Physical Therapy

Associate of Applied Science

Physical Therapy Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at ECPI University, School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute – Newport News, VA Campus and Richmond, VA Campus (Emerywood/West End Location) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The Richmond, VA program is an expansion of the accredited parent PTA program at ECPI University, School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute – Newport News, VA.

Through our year-round schedule, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant in 1.5 years!

For more information about this program, please see the program description in the University Catalog. Physical Therapy Program Description

What You Can Learn in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.

PTAs help manage patients with back and neck injuries, sprains and strains, arthritis, burns, amputations, wounds, neurological conditions, surgical intervention and injuries related to work or sports.

PTAs help individuals of all ages who are ill, injured or have a health condition that limits their ability to perform daily activities needed for life.

Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients’ exercises and activities to increase mobility, strength and coordination.

A PTA will also use physical modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, traction, massage or electrical stimulation to help decrease pain, increase motion and improve function.

Where You Can Go in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Assistants work in a variety of settings including:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Rehabilitation
  • Skilled nursing
  • Extended care facilities
  • Homes
  • Schools
  • Occupational environments
  • Fitness centers
  • Sports training facilities

Future Possible Careers for This Program

51.0806 Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant
31-2021.00 Physical Therapist Assistants
Bright Outlook

Success

Time frame: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 Award Year 2011-12

Q

How long will it take to complete this program?

A

The program is designed to take 19 months to complete.
88% of graduates from this program finish in this time.
The median time for graduates to complete this program is 18 months.

Q

What percentage of students that entered the program graduated?

A

  • Newport News, VA - Graduation rate for 2009 – 2011 is 63.9 %. 2012 Graduation rate is 72.2%. Retention rate of students who entered the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program 2009 – 2011 is 88%.
  • Richmond, VA - Graduation rate for 2012 is 87.5%. Retention rate of students who entered the technical phase of the program 2011 – present is 91%

Q

What percentage of students that graduated got jobs?

A

The following are the employment rates as reported to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for 2009-2011

  • Newport News, VA – 100%
  • Richmond, VA – First graduating class 7/22/12

Q

What percentage of graduates ultimately pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants?

A

Overall National Exam pass rate 2009 – 2011 is:

  • Newport News, VA – 96%
  • Richmond, VA - First graduating class 7/22/12

Cost

Q

What is the total cost of this program for me?

A

At ECPI University, programs are competitively priced and are designed to help you achieve your goals. Through our year-round schedule, you could earn your Associate's degree in 1.5 years. That can give you the edge over students at other colleges who might still be attending class.

Program Cost/Tuition Chart
Books & Supplies $1,425.00
Tuition and Fees $42,350.00
Total Tuition $43,775.00

Foundation course requirements can result in additional costs and increase the time to graduation. Actual cost may vary depending on actual time to graduate, and subject to any necessary tuition increases. (for all programs and schools)

Financing

Time frame: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 Award Year 2011-12.

Q

What are my financing options to pay for the program?

A

In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates is:

Loan Type Amount
Federal Median Loans $18,951.00
Private Median Loans $0.00
Institutional Median Loans $0.00