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Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed health care providers who provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Physical therapist assistants treat patients with movement, strength, and coordination disorders in order to improve function, decrease pain, and increase independence. The scope of practice may include:

Administration of physical modalities
Therapeutic exercise
Ambulation training
Assisting/instructing patients with transfers and functional activities

Physical therapist assistants:

Must recognize common medical disorders
Must be able to assess whether patients are progressing appropriately with the treatment plan determined by the supervising physical therapist
Work closely with other allied health team members
Are currently in demand in the health care system and physical therapist assistant is listed as one of the ten fastest growing occupations by the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

Degrees Offered

A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant

Dean Paulette Lopez
Program Coordinator David Doron
Phone (916) 558-2271
Email scc-pta@scc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is at the Associate in Science Degree level, which requires completion of the required program plus general education requirements. These include program specific prerequisite courses (14.5 units), PTA courses (36 units), Allied Health courses (3 units), and specific general education courses required for the program (9 units). Students must also take additional courses to meet college graduation requirements (12-18 units) and any courses that are prerequisites (5 units) to the program specific prerequisite courses. Didactic PTA courses are typically offered Monday through Thursday in the evening and are scheduled sequentially for four semesters and one summer session. Supervised clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program. Introduction to Clinical Practice (PTA 122) is a 3-week full-time clinical practicum during the summer session. Clinical Practicum I (PTA 142) is a full-time 6-week clinical practicum at the end of the fall semester of the second year. Clinical Practicum II (PTA 152) is a full-time 8-week clinical practicum at the end of the spring semester of the second year. Clinical sites are located throughout the greater Sacramento and Northern California region.

Recommended Preparation:

High school college preparatory courses including algebra, biology, chemistry, and physiology are recommended. Volunteer work or observational experience in a physical therapy facility is recommended in order to assist students in making a career decision. Medical Language (AH 311) is advised prior to enrollment in the program.

Additional Information:

Informational meetings are held several times each semester and provide prospective students with information on program prerequisites, enrollment processes, and other facts about the program and the field of physical therapy. Current information on program policies and procedures, clinical sites, and data on graduation rates, licensure, and employment may be obtained through the program website. Visit the PTA Program Overview page for more information.

Licensure:

Graduates of this program are eligible for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and the California Physical Therapy Laws and Regulations Exam. After successful completion of the examinations and all requirements of the Physical Therapy Board of California, graduates may be licensed to work as physical therapist assistants in California.

Cost of the Program:

The cost of the program includes enrollment fees, which are subject to change. Other estimated costs include: books and supplies $1500.00; physical examination, immunizations, drug screen, background check, and other clinical requirements $500.00; malpractice insurance $30.00; uniform and kits $200.00; and application for licensure after graduation $1000.00. Students must also plan for travel costs to and from the clinical facilities, many of which are outside the Sacramento area. Some students may need to arrange for housing during full time clinical experiences.

Accreditation:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Sacramento City College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Transfer Students:

Students from other accredited PTA programs may apply to transfer to the Sacramento City College PTA program. Enrollment depends upon evidence of completion of equivalent academic and clinical course work and on space available in the program. Students must first apply to the program and be accepted before transfer credits are reviewed. Students must submit a course substitution petition and include the following documentation to request a transfer credit review: official transcripts and course syllabi. Any PTA coursework older than five years will not be considered for transfer. The review of transfer credit cannot be completed if the materials provided are incomplete. A review of the proposed transfer courses does not imply or guarantee acceptance of the coursework. Incoming transfer students are subject to skills and theory testing to confirm current competency prior to final course placement. Students may not transfer to take only the clinical practicum courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
Program Specific Prerequisite Courses:
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology	5¹
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology	5
ENGL C1000	Academic Reading and Writing (3)	3 - 4
or ESLW 340	Advanced Composition (4)
or ENGL 488	Honors College Composition and Research (4)
PTA 100	Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant	1.5
First Year, Fall Semester:
AH 100	Professional Ethics of Health Team Members	1
PTA 110	Kinesiology for PTA Students	3
PTA 111	Kinesiology Laboratory for PTA Students	2
First Year, Spring Semester:
AH 106	Communication for Allied Health Careers	2
PTA 120	Beginning Procedures - Physical Therapy Modalities and Procedures	3.5
PTA 121	Disorders I - Selected Disorders Commonly Seen in Physical Therapy	3
Summer Session:
PTA 122	Introduction to Clinical Practice	3
PTA 130	Intermediate Procedures, Physical Therapy Modalities and Procedures	1
Second Year, Fall Semester:
PTA 140	Therapeutic Exercise - Exercise Programs, Protocols and Procedures	3
PTA 141	Disorders II - Nervous System Disorders	2
PTA 142	Clinical Practicum I	4.5
Second Year, Spring Semester:
PTA 150	Functional Activities & Gait - Activities of Daily Living and Gait Training Techniques	3
PTA 151	Advanced Procedures-Advanced Modalities and Treatment Procedures	1
PTA 152	Clinical Practicum II	6
PTA 153	Professional Issues in Physical Therapy	1
Program Specific General Education Courses:
NUTRI 300	Nutrition (3)	3
or NUTRI 480	Nutrition Honors (3)
or HEED 300	Health Science (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)	3
or EDUC 300	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)	3
or ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
or ANTH 481	Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
Total Units:		62.5 - 63.5

¹The prerequisite to BIOL 430 is CHEM 305, CHEM 309, or CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program is based on completion of prerequisite courses. Grades of "C" or better and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 are required in the prerequisite courses. Credit earned for courses taken as Pass/No Pass will be calculated into the GPA as "C" grades. Applicants must submit applications online and ofﬁcial transcripts to the Office of Admissions & Records. Approximately 30 students are enrolled in the program annually.
Prerequisite courses include:
PTA 100 (Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant) with a grade of "C" or better
BIOL 430 and 431 (Anatomy and Physiology), or equivalent courses, with grades of "C" or better within the past 10 years.
ENGL C1000 (Academic Reading and Writing) or ENGWR 488 (Honors College Composition and Research) or ESLW 340 (Advanced Composition) with a grade of "C" or better

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

Students apply for enrollment to the Physical Therapist Assistant program during each spring semester. New cohorts begin every fall semester. Students wishing to apply for enrollment must submit an online application to the PTA program during the application period. The application form and the dates of the application period can be accessed via the PTA program website at https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/physical-therapist-assistant.
In the event there are more applicants than spaces available, students who meet the enrollment eligibility requirements will be entered into a random selection pool. The first thirty in the pool are offered a slot for an upcoming cohort.
Approved applicants not offered a slot in for the upcoming cohort are placed on an alternate list. Students on the alternate list will have to submit a return applicant application each subsequent spring to remain on the alternate list until offered a slot in incoming cohort.
Students accepted for enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be required to provide documentation of a) capability to perform essential job-related functions of a physical therapist assistant safely and independently, b) completed physical examination and immunizations, c) TB test, d) current professional level CPR certification, e) first aid certification, f) blood-borne pathogen certification, and g) HIPAA training certification. Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check and an 8-panel drug screen test prior to the start of the program and may need to repeat the test during the program, based on clinical partner's requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

perform the duties of a physical therapist assistant in a safe manner that minimizes risk to patients, self, and others.
demonstrate professional behavior.
practice under the supervision of a physical therapist in a manner consistent with legal standards, ethical guidelines, and standards of the profession.
perform interventions of therapeutic exercise, therapeutic techniques, physical agents, mechanical modalities, electrotherapeutic modalities, and functional training in a competent manner consistent with the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
gather data effectively to measure and report patient response to treatment.
demonstrate clinical problem-solving skills.
demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication with patients, family, staff, other health care providers, and members of the community.
adapt delivery of care with recognition and respect for individual differences within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
produce quality documentation in a timely manner to support the delivery of physical therapy services, and that adheres to standards of state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies.
use resources effectively for the efficient delivery of physical therapy services.
demonstrate preparation for employment in a variety of settings to meet the health care resource needs of the community.
assess own performance and engage in self-directed learning activities to enhance clinical performance.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a physical therapist assistant. Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists in a wide variety of health care settings. These include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and skilled nursing and extended care facilities. Physical therapist assistants treat clients with mobility, strength, and coordination disorders in order to improve function, decrease pain, and increase independence. Physical therapist assistants perform interventions that include therapeutic exercise, therapeutic techniques, physical agents, and mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities. They assist patients in performing transfers, ambulation, and other types of functional activities. Physical therapist assistants collect and document data in order to assess whether patients are progressing appropriately within the plan of care determined by the physical therapist.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Courses

PTA 100 Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant

Units:1.5
Hours:27 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to the field of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant within the health care delivery system. Definitions of physical therapy, history and development of the profession, and the diverse types of clinical practice and employment settings are explored. The mission and goals of the professional organization, standards of practice, laws and regulations, and licensure requirements are introduced. Students observe examples of physical therapy practice using on-line media resources and submit a written report.

PTA 110 Kinesiology for PTA Students

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:See enrollment limitations.
Enrollment Limitation:Completion of PTA 100, BIOL 430 & 431, and ENGL C1000 (or ESLW 340) with grades of "C" or better, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in these courses, submission of application to the PTA program, and acceptance and enrollment into cohort of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Advisory:AH 311 and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves developing and utilizing knowledge of the skeletal, articular, muscular, and nervous systems to analyze human posture and movement. Components of joint structure and function, muscle action, balance mechanisms, and sensory influence are applied to analysis of spinal and extremity motions, as well as common functional activities. Kinesiological principles are presented as they apply to the practice of physical therapy and the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant. A paper and project are required.

PTA 111 Kinesiology Laboratory for PTA Students

Units:2
Hours:108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:See enrollment limitations.
Corequisite:PTA 110
Enrollment Limitation:Completion of PTA 100, BIOL 430 & 431, and ENGL C1000 (or ESLW 340) with grades of "C" or better, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in these courses, submission of application to the PTA program, and acceptance and enrollment into cohort of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course utilizes a problem solving approach to analysis of human movement emphasizing application of kinesiological principles to the field of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant. Students practice procedures for performing and recording results of palpation, goniometry, tests for flexibility/muscle length, body dimensions, muscle performance, sensation, coordination, balance, and analysis of posture and gait. Physical therapy procedures such as range of motion, positioning and draping, and body mechanics are introduced. Students practice skills and activities with each other in a laboratory setting under instructor supervision. A project and class presentation are required.

PTA 120 Beginning Procedures - Physical Therapy Modalities and Procedures

Units:3.5
Hours:45 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Accepted as part of cohort and Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the theory and application of physical therapy modalities and procedures to include thermal agents, hydrotherapy, external compression, wound management, transfers and gait training, wheelchair fitting and mobility, and utilization of infection control procedures. Students develop skills in gathering data regarding vital signs, functional ability in gait and transfers, pain status, and integumentary integrity. Documentation procedures, including use of medical abbreviations and terminology, are practiced. Through laboratory activities and problem-solving with case studies, students develop skills in utilizing modalities and procedures in comprehensive implementation of the physical therapy plan of care.

PTA 121 Disorders I - Selected Disorders Commonly Seen in Physical Therapy

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PTA 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Accepted as part of cohort and Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed as an overview of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal, genital and reproductive, hematologic, hepatic and biliary, lymphatic, and integumentary disorders relevant to the practice of physical therapy. Additional topics include: infectious disease, genetic disorders, neoplasms, peripheral nerve injury, and the effect of developmental, psychosocial, and cultural factors. Etiology, signs and symptoms, prognosis, and medical/surgical interventions for disorders are surveyed. Approaches to data collection and physical therapy interventions are introduced. Emphasis is placed on utilization of knowledge of medical disorders by physical therapist assistants within the context of implementing a comprehensive plan of care.

PTA 122 Introduction to Clinical Practice

Units:3
Hours:18 hours LEC; 112 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 120, 121, and 130 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Accepted as part of cohort and Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with the initial opportunity to observe physical therapy practice and perform selected delegated responsibilities with guidance, direction, and supervision. Students complete 112 hours in an assigned clinical setting. Assignments are determined by the program faculty and may be in acute, sub-acute, outpatient, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, or other type of physical therapy practice. Seminar, individual meeting, and online discussion topics include orientation to the clinical practice setting, discussion of clinical experiences and clinical practice issues, and self-assessment of performance. The course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

PTA 130 Intermediate Procedures, Physical Therapy Modalities and Procedures

Units:1
Hours:9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 120 and 121 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Accepted as part of cohort and Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces theory and application of traction and electrotherapeutic modalities utilized by physical therapist assistants. Topics include the use of traction for pain relief and tissue healing, as well as electrical stimulation for pain management, muscle re-education, and tissue healing. Through case-based learning activities students integrate skills in data collection, traction, electrotherapeutic modalities, and other interventions for implementation of a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.

PTA 140 Therapeutic Exercise - Exercise Programs, Protocols and Procedures

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 122 and 130 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents the basic principles of therapeutic exercise and implementation of therapeutic exercise procedures in physical therapy. Approaches to improve range of motion, strength, muscular endurance, balance, coordination, and functional limitations are included. Theories of motor control and motor learning are introduced. Knowledge of kinesiology, medical disorders, and documentation is integrated as students apply therapeutic exercise principles to case-based learning activities that emphasize the role of the physical therapist assistant in implementing a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care. Class activities may include a field trip.

PTA 141 Disorders II - Nervous System Disorders

Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PTA 122 and 130 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed as an overview of central and peripheral nervous system disorders relevant to the practice of physical therapy. Etiology, signs and symptoms, prognosis, and medical/surgical interventions are surveyed. Approaches to physical therapy data collection and interventions are introduced. Emphasis is placed on utilization of knowledge of medical disorders by physical therapist assistants within the context of implementing a comprehensive plan of care.

PTA 142 Clinical Practicum I

Units:4.5
Hours:243 hours LAB
Prerequisite:AH 100, AH 106, PTA 140, and PTA 141 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in accepted cohort of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with the opportunity to perform supervised delegated patient care responsibilities in a physical therapy clinical setting. Students complete a clinical practicum of six weeks (40 hours per week) at a facility assigned by the program faculty. The placement may be in an acute, sub-acute, out-patient, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, or other type of physical therapy practice. Additionally, weekly on-line discussion board participation is required. The course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

PTA 150 Functional Activities & Gait - Activities of Daily Living and Gait Training Techniques

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 140, 141, and 142 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents the application of functional exercise and gait activities, with emphasis on the physical therapist assistant's role in comprehensive treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, adult or pediatric neurological disorders, and amputation. Data collection activities related to assessing cardiopulmonary status, functional abilities, gait, equipment and assistive devices, and home and community environment are included. Students practice implementation of interventions to include aerobic exercise principles, endurance training for patients with cardio-pulmonary disorders, pulmonary hygiene techniques, functional activities and gait, activities of daily living, developmental activities, management of prosthetics and orthotics, management of wheelchairs and other equipment, and client/family education.

PTA 151 Advanced Procedures-Advanced Modalities and Treatment Procedures

Units:1
Hours:9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 140, 141, and 142 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the theory and application of massage, soft tissue mobilization techniques, and biofeedback by physical therapist assistants. Through laboratory practice and case-based learning activities, students develop skills in utilizing these modalities and procedures in comprehensive implementation of the physical therapy plan of care.

PTA 152 Clinical Practicum II

Units:6
Hours:324 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PTA 150, 151, and 153 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in accepted cohort of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with the opportunity to perform supervised delegated patient care in a physical therapy clinical setting. This is the final clinical assignment during the program. Students complete a clinical practicum of eight weeks (40 hours per week) at a facility assigned by the program faculty. The placement may be in an acute, sub-acute, out-patient, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, or other type of physical therapy practice. This assignment will be at a facility which differs from previous clinical assignments. Additionally, weekly online discussion board participation is required. The course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

PTA 153 Professional Issues in Physical Therapy

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PTA 140, 141, and 142 with grades of "C" or better
Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment as part of approved cohort in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course addresses professional practice issues in physical therapy to include laws and regulations, organizational structure and roles, ethical standards, professional values and responsibilities, and social responsibility. Students review and integrate information on physical therapy practice and laws and regulations in preparation for the national examination, the California jurisprudence examination, and to enter the field as a practicing clinician.

PTA 295 Independent Studies in Physical Therapist Assistant

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among faculty and students.

PTA 299 Experimental Offering in Physical Therapist Assistant

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.