Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.)

Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Overview

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides a unique form of medical treatment, where science and art become one, and patients are given individualized care.

PTA is deeply rooted in scientific knowledge and theory. But, it is the personal interactions with patients, family members, and other health care providers that require creativity and flexibility on the therapist's part.

Enrollment

Berkshire Community College (BCC) PTA graduates are eligible to take the national examination to be licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

The College enrolls up to 20 students each fall who have applied to the PTA program through the PTA Matriculation Form (PDF). Non-designated PTA courses can be taken while waiting to enter the program.

PTA Program Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

Program Outcomes


Graduating Class:
2022

  • Graduation Rate: 66.7%
  • First-Time Licensure Pass Rate: 75%
  • Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate: 87.5%
  • Employment Rate: 100%


Graduating Class:
2023

  • Graduation Rate: 63.6%
  • First-Time Licensure Pass Rate: 85.7%
  • Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate: 85.7%
  • Employment Rate: 100%


Two-Year Average
(2022 to 2023)

  • Graduation Rate: 65.2%
  • First-Time Licensure Pass Rate: 80%
  • Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate: 86.7%
  • Employment Rate: 100%

Learn More

  • Careers

    PTAs work in diverse settings which include hospitals, private PT practices, community health agencies, schools, pediatric facilities, nursing homes, industrial or corporate health facilities and rehabilitation centers. It is the diversity that makes the field of physical therapy interesting and enticing for many students.

  • Job Growth and Wages

    The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $58,520 in May 2019. Overall employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 30 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapists expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an older population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

  • Job Titles
    • Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Rehabilitation Manager
  • Local and Regional Employers
    • Albany Medical
    • Barnwell Nursing and Rehab Center
    • Baystate Franklin Rehab Services
    • Baystate Medical Center
    • Bennington Health and Rehab Care
    • Bennington Physical Therapy
    • Berkshire Meadows
    • Berkshire Medical Center
    • Berkshire PT and Wellness
    • Center for Disability Services
    • Columbia Memorial Hospital
    • Columbia Physical Therapy
    • Community Health Programs
    • Crescent Manor Care Center
    • Dempsey Physical Therapy
    • Fairview Hospital
    • Gateway PT
    • Gentiva Home Care
    • Glens Falls Hospital
    • Greylock PT
    • Health South
    • Hillcrest Commons
    • Metzger and Mole
    • New England Wellness Works Noble Hospital
    • Novacare Rehabilitation
    • Pediatric Developmental Center
    • Porchlite
    • Public Schools
    • Springside Rehabilitation and Nursing
    • Sweetbrook Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
    • Timberland Heights Skilled Nursing
    • Tri PT
    • United Cerebral Palsy of the Berkshires
    • VNA of the Berkshires
  • Educational Opportunities

    Transfer to BCC

    Students can transfer in up to 33 credits from other accredited intuitions. BCC holds articulations agreements with other local community colleges to assist in the process:

    • Community College of Vermont
    • Greenfield Community College

    Continuing Education

    Students interested in continuing their education after graduating with a PTA degree should contact the Program Coordinator. The coordinator can help plan for transferring to baccalaureate and graduate schools. Graduates from BCC have transferred to:

    • The Pre-PT program at:
      • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
    • The DPT program at:
      • Sage College
      • American International College
      • Daemen College
      • University of New England
      • Mercy College

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Berkshire Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Testimonial

When I started the PTA program at BCC I had no idea how largely it would impact my life. The challenge it gave me made learning exciting, while also building my confidence as a student and future clinician. Leaving BCC left me with lifelong connections and better prepared me for my future educational opportunities than I believe any other program would have. I am so privileged to have been a part of such a life changing experience and recommend anyone thinking of their future career in the health field to take a serious look at BCC.

Brittany DelGrande, PTA, DPT, BCC PTA Class of 2015, Sage College PT Class of 2017

Physical Therapist Assistant