Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Rio Grande Valley College (RGVC) is a 5 semester program consisting of 66 credit hours that students will graduate with Associate of Applied Science (AAS). A PTA graduate will work under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist. The program will be a combination of general education and technical courses as well as laboratory skills and clinical rotations. This is a rewarding profession that brings great satisfaction to many. The Rio Grande Valley College Physical Therapist Assistant Program will prepare students through a curriculum based on contemporary Physical Therapy practice to serve the community by providing competent and ethical care as Physical Therapist Assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist. Graduates will be prepared to work with a diverse population and will understand the values of professionalism and lifelong learning.
Accreditation
Graduation from a Physical Therapist Assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Rio Grande Valley College is seeking accreditation of a new Physical Therapist Assistant education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on June 1, 2022. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
PTA PROGRAM FACULTY
Dr. Minerva Gatling, PT, DPT – Program Director
Office: (956)781-6800 Ext 1111
Email: mgatling@rgvcollege.edu
Armando De Leon, PTA – Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
Office: (956)781-6800 Ext 1112
Email: adeleon@rgvcollege.edu
PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
The Rio Grande Valley College Physical Therapist Assistant Program will prepare students through a curriculum based on contemporary physical therapy practice to serve the community by providing competent and ethical care as physical therapist assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Graduates will be prepared to work with a diverse population and will understand the values of professionalism and lifelong learning Graduation from a Physical Therapy
PROGRAM GOALS
1. The PTA Program will prepare graduates to work as competent and professional entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
2. The PTA Program will prepare students to exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills
3. The PTA Program faculty will provide students with positive learning experiences and a curriculum based on current physical therapy practice
4. The PTA Program will prepare graduates to communicate effectively in a culturally competent manner
5. The PTA Program will enrich the health of the community through service-learning and preparing competent healthcare practitioners Graduation from a Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Resources
Essential Functions for PTA Students
Important factors when considering if this program is right for you.Download our essential functions.
TEAS Entrance Exam
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PROGRAM ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE/PETITIONS
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Documentation Requirements for Admission
When completing the application, the applicant will be required to submit the following:- COVID-19 Vaccination is required at this time for admission, as many area hospitals, clinics and potential clinical affiliation sites do require COVID-19 vaccination for students and staff participating in clinical practicum for their respective programs.
- Download a copy of our Documentaiton Requirement List
What do Physical Therapist Assistants do?
- Physical Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist to provide healthcare to a varied population. They will use skills including therapeutics exercise, balance activities and physical agents/modalities to aid in restoring functional mobility and strength to various patient populations. They can find careers in rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, schools, hospitals -outpatient, inpatient and home health among many others.
Physical Therapist Assistants: There is good employment outlook for PTA’s in the Rio Grande Valley. In the 10 years spanning from 2019-2029 there is a projected 29% increase in employment for PTA’s nationwide. The median annual income for PTA’s was $59,440 according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics in May 2020. The median hourly pay for Physical Therapist Assistants in the state of Texas is 32.33. There is a need for PTA’s now and continued projected need nationally, statewide and in the Rio Grande Valley the next 10 years. The Physical Therapist Assistants Program at Rio Grande Valley College is a 5 semester program and takes 66 clock hours to complete. Click here to download a program degree plan.