Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist helping patient lift hand weight

Nature of Work


Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are skilled health care workers who assist the Physical Therapist in treating patients who have been disabled by inactivity or disease, accidents at the workplace or on the playing field, or those who were born with a physical disability.

PTAs perform various treatment procedures which have been delegated to them by the Physical Therapist. These procedures include: therapeutic use of exercise, water, massage, ultrasound, light and electricity to promote healing, coordination, endurance, range of motion, strength and relaxation.

The demand for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants will come from an increase in the aged population, growth in the field of sports medicine, and recognition of the importance of physical therapy in patient rehabilitation following selected diseases and trauma.

The rewards of a career in physical therapy include working directly with injured patients, good job opportunities and salaries.

Program Description


The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a fully accredited, two-year program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The curriculum consists of general education and professional courses. The courses are designed to help the student develop the intellectual, technical, and social skills necessary to become a competent, safe, and ethical Physical Therapist Assistant.

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

Accreditation


The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the College of Southern Nevada is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Joann Gutschick at 702-651-5588 or email joann.gutschick@ csn.edu

Student Outcomes

  • Graduation rate: 85% (2 year cumulative, 2022-2023)
  • Licensure examination pass rate: 91% ultimate, 91% first time (2 year cumulative, 2022-2023)
  • Employment rate: 100% of graduates who sought employment were employed within 1 year of  graduation, (2 year cumulative 2022-2023)

Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS) Requirements


NOTE: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions for PTA Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Admission Requirements


This is a Limited Entry Program. Therefore, an application for admission must be submitted by the application deadline and all prerequisite requirements must be completed by the completion deadline in order to be eligible for consideration. This material is reviewed using selection criteria set by the program. Applicants are notified of their standing by the Limited Entry office.

Guidelines and Policies


Note: Accepted students must print and review material. Signed forms must be turned into the department when requested. Students interested in the program may view the handbook for informational purposes only.

Student's First Checklist


New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Getting Started page. This page provides information on the registration process for new students seeking a Limited Entry Health Science Degree or Certificate.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.

  • Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
  • North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room E204
  • Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, Building H Room 234
  • or email us at HealthPrograms@csn.edu.

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.

  • Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
  • North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room E204
  • Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, Building H Room 234
  • or email us at HealthPrograms@csn.edu.