Is This Program for You?

Do you have an interest in helping others and enjoy working with people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities? Do you enjoy working independently, and are you in good physical and emotional health? If so, the Physical Therapist Assistant program may provide the opportunity you need to launch a great career.

Students entering the Physical Therapist Assistant 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 Basics

• Associate degree
• 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. (Courses must include CPR, and a hands-on exam must be taken.)

Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

Based on Wisconsin Residents.

Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

Admission Requirements

• Submit Application
  
Admissions Preference Policy
Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.

Academic Preparedness Requirements

Log in to your MySWTC account, go to My Profile → Document Center → All Programs to complete the following:


• Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores: Southwest Tech (email admissions@swtc.edu, or mail to Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809)
• Complete an assessment or provide proof of equivalency (only one is required). Students who do not meet one of these may be conditionally accepted to the program.
• HESI Exam: schedule and pay for the HESI by calling(608) 822-2313 or by going to the HESI page on our website.
• OR ACT composite score of 18 + (within the last 4 years)
• Nursing Assistant: submit transcript showing successful completion of the Nursing Assistant course
• Chemistry Coursework: submit transcripts showing two semesters of High School Chemistry with a 'C' or higher * OR * one semester of College Chemistry with a 'C' or higher
• Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

Program Outcomes

The graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:

• Demonstrate clear and collaborative 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 to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction.
• Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and modify treatment within a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
• Perform data collection essential for carrying out the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
• Perform technically competent, evidence-based physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
• Educate patients, families and other health care providers.
• Integrate components of operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings.
• Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentialing and lifelong learning.

Graduation Rates (per CAPTE guidelines): 1^st cohort admitted was class of 2013

Licensure Examination Pass Rate

Graduate PTA Employment Data within 12 Months of Graduation

Salary Data - Related Employment

PTA Outcomes

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Southwest Tech’s Physical Therapist Assistant (P.T.A.) program is designed to prepare students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin. If you plan to pursue licensure in a state other than Wisconsin, please review state educational requirements for that state.

Licensure Information

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to lead to a license for Physical Therapist Assistant (through NPTE) in Wisconsin. More licensure information can be found on the Program Accreditations and Licensure page.

Employment opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistant include:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Outpatient Clinics
• Sports Medicine Centers
• Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care Facilities
• Schools
• Specialty Units
• Home Health Agencies

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

Credit for Prior Learning

Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

Physical Therapist Assistant Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-801-196	Oral/Interpersonal Communication
10-809-188	Developmental Psychology
	CLEP Test - Human Growth and Development
10-809-196	Introduction to Sociology
10-809-198	Introduction to Psychology
	CLEP Test - Introduction to Psychology