Overview - Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants are licensed to provide care under the direction and
supervision of a physical therapist. Physical Therapist Assistants work to help people
develop or recover movement through rehabilitation. They work in many areas of patient
care, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and outpatient
clinics, and they may treat patients of all ages, from newborn infants to those nearing
the end of life. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the National Physical
Therapist Assistant Examination.
View the Physical Therapist Assistant A.A.S. admissions and academic details.
Career Information
The career finder can help students decide upon the best career path for their area of study. It can provide valuable insights about occupations, salary, and employment trends related to each program of study offered at Walters State Community College. View the projected job growth and labor statistics for this academic program by entering a location.
*Modern Campus Pathways uses data provided by Lightcast.
The Walters State Experience
Why Should You “Write Your Story” at Walters State?
At Walters State, we focus on your success. Our classes are small and professors care about their students’ academic and career goals. Transfer to four-year colleges and universities is seamless through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway and articulation agreements. Want to start a career right after Walters State? Our technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees will train you for in-demand jobs in exciting fields, such as public safety, healthcare, technology and business.
Highlights
- Walters State has been twice awarded Tennessee Community College of the Year.
- Small classes and outstanding faculty who are focused on student success.
- 98% job placement rate for technical education graduates.
- Seamless transfer of classes to four-year colleges through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway program and articulation agreements.
Cost and Admissions
Apply to WSCC
Students must apply, meet admission requirements, and be accepted by Walters State Community College (WSCC).
Students are encouraged to:
- Indicate Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant as their desired major.
- Follow college advising policy.
- Complete all required learning support courses.
- Successfully complete BIOL 2010 and 2011, BIOL 2020 and 2021, and MATH 1530 or 1630 no later than the end of spring semester of the year the student elects to participate in the selection process for the fall semester PTA class.
Funding Your Education
Tuition is set each June by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on the Cashiers Office website.
Students admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be assesed a non-refundable $25.00 per credit hour Allied Health Course Fee for the duration of the program.
Four types of financial aid are available; federal, state, institutional and other sources. Students need to send FAFSA information to the college for consideration for state and/or federal money (lottery scholarships, Pell grants, etc.). WSCC is an eligible institution for Hope (lottery) scholarships. For specific information please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Program Outcomes
Outcomes
| Years | Graduation Rates | NPTE First-Time Pass Rates / Ultimate Pass Rates | Employment Rates * |
| 2024 | 88.9% | 93.8% / 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 80% | 75% / 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 84.6% | 60% / 80% | 100% |
* Twelve month employment data
Program Two-year Averages
| Years | Graduation Rate | Ultimate Pass Rates | Employment Rates |
| 2023 - 2024 | 85.7% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 - 2023 | 79.2% | 88.89% | 100% |
| 2021 - 2022 | 85.3% | 89.7% | 100% |
Accreditation
| Current Accreditation Status: Accreditation Date of Initial Accreditation: 04/90 Next Visit: Fall 2025 Five-Year History: Accreditation Degree Conferred: Associate of Applied Science |
The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements
for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at https://www.fsbpt.org/.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Walters State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703.706.3245
accreditation@apta.org
http://www.capteonline.org
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 423.585.6981 or email marisa.millerFREEWS.
