Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.)

PTA Program Mission

In conjunction with BCC’s mission, the PTA program is committed to provide equitable, accessible and transformative learning opportunities. Thus, facilitating the education, graduation and licensing of caring and compassionate PTAs who provide safe and effective patient care in a legal, professional and ethical manner, and who are inspired for lifelong learning.

Program Goals and Expected Program Outcomes 

Goal 1: Graduates will demonstrate competent entry-level PT skills, working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

a)     Students will demonstrate an understanding of the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant and of State Practice Acts, and the Guide to Conduct for the PTA as demonstrated by examinations, and clinical rotations.

b)     Students will implement safe and effective physical therapy data collection and interventions based on the PT plan of care as demonstrated by lab practicals and clinical rotations.

c)     Graduates will pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant licensure exam.

Goal 2: Graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills in a culturally responsible manner with all members of the healthcare team.

a)     Students will present information in a professional manner that reflects a mutual respect to the person(s) receiving the information in all didactic and clinical components of the program.

b)     Students will collect and report pertinent information in a professional manner to the appropriate members of the healthcare team in all clinical experiences.

c)     Students will complete timely and effective documentation that complies with professional guidelines and the healthcare setting as demonstrated in clinical experiences.  

Goal 3: Graduates will demonstrate legal, professional and ethical behaviors guided by the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant, jurisdictional law and as modeled by the PTA faculty. 

1)     Students will comply with jurisdictional law, practice guidelines, the APTA Guide of Conduct for the PTA and facility policies during all didactic and clinical components of the Program.

2)     Students will demonstrate Value Based Behaviors as set by the APTA during all didactic and clinical components of the Program.

Goal 4: The Physical Therapy education program will facilitate participation in community service and lifelong learning.

a)     The faculty will integrate current professional physical therapy research/topics into the academic curriculum.

b)     The faculty will participate in college level service.

c)     The faculty will participate in community service activities and promote student involvement.

d)     The faculty will participate in outreach and leadership opportunities in/outside of the college.

e)     Students will participate in at least one community service activity each year.

f)      Students will participate in educational opportunities outside of required academic classes each year. 

Goal 5: The faculty will maintain a contemporary and comprehensive curriculum in accordance with CAPTE and Federation of State Boards for Physical Therapy guidelines, and BCC’s mission.

a)     Faculty will participate in continuing education each year.

b)     Faculty will participate in APTA meetings each year.

c)     Faculty will attend college professional development workshops each year.

d)     Faculty will emulate and promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion across the program.

Goal 6: The Physical Therapy education program will facilitate student success in the PTA program.

a)     The graduation rate for each class will be 60% or higher.

b)     The ultimate pass rate for licensure examination for each class will be 85% or higher.

c)     The employment rate for each class will be at least 90%.

d)     Annual enrollment will be at least 10 students for incoming cohorts.

Students must submit a college application and a Physical Therapist Assistant Matriculation Form (PDF). Students who meet all admission requirements are accepted into the PTA program on a rolling basis. The cap for admissions is 20 students per cohort. Once the cap is met, students are placed on a space-available list. Applications are accepted from January through June 1st. Applications are reviewed by the PTA program faculty and advising to determine eligibility. Those who do not initially qualify for the program will be accepted as Pre-PTA students until they complete the Matriculation Form and meet admission requirements.

The sequence of PTA courses begins in the fall semester on a cyclical basis. Interested students are urged to consult the program advisor and to work on prerequisites and required courses while waiting to start their PTA courses.

Admission Requirements include:

• Math: ACCUPLACER Next Generation QAS score of 268 or greater OR successful completion of MAT-136 or other college level Math (with a minimum grade of C).

• Completion within 5 years of current application college-level Biology or Anatomy and Physiology with a C or better; OR completion within 2 years of current application, high school Biology with a second year of Advanced Biology or AP Biology with a grade of B (80) or better.

• Either:
  • Graduate from high school within the last two years with an average of B (80%) or rank in the upper third of the graduating class; OR
  • Complete a minimum of 10 credits of college level non-PTA designated courses required in the PTA program with a C or better.
• Complete 20 hours of documented clinical observation in a Physical Therapy setting or complete an essay activity outlined in the Matriculation Form

BCC will not admit students concurrently into any two of the following degree or certificate programs: Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care, LPN or Nursing.

Verification of Student Health History and Physical Exam (PDF)

Health and Immunization (PDF)

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.

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.

• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Rehabilitation Manager

• 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

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