Physical Therapist Assisting, Associate of Applied Science

Curriculum Code #2411

Effective May 2025

Division of Health and Wellness Sciences

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) prepares students to become competent, ethical, and professional physical therapist assistants who provide high-quality care under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists. Rooted in the mission and values of LCCC, the program aligns with the highest standards set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the PTA program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and the importance of lifelong learning. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings, effectively addressing the needs of individuals across the lifespan. The program fosters a commitment to health equity, interprofessional collaboration, and advocacy for community well-being.

¹

Indicates that a grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in order to continue in the sequence.

²

Indicates that this course has a prerequisite.

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A student must register for the orientation course when enrolling for more than six credit hours per semester or any course that would result in an accumulation of 12 or more credit hours.

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 Indicates that this course incorporates experiential learning components.

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification is required upon entrance into the program.

For information about admissions, enrollment, transfer, graduation and other general questions, please contact your advising team.

More program information can be found on our website.

Admission Requirements for Physical Therapist Assisting

1. Official high school or GED transcripts and college/program transcripts (if applicable) on file in the LCCC Records office.
2. Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 if 15 credit hours of college-level work have not been completed or a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher if 15 credit hours of college-level program supporting coursework have been completed (includes transfer/transient work).
3. High school biology or college-level biology course (including lab) with a grade of C or better.
4. One year of high school or college-level algebra with a grade of C or better.
5. Program application form on file by February 5 in the spring semester in order to be considered for the next class. A student not offered admission into program for the fall semester must submit a new physical therapist assisting program application.

Selection for program entry is competitive and based on a combination of factors including:

• grade point average
• In-person, group interview
• Self-narrative
• A student is provided additional consideration for volunteer/observation hours completed and submitted to the program director prior to the interview (up to 30 hours)

 Only selected candidates (initially based on support coursework completed and GPA) will be asked to interview and submit a narrative form. Observation verification forms can be located on the program website.

Learn more about Allied Health program requirements 

Credit for Prior Learning (PLA) options may be available for your program. For more information, please visit our website:  www.lorainccc.edu/PLA

1. Practice in a professional manner that is ethical, legal, and safe within the scope of practice defined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the profession, and licensure requirements.
2. Provide high-quality care that is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to patients' diverse backgrounds, while actively working to recognize and minimize the impact of personal and systemic biases.
3. Apply sound and rational clinical judgment to implement physical therapy interventions and collect data effectively, ensuring alignment with desired patient outcomes.
4. Possess the knowledge and skills to locate, critically appraise and apply high quality research to inform evidence-based practice within the profession.
5. Demonstrate effective and respectful communication and provide education targeting various learning styles during interactions with patients, caregivers, and all members of the healthcare team as it relates to the role of the physical therapist assistant.
6. Provide impactful service by advocating for health equity, addressing disparities, and building collaborative partnerships within communities.
7. Perform physical therapy techniques in a technically and accurate manner according to the established plan of care.
8. Achieve entry-level competence in clinical skills, professional behaviors, and patient care, ensuring readiness for effective practice in diverse healthcare settings.
9. Evaluate strategies for lifelong learning by engaging in professional development, self-assessment, and reflective practices to advance expertise and adapt to evolving physical therapy practices.

PTA Program Mission:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) aligns with the mission, vision, and values of the college and adheres to the highest standards of educational excellence as outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) while also meeting the needs of stakeholders and the community.
Our mission is to prepare Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who demonstrate competence, professionalism, and ethical practice under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The program emphasizes adherence to APTA Core Values, fosters inter-professional collaboration, and encourages lifelong learning. It supports the personal and professional growth of students, graduates, faculty, and the broader community, preparing PTAs to contribute meaningfully within their contemporary scope of practice.

PTA Program Philosophy:

The program is committed to promoting educational excellence through innovative teaching and experiential learning, both in the classroom and the community. It prepares graduates to function professionally, competently, and ethically under the supervision of a physical therapist, within their defined scope of practice, and as integral members of inter-professional healthcare teams.
The program fosters a culture of lifelong professional development, encouraging physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to adapt to evolving practice standards and to contribute to the therapeutic community through continuous learning. It promotes service to the community by supporting cultural awareness, collaboration, and partnerships that enhance healthcare delivery and reduce health disparity.
Additionally, the program values the holistic development of students by integrating cultural competence, humanities, science, and technology into the curriculum, ensuring accessible and inclusive educational opportunities that prepare PTAs to be preferred providers in a diverse and dynamic healthcare environment.