Applications will be submitted online, and will be posted on the PTA web page. In the meantime, you can find application information on the  PTA Application Procedure webpage.

Educational Preparation: A physical therapist assistant's education typically results in a two year Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree. UAA will award the Associate of Science to graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Physical therapy entry-level education programs award either a Master's of Science or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, depending on the program and its requirements.

Regulation and Practice: A physical therapist is required to have a license to practice in any state. Most states require a license, registration or certification in order for an individual to practice as a physical therapist assistant. The physical therapy scope of practice for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants is described in each state's laws, however, the major responsibilities that are identified (in licensure regulations and professional and accreditation literature) as belonging to the physical therapist are the following:

• Initial evaluation of the patient
• Establishment of a plan of care
  
• Modification of the treatment plan

There are several advantages to becoming a physical therapist assistant:

It is possible to enroll in the program, take the required courses, graduate in two years, become licensed or certified and begin working in the field. It now takes between 5 and 7 years of education to become a practicing physical therapist, due to both graduate and undergraduate educational requirements.

Because the physical therapist assistant works under the supervision of a physical therapist, the responsibilities and roles of the physical therapist assistant and physical therapist promote a work environment of support and guidance. Although physical therapist assistants have many opportunities for advancement and independence, the collegial relationship of the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant is fundamental in patient care.

Certified/licensed physical therapist assistants work in settings that include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home care, school systems and outpatient physical therapy clinics. As the population ages, the need for physical therapy services are expected to increase. The United States Department Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 – 2029 projected growth rate for physical therapist assistants is 29% (much faster than average).

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at University of Alaska Anchorage is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org website: http://www.capteonline.org. 

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call LeeAnne Carrothers, PT, PhD, Interim PTA Program Director at 907-786-0904 or email: uaa_pta@alaska.edu.

Students may complete the DPT program prerequisite coursework and a Bachelor's degree with or without becoming a PTA. A practicing physical therapist assistant has the opportunity to pursue physical therapy education after or while practicing as a PTA.

 

All students in the PTA program complete 15 weeks of full-time clinical education. They are assigned to clinical sites by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) who works with the student to find the most appropriate clinical placement. Because of the number of available sites and the different requirements for experience, it cannot be guaranteed that a student will be placed at a facility of their choosing. Travel may be required, and students are responsible for costs incurred for travel and housing related to clinical placement. Clinical Instructors at each clinical site will provide hands-on instruction with patients. Clinical schedules are typically 8 a.m. to 5p.m. on Monday through Friday; however, these hours can vary and students are expected to follow the schedule established by the clinical site.

 

Most PTA classes are held on the Anchorage campus, with the exception of two online courses (PTA A102 Physical Therapy in Health Care and PTA A292 Seminar) and clinical rotations, which take place at the facilities to which the student has been assigned.

 

The PTA program has contracts with clinical facilities throughout the state. Most students are assigned to clinical/hospitals in the Anchorage Bowl/Mat-Su Valley; however availability of appropriate clinical placements may require travel to another city. If a student would like to go to a clinic outside of this geographical region, his/her ability to do so will be considered on an individual basis.  All travel and other expenses related to clinical experiences are the responsibility of the student.