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The Blue Ridge CTC Physical Therapist Assistant degree is designed by clinical experts to prepare students to sit for the licensure examinations needed to work in the field. Students learn fundamental skills necessary to meet the physical therapy needs of patients.
Set a solid foundation in the Healthcare field with a 2-year Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.
You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting.
New jobs
Are set to be created for physical therapist assistants from 2020-2030.
Job Growth
Is estimated in the occupation of physical therapist assistants.
Average Salary
For physical therapist assistants annually.
per hour
Average salary of physical therapist assistants.
With this two-year Physical Therapist Assisting program, students learn academic skills, clinical skills, and professional behaviors needed to excel in physical therapist assisting careers. The degree allows students to:
Blue Ridge CTC’s associate degree in Physical Therapist Assisting includes physical therapy procedures required to help patients regain their strength. This degree prepares students to qualify to sit for the national Physical Therapist Assisting licensure examination.
Throughout the Physical Therapist Assisting degree program, students learn core concepts of physical therapy techniques, patient handling knowledge from hands-on learning format and resources to build skills needed to meet real-life obligations and challenges in different healthcare settings. The Physical Therapist Assisting program is a competitive admission degree. Students begin in the Medical Assisting: Rehabilitation Foundation program before applying for admission. See Application Requirements below.
Earn this degree from our School of Allied Health Sciences.
In the Physical Therapist Assistant program, students learn physical therapy techniques under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to enter medical settings including rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes.
This degree teaches core concepts such as the basis of physical therapy, patient care, pharmacology, Kinesiology, orthopedics, Neurology, clinical education. Students work through clinical education experiences to prepare to work in a healthcare setting. The curriculum allows students to:
Blue Ridge CTC’s Physical Therapist Assisting program is a competitive admission process. Students first apply to the College and enroll in the Medical Assisting: Rehabilitation Foundation degree program. Once prerequisites are met, students are then eligible to apply to the Physical Therapist Assisting program.
The Physical Therapist Assisting program is competitive admissions. Review the application and requirements to understand how scores are calculated.
The Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA) program is a 1 + 1 program. One year of prerequisites must be completed prior to starting the Fall semester of the technical phase. Because students apply on March 1st each year, students may be enrolled in prerequisites during the Spring semester and still apply. The midterm grades for those spring semester courses will be used to determine acceptance. Acceptance would be contingent upon the successful completion of those spring courses. If prerequisites are still left over to complete during any summer term, those students will NOT be considered for acceptance until the following year. In ALL prerequisite coursework, each student must earn a C or better. Once in the technical phase of this PTA program, it will last one year plus one five-week summer session. Once in the program, each student must maintain at least a 78% test average in order to keep their spot in the program. Admission to the PTA program is competitive and twenty students will be admitted to the PTA program each Fall.
A numerical score sheet is used to select 20 students for each class. Points are assigned for grades in all prerequisite courses, volunteer experience, the brief narrative written on the application, and previous degrees earned. For students who use EDGE credits for any of the prerequisite courses, a grade from the high school transcript will be utilized on the score sheet. Students who have previously earned an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree qualify for additional points. Students who have all A’s in all of the PTA prerequisite courses qualify for additional points. Degrees earned at the end of the spring semester of which the student has applied to the technical phase WILL still allow the student to earn the extra points for the degree. Acceptance would be contingent upon the student actually earning the degree. The minimum requirement for volunteer hours is 20 total hours split between two distinctly different practice settings. Students are asked NOT to complete much over the 20-hour requirement so that we do not overwhelm clinical sites. The total score for the PTA score sheet for acceptance is composed of: 60% letter grades in prerequisite courses, 10% volunteer hours, 15% written essay on application, and 15% past degrees obtained. The 20 students with the highest scores are chosen. An applicant with a score below 130 in section A of the PTA Score sheet for Acceptance would not be a qualified applicant. 130 is the minimum qualifying score to get into the program
| Graduating class | # applied | # accepted | Admission rate | Graduation rate | 1st time licensure pass rate | Ultimate Licensure pass rate | Employment rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2021 | 34 | 20 | 68% | 85.7% | 90.9% | 100% | 100% |
| Class of 2022 | 36 | 20 | 66% | 85.7% | 58.3% | 91.7% | 100% |
| Class of 2023 | 20 | 17 | 85% | 87.5% | 53.9% | n/a | n/a |
| Class of 2024 | 12 | 11 | 91.6% | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2 year average graduation rate | 2 year average employment rate | 2 year average licensure pass rates- 1st time | 2 year average licensure pass rates– ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average for Class of Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 | 75.2% | 100% | 74.6% | 95.85% |
| Average for Class of Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 | 86.6% | n/a | 56.1% | n/a |
The completed application packet must be submitted to the program coordinator by March 1st for the next entering class.
Late applications are accepted only if space allows.
PTA Scoresheet for Acceptance New
Blue Ridge CTC offers a holistic, industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.
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Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.
Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.
Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.
Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.
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We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.
We recognize talent and celebrate performance with awards and acknowledgments.
We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.
We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:
Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.
Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.
With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.
Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.
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Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.
Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.
The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.
We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.
We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.
We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.
We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.
Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.
Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!
I was given many opportunities to help me succeed at Blue Ridge CTC
“My program required an internship that helped me understand what my career entailed and advanced my career path.”
“Blue Ridge CTC is giving me the opportunity to get a head start on my career through education. I learn more each week about starting and running a business.”
“Best thing about when you graduate from Blue Ridge you already have hands-on experience with the field of work your going in. You essentially work your last semester at your internship. More than likely you will have a job already when you graduate.”
“I was able to succeed at Blue Ridge CTC because of the kind faculty and staff, the access to computer labs, and having a Financial Aid team on site.”
“My education and training at Blue Ridge CTC led to me receiving a pay raise at my job. I was able to receive an associate degree to formalize my knowledge for my career field.”
“Having online course options at Blue Ridge CTC was the perfect fit for my life.”
“Attending school at Blue Ridge CTC helped me improve my English, as I am a non-native speaker.”
“Blue Ridge CTC made it possible for me to work and go to school. There was also a greate sense of community with people from so many different backgrounds and ages all trying to achieve the same goal.”
“At Blue Ridge I was treated with respect and patience. Everyone was understanding and willing to guide me along my process to obtain my Associates.”
“I made some great friends at BRCTC, and my professors were invaluable in helping to ensure my transition to a four-year institution.”
“My instructors all knew me by name and I felt like more than a number. I transferred to a four-year institution after BRCTC and felt prepared.”
“Everyone was always so nice and helpful. I made a lot of new friends. I would recommend this college to anyone!”
“My professors gave all of the students in my class the care they needed to succeed.”
“I feel like I fit in at Blue Ridge CTC. The school is nice, and the people are all professional and treat you like an independent adult. You are respected, and it is a good environment to be in.”
“BRCTC is small enough that all of the professors know your name and help you when you need it. You don’t feel like just a number like at some four-year institutions.”
“Having the ability to take my classes online via Zoom was the perfect scenario for me.”
“The instructors are amazing. I also received assistance when my family was in financial need with dry goods and food.”
“The staff at Blue Ridge CTC was phenomenal and helped five me a great experience as a kid who will be first in my family to graduate.”
“My professors were understanding and worked with me to ensure I succeded.”
“My professor encouraged me to apply for a new job and take the leap toward the next stage of my career.”
“Blue Ridge CTC makes education accessible to anyone and is teaching the next generation of professionals.”
“The English instructors were great!”
“I loved the class sizes, teachers, the communication between instructors, and the overall sense of wellbeing at Blue Ridge CTC. “
Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.
Have questions about the Physical Therapist Assisting program? We can help!
The Physical Therapist Assisting program is a competitive admissions program. Students first enroll in the Medical Assisting: Rehabilitation Foundation program to prepare to make application the Physical Therapist Assisting program. See the program Application Requirements below.
Admission requirements for Blue Ridge CTC include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time after submitting the application. To know more eligibility criteria visit the course catalog.
Whenever you are selecting a Physical Therapist Assisting program, be sure to review:
Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.
