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Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy is a health profession with the primary purpose of promoting optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technical health care worker who carries out patient treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs find employment in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home care agencies, schools, private health and fitness centers, and other settings.

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their duties include: assisting the physical therapist with treatment programs according to the plan of care; training patients in exercises and activities of daily living; conducting treatments; using special equipment; administering modalities and other treatment procedures; and reporting to the physical therapist about the patient’s responses.

Reconsideration for Accreditation Candidacy
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) is currently seeking reconsideration for accreditation candidacy by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone 703-706-3245;  accreditation@apta.org. Southwest Tech has submitted a formal request for reconsideration of the denial for  Application for Candidacy (a formal request is required). Submission of this request for reconsideration does not assure the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the program will be granted Accreditation. Notification of changes have been disseminated to all applicants with a contingency plan in place. A memorandum has been posted to this site for review.


Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistant:
  • hospitals
  • rehabilitation centers
  • outpatient clinics
  • sports medicine centers
  • skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
  • schools
  • specialty units
  • home health agencies
Is This Occupation for You
Students entering the program should:
  • Have good reading, math, and comprehension skills.
  • Be in good physical and emotional health.
  • Be flexible, adaptable, and enjoy working with people.
  • Be self-confident, independent, and a self-directed learner.
  • Meet Wisconsin Caregiver Law requirements.
Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and health care team.
  • Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards.
  • Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner.
  • Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and adjust a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
  • Perform technically competent data collection under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
  • Perform technically competent physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
Program Basics
  • Day, evening/weekend and online classes may be available.
  • Financial aid is available to those that qualify.
  • August program start date; however, some classes will be available in January.
  • Qualified students may take some courses immediately upon program acceptance.
  • Students must achieve a grade of a C or better in each course of the program curriculum to be eligible to progress.
  • Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification must be maintained throughout the program.
  • Sign off as qualified in Functional Abilities after acceptance to the program and prior to first clinical.

NOTE: Completed physical examination with complete medical and vaccination history must be on file prior to any clinical placement or rotation.

Additional Information
  • Caregiver Background Check (CBC); view the Background Information Disclosure Instructions (PDF) found on the Department of Health and Family Services website or on the SWTC website.
  • Physical exam with a completed Medical Physical History Form on file prior to beginning the first semester clinical rotation.
Admission Requirements
  • High School Graduation or Equivalency.
  • Submit official high school and post secondary transcripts.
  • Complete required HESI admissions assessment testing to demonstrate pre-set subtest scores
  • Pay required assessment testing fee.
  • Complete application form.
  • Pay a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Interview with counselor.

Program Fees

Please contact Student Services at 800.362.3322, Ext. 2354, or email student-services@swtc.edu for current fee information.

A Program Fee list is provided (please note the costs are approximate and based on the current academic year).

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