Frequently Asked Questions
T he following are som e frequentl y ask ed questions about the Physical
Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program:
H ow l o n g i s t h e pro g r a m ?
The program is two years in length. Students who have been accepted into the
program begin PTA course work in the Fall sem ester, and continue straight
through the two years (five continuous semesters) . Graduation is in Ma y.
W h a t a r e t h e c o st s?
The approximate costs per semester include:
Regular Tuition: $ 8 50
Allied Health Special Tuition Fee: $700
Books: $ 250
Ar e c l a s s e s a va i l ab l e o n w e e k e n d o r e ve n i n g s ?
Currentl y, all classes are offered during the da y. T he progr am does not
foresee offering weekend or evening courses in the near future.
C a n t h e pr o g r am be c o m pl e t e d o n a pa r t - t i m e b a si s ?
No. All PTA courses m ust be tak en in sequence and can be tak en onl y in the
sem ester listed in the curriculum . Each sem ester is 10 to 13 sem ester hours,
depending on whether the student has already completed all other general
education courses listed in the PTA curriculum (Engl I, A&P I, A&P II, Col Alg,
G e n P s yc h , H u m / A r t s ) .
H ow m u c h c a n I w or k w h i l e e nr o l l e d i n t h e p r o g r am ?
It is strongl y recommended that the student plan to work onl y m inim ally, if at
all, while enrolled in t he program . There is m uch new inform ation to be
learned; therefore a considerable amount of study time is required.
W h a t i s t h e d e a d l i n e f o r a p p l i c a t i o n s?
Applications, and all supporting documents, are due March 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
D o I h a ve t o p r o vi de a t r a n s c ri p t f r o m S t . P h i l i p' s C o l l e ge w i t h m y
a p p l i c at i o n i f I h a ve t a k e n a l l m y p r e r e q u i s i t e s t h e r e ?
Yes. The applicant is responsible for submitting transcripts that show proof of
having com pleted prerequisite courses. The selection comm ittee only reviews
documents that are included in the application packet.
H ow i s p h ys i c a l t he r a p y d i f f er e n t f r om o c c u p at i o n al t h er a p y?
T here is som e overlap of the two fields, yet distinctions rem ain. Occupational
therapists and assistants prim aril y focus patient care on fine m otor activities;
w h e r e a s p h ys i c a l t h e r a p i s t s a n d a s s i s t a n t s p l a n p a t i e n t c a r e a r o u n d g r o s s
motor activities.
W h a t i s t h e d i f f e r en c e b e tw e e n a p h ys i c a l t h e r a pi s t ( P T) a n d
p h ys i c a l t h e r a pi s t a s s i s t a nt ( P T A) ?
A PT is a health care professional who evaluates and treats p eople with health
problems resulting from injury or disease. PTs assess joint motion, muscle
strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of
activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities. The minimal
education requirem ent is a college degr ee in ph ysical therap y from an
a c c r e d i t e d p r o g r a m . M o s t s c h o o l s o f f e r t h e D o c t o r a t e i n P h ys i c a l T h e r a p y
Degree, which tak es 7 -8 years to com plete.
A PTA is a skilled health care provider who works under the supervision of
phys ical therapists. D uties of the PT A include assisting the PT in
im plem enting treatm ent program s, training patients in exercises and activities
of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the PT on the patient's
responses. The PTA may also be responsible for clinic or equipment
preparation and maintenance, ordering supplies and equipment, and
Frequently Asked Questions
scheduling. In some cases, PTAs assume educational or administrative roles,
and m ay serve as clinic/departm ent director. PT As m ust com plete a 2 - year
curriculum from an accredited school, t ypicall y at a comm unity or junior
college.
W h a t i s t h e j o b m ar k e t f o r p h ys i c a l t he r a p i s t a s s i st a n t s ?
The job market for PTs and PTAs is quite good in the San Antonio
metropolitan area. The market in Texas rural areas seems to be great.