Physical Therapist Assistant

Professional/Technical Program Advisor
Jackie Landsem
360.383.3080 for appointment 


ONLINE/Hybrid PTA advising
Brian Davidson

PTA Program Coordinator
Margaret Anderson
Cascade Hall, Room 138
360.383.3500

PTA Program Assistant
Luanne Moore
Cascade Hall, Room 145
360.383.3258

Information Sessions

Monday, October 5        2:00pm - 3:00pm       LDC 203
Monday, November 2     2:00pm - 3:00pm       LDC 203
Monday, December 7     2:00pm - 3:00pm       LDC 203

You are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions or contact one of the Professional/Technical advisors listed above for planning help.

Degree Information

Associate in Science / Physical Therapist Assistant [PDF format]

What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program?

The purpose of the PTA Program is to graduate skilled technical health care professionals who are capable of carrying out treatment programs under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Curriculum design is oriented to develop skills as well as comprehension of underlying theory, both of which are essential to competent practice.

Whatcom Community College offers a two-year Associate in Science Degree Program to prepare PTAs for immediate employment. The PTA program has probationary accreditation status with the Commission for Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  The PTA degree contains prerequisite courses including study in anatomy and physiology, general education/related instruction requirements such as English, math and social science, and the PTA core of physical therapy application courses and practical clinical experience. The PTA program is offered on campus in a 1+1 design: the first year to complete program prerequisites and general education requirements and the second year to complete PTA core classes.  The program is also offered in a part-time, online hybrid format:  one year to complete program prerequisites and general education requirements and two years to complete the PTA core courses. 

Students must complete the prerequisite courses before being admitted to the sequence of PTA core courses. The prerequisite courses may be done at another college or university and transferred to WCC. There is a special application process for entry into the PTA core courses.

WCC's on-campus PTA program core courses are offered in a full-time format and are completed in 5 quarters. PTA core courses must be taken in sequence.  The online hybrid format courses are completed in 9 quarters and must also be taken in sequence.  The program is a rigorous and academically demanding course of study. It is recommended that students admitted to the PTA full-time program limit their outside obligations as much as possible. Both formats require an average of 20 hours per week outside of class on homework assignments. The final quarter of the on campus format consists of two full-time clinical affiliations scheduled 40 hours per week.  The clinical affiliations are split into two quarters for the online hybrid format.

What can I do as a Physical Therapist Assistant?

The PTA program prepares students to work in a variety of settings including:

• outpatient clinics
• hospitals
• health clubs
• rehabilitation facilities
• schools and other pediatric facilities
• sports medicine clinics
• private practice
• home health care agencies
• extended care facilities
• retirement communities

PTAs work with licensed physical therapists to provide treatment for physical injury or disability. Treatments include application of heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and massage, as well as training in therapeutic exercise and functional activities.

How can the Pathways Program and Opportunity Grant Scholarship help you?

These programs assist and support students as they work toward a career in the healthcare industry. The Pathways Program offers free tutoring, study groups, workshops, mentoring, and advising. The Opportunity Grant Scholarship offers tuition assistance to eligible students. Please click here for a detailed explanation of eligibility, services, and contact information.

What are the prerequisites?

The PTA program requires a minimum grade of C+ (2.5) in each program prerequisite course.

• ENGL& 101 (ENGL 101), Composition I
• BUSAD 100 OR Math 111 OR any Q/SR course
• PSYC& 100 (PSYCH 110) General Psychology OR Soc& 101 (SOCIO 110) Introduction to Sociology
• Science lab course (any Biology, Chemistry or Physics course)
• MA 101 Medical Terminology
• BIOL& 241 (BIOL 270) Human A&P 1
• BIOL& 242 (BIOL 271) Human A&P 2
• Speech (although a speech course is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that students enroll in a speech communication course that best suits their needs. Course options at WCC are CMST& 101, CMST& 210, CMST& 230, CMST& 220)

What is the application process & deadline?

The on-campus PTA core courses start each fall quarter and the online PTA core courses start each spring quarter. Students may apply for the PTA program while they are working on their prerequisite courses. There is an application deadline prior to each program start. Late applications will be considered only if there is space available.

Spring 2010 Online PTA Program Deadline - November 13, 2009

Fall 2010 On-Campus PTA Program Deadline - April 23, 2010

You must complete the following steps by the PTA Program application deadline to be considered for program acceptance:

STEP 1 - Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at admitwhatcom.ctc.edu, by phone 360.383.3001 or in person at the Entry & Advising Center, LDC 116.

STEP 2 - Complete the Application for Selective Entry - PTA Program. You may use this online PTA Program Application [pdf updated 6/26/09] or contact the Selective Entry Coordinator at 360.383.3032 or by email at to obtain an application.

STEP 3 - Submit all required supporting documentation, including:

• Application for Selective Entry - PTA Program
• Applicant Checklist
• For online students only:
• Your eLearners advisor results. (Go to www.eLearners.com, click on the eLearners Advisor tab, and take the survey.)
• One page self-assessment addressing your preparedness for and ability to succeed in the PTA program
• Student Recommendation Forms
• Recommendations should be completed by employers, supervisors, current or former instructors, not friends or family members. Please have the recommender mail the form directly to the Registration/Records Office, or return to you in a sealed, letterhead envelope for you to turn in with the rest of your application materials.
• Experience Verification Forms
• We require at least one (1) form documenting at least 50 hours of experience in a physical therapy facility.  Please have these mailed directly to the Registration/Records Office or returned to you in a sealed, letterhead envelope for you to turn in with the rest of your application materials. 
• Experience may include paid or unpaid hours, including observation, volunteer work, job shadows, informational interviews and personal physical therapy rehabilitation experience. Experience in more than one PT setting is also beneficial (i.e. a hospital and a nursing home; an outpatient clinic and a school). 
• After reviewing the documented experiences, the Program Coordinator may recommend additional experience in order to help the student better prepare for the program.
  
• A minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average is required in each prerequisite/general education course.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges where you earned credits that may apply.
• Receipt for Washington State Patrol Background check (from the WCC business office)

You are responsible for submitting all documents and materials by the deadline date. Incomplete files will not be considered for PTA Program acceptance.

How are students selected for the PTA program?

The PTA Program Selection Committee will review applicants for acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program based on the number of available seats and the following:

1. Submission of all PTA Program application materials to the Registration/Records Office by the deadline.

2. GPA in prerequisite/general education courses.

3. Hours in a PTA or PTA-related experience.

4. Student recommendations.

5. Background check.

6. Self Assessment.

7. Applicants will be ranked on the above criteria and acceptance letters will be sent to the top candidates.  

8. Late applicants may be evaluated and offered positions in the class if they meet the requirements and if there is room in the class.

The Selection Committee consists of the PTA Program Coordinator, program faculty and representatives from the Admissions Office. Applicants will be notified of the accepted, alternate or not accepted status by the PTA Program Coordinator approximately 45 days after the application deadline.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to a selective entry program. Applicants who were previously accepted into the PTA Program and declined acceptance or withdrew after the program started need to reapply and are not guaranteed priority consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the PTA program?
Students are responsible for the usual tuition and fees charged at Whatcom Community College.  In addition, the PTA student will be responsible for the costs listed below. 

Information on financial aid is available in the Financial Aid Office.

• Required lab supplies fee - $20 per lab course
  
• WSP Background Check - $10.00
• Required PTA textbooks (based on approximate cost of textbooks for PTA technical courses) - $950.00
• Name badge - $5.00
• Watch with second hand - $25.00
• Student Medical Malpractice Insurance - covered by college
• APTA Student Membership (recommended) - $80.00
• Transportation - Mileage to/from clinics (Students are expected to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical facilities.)
• CPR and First Aid Certification - $60.00 - $80.00
• TB Test - $15.00
• Hepatitis Immunization - $150.00 (required for all hospital-based affiliation sites)
• Lab coat - $40.00 (Some affiliation sites require a lab coat.)
• HIV/AIDS Training - $35.00
• Research Articles - These costs can be lessened if students plan ahead and use interlibrary loans.
• Various requirements for some affiliation sites may include updated immunizations such as measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox; proof of student's own health insurance; national criminal history background check (cost may be as high as $150); and drug screening (cost may be as high as $150).

[Please note: Requirements related to clinical education vary widely among facilities and are constantly changing. Specific questions or concerns may be directed to the program coordinator for clarification.]

Are there any special requirements for students in the PTA program?
The on-campus PTA program is full-time, very demanding and requires significant study time. It is highly recommended that students admitted to the program limit their outside obligations, particularly work hours. The first 4 quarters average 18 hours per week in the classroom with an expectation that students work up to 20 hours per week outside of class on homework assignments. The final quarter is full-time clinical affiliations scheduled 40 hours per week. The on-line PTA program also requires significant time as well as having challenges specific to the on-line learning environment. Students should expect to spend up to 20 hours per week working on their courses in addition to the weekend labs.

Health care workers are required to have current CPR and First Aid certification, TB tests, measles vaccination and hepatitis immunization. Many students are also required to undergo drug screening and a national criminal history background check. Students are required to have these completed and current before entering into their clinical experiences.

Uniforms are not necessary, although some clinics require a lab jacket for clinical experiences. The student is responsible for dressing according to each clinical site's dress code. Information regarding dress codes will be available before the first day of clinical. A nametag and a watch with a second hand are also required for each clinical experience.

What are the standards to be successful in the PTA program?
Students of Whatcom Community College's Physical Therapist Assistant Program must be able to meet these minimum standards (also called essential functions or skills), with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of the program requirements. Students must be capable of meeting these skills requirements in a safe, reliable and efficient manner. There are no substitutes for these essential skills. The applicant must also be able to perform these skills throughout the course of the program. The Essential Functions include skills in five areas:

1. Observation

2. Communication

3. Sensory and Motor Function

4. Conceptual, Integrative and Qualitative

5. Behavioral & Social Skills, Professionalism

It is the policy of Whatcom Community College to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified students with a disability so they can meet these required standards, if requested by the student. Whether or not a requested accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis and will be provided as long as it does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program, impose undue hardship, expense or difficulty or is unduly disruptive to the educational process. Reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities will be exempt from certain tasks; it does mean that we will work with students with disabilities to determine whether there are ways that we can assist the student toward completion of the tasks.

For additional information, please review this detailed Essential Functions or Skills list.

Is the PTA program accredited?
Whatcom Community College is accredited by The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.  The PTA program has probationary accreditation status from The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Does the PTA program transfer to a Baccalaureate Institution?
The courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program do not transfer to most baccalaureate institutions. Students planning a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy should consult an advisor to plan an appropriate selection of classes to ensure that all requirements of the transfer institution are met. Students are responsible for finding out the unique requirements of the college or university they plan to attend. However, some Masters in Physical Therapy Programs do offer "bridge" programs and are designed for PTAs to enter and earn a Masters in Physical Therapy degree. See the program coordinator or an academic advisor for more information.

What is the employment outlook?
The starting salary in the Puget Sound area averages from $18.00 per hour, plus benefits. Demand may tend to push salaries up in other areas. Graduates of Whatcom Community College's PTA Program can expect to be hired within one month after graduation, and most students have job offers before they graduate.

There are career opportunities for advancement and pursuit of specialty interest in the following and other areas: pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, rehabilitation, community health, industry, sports research, education, and administration.

Licensure is required in Washington State for the PTA to practice. Information about the licensing process is included during the final 2 quarters of the PTA program. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from the state licensing boards.

Note: Non-U.S. citizens should check their work Visa status prior to entering the program if they plan to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Further information on employment can be obtained from the Career Center at Whatcom Community College or by contacting the Physical Therapy Association of Washington, Inc. or the American Physical Therapy Association.

How does the online program work?
This program is a "hybrid" program because only a portion of it is online. The remainder of the program (labs and clinical experience) is set up in the same way as our on-campus program, with a different schedule. The online portion of the program requires that you have access to a computer and Internet. Faster connections to the Internet help a lot. You must have the ability to perform basic computer functions like word processing, file management and email with attachments. This program will be offered through Washington Online (WAOL). You can visit their website at http://www.waol.org. All new students to Washington Online will be offered a free tutorial during the week before classes begin.

Can I get my prerequisites online also?
Yes, many of the prerequisites are offered through Washington Online and other colleges outside of Washington State. You should check with advisor Jackie Landsem at  to make sure a course will transfer.

How often will labs be held each quarter?
Labs will occur about 3 times per quarter for 2-3 days. Generally, the days will be Saturday, Sunday and/or Monday. The complete schedule will be given to you ahead of time for planning purposes.  WCC does not have on-campus housing, so finding accommodations is your responsibility. The Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism website (www.bellingham.org) is a good place to start.

What about the clinical affiliation experiences?
When possible, your clinical assignments will be held in your local area. However, depending on the availability of physical therapy experiences, you may have to commute or travel outside your local area. You will be expected to get experience in both inpatient (hospital, long-term care, etc.) and outpatient clinic settings the same as all other PTA students in our on-campus program. Students are not assigned to clinical sites for which they currently work.

What can I do next to learn more about online learning & whether this program may be a "good fit" for me?

1. Go to www.eLearners.com and take the short eLearners Advisor, an assessment showing your possible ability to succeed in such a program.
2. Visit www.waol.org and learn more about online learning with Washington Online.
3. Visit www.ion.uillinois.edu
4. Contact one of the academic advisor Meg Delzell or Jackie Landsem for more information on Whatcom Community College's PTA program online.

Background Check Information

Clinical placements, employment and licensure in a healthcare field often require a background check. WCC will conduct a Washington State Patrol background check on PTA Program applicants. Students need to pay the $10 fee for background checks to the WCC Business Office, obtain a receipt, and attach the receipt to their application. Results of the background check will be given to the PTA Program Coordinator. Students with a negative finding will be required to meet with the program coordinator prior to admittance to discuss possible options. Entrance and acceptance into the program is contingent upon background checks.