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  •  Take a closer look at our program.
    Take a closer look at our program. 
    Physical Therapist Assistant.
    96% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-six percent of SCC's 2021 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Graduate Report
     Health Sciences Animated Walk Through.
    Health Sciences Animated Walk Through. 
    Ian Thompson.
    Faculty Spotlight - Ian Thompson
    Prospective students can expect to find a rigorous program, but one that provides many resources and help.
    More about Ian Thompson
    Physical Therapist Assistant.
    96% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-six percent of SCC's 2021 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Graduate Report
    Physical Therapist Assistant
    96% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-six percent of SCC's 2021 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Graduate Report
     

Physical Therapist Assistant

  •  Estimated Cost: $9,590

    Program Length: 3 semesters + 1 summer term

    Locations: Lincoln

    Start Term(s): Fall

    Awards Offered: AAS

    Program Description

    If you are interested in how the human body works and what it takes to help someone regain mobility and independence, you should consider a career as a physical therapist assistant. Our Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares you to work side-by-side with physical therapists to help patients of all ages recover from medical problems and other health-related conditions limiting their ability to move.

    During clinical education, you will have the opportunity to use classroom knowledge and laboratory skills to provide care to patients in a health care facility under the direction of a clinical instructor. In our dedicated lab space, you will explore strengthening muscles and dealing with more complex injuries and therapy, such as neurological issues requiring a higher level of treatment. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the national licensure exam.

    Request More Information

    START HERE: Please follow the steps on the Get Started Checklist (PDF) to complete the program application process.

    Admissions Resources:

    Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists and help patients of all ages recover from injuries and regain movement. You will be a successful physical therapist assistant if you:

    • are interested in how the human body works and moves
    • want to interact directly with patients and have good interpersonal skills
    • are interested in a hands-on career
    • are able to communicate effectively (both verbal and written)
    • can motivate people
    • excel in science

    Demand for physical therapy services is expected to increase in response to the health care needs of an older population and growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 31% through 2026. Recent SCC graduates report an average annual starting salary of $45,552. Career options include:

    • Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Traveling PTA

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

    Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
    3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
    Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
    703-706-3245
    Email: accreditation@apta.org
    Website: https://www.capteonline.org/

    If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call the PTA Program Director, Bridget Clark at 800-642-4075, ext. 2771 or 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.

    While SCC has not made a state-by-state determination of whether this program’s curriculum is acceptable in other states, 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 state. Other state requirements may apply (such as finger prints, criminal background check, etc.).
    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.

    Bridget Clark, Program Chair
    402-437-2771
    800-642-4075 ext. 2771
    bclark@southeast.edu

    Ian Thompson, Instructor
    402-437-2430
    800-642-4075 ext. 2430
    ithompson@southeast.edu

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    For more information about the post-graduation achievements of SCC Graduates as well as average starting salaries, refer to the annual Graduate Report.

    For information about the methodologies used to gather the post-graduation student achievement data contained in the annual Graduate Report, refer to the Institutional Research page or contact ir@southeast.edu.