PTA Program

Facts

• What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program like at CCRI?
• How can I prepare myself for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program?
• What is the process for application to the program?
• If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?
• Where can I get more information about the program?

What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program like at CCRI?

General education courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program can be taken on any CCRI campus. The PTA program courses are offered during that day on the Newport County Campus. Clinical Education experiences are scheduled during the day and typically run from Monday – Friday.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a 2 year program that integrates classroom preparation and clinical practice. General education courses such as English Composition, Oral Communication, Anatomy, Physiology, Introduction to College Math, General Psychology, and Developmental Psychology enhance the Physical Therapist Assistant Program core courses. Core courses include laboratory sessions to learn and practice the hands on skills required to be a Physical Therapist Assistant. The faculty helps students to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to provide physical therapy services. The students have 3 clinical education experiences in various physical therapy settings to utilize skills in the clinic that were learned in the classroom, while being mentored by a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

As you consider choosing a program to prepare you for a lifelong career as a Physical Therapist Assistant, consider how CCRI can provide you with a superior educational experience.

• The CCRI Physical Therapist Assistant Program was established in 1991, and was the first PTA program in the state of Rhode Island. Our well established and refined curriculum provides a logical learning sequence and facilitates the development of hands-on and clinical reasoning skills required for successful practice in a variety of Physical Therapy settings.
• CCRI’s PTA Program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education since 1993.
• As a state school, CCRI provides you with an affordable, high quality education for just over $13,000; thousands of dollars less than private schools.
• The CCRI Physical Therapist Assistant program is proud of its 100% pass rate on the national board examination since 2005.
• Our experienced faculty hold advanced degrees in the field of Physical Therapy, and hold offices in the PTA Consortium of New England, as well as the RI Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Program faculty are dedicated to student success, and committed to excellence in preparing students for lifelong careers as a Physical Therapist Assistants.
• CCRI provides a strong network of support services for students such as supplemental classroom instruction and peer tutoring outside the classroom.

How can I prepare myself for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program?

Interested students should enroll in a math and science curriculum, including math and biology. Students should consider completing the online RHAB 1100: Foundational Kinesiology, and RHAB 1010: Medical Terminology courses at CCRI in preparation for success in the PTA curriculum. High school students can take these online courses during their senior year. All students will need good reading and communication skills to prepare them to take English Composition I at the college level.

What is the process for application to the program?

All students wishing to apply to the PTA program must complete all prerequisite courses with a “B-” or better and must have a GPA of at least 2.7. Refer to the PTA Program Admission Guidelines document for further information. Applications are accepted in February only following completion of the preadmission requirements.

If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?

Applicants are rank ordered for acceptance through the performance based application process. For the best chance of acceptance, prospective students should attempt to complete their preadmission requirements in time to apply during the February application period.

Where can I get more information about the program?

• CCRI Web Page: www.ccri.edu/alliedrehabhealth/rehabhealth/
• Call Deborah Watson at the Newport campus (401) 851-1637 or email [email protected].
• If more specific information is needed, contact Craig Simpson, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director at [email protected].