The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program combines courses in general education and physical therapy with supervised clinical experiences in area clinics, hospitals, and private practices. The PTA program at Mercer County Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-706-3245 www.capteonline.org

Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure as physical therapist assistants and be recognized by the State of New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, which regulates the practice of physical therapy in the state of New Jersey.

PTAs work under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist and are employed by acute, post-acute, and outpatient physical therapy facilities.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• To maintain high-quality PTA courses and instruction for a diverse student population;
• To provide meaningful and effective services and activities that support student success and preparation for safe and competent clinical practice;
• To foster learning environments that celebrate and value diversity and respect;
• To manage resources that support affordability, quality teaching, innovation, and safe learning environments;
• To foster community connections with providers of quality physical therapy to enhance the vitality of the PTA program and contribute to the physical therapy community;
• To provide an environment that creates adaptive learners who are able to function in complex, uncertain, and novel situations;
• To intentionally focus on learner development of professional identity and commitment to the physical therapy profession;
• To maintain a commitment to assessment to evaluate the PTA program's success in meeting these goals.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent with at least one year of a high school laboratory science. Students who did not complete at least one year of a high school laboratory science and those students whose background in the sciences is old or weak may be expected to complete one or more of the following courses: Physical Science Concepts (PHY 111), Introductory Chemistry (CHE 100), Biological Science Concepts (BIO 113). Full acceptance into the program requires satisfactory performance on the college skills placement test or completion of any required remediation.

Enrollment in the program is limited and based upon an application process. Details regarding the admissions criteria and application process are available on the PTA program website as well as through the Enrollment Services office or Health Professions division.

All professional phase PTA students are required to undergo a criminal background check, obtain a physical examination, and fulfill other health records requirements prior to commencing the clinical portion of the program. The New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has the right to determine eligibility for licensure. For additional information, contact the PTA program coordinator.