Play a Key Role in Giving Patients Back Their Lives
Watching a patient walk for the first time after an auto accident brings a great feeling of personal satisfaction that can be even more gratifying when shared with an entire rehabilitation team. A patient’s goal will become the team’s goal, and they will experience his or her achievements first hand.
- Gain skills to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, regain mobility, and manage pain.
- Learn how to treat patients using a variety of techniques, including using devices and equipment and help educate patients and their families.
- Complete your degree in as few as 20-months of study.
Whether you're new to the field of physical therapy or studied kinesiology; you can find the education, practice and support needed to pursue this hands-on career with Concorde's Jacksonville campus.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career Overview
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work with Physical Therapists (PTs) to meaningfully impact the lives of clients through treatment of impairments in physical strength, mobility or balance resulting from injury to the musculoskeletal system, neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, arthritis) or aging.
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree Program Overview
In Concorde’s physical therapist assistant program, you can gain the skills you need to perform these important functions. The program includes hands-on training and externships, teaching therapeutic exercises, functional, mobility and ambulation training, and activities of daily living.
Now Enrolling for the Jacksonville Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Concorde's Jacksonville campus is seeking dedicated students who want to:
- Learn to help patients recover after surgery or injury to regain mobility and freedom
- Prepare for career opportunities in clinics, private practices, rehab care, in-home care, and more
- Complete the associate degree program in as few as 20-months
Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual Career Planning Session with Concorde Career Institute today to find out if the physical therapist assistant program is right for you!
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aides 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
Curriculum
Jacksonville Physical Therapist Assistant Program Objective
Our associate degree program equips you to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant in as few as 20-months. When you graduate, you’ll be able to serve effectively in a variety of settings supporting physical therapy treatments, including outpatient settings (sports, orthopedic and specialized rehabilitation centers), inpatient acute care hospital and rehabilitation departments, skilled nursing facilities, wellness centers, home healthcare and more.
PTA Program Coursework
You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience to help you pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Your coursework is intense and challenging; and your instructors, program director and campus staff are dedicated to support you along the way.
- Therapeutic exercises
- Functional training
- Mobility training
- Ambulation training
- Activities of daily living
360
Lab Hours
Applied Learning
Leverage theory and general study curriculum in practice through lab work
Physical Therapist Assistant Curriculum
You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience to help you pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Your coursework is intense and challenging; and your instructors, program director and campus staff are dedicated to support you along the way.
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Elements of Human Communication
- Human Growth and Development
- Functional and Applied Anatomy
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Lab
Physical Therapist Assistant Blended Learning Model
Concorde's approach to delivering a hands-on career focused physical therapist assistant program curriculum leverages a blended learning model.
- You will complete some coursework and lab assignments conveniently online.
- With support from a dedicated online success coach to help you get accustomed to virtual learning.
- Additionally you will visit the campus to apply theory to practice in simulation labs.
- With guidance from instructors with real-world experience you will learn to use the tools and instruments, as well interpret scan results.
- The third element of Concorde's blended learning model is practical hands-on application in a health care setting. - the Clinical Experience.
CAPTE PTA Program Data:
CAPTE Physical Therapist Assistant Program Data
Student Learning Outcome Data
The Physical Therapist Assistant Department has determined the fundamental Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) that are reflected throughout the program and directly related to the student educational objectives.
Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with those diverse groups of people with whom a physical therapist assistant has routine contact in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D7)
- Demonstrate behaviors that indicate an awareness/understanding of individual and cultural differences and their impact on health care delivery, as well as the ability to alter his or her actions appropriately in response to identified individual and cultural differences in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D8)
- Demonstrate behaviors that indicate a commitment to the physical therapist assistant’s roles and responsibilities in the profession of physical therapy (see APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant). (7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4, 7D5, 7D6, 7D13)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) administer delegated physical therapy plan of care elements under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. (7D9, 7D10, 7D12, 7D15, 7D16, 7D17, 7D18, 7D23, 7D24, 7D19, 7D20, 7D21, 7D22, 7D25, 7D26)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) implement programs of instruction intended to accomplish pre-established goals for patients, family members, caregivers, other healthcare providers or members of the public. (7D12)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) participate in the regular administrative functions of his or her health care organization. (7D27, 7D28, 7D29, 7D30, 7D31)
- Demonstrate the capabilities necessary to engage in career development and life-long learning in order to maintain continuing competence as a physical therapist assistant. (7D11, 7D14)
Students who have successfully completed a degree in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or other Health Sciences area (Associates or higher) containing a minimum of three semester credits of anatomy & physiology may receive a block transfer of six General Education courses totaling 18 semester credits, upon evaluation of transcript. The block transfer includes the courses: BIOL1320, ENGL1310, COMM1310, PSYC1310, PSYC1320, MATH1310 (or MATH1320). The remaining credits required to complete the program is 60.
Career Outlook
Physical Therapy Assistant Career Outlook
The national demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow over the coming decade as greater attention is placed on rehabilitation and preventive care.
Where Can a Physical Therapy Assistants Work
- Inpatient hospital settings
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Government hospitals
- Convalescent hospitals
Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.
Address and Hours
Jacksonville Campus
7259 Salisbury Road
Suite 120
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
FX: (904) 807-0108
Campus Hours of Operation
- Monday - Thursday 9 am - 8 pm
- Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm
- Saturday 9 am - 1 pm
- Sunday Closed
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet
In order to assist students in selecting a program-of-study that best fits their academic and financial goals, please review the following resource:
Accreditation
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career Institute - Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 904-725-0525 or email LHurtak@concorde.edu.
FAQ
Physical Therapist Assistant Program FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers.
At Concorde, you can complete your Physical Therapist Assistant degree in as few as 20 months. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.
According to BLS.gov, the National Employment Demand (2022-2032) for the Physical Therapy Assistant job field is projected to grow 19%. As the need for therapy for those with disabling medical conditions continues to increase, the amount of physical therapist assistants is expected to continue to grow.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aides 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
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