-145 and 524-147 Provides another part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry-level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.
Course #: 524-148
Title: PTA Clinical Practice 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: (524-140 or T140 Test Score) and 524-142 and (524-143 or T143 Test Score) and 524-145 and 524-147 Provides another part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry-level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.
801-136 English Composition 1 3   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
Course #: 801-136
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
  Total Credits: 6  
Total Credits: 6

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
524-144 PTA Princ of Neuro Rehab 4 524-148; Corequisite: 524-146 Integrates concepts of neuromuscular pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
Course #: 524-144
Title: PTA Princ of Neuro Rehab
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-148; Corequisite: 524-146 Integrates concepts of neuromuscular pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
524-146 PTA Cardio & Integ Mgmt 3 524-148; Corequisite: 524-144 Integrates concepts of cardiopulmonary and integumentary pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
Course #: 524-146
Title: PTA Cardio & Integ Mgmt
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 524-148; Corequisite: 524-144 Integrates concepts of cardiopulmonary and integumentary pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.
809-188 Developmental Psychology 3   This is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. It is recommended that either Intro to Psychology (809-198) or Psychology of Human Relations (809-199) be completed before taking this course.
Course #: 809-188
Title: Developmental Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. It is recommended that either Intro to Psychology (809-198) or Psychology of Human Relations (809-199) be completed before taking this course.
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm 3   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Course #: 801-196
Title: Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
  or  
or
801-198 Speech 3   Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.
Course #: 801-198
Title: Speech
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.
  Total Credits: 13  
Total Credits: 13

Fifth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
524-149 PTA Rehab Across the Lifespan 2 Weeks 1-8 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-150, 524-151 A capstone course that integrates concepts of pathology, physical therapy interventions and data collection across the lifespan. In addition, the PTA's role in health, wellness and prevention, reintegration, and physical therapy interventions for special patient populations will be addressed.
Course #: 524-149
Title: PTA Rehab Across the Lifespan
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Weeks 1-8 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-150, 524-151 A capstone course that integrates concepts of pathology, physical therapy interventions and data collection across the lifespan. In addition, the PTA's role in health, wellness and prevention, reintegration, and physical therapy interventions for special patient populations will be addressed.
524-150 PTA Professional Issues 2 2 Weeks 1-8 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-149, 524-151 Incorporates professional development, advanced legal and ethical issues, healthcare management and administration, and further development of professional communication strategies.
Course #: 524-150
Title: PTA Professional Issues 2
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Weeks 1-8 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-149, 524-151 Incorporates professional development, advanced legal and ethical issues, healthcare management and administration, and further development of professional communication strategies.
524-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3 5 Weeks 9-16 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-149, 524-150 Provides a full-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry-level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.
Course #: 524-151
Title: PTA Clinical Practice 3
Credits: 5
Prerequisites/Comments: Weeks 9-16 | 524-144 and 524-146 and 524-148; Corequisite: 524-149, 524-150 Provides a full-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry-level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.
809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies 3   This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.
Course #: 809-172
Title: Introduction to Diversity Studies
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.
  Total Credits: 12  
Total Credits: 12

Course Title

###-### | # Credits

Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 61

Grade of B- required for program core courses

Grade of C required for general education courses

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 4/3/2024 2:27 p.m.  |  Printed: 8/28/2025 9:52 a.m.

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