Philadelphia Institute of Science and Technology

Workforce Development Programs

PHILLY-TECH’S Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain.

            Note: The program duration may vary but typically spans two years. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers as licensed physical therapy assistants, working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings to help patients regain mobility and function.

Physical health therapy Assistant

Diploma in Physical Therapy Assistant

Duration: Typically, 2 years (varies by program).

Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent.

Trimester 1: Foundations of Physical Therapy

  • PTHE 100: Introduction to Physical Therapy
    • Overview of the physical therapy assistant profession
    • The role in patient rehabilitation and healthcare
    • Ethical considerations in physical therapy practice
  • APHY 100: Anatomy and Physiology
    • Study of human anatomy and physiological systems
    • Understanding the musculoskeletal and nervous systems
    • Common diseases and conditions affecting mobility and function
  • MEDTPC 100: Medical Terminology and Patient Communication
    • Medical vocabulary and terminology
    • Effective communication with healthcare professionals and patients
    • Interpreting and documenting patient information
  • PTTE 100: Physical Therapy Techniques and Equipment
    • Introduction to physical therapy tools and equipment
    • Assistive devices and therapeutic exercises
    • Safety procedures and patient handling

Trimester 2: Physical Therapy Interventions and Assessment

  • PTAE 100: Physical Therapy Assessment and Evaluation
    • Patient evaluation and assessment techniques
    • Identifying functional limitations and goals
    • Patient-centered care and goal setting
  • TEM 100: Therapeutic Exercises and Modalities
    • Designing and implementing therapeutic exercises
    • Modalities such as heat, cold, and ultrasound
    • Monitoring patient progress and adjustments
  • GTM 100: Gait Training and Mobility
    • Techniques for gait training and ambulation
    • Improving patient mobility and functional independence
    • Assisting patients with mobility limitations
  • CLIDR 100: Clinical Documentation and Reporting
    • Recording patient progress and goals
    • Documentation standards and reporting

Compliance with healthcare regulations

Trimester 3: Clinical Experience and Specializations

  • CLIEX 100: Clinical Experience
    • Hands-on clinical practice in rehabilitation settings
    • Implementing therapy interventions and techniques
    • Working with a team of healthcare professionals
  • OMPT 100: Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
    • Specialized care for orthopedic patients
    • Orthopedic assessments and treatments
    • Post-surgical rehabilitation and pain management
  • NPPT 100: Neurological and Pediatric Physical Therapy
    • Specialized care for neurological and pediatric patients
    • Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation
    • Pediatric development and therapy techniques

Trimester 4: Licensure Preparation and Final Assessments

  • LEPREP 100: Licensure Exam Preparation
    • Review of the physical therapy assistant licensure exam
    • Mock exams and test-taking strategies
    • State-specific requirements and regulations
  • FTAC 100: Final Assessments and Certification
    • Successful completion of clinical experience and training
    • Successful performance in the licensure exam
    • Graduation and award of the Diploma in Physical Therapy Assistant

Students have to contact the school administration if they want to take extra credits or transfer credits to pursue the Diploma Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in their field of interest.  Students will select required number courses in each of the areas listed to meet general education requirements graduation for the A.A.S.  Some of these courses can be transferred directly from and to the university system and may be substituted for recommended courses on the outline.  Students should speak with an advisor before doing so these selective courses are required for all students.

  • Selected Communication Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

ENGL 100: Fundamentals of Speech

CPL    100: Career Planning  

CPL    101: Communications and Career Strategies

ENGL 101: Composition

ENGL 102: composition

  • Selected Mathematics Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

MATH 100:General Math

MATH 101:Intermediate Algebra

MATH 102:College Algebra

  • Selected Social Science Course (Choose two for Diploma or four for the Associate)

ECON 105:Leadership

ECON 101:Principles of Microeconomics I

ECON 102:Principles of Macroeconomics II

SOC    101:Introduction to Sociology

PSYC  101: Introduction to Psychology

HIST   101: History