Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

HEGIS: 5219.00
PROGRAM CODE: 88328
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Dr. Michael Mattia

The curriculum presented here applies to students who started the major in Fall 2018 or Spring 2019. If you enrolled as a matriculant prior to that, please see the College Catalog for the year you started the major as a matriculant for the curriculum requirements that apply to you.

Consultation with the Program Advisor is required.

Click here for more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant courses.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant degree program requirements, graduates will:

demonstrate PTA entry-level skills that are applicable to a variety of patient care settings
demonstrate an awareness and commitment to patient dignity as well as social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy
recognize individual and cultural differences and respond appropriately in all aspects of physical therapy services
demonstrate competence in implementing and adjusting selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care
adjust interventions within the plan of care and report this and any changes in patient’s status
recognize when intervention should not be provided due to changes in the patient’s status and respond appropriately
demonstrate competency in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care
recognize when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond that which is appropriate
communicate with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others
communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by a physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals
demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ non-verbal behavior as it relates to their reaction to treatment services provided
complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation
demonstrate competency in the use of information technology
participate in administrative functions within a physical therapy service
participate in discharge planning and follow-up as directed by the supervising physical therapist

College Requirements:

Successful completion of CUNY Assessment Tests in Reading, Writing, and ACCUPLACER CUNY Assessment Test in Math with passing examination scores, unless otherwise exempt, or developmental courses may be required.

Civic Engagement Experiences:

Two (2) Civic Engagement experiences satisfied by Civic Engagement Certified or Civic Engagement Component courses or approved outside activity.

Writing Intensive Requirement:

One (1) Writing Intensive course in any discipline is required. Participation in a Learning Community that includes ENG 1200 or ENG 2400 also satisfies this requirement.

Required Core (4 Courses, 13 Credits):

When Required Core Courses are specified for a category, they are required for the major

* This program has a waiver to require particular courses in the Common Core, otherwise more than the minimum credits for the degree may be necessary.

ENG 1200 - English Composition I 3 Credit(s)
ENG 2400 - English Composition II 3 Credit(s)
Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning Course * MAT 2000 - Elements of Statistics 3 Credit(s)
Life & Physical Sciences Course * BIO 1100 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credit(s)

Flexible Core (3 Courses, 10 Credits):

When Flexible Core Courses are specified for a category, they are required for the major. Group C and E are satisfied by the courses shown.

C. Creative Expression Designated Course

This program has a waiver to require particular courses in the Common Core, otherwise more than the minimum credits for the degree may be necessary.

SPE 2100 - Effective Public Speaking 3 Credit(s)

E. Scientific World Designated Course, if not taken for Required Core