The PTA is supervised by the PT (who performs the physical therapy evaluation and determines th plan of care), and can provide patient care interventions to meet the goals established in the plan of care.

There is more information about the PT profession at APTA.org, which is the professional organization for all physical therapy professionals.

You will need to apply to the PTA Program. The application and requirements can be found on the PTA Program webpage under "Apply Now".

You must be accepted into the PTA Program in order to take PTA Program classes. Your PTA Program faculty advisor will register you for Program classes. You can register for the general education prerequisite classes yourself online (your SPC advisor can assist with this).

Yes, the following general education courses are required before you can begin PTA Program classes :

• English Composition
• College Algebra
• a Humanities course
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Elementary Physics
• Lifespan Growth and Development

You are required to pass all of these courses with a “C” or higher.

The TEAS is an online test that tests Reading, English, Math, and basic Sciences. You must take the exam in the SPC Testing Center on either the Levelland Campus or the Reese Center. The cost is $75.00 and you are allowed to take it twice. You must register at least 3 days in advance.  Dates for the exam can be found on the SPC Testing Center webpage.

You should ask individuals who you respect, who know your values and who you know in a professional manner (a letter from a family member is not considered a professional letter of recommendation).  Instead, ask a current or past employer, teacher, etc.  Recommendations from health care professionals are preferred.

If you have worked as a PT aide/tech long enough to meet or exceed the 30 hours of required observation then you have met the requirement.  You will need to ask your supervisor to write a letter verifying you are or have been an aide/tech and the length of time you have worked as a tech.

For resources to help you pay for school, visit SPC's Financial Aid Office webpage and SPC's Scholarships webpage.  For additional resources that might be helpful, visit SPC's Student Services webpage.

You will have an Associate of Applied Science PTA degree when you graduate. You will then need to pass the licensure exam (NPTAE). Once you pass the licensure exam, you will be able to work as a PTA in the state of Texas.

Yes, as long as you meet the state's licensing requirements.

Yes, physical therapy is a growing profession. As the “baby boomers" grow older the population seeking the services of the PT profession grows. At this same time PT schools have moved to DPT level of education slowing the graduation of PTs into the field. PTAs provide a valuable service to the profession by providing a skilled and knowledgeable patient care under the supervision and direction of Physical Therapists.

You can work as a PTA in hospitals, out- patient clinics, home health, school systems, Skilled Nursing Facilities really anywhere PT services are provided.