Moving Your Career Forward

The Physical Therapist Assistant program equips you with the skills to support patients of all ages in improving movement and restoring function, under the direction of licensed physical therapists. You'll develop hands-on skills in therapeutic exercise, mobility training, pain management and rehabilitation techniques while working under the supervision of physical therapists. Our CAPTE-accredited program combines classroom instruction with real-world clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and pursue rewarding careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and more.

PROGRAM GOALS

Master Therapeutic Techniques and Patient Care

You will learn how the body moves through the study of kinesiology and how injuries affect movement. Through hands-on practice, you'll become skilled in therapeutic exercises, cardiopulmonary interventions, neurological rehabilitation, gait training with assistive devices, manual therapy, and using physical agents for pain relief and healing.

Sharpen Clinical Decision-Making Abilities

You will learn how to assess patients' progress, identify when to alert the supervising physical therapist about changes and modify interventions appropriately. These critical thinking skills will help you provide personalized care and respond effectively to different clinical situations.

Build Effective Communication Skills

You will develop crucial skills for communicating with patients, families, physical therapists and healthcare team members. This includes learning how to educate patients and families, document treatment accurately, collaborate with other professionals and report patient progress to supervising physical therapists.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant

A.A.S.

Locations: Lincoln

You'll learn through practical experience how the body moves and functions in everyday activities. From day one, you'll be actively engaged in learning therapeutic techniques, understanding movement principles and developing clinical skills that prepare you for real-world patient care.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$10,618

CREDIT HOURS

67

PROGRAM LENGTH

4 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall

A.A.S. Program Costs
Tuition
$10,618
Supplies/Fees
$796
Books
$1,447
Total
$12,861
Avg. Annual Salary
$47,632*

 

WHY SCC?

What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?

You’ll work under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients improve their movement and function through exercise, hands-on skills and pain management. You will learn how the body moves by exploring the interaction of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and nervous systems to support function and mobility.

What facilities are available to PTA students at SCC?

You will learn on the latest equipment and technology in our cutting-edge Health Sciences Building. This facility allows you to practice hands-on skills in an environment similar to real-world clinical settings, preparing you for the workforce.

Are there opportunities for professional networking in the PTA program?

You are able to network with physical therapists as a member of the Student Physical Therapy Association. You also have the option to join the American Physical Therapy Association gaining valuable educational and networking experiences by attending conferences locally and nationally.

What skills do I need to succeed as a Physical Therapist Assistant?

You will succeed if you enjoy being active and are interested in learning about the human body and how it heals through movement. This career requires problem-solving abilities, empathy and excellent communication skills in order to work one-on-one with diverse patients to improve their function and quality of life.

 

CAREER OUTCOMES

Hospital-Based Physical Therapist Assistant

Hospital-based PTAs work as part of a clinical healthcare team to help patients regain function and prepare for discharge to home or rehabilitation facilities. You'll provide therapeutic exercises, mobility training and pain management techniques under a physical therapist's supervision.

Outpatient Clinic Physical Therapist Assistant

In outpatient clinics, you'll develop ongoing relationships with patients through their recovery journey by implementing treatment plans created by physical therapists. You’ll work with diverse patients recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or rehabilitating after surgery.

Rehabilitation Facility Physical Therapist Assistant

In rehabilitation facilities, you’ll work with patients on a more long-term basis to help them regain independence and function. Work in a specialized rehabilitation centers helps patients with more complex conditions requiring intensive therapy including strokes, traumatic injuries or neurological conditions.

 

Next Steps

Visit Apply Contact Admissions
Program Chair
Bridget Clark
Instructor Physical Therapy Assistant Program
bclark@southeast.edu

 

Additional Resources

Accreditation

The Southeast Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by:

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 402-437-2771 or email bclark@southeast.edu.

Complaints regarding the program or the program graduates should be addressed to the PTA Program Director, Bridget Clark. Unresolved complaints about the Program Director or the program itself should be directed to Jill Sand, Dean of Health Sciences at 800-642-4075, ext. 2729 or email: jsand@southeast.edu. All complaints will be documented, including the projected outcome, and kept on file at the program facility. Complaints regarding Accreditation of this program should be addressed to CAPTE.

2-Year Outcome Data

Year Graduation Rate National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rate 1st Attempt National Physical Therapy Examination Ultimate Pass Rate Placement Rate For Graduates Seeking Employment Within 1 Year of Graduation
2022 88.9% 81.3% 93.8% 100%
2023 75.0% 53.9% 92.3% 100%
Avg. 81.95% 67.6% 93.05% 100%

 

State Licensure or Certification Requirements

All SCC students who successfully graduate from this program may sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for the Physical Therapist Assistant. If the student passes the NPTE, the student may be licensed/certified in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Other state requirements, such as finger prints, criminal background checks, etc., may apply.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution

Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

* Avg. Annual Salary is based on reported data from SCC graduates and calculated in accordance with the methods found in the latest SCC Graduate Report