Watch Physical Therapist Assistant Video: Windows Media | Apple QuickTime
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist (PT) in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising PT. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of the PT, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others.
PTA’s work in a broad range of settings. Employment opportunities for PTA’s are located in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing, sub acute, and long-term care facilities, home health agencies, schools, hospice, industrial health clinics, community health centers, fitness centers and sports training facilities, and colleges and universities.
According to American Physical Therapy Association member surveys, the median income for entry-level and experienced PTA’s is above $33,000. PTAs who were employed in the southern and western regions of the nation earned the highest median salary. Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) graduate surveys indicate that the starting average wage for entry-level PTA graduates
is $36,000+ per year and rising. Wages for experienced PTA’s, according to the latest ADVANCE Physical Therapy publication, indicates that wages for experienced PTA’s range from $20,000 to $70,000 per year.
The need for PTA’s continues to grow. The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states “Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow much faster that the average through the year 2012.” Over the long run the demand for PTA’s will continue to raise due to the number of individuals with disabilities, the rapid growing elderly population, and the large baby boom generation entering prime age for needing increased health care. America’s CAREERInfoNET lists PTA as one of the 25 fastest growing occupations.
The two-year, afternoon, early evening program begins in June each year and continues for six semesters (4 regular and 2 summers). The regular fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks, and the summer’s are 6 weeks. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree, which are conferred in May. The program employs eight faculty members who are all practicing clinicians; four PT;s and four PTA’s. The total cost of tuition and fees for five semesters is approximately $6000. Average semester textbook and supply cost is $200. State licensure is required for the PTA in Wisconsin.
Blackhawk graduates traditionally score higher on the national examination when compared to students testing from all other accredited schools. A Caregiver Background Check is required for the clinical portion of the program. Persons with previous felony convictions are not eligible for licensure or credentialing. The PTA program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
There are three clinical courses required in the PTA program. The first course is in the spring, or second semester of the first year, and is one day per week. The second course is in the fall, or first semester of the second year, and is two days per week. The final experience is in the second semester of the second year and is a full-time experience for with weeks. Clinical education sites are located within a 90-mile radius of the school. These clinical experiences encompass a variety of settings. The program aims to expose each student to as many physical therapy services as
possible, providing a well-rounded clinical education.
Applications are submitted to the Office of Admissions. Students will be program ready after submitting the following: completion of application and processing fee; evidence of high school graduation, G.E.D or H.S.E.D.; transcripts reflecting high school or college biology, chemistry and algebra with grade “C” or above; and COMPASS with scores of 60 in math, 85 in reading, and 78 in writing or ACT scores of 18 in math, 19 in reading, and 18 in writing or SAT of 900 in math and reading.. Each year program ready students are asked to confirm program admission through the petition process. Final admission into the PTA program requires a certified physical examination, updated immunizations, current CPR certification, and a clean Caregiver Background Check. The PTA program generally admits 24 first year students each summer. Admissions include 4 students from Madison Area Technical College, 4 from Waukesha Technical College, and 2 from Rock Valley College and the remainder from Blackhawk Technical College.
Students, who have completed all program ready requirements and are prepared to begin core courses, must submit a petition form during the designated petition period. The petition dates are determined annually and are available on the BTC website at www.blackhawk.edu or in the Counseling Center at the Monroe or Janesville campuses. If not selected, students must submit a petition form (during the petition period) each year thereafter as a means of indicating a continued interest in beginning the core courses.
