Application and Information

Job Description

A person licensed by the Colorado Physical Therapy Board as a physical therapist assistant who assists and is supervised by a physical therapist in the practice of physical therapy and whose activities require an understanding of physical therapy (Colorado Physical Therapy Practice Act, TITLE 12 Professions and Occupations ARTICLE 41 and Department of Regulatory Agency’s 4 CCR 732-1 RULES AND REGULATIONS Physical Therapy)

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states.  Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Attitudes and Characteristics of the PTA

The successful PTA is:

• Interested in the physical and biological sciences; pursues opportunities for lifelong learning; and possesses a knowledge of the breadth of the profession.
• Flexible; reliable; versatile; timely.  
• Exhibits manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity, and motor coordination necessary to deliver treatments in a safe and complete manner; able to withstand strenuous physical activity.
• Patient; emotionally stable; demonstrates sound judgment, tact, and self-control even when presented with demanding patients or the presence of strong odors and open wounds.  
• Able to work directly with a diverse population of patients of all ages, sizes, genders, cultures, and disabilities.
• Able to work directly under a Physical Therapist’s direction following written and verbal orders accepting responsibility for the results of his/her actions.  
• A team player who works within the parameters of the PTA job description in an ethical manner and who is able to communicate with health team members, patients, and patients’ families.  
• Able to accept constructive criticism and perform self-evaluation activities which result in personal and professional growth.  
• Able to apply his/her knowledge base to situations which arise, arriving at a reasonable conclusion which promotes patient progress and safety.
• Able to meet PTA technical standards (see PTA application and Technical Standards Below)

Goal 1: Program graduates will serve their community as competent, entry-level physical therapist assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist 

• 1.1. At least 85% of program graduates will annually pass the NPTE licensure examination 
• 1.2. At least 90% of program graduates seeking employment will be employed within 1 year of graduation.  
• 1.3. At least 75% of responses for each question on the Program’s Employer of Graduate Survey will rank program graduates as “Entry-level”, or “Exceeds Entry level”. 

Goal 2:  Program graduates will demonstrate professional and effective communication skills in a culturally competent manner with patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals

• 2.1. At least 75% of responses for each question on the Program’s Employer of Graduate Survey regarding communication will be at “Entry level or Exceeds entry level”. 
• 2.2.  At least 75% of responses for each question on the Program’s Employer of Graduate Survey regarding cultural competence will be at “Entry level or Exceeds entry level”.

Goal 3: Program faculty will provide high quality educational opportunities and a comprehensive curriculum based on a contemporary physical therapy practice​​​​​​​

• 3.1. At least 75% of responses for each Program Alumni survey question regarding the curriculum and faculty will be rated as “Excellent” or “Very Good”. 
• 3.2. At least 75% of responses from each student course evaluation will be Agree or Strongly Agree.  
• 3.3. 100% of core faculty will stay up to date with contemporary physical therapy practice through part-time clinical practice and/or appropriate professional education. 

Goal 4: The program will promote the importance of personal and professional development through faculty modeling, life-long learning opportunities and membership in professional organizations​​​​​​​

• 4.1. 100% of PTA Program faculty will maintain membership in APTA and in APTA  
• Colorado  
• 4.2. 50% of program graduates will maintain APTA membership one year after graduation, measured on the program alumni survey 
• 4.3. 50% of program graduates will have attended a continuing education workshop within a year of graduation, measured on the program alumni survey 

Goal 5: Program students will exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills ​​​​​​​

• 5.1. 100% of students will achieve a clinical instructor ranking of “Entry-Level” on all 14 CPI Performance Criteria by the end of their final clinical education experience. 
• 5.2. 100% of students will receive an Entry-Level assessment in regard to Critical Thinking and Problems Solving on The Professional Behaviors prior to graduation. 

ACCEPTANCE AND MATRICULATION RATES

Still gathering information

GRADUATION RATES

Information pending

EMPLOYMENT RATES

Starting Range: Staff PTA $45,000-65,000/year

The employment outlook for PTA’s is good in El Paso County and the United States at the present time.  The PTA is qualified to seek employment in any setting that offers Physical Therapy such as: hospitals, long term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, private offices, adult day care centers, schools and homes.

Admission Requirements

Although prerequisite courses are not required to be admitted into the program, it is highly recommended that you complete the prerequisites prior to submitting your application.  All prerequisites must be completed prior to the technical courses that begin in the first Fall.  The summer prior will be the opportunity to complete any prerequisites not already taken.  10 points will be awarded for each class completed prior to submission of the application.  Applicant must have a “C” or higher in each course. 

This program is not a concurrent enrollment program and student must have graduated high school prior to start of technical course work (first Fall) and have the prerequisites complete.

Please talk to a medical sciences advisor to see which degree options to enroll in to complete prerequisites and still qualify for VA or financial aide.   

It is also recommended that you complete as many of the general education courses in the Program of Study as you can BEFORE you are accepted into the Program (please see degree plan on page 7) although that is not required.  The student is given points based on completion of any of the general education courses listed in the PTA Degree Plan (i.e., PSY 101, ENG 121, etc.).  The applicant must achieve a “C” or better and points will be awarded based on the PTA application.   Completion of the general education courses enhances the student’s selection to the Program. To be awarded points, the course(s) MUST BE COMPLETED, with a grade given, by March 1st. General education courses not completed before Program entry must be completed BEFORE entering the final semester in the PTA Program (Spring II semester). 

Requirement for submit application:

• Accuplacer (taken at PPCC within the last 3 years)
  • 246 or higher on Next Generation Writing
  • 240 or higher on Next Generation QAS

OR

• Applicants with an Associated Degree or Higher with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better overall in the last 10 years may be exempted from taking the Accuplacer test by the program director.  Incomplete degrees or certificate do not qualify for exemption and the applicant must take the Accuplacer test within the last 3 years of the application deadline. 

OR

• Take MAT 107 or higher and either ENG 131  or ENG 121 or higher.

• If you live outside of Colorado Springs/Front Range, call the testing center (719-502-3370) to arrange to take the Accuplacer test. Completed coursework does not replace Accuplacer scores in the application process.
• Overall GPA of 2.5 or better.  A “C” or better in all courses on the degree plan or earned degree.
• Meet all the admission requirements for Pikes Peak Community College (see Admission on the website)
• A criminal background check and drug test are required upon acceptance to the program.  A fee and the applicant’s social security number are required for the background check.
• Two recommendation letters (forms enclosed in application forms packet):  From an academic instructor or from an employer (no personal friends or family members). Recommendation forms must be sent directly from the person filling out the form.  Please do not hand carry the forms to the PTA Program or submit them yourself. Please provide a stamped envelope addressed to the PPCC PTA Program with recommendation form to the person providing the recommendation.Please note that the reference requires the individual has known you for at least one year.
• Any BIO 201 or PHY 105 not taken in the last 7 years must have Program Director permission to apply without retaking courses.
• Any other general education course not taken in the last 10 years, must have Program Director approval to apply without retaking courses.
• Interview with PTA faculty (top 40 applicants)
•  TEAS VI Test (top 40 applicants) - Testing center page about the TEAS test: https://www2.ppcc.edu/testing-center/certification-testing 
• Prior to enrollment qualified applicants who have been accepted into the PTA Program must submit a current CPR Health Care Provider card,  and a completed physical examination form
• Students must meet the following immunization requirements prior to the first clinical (Summer II):
  • Two-step TB skin test • Tetanus-diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) within the last 10 years)
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccinations or serological confirmation of immunity
  • Varicella vaccination or serological confirmation of immunity
  • Three-injection hepatitis B vaccination series or serologic confirmation to hepatitis B virus (this series can take up to 6 months to complete). 
  • OSHA Training
  • Health insurance coverage may be required for some clinical rotations (more information to come)

ALL INTERESTED STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN THE ADVISING AND TESTING DEPARTMENT FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING AS SOON AS THE DECISION IS MADE TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION.

Colorado Community College System BP 19-60 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation.

This policy applies to all employees, students, volunteers, guests, contractors and visitors within CCCS.

Individuals affiliated with the Colorado Community College System, including its Colleges (CCCS or System) shall not discriminate or harass on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, familial status, veteran or military status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law (also known as “civil rights laws”), in connection with employment practices or educational programs and activities (including in admissions). Individuals shall not retaliate against any person who opposes discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or participates in any complaint or investigation process.

Program Information FAQ

1.      Can I complete the program in less than two years?

No, the program cannot be completed in less than two years since the technical courses are taught sequentially and require two full years for completion. 

2.      How many students do you accept a year?

A class of up to 20 students will be selected.  A list of alternates is maintained until the Fall I courses begin. 

3.      How long is the wait list?

PPCC’s waitlist is 10 students.  Those on the waitlist not enrolled will need fill out an application the next year. 

4.      How do I know if courses I took at another college will transfer/count?

If the course(s) were completed at a Colorado public college or university, you may find them on the PPCC transfer equivalency chart. For courses not found on this chart, or if the course(s) were completed at a college outside Colorado, work with PPCC records office or the advising office to determine which course(s) will transfer.  Records office transcripts evaluation website: https://www2.ppcc.edu/evaluation.

5.      If I transfer my general education courses required by the PTA program, can I finish my degree in less than 2 years?

No, the PTA program courses are arranged over 5 semesters. Your overall time does not change, but you will not have to take as many classes each semester.

6.      Will my application be considered if I am currently enrolled in BIO 201, PHY 105, MAT 107, and/or HPR 139?

Yes.  If you are currently enrolled in one or more of the required courses, you are encouraged to submit your application by the deadline.  These courses are not required to apply but required to begin the program technical phase in the Fall.   

7.      When I receive my A.A.S. degree for the program, what does that mean?

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Pike Peak Community College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE.  On 6 December 2021, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage.  Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status.  Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved.  Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

8.      While I am in the program, will any malpractice insurance fees be required?

If required for clinical affiliations, you may have to purchase malpractice insurances.

9.      What other program-specific costs are there for me to consider?

The student will need to pay for a TB skin test (or its equivalent) before beginning the program.  The student will be required to pay for a physical exam prior to beginning the program and complete any required immunizations.  The student will also need to purchase books, supplies and pay for any lab fees assessed.  The student will be responsible for the cost of any transportation needs to and from the College as well as to and from clinical rotation sites.  There are no dormitories available at the College or clinical sites.  Housing costs will be the responsibility of the student.  The student is required to have a current Health Care Provider  Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation  BLS (CPR)  card prior to beginning the program and will be current for the entire two years in the program.  Completion of the CPR course is the responsibility of the student and may carry a student fee.   Background and drug screens  are required before doing clinic hours (Summer II).  

PPCC American Heart Association Course:  https://www2.ppcc.edu/health-sciences/AHA-Training

10.   What if my science courses are more than 7-years-old?

Then your transcripts must be submitted to the Program Director along with reason why the courses are more than 7 years old.  i.e.  military service, switching careers, and/or stay at home parent going back to school.  The program director, along with the faculty, will address this on a case-by-case basis.

11.   What if my general education courses are more than 10 years old?

Then your transcripts must be submitted to the Program Director along with reason why the courses are more than 10 years old.  i.e.  military service, switching careers, and/or stay at home parent going back to school.  The program director, along with the faculty, will address this on a case-by-case basis.

Special Admissions Process

The Special Admissions process has been instituted as a means of providing an orderly annual admission of up to 20 students in the fall semester. 

1.      Application to Pikes Peak Community College should be submitted online. 

2.      Complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Program on line Application Packet and submit no later than March 1st prior to the desired summer admittance (Application acceptance window is 1 December-1 March for a Fall start-Summer is for finishing prerequisites).  We suggest you submit your application as soon as possible even before the spring semester is completed.  Documents to upload to your online application are on this website on the right side of the page.  To apply for the program, select AAS Physical Therapist Assistant.  

3.      Completed Application Packet to include:

• Completed application dated within the last current year.  The PTA program application may be found on the college website or obtained from the PTA Program Office or the Advising Services Office.
• Meet all the admission requirements for Pikes Peak Community College (see Admission on the website)-  Associates of General Studies Pre-PTA concentration in order to:
  • Help students qualify for Finanicial Aid and/or VA benefits prior to acceptance into the program order to register for the college and be able to submit your application.
• For students to apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
  • They directly apply without enrolling in the college if they have achieved all prerequisites, have an earned degree with an overall GPA of 2.5 or better, and get approval by the PTA department chair.
  • If they have not achieved all prerequisites, then apply to the college and enroll in the Pre-PTA ASG.
• Official College Transcripts on file in Admission and Records Office from all colleges and universities.  It is recommended but NOT required to also send a copy of outside college/university official transcripts to the PTA Program Office as well.  Please make sure they are your most up to date transcripts.  All courses must be verified with official transcripts indicating the course has been completed with a grade of “C” or better.  Pikes Peak Community College transcripts should not be sent in with PTA Application as the PTA Program can access those directly.
• Completion of two recommendation forms from an employer and an instructor (no personal friends or family members) found in the application forms packet.  
• Completion of the Technical Standard form and Application Confirmation Checklist in the application forms packet.
• Application information to include grading can be viewed under application information.

1.     Degree General Education (support courses) that you have already completed.  These courses must be completed by the third semester of the PTA Program (after you have been accepted into the Program).  Although not all these courses are not required to be admitted into the program, it is highly recommended that you complete as many of these courses as you can BEFORE you are accepted into the Program (Bio 201, PHY 105, MAT 107, and HPR 139 required before program entry).  If the applicant takes and passes these courses prior to appliaction points are givne based on completion of any of the general education/pre-requisites courses listed in the PTA Degree Plan (i.e., BIO 201, ENG 121, etc.).  The applicant must achieve a “C” or higher for the course to count.  Completion of the general education courses enhances the student’s selection to the Program. To be awarded points, the course(s) MUST BE COMPLETED, with a grade given, by March 1st. General education courses not completed before Program entry must be completed BEFORE entering the final semester in the PTA Program (Spring II semester or semester 5) apart from BIO 201, PHY 105, MAT 103, and HPR 139 which must be complete before the technical phase begins (Fall I).  The summer semester prior to starting the program is for completing those courses or any that have not been taken.  All General Educaton and Prerequisites completed and passed prior March 1st will given 10 points each on your application.  

Science courses more than 7 years old and any other general education courses more than 10 years old, will require Program Director’s permission to use without retaking courses.

2.     Additional Science Courses (no more than 5) - any science courses (i.e., other Biology courses, chemistry, physics, kinesiology etc.) OTHER than the general education requirements (support courses):  

a.     Recommended extra courses: 

        i.    MAT 135 Introduction to Statistics (10 points for course completion)

       ii.    PED 100 Concepts of Physical Fitness (6 points for course completion)

      iii.    HWE Human Nutrition (6 points for course Completion)

      iv.    HWE 125 Introduction to Human Performance (6 points for course completion)

       v.    HWE 111 Success Seminar (8 points for course completion)

      vi.    Math course beyond algebra (10 points)

     vii.    Physics beyond intro (10 points)

    viii.    Chemistry course (10 points)

      ix.    Any other health and wellness or PE (6 points)

Any courses more than 10 years old must have Program Directors approval to use without retaking courses.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PROGRAM*

Movement on the Qualified Applicant’s List:

• Once the completed application and its supportive documentation have been received, the applicant’s name will be placed on a list according to the date and time when all official documents have been received.  A ranking of the applications based on specific criteria using a point system will occur.
• The top 40 applicants will need to take  the TEAS V test and an interview with PTA faculty. 
• The top 20 applicants will be offered acceptance into the program.
• The applicant is responsible for maintaining a current school email (or alternate) and mailing address to be able to receive emails or letters requesting confirmation of continued interest in admission into the program sent during the year.  The applicant must return each email or letter by the stipulated date to maintain the admission status.
• If a candidate does not respond by the deadline date on the notification of acceptance into the program, they will be removed from the acceptance list. Also, the candidate’s name will be withdrawn from the list if the applicant cannot be reached for notification of admission.
• Any candidate wishing to withdraw or cancel their application or postpone admission must provide immediate written communication to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Office.
• If a candidate is not accepted for the coming summer session and wishes to remain in the applicant pool for the following year, they must submit this request in writing to the PTA office.  The candidate MUST also re-submit the application forms in the window of December 1st - March 1st. Recommendation letters DO NOT have to be resubmitted. The candidate’s application will be ranked the following year with all other applications.
•  A candidate that is not selected can make an appointment with the Program Director to review their application and discuss methods to improve their application score for the future.
• Applicants who are accepted, alternates and applicants who were not selected will be notified via email or mail by approximately April 1st- April 5th.  

SPECIFIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: (must be completed with a grade of “C” or better):   APPLIED ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:   General education course, prerequisites, and core courses passed.

Bio 201, PHY 105, HPR 139, and MAT 107 are required before PTA classes begin in the Fall I

Although the following courses are not required to be admitted into the Program, it is highly recommended that you complete as many of these courses as you can BEFORE you are accepted into the Program:

• ENG 131(preferred) or 121
• COM 115
• PSY 101

The student is given points based on completion of any of the general education courses listed in the PTA Degree Plan.  Completion of the general education courses enhances the student’s selection to the Program. To be awarded points, the course(s) MUST BE COMPLETED, with a grade given, by April 1st. General education courses not completed before Program entry must be completed BEFORE entering the final semester in the PTA Program (Spring II semester).  

Below is a suggested schedule to complete the A.A.S. Degree in 2 calendar years:

Preprogram

Each student must successfully complete all required coursework as scheduled, and as set forth in the course syllabi, to proceed within the program.  Pre-requisite education coursework may be taken in any order of sequence but must be completed fully by the time of the 1st Fall Technical phase of the program.  Additionally, general education coursework is built into the program but can be taken in any order or prior as long they are completed by the 2nd Fall of the program.  

                                                                                                                                            13 hours

Fall Semester I

                                                                                                                                        16 hours

Spring Semester I

                                                                                                                                                 16 hours

Summer I

                                                                                                                                                                                                               7 hours

Fall II

                                                                                                                                                13 hours

Spring II

                                                                                                                                                                                                             12 hours

64 hours plus 13 hours prerequisite = 77 hours

Estimated Weekly Hours for the Program

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR THE PTA PROGRAM: 

If you are unable to perform any of these standards with or without accomodations, you will not be eligible for admission to the program

​​​​​​