Physical Therapist Assistant Degree, AAS

Why Complete an Associate Degree to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Be a part of one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation! A Physical Therapist Assistant AAS is a great choice whether you're:

• Looking to switch careers
• Finding your first job
• Upgrading your physical therapy skills

As a PTA, you'll play a vital role in a patient's independence and recovery. Your duties include:

• Instructing patients in therapeutic exercise
• 协助病人使用轮椅、助行器、手杖和拐杖等设备
• Managing pain through treatments, including massage, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and hot or cold packs

您将有机会在多种环境下工作作为一个有执照的PTA, from hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics to schools, sports, and fitness facilities.

物理治疗师助理的副学士学位大约需要两年才能完成. Because of the high demand for PTAs, you'll start your new career quickly. Find a rewarding career as a physical therapist assistant by applying today!

Why Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant AAS at San Juan College?

In-Person and Online Programs

我们提供两个物理治疗师助理计划，以满足您作为火博体育学生的需求. You can complete our on-campus Physical Therapist Assistant program in as little as five semesters.

You can also complete the online/hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant program in only five semesters. In this option, most of your coursework will be online. 每学期，你需要连续7-18天前往火博体育校园进行实验(包括周末和/或假期).

Real-World Experience

Get the training you need to jumpstart your career at SJC. 在我们最先进的设施中练习，模拟门诊诊所的病人护理, nursing homes, and hospitals. You'll have access to the following:

• Two procedural labs
• Health Sciences Simulation Center
• Health and Human Performance Center

作为课程的一部分，你还将完成两次全职临床实习. 与病人互动，获得现实世界的经验，这样你就可以开始你的职业生涯作为一个物理治疗师助理.

Affordable Option

Our degree program combines excellent teaching with an affordable cost. 对于州内居民，校园项目的估计费用为6,710美元. 看看你是否可以通过NM机会奖学金免学费获得学位.

What You'll Learn in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

物理治疗师助理是直接协助物理治疗师治疗所有年龄人群的医疗保健专业人员, from newborns to people at the end of life. 许多患者有受伤、残疾或其他需要护理和治疗的健康状况. 但pta也帮助那些想要变得更健康和预防未来问题的人.

Through your courses at San Juan College, you will learn about physical therapy fundamentals and procedures, clinical techniques related to therapeutic exercise, and treatment strategies. You'll study: 

• Anatomy, pathophysiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and more;
• Fundamental procedures related to patient care, including pain assessment, range of motion, bed mobility, and transfers;
• How to assist patients with stretching, strengthening, balance, coordination, agility, and aerobic conditioning;
• 模式、按摩、气道清理技术和伤口护理的重要性和技术;
• Types of physical therapy, including traction, electrotherapy, aquatics, and hydrotherapy; and
• 复杂诊断患者的治疗策略，如发育障碍.

In your courses and clinical rotations, you will develop skills such as:

• Monitoring patients before, during, and after therapy sessions for changes in health status or function;
• 根据护理计划制定和协助患者进行特定的锻炼;
• Treating patients using various techniques, such as manual therapy, massage, stretching, strengthening, motor relearning programs, etc.;
• 教育患者及其护理人员如何使用锻炼、器械和器材;
• 运用有效的临床判断和推理能力，确保患者和临床医生的安全，确保治疗效果;
• Documenting notes of patient progress and health status; and
• 遵守美国物理治疗协会(APTA)制定的专业和法律标准.

When you complete the program, 您将为具有适当知识的入门级物理治疗师助理职位做好准备, skills, and professional behavior.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

你会找到一份令人满意且需求旺盛的职业——物理治疗师助理. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)，预计从2022年到2032年，物理治疗师助理的就业将增长26%. The median annual wage for PTAs was $62,770 in May 2022. Top earners earn $85,230 or more.

你们将帮助我们的老年人从与行动相关的伤害、心脏病发作和中风中恢复过来. You'll also help patients who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, and are recovering from trauma.

Our graduates go on to work for:

• Hospitals and outpatient clinics
• Rehab units
• Nursing homes
• Home health agencies
• Schools
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Travel assignments throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii
• Research and academia

Employers of recent graduates include:

• San Juan Regional Medical Center
• Mercy Regional Medical Center (Durango, CO)
• Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine of Northern New Mexico, Aztec location
• Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque
• Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center, Las Cruces location
• Three Rivers Physical Therapy
• Therapy One
• Movement for Life (CA)
• Reno Orthopedic Clinic (NV)
• ROCK Physical Therapy Resilience and Training Center

我们的一些毕业生已经成为物理治疗师助理项目的教师和主任, including at San Juan College!

你也可以选择提升你的职业生涯，并获得物理治疗博士学位. 寻找DPT项目或桥梁项目，帮助你从PTA过渡到DPT. 其他毕业生利用他们的AAS在医疗保健领域追求其他职业道路, such as physician's assistant, nursing, and more.

Student Testimonials

Accreditation

我们是新墨西哥州仅有的四个获得物理治疗教育认证委员会(CAPTE)认证的物理治疗师助理项目之一. 我们的毕业生有资格参加国家物理治疗师助理执照考试. 教师教师在所有50个州和哥伦比亚特区都有执照或认证, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Admission Requirements

PTA计划通过其校园和在线/混合课程为学生提供AAS学位. Each program accepts up to 20 students every year. To learn about the admission requirements, download our Physical Therapist Assistant Application Instructions.