| Program Overview for Physical Therapist Assistant |
ETP eligible  | yes |
| School | Whatcom Community College |
| Program website | |
| Program contact | |
| Program description | PTAs work with licensed physical therapists to provide treatment for physical injury or disability. Treatments include application of heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and massage, as well as training in therapeutic exercise and functional activities. WCC's PTA program is particularly successful at training PTAs both locally and across the state. The purpose of the PTA program is to graduate skilled technical health care professionals who are capable of carrying out treatment programs under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Curriculum design is oriented to develop skills as well as comprehension of underlying theory, both of which are essential to competent practice. |
| Financial Information |
| Tuition | Average $2,200/qtr, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc. |
| Tuition per credit | $122.05 (1-10 credits) $57.46 (11-18 credits) $104.12 (19+ credits) (WA Resident) |
| Total program tuition | $15,500 (WA resident), including pre-requisites and core program tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc. |
| Fees | $50 (application fee), $11 background check fee, $25/lab class (lab fee), $3.50/credit up to 10 credits (technology fee), $2.50/credit up to 10 credits (educational services fee), $6.32/credit up to 15 credits (recreation center fee), $20/qtr (bus pass), |
| Books and materials | Average $270/qtr |
| Supplies, tools, uniform | $600 (supplies, vaccinations, and general academic supplies) |
| Other costs | $500 (licensing after graduation) |
| Program Information |
| Length of training | 6 Months (pre-requisites) + 15 months (core program requirements) |
| Award type | AAS |
| Credits | 111 |
| Locations offered |
some courses online |
| Offered evenings/weekends | no |
| Offered online | some courses online |
| Entrance requirements | The PTA program requires a minimum grade of C+ (2.3) in each program prerequisite course. |
| Certification/license required to work in this field | yes
Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Certification/license obtained as part of training program | no
|
| Certification/license test preparation provided | yes
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) |