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Physical Therapist Assistant

A career as a physical therapist assistant is a rewarding one, where every day you are making a significant difference in someone’s life. Working under the direction of a physical therapist, PTAs use a variety of techniques and equipment to help patients recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. On any given day you may work with a patient recovering from an accident, a stroke, or dealing with issues related to an illness or disease. Workplaces are as varied as there is a great need for PTAs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, community health centers, nursing homes, fitness centers, and sports training facilities. It’s a challenging career and it takes patience, empathy, and a knowledge of how the body works. It’s also one of the most gratifying careers you can choose because you are helping people gain back the ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

Blackhawk's Physical Therapist Assistant is a comprehensive program giving you a solid foundation along with the skills and confidence you need to be the best PTA possible. Three required clinical courses will give you a well-rounded clinical education as you’ll get exposure to as many physical therapy services as possible. The need for PTAs continues to grow and as a graduate of our program, you will be in high demand as Blackhawk students traditionally score higher on the national examination and are better prepared to enter the workforce.

Tuition
& Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$11,157

Median Wage

$61,800

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • English Composition 1
  • Speech
  • Mathematical Reasoning or Intermediate Algebra with Applications
  • General Anatomy and Physiology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • PTA Patient Interventions
  • PTA Applied Kinesiology 1
  • PTA Applied Kinesiology 2
  • Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
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.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Start Your Journey to Success Today

Get in touch with an advisor to discuss program details, curriculum, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.

Get Credit For Your Experience!

Have you acquired relevant education or work experience? You might qualify for credits based on your prior learning.

Additional Program Information

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. The program’s current status is probationary accreditation. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Enid Halewyn at (608) 757-7698 or email at ehalewyn@blackhawk.edu.

Petition for Entry
In order to be eligible to petition this program for entry, you must apply to the college, meet all program-specific eligibility requirements, and attend a Health Sciences petition meeting specific to the program you plan to petition. For more information about the petitioning process, visit the Petition Information page.

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used as part of the admission process for this program. You must include a transcript/copy of your TEAS results with your petition packet when petitioning the program for entry. This requirement will be reviewed during the petition meeting. For information regarding test scheduling and administration, visit the Placement Testing page.

Background Check
If your petition into the program has been 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.

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 2022-2023: 100%
  • Graduation Rate 2022-2023: 58%
  • Employment within Six Months of Graduation (2022-2023): 100%
Physical Therapist Assistant students in the lab

Highlights

Associate Degree

69 Credits

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53547

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.