About the PTA Program

The PTA program was developed in 1996 and has graduated 11 classes for a total of 194 students. This five-semester, 70-credit program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) through June 2014. 

Upon successful completion of the program, and achievement of the Associate of Applied Science degree, students are eligible to take the National Licensing Examination for the PTA. Students must pass this exam in order to practice as a PTA in Maryland. Pass rates on the exam for students of the program have consistently exceeded state and national averages. Employment rates show that graduates obtain employment within 3-6 months of graduation.

Courses

Students take a series of courses in a specific sequence in order to prepare them for entry-level practice as a PTA. Course delivery is through a mixture of online courses, distance learning through the interactive classroom, laboratory sessions, clinical placements and traditional classroom sessions. Courses include content in Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to the PTA Profession, Kinesiology, Basic PTA Skills, Pathology, Neurology and Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Modalities, as well as four clinical courses. Each course builds on the content of the previous course to develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Employment Opportunities

Multiple employment opportunities are available for graduates of the program within Maryland. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA employment is expected to grow much faster than average for health service professions through 2014. Demand is fueled by the rapidly growing elderly population and the increasing number of trauma patients who survive.

The PTA is defined by the APTA as the only paraprofessional who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy interventions. Fields of interest include neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports injuries, geriatrics, and acute care. Our program prepares you for entry-level practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes.

Out-of-County Tuition Waiver

The PTA program is designated a Health Manpower Shortage Community College program by the state of Maryland. Students who live in Maryland counties with no public community college PTA degree program may apply for a waiver of the out-of-county tuition differential for courses included in the degree.

More Information/Orientation Sessions

For further information attendance at an orientation session is recommended. Contact 410-777-7318 for dates of future orientation seminars.