Physical Therapist Assistant | TJC

Physical Therapist Assistant

Information Session

Topic: PTA Program Information Session
Time: February 6, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)

Join the Zoom meeting - Please email cmel@tjc.edu by 5:15 p.m. on 2/6 for the passcode:
https://tjc.zoom.us/j/83842120659

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals with medical and health related conditions which limit their ability to perform functional activities.

The goal of physical therapy treatment is to restore function, reduce pain and prevent disability. PTAs provide care for people in hospitals, outpatient clinics, patient’s homes, schools, work settings, nursing homes and fitness facilities.

Our Physical Therapist Assistant program is five semesters long and includes three, six-week clinical rotations under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Our faculty provides a combination of individual attention, a friendly atmosphere, and a small student-to-faculty ratio.

What our Students Say

Caleb Willis

After spending countless hours and study sessions my class felt like a family. The relationships that were formed in those two years are my favorite thing about the PTA program. They helped me get through it.

Caleb Willis
PTA Reliant/Century Rehabilitation
2018 PTA Program Graduate

Ivan Arreola

We had many service projects that we were able to help nonprofits in the area through, like building ramps for people in need… The PTA program opened those opportunities for us to participate and give back to our community.

Ivan Arreola
Vice President of Tyler Ambucs
2019 PTA Program Graduate

Mission Statement

The mission of the program is to provide students with a comprehensive quality education for the development of entry-level physical therapist assistants who are capable of performing competent, safe and ethical interventions within their scope of practice.  The program will prepare students to complete successfully the requirements for licensure, become an asset to the profession and serve the community.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at TJC, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal and professional manner.
  2. Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by the physical therapist.
  3. Effectively collaborate as members of an interprofessional healthcare team by demonstrating professional behavior in all interactions within the role and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant.
  4. Demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication as it relates to a culturally diverse population
  5. Successfully integrate concepts from general education courses and PTA technical courses into physical therapy practice.
  6. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning, evidence-based practice and professional growth in physical therapy practice.

Special admission and retention rules apply. Department specific courses must be taken in sequence. Students must complete each course with at least a “C” or better to progress through the program. Contact the department chair for details.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become a licensed physical therapist assistant. The state of Texas requires a license to practice. Licensure involves a separate application process and is based on successful completion of the NPTE.

Degree Plans

How to Apply

TJC is an open admissions college; however, acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program is limited. Please see the application packet for more information. 

PTA Application Packet
Selective Admissions
Letter of Good Standing
PTA Program Policies and Procedures Manual
Essential Functions for PTA Students
PTA Program Financial Fact Sheet
Nursing building

​Admissions Information

Cohorts are listed by year starting program.

2021 Cohort: 46 applicants with 41 meeting admission criteria. 18 students accepted and matriculated into the program.
2022 Cohort: 42 applicants with 37 meeting admission criteria. 20 students accepted and matriculated into the program.
2023 Cohort: 37 applicants with 32 meeting admission criteria. 20 students accepted and matriculated into the program.

Student Outcomes

(Average for 2022 and 2023)

Graduation Rate: 88%
First-time pass rate for NPTE board exam: 100%
Ultimate pass rate for NPTE board exam: 100%
Employment Rate: 100%

Grievance Procedure

Complaints regarding the program can be addressed to the PTA Program Director, Christine Melius at cmel@tjc.edu and/or Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Elizabeth Olivier, OTR, MHS, OTD at eoli@tjc.edu. Complaints against the Program can be made to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education at http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx. The Program upholds a standard of prohibition of retaliation following complaint submission.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Tyler Junior 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.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (903) 510-2544 or email cmel@tjc.edu.

For students in this program who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas. If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.