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Why Major in Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is offered at the Quad-Cities Campus with clinical practice available throughout a large regional area. The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class, which begins each fall.

New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.

The Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant prepares students to perform physical therapy procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Discover careers and salaries for this program

Locations
Quad-Cities Campus
Formats
On-campus
Number of Credits
72
Next Start Date
Fall

Careers In Physical Therapy

Physical therapist assistants are primarily employed in:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics and private practices
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Home Health
  • Schools

Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A student stands beside a man using a walker in a physical therapy setting

Admission Requirements

  1. High school graduation or equivalent.
  2. A physical examination prior to any clinical coursework.
  3. The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class.
  4. Fill out application.
  5. Interview with PTA selection committee. The interview is part of a written and oral selection process.
  6. Minimum of “C” average in courses previously completed at Black Hawk College and any courses transferred from other colleges.

Students must also successfully document and meet all health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses.

Program Details

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Black Hawk 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 309-796-5394 or email abelsd@840339.com.

In-district Cost

Expense Type Amount
Tuition (72 hours x $164) $11,808
Lab fees ($75/credit hour in core classes) $3,225
Books (four semesters) $1,500
Parking tags (two years) $100
Approximate overall cost $16,633

BHC PTA Financial Fact Sheet 2024 (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

What are the learning objectives for the Physical Therapist Assistant program?

Students completing this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate behaviors that provide patient safety and appropriate critical thinking skills commensurate with the practicing health care environment.
  • Demonstrate safe and evidence-based treatment interventions, competence in data collection commensurate with conditions and diseases in today’s health care environment.
  • Demonstrate ability to practice under a supervising physical therapist and adhere to the policies and procedures bestowed upon the PTA in that health care environment.
  • Demonstrate behaviors appropriate for the delivery of physical therapy services showing respect to individual and cultural diversities, including verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills that ensure patient, family, and healthcare comprehension and safety.
  • Participate in progression and development in individual careers based upon personal interests, practicing environment, and self-assessment needs that facilitates life-long learning.
  • Demonstrate adherence to Standards of Ethical Conduct established by the APTA and represent the highest expectations from the physical therapy profession.
  • Demonstrate clinical critical thinking skills by identifying when to modify patient treatments within the plan of care established by the supervising physical therapist.

What are the graduation rates and other student outcomes of this program?

Graduation Rate

2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 96%
2019: 100%

Cumulative last two years: 100%

Ultimate Pass Rate (National Physical Therapy Examination)

2023: TBD
2022: 89.5%
2021: 85%
2020: 86.4%
2019: 85.7%

Cumulative last two years: 86%

First Time Pass Rate

2023: 63%
2022: 68.4%
2021: 80%
2020: 68.2%
2019: 81%

Employment Rate (six months after passing National Physical Therapy Examination)

2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 100%
2019: 100%

Cumulative past two years: 100%

Will the PTA degree transfer toward a PT degree?

Students interested in pursuing a Master or Doctorate of Physical Therapy should contact the specific PT program for more information on transferable courses. Generally, only the biology and general education classes are transferable.

Will applying early increase my chances of being accepted to the PTA program?

Yes, as the selection process is very competitive. Applications will be accepted starting September 1. Applications postmarked on or before October 31 will be granted an interview in February. Applications postmarked after October 31 will be notified of an interview if there are remaining spots available in the upcoming class.

Is there a waiting list for the PTA program?

No. The program reviews the application pool every year and students not selected must re-apply to be considered for the next class.

Contact

Quad-Cities Campus

309-796-5341 or
309-796-5000

East Campus

309-854-1724