Learn More about our Program ....  

• Admission Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Suggested Block for PTA Program Completion 
• Articulation Agreements
   

Program Advisor: Michele Darroch
                              (413) 236-4525.

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

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.

Program graduates are eligible to take the national examination  to become licensed PTAs. Additional information regarding acceptance, graduation, employment, and licensing examination pass rates can be found in the Education/PTA Programs section at  http://www.apta.org/.  

Transferring to PT School

BCC has transfer agreements with American International College and Russell Sage College that provide an opportunity for BCC's PTA graduates to continue their education in physical therapy programs at either school. For more information, contact Michele Darroch, director of BCC's PTA program. Admission Requirements 

Students who meet all admission requirements are accepted in the PTA program on a space available basis at any time. Those who do not initially qualify for the program may become eligible through BCC's Liberal Arts program in Pre-PTA.   

The sequence of PTA courses begins in the fall semester on a cyclical basis. The next cycle begins in 2011.

Interested students are urged to consult the program advisor and to work on prerequisites and required courses during semesters when PTA courses are not offered. Admission requirements include:

• completion of ENG 020 and ENG 060, if applicable; 
   
• completion of MAT 026 (Math 800 series) or
  MAT 029 or MAT 136, if applicable;  
   
• completion of college preparatory or college-level biology or anatomy and physiology with a grade of C (73) or better within five years;
  
• graduation from high school with an average of B (80%) or ranked in the upper third of the graduating class; OR completion of a minimum of 10 credits of college-level PTA support courses with a grade of C or better;
  
• Completion of 20 hours of documented clinical observation in a PT setting.

Upon completion of all admission requirements, students wishing to enter the program must complete a matriculation form .

Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to demonstrate:  

• entry level knowledge in all aspects of the PTA curriculum, demonstrated by completion of all didactic course work with a "C" or better;
  
• comptency skills that are entry level and comparable to that of other entry level PTAs, demonstrated through competency and practical testing, and clinical performance indicators;
  
• professional behaviors including being self-assured, adaptable, legal, ethical and service-oriented.These will be demonstrated  through practical testing, service projects, the capstone project and final clinical education experience.