Physical Therapist Assistant

• English Composition 1
• Speech
• Mathematical Reasoning or Intermediate Algebra with Applications
• General Anatomy and Physiology
• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology

For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

• PTA Patient Interventions
• PTA Applied Kinesiology 1
• PTA Applied Kinesiology 2

For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

• PTA Professional Issues 1
• PTA Therapeutic Exercise
• PTA Biophysical Agents
• PTA Principles of Musculoskletal Rehabilitation

For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

• PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
• PTA Principles of Cardiopulmonary & Integumentary Conditions
• PTA Clinical Practice 1
• Introduction to Psychology

For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

• PTA Clinical Practice 2
• PTA Rehab Across the Lifespan
• PTA Professional Issues 2
• PTA Clinical Practice 3
• Introduction to Diversity Studies

For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Academic Preparedness

To enroll in this program, there are certain required actions that must be fulfilled. View Academic Preparedness Packet

Background Check

If accepted, you will be required to complete a criminal background check, complete the health requirements, and perform drug testing before starting clinical courses. Wisconsin law requires background checks of persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to Blackhawk Technical College Health Sciences Division students. For more information about the background check, view the Criminal Background Check Information (PDF).

In accordance with Wisconsin Caregiver Background law, applicants with a criminal history may be denied placement by clinical affiliates or ineligible for national certification examinations. Applicants with any criminal background are strongly advised to meet with the program faculty and/or program advisor.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Blackhawk Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Enid Halewyn at (608) 757-7698 or email at ehalewyn@blackhawk.edu.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and the health care team
• Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards
• Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction
• Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and modify treatment within a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
• Perform data collection essential for carrying out the plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
• Perform technically competent evidence-based interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
• Educate patients, families and other health care providers
• Integrate components of operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings
• Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentials and lifelong learning

Program Statistics (two-year averages)

• FSBPT Ultimate Pass Rate 2023-2024: 100%
• Graduation Rate 2023-2024: 57%
• Employment within Six Months of Graduation (2023-2024): 100%