Physical Therapist Assistant FAQs | Human Performance & Recreation

# Physical Therapist Assistant FAQs

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA): 

- Works directly under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT).
- Helps patients follow the treatment plan from the supervising PT.
- Are trained in many treatment strategies that are current in the field.
- Develop specific rehabilitation skills to help patients recover.
- Are valued for their great interpersonal skills and hands on skills.
- Does NOT evaluate a patient but is directly involved in patient care.

Learn more about what a PTA does at the American Physical Therapist Association.

Here at BYU-Idaho, the degree is a two year applied science (A.A.S.). This degree requires coursework in: 

- Human health
- Disease
- Specialized physical therapy training
- Basic college math and writing
- Religion

The A.A.S. degree at BYU-I does not include enough coursework to transfer as a degree at other universities. If you transfer, you may have several more general education courses to complete at the new university. 
 
At BYU-I, the coursework counts towards a full associates degree or various bachelor's degrees. The Academic Advising can help you figure out the best way to use PTA coursework for a full associates or bachelor's degree.

We know that not everyone will be admitted to the program. The good news is that the early classes you need for this program (called prerequisites) can also be used for other four-year degrees here on campus. 
 
For example, BIO 264 and BIO 265 are both required for several health science degrees, exercise science degrees, and some interdisciplinary degrees. Academic Advising can help you figure out a plan "B."

The GPA of the following "core" classes are more important than overall GPA: 

- anatomy,
- physiology,
- kinesiology, and
- medical terminology.

You must submit two letters of recommendation when you apply to the program. It is important to have positive recommendations. 
 
We give extra consideration to anyone who: 

- is from out of state,
- can demonstrate that an employer has made a hiring promise, and/or
- can demonstrate that an employer has made a financial investment in their education.

You can usually show this with a letter from an employer. This letter might say they plan to hire you. Or, it could be a paper showing you promised to work for them for a set time after you finish school.

The PTA program does require you to pay costs beyond tuition and books. Below is an explanation of extra costs that you should expect when you are admitted in the BYU-Idaho PTA program. 

- You must complete 2 semesters of classroom coursework and 2 clinical internships. There is no formal "off-track" during this time. 
 - Total of 14, 40-hour weeks of clinical internships, equaling to 560 hours.
- You should be prepared to fund the travel and living expense of an internship anywhere in the United States. 
 - If you cannot leave the area for any reason, avoid applying to the program, as internships are required.
- Many internship sites have requirements that might require cost more. These requirements include, but are not limited to: 
 - specific immunizations
 - uniforms
 - drug screening
 - First Aid/CPR certification
- You may pay fees that are used to cover expenses in the training curriculum. We take every opportunity to avoid unnecessary costs to you.

If you are a current PTA program student or faculty member, then please refer to the grievance section in the PTA student or faculty handbook. If you do not have access to the handbook or are not a student/faculty member, please contact the program director at PTA@byui.edu.