Roane State Community College

Academic Map

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist to apply interventions designed to restore optimal function to those individuals impaired by disease or injury. Common interventions include therapeutic exercise, patient education, physical agents and functional training. PTAs work with patients that have impairments due to stroke, brain injury, fracture, amputation and recent surgery.

The RSCC program is a one-plus-one format that includes one year of prerequisites courses, and after program acceptance, includes an additional three full-time semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer). The second-year curriculum includes classroom, laboratory and off-site clinical instructions.

A graduate of the program receives an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is eligible to sit for the state licensure examination and apply for Tennessee licensure as a physical therapist assistant.

Work settings

Physical therapist assistants can work in a variety of settings. These include but are not limited to hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health, extended care facilities, public and non-public schools and academic institutions.

Abilities and behaviors important for success

A successful physical therapist assistant is a self-motivated and disciplined person able to solve problems and adapt their treatments to a variety of patient conditions. They should possess good communication skills and feel comfortable working with persons of all ages and cultural backgrounds. The physical therapist assistance uses hands-on skills to assess and perform interventions on patients.

Essential Functions and Academic Standards for the PTA Program

National Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to have a growth rate of 19% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Physical therapist assistant is listed in the top 10 fastest growing occupations. Nationally the median pay is 27.52 per hour or $52,240 annually. 

Program Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

Related Fields

Others who work in the rehabilitation field include occupational therapy assistants, recreational therapists, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists and respiratory therapists.

Location

Classes taken during the second year of The Physical Therapist Assistant Program meet on the Oak Ridge Branch Campus. All didactic and laboratory work is offered on this campus. Clinical experience is gained utilizing over sixty off campus sites. Most of these sites are located in and around the greater Knoxville area. 

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the graduate is eligible to take the licensure examination and apply for a license to practice as a PTA in Tennessee. Graduates of the Roane State Community College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program have passed this exam the first time at a 97% or better rate since 2010.

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 or 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 and 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 www.fsbpt.org.

Professional Organizations

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Tennessee Physical Therapy Association
• Tennessee Hospital Association

Community Relations

It is the mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program to provide a means for students to become vital members of the physical therapy team. Graduates will be given the best opportunities to reach their potentials and to compete confidently for jobs. The program strives to instill within the students an awareness of individual diversity and a desire for lifelong learning in the field of physical therapy.

• PTA Program Mission, Philosophy and Goals
• PTA Program Public Comment Policy
• PTA Program Advisory Board

PTA Admissions Information

• PTA Admission Information Packet PDF
• PTA Admission Criteria Point System
• PTA Work Verification Recommendation Form
• PTA Admission Policies in RSCC Catalog

Applications Required for the PTA Program

RSCC Application - Steps 1 and 2 are required for admission to the College and Allied Health Sciences programs

Allied Health Sciences Application Information

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Roane State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 481-2000 ext 2117 or email vowellmp@roanestate.edu.

Where can I get more information about the profession?

American Physical Therapy Association

Where can I get more information about state licensure for PTAs?

State of TN Department of Health
Health Related Boards
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Heritage Place Metro Center
Nashville, TN 37243
TN Board of Physical Therapy
(615) 532-5132
http://www.tennessee.gov

Program Outcome Data

One-Year Averages

Year	Graduation Rates	NPTE First-Time Pass Rates / Ultimate Pass Rates	Employment Rates*
2024	80%	58% / 75%	pending
2023	94%	88% / 94%	100%
2022	73%	81% / 81%	100%
2021	80%	91% / 100%	100%

Two-Year Averages

Year	Graduation Rates	NPTE First-Time Pass Rates / Ultimate Pass Rates	Employment Rates*
2023-24	87%	75% / 85%	pending
2022-23	84%	85% / 88%	100%
2021-22	79%	86% / 91%	100%
2020-21	91%	96% / 100%	100%

* Percent of eligible graduates who sought and were employed as a PTA within one year of graduation