To become a Physical Therapist Assistant, an individual must graduate from an accredited program and pass a licensing examination given by the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Physical Therapist Assistants perform physical therapy treatments and other duties under the supervision of a licensed Physical therapist. Their work environments include, but are not limited to, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and school systems. They are skilled technical health workers who perform various treatment procedures including modalities, rehabilitation techniques, therapeutic exercises, training the patient to use special equipment, and education of the patient to prevent further physical problems. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a cooperative endeavor by Blinn College and area physical therapy facilities.
Enrollment is limited by the number of clinical site positions available.
Candidates must meet specific entrance requirements and formally apply each year. All Physical Therapist Assistant courses must be taken in sequence and can be taken only in the semester listed. Typically, applicants must score higher than the minimum requirements to be accepted. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.