Academic Programs>>Physical Therapist Assistant

Application Requirements | Courses | FAQ

Physical Therapist Assistant

Designated as a Program of Excellence for 2000
by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education

Physical therapy is an occupation for caring professionals who enjoy helping to decrease pain, increase function, and generally help patients restore their maximum physical potential and optimum health. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares you for job opportunities in all areas of rehabilitation, wellness, and prevention of injuries.

The PTA program prepares graduates as entry level physical therapist assistants who are providers of health care services under the supervision of a physical therapist. The curriculum combines academic and specialized occupational classes with a strong emphasis on clinical experiences. As a PTA student, you will work under the close supervision of a physical therapist and spend time in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health programs, or private practice offices to gain understanding and practice in the physical therapist assistant profession.

The PTA Program has a 28% (three year average) attrition rate. There have been 205 graduates since 1991. In Colorado PTA program graduates are not required to be licensed to practice, however students are strongly urged to take the PTA licensure exam. Ninety-five percent of graduates are employed in physical therapy or related field within 9 months of graduation. Current starting wages range from $15-$24 per hour in the region.

Associate of Applied Science Degree
The two–year Associate of Applied Science Degree provides career skills to enable students to enter the job market after graduation, retrain in a new career or upgrade employment skills. The specific degrees vary in length from 60 credits to a maximum of 75 credits. A minimum of 15 general education credits are part of each program.

The degree is intended to prepare students to enter skilled and/or paraprofessional occupations and is not intended for transfer toward a baccalaureate degree; however, some courses may transfer to some institutions. Academic advisors should be consulted for further information. Check with the other college or university if planning to transfer these courses. Specific degree requirements are listed with each program in the next section of this catalog.

Student Success Advisor
For questions about the PTA program, you may contact Gwen Steffen, Student Success Advisor for Health Occupations at 970-542-3224 or email at Gwen.Steffen@morgancc.edu.

Program Director
Dr. Carol Leach, PT, PhD
Phone: 970-542-3225 or 800-622-0216 Extension 3225
Email: carol.leach@morgancc.edu
Webpage