Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Cerritos College is a 9-term, 103.5-unit Associate of Science degree program that prepares students for careers as physical therapist assistants. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and clinical practice. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination and have a high job growth potential with an average salary of $70,000.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Structure: Associate of Science degree program
• Units: 103.5 units
• Duration: 9 terms (approximately 3 years)
• Course Schedule: Semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• Modules:
• 1st Term:
A&P 120, MATH 112 or PSYC 210, English Composition, MA 161
• 2nd Term:
A&P 150, PSYC 101, U.S. History, Elective
• 3rd Term:
CHEM 100, Arts and Humanities
• 4th Term:
A&P 151, COMM 100, Electives (2)
• 5th Term:
Critical Thinking, Humanities, U.S. Government, Arts
• 6th Term:
PTA 110, PTA 120
• 7th Term:
PTA 125, PTA 126, PTA 128, PTA 130, PTA 235
• 8th Term:
PTA 230, PTA 233, PTA 236, PTA 129
• 9th Term:
PTA 240, PTA 245, PTA 246, PTA 250
• Module Descriptions:
• A&P 120/150/151:
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• MATH 112/PSYC 210:
Choose one course
• English Composition:
Choose one course
• MA 161:
Medical Terminology
• CHEM 100:
Introductory Chemistry
• Arts and Humanities:
Choose one course from Area 3
• COMM 100:
Introduction to Communications Studies
• Critical Thinking:
Choose one course from Area 1B
• Humanities:
Choose one course from Area 3B
• U.S. Government:
Choose one course
• Arts:
Choose one course from Area 3A
• PTA 110:
Introduction to Physical Therapy
• PTA 120:
Kinesiology
• PTA 125:
Pathology
• PTA 126:
Clinical Practicum I
• PTA 128:
Physical Therapy Aspects of Growth and Development
• PTA 130:
Soft Tissue Interventions
• PTA 235:
Neurology
• PTA 230:
Therapeutic Exercise
• PTA 233:
Prosthetics and Orthotics for Allied Health Professionals
• PTA 236:
Clinical Practicum II
• PTA 129:
Physical Therapy Aspects of Aging and Integumentary Management
• PTA 240:
Activities of Daily Living
• PTA 245:
Advanced Modalities

Careers:

• Salary Range: $27,000 to $142,000 with an average salary of $70,000
• Job Growth: 27.1% from 2019 to 2029
• Potential Careers:
• Physical Therapist Aide
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Physical Therapist

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Students must submit an application to be considered for the program.

Additional Notes

• The program map displayed in the context provides a visual representation of the program's structure and course schedule.