Odessa College

Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Details & Enrollment Information

Learn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.

Program Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program leads to an associate in applied science degree and encompasses a two-year course of study. The Program is designed to prepare technically educated health care providers who assist physical therapists in the provision of physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant performs treatment procedures involving the therapeutic use of heat, cold, electromagnetic radiations, traction, compression, water, massage, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise, and assists the physical therapist with evaluative procedures.

The curriculum balances general educational and specialty courses and includes supervised clinicals at acute care facilities and out-patient clinics. These combined experiences provide students with an opportunity for educational development as well as occupational competence. Licensure of physical therapist assistants is required in the State of Texas and graduates are eligible to take the licensure examination after meeting the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' requirements. Because clinical space is limited, students are admitted selectively.

Skills you will gain

Clinical Experience
Communication Theories
Communications
Compression
Continuous Passive Motion
Creative Thinking
Cytology
Data Collection
Decision Making
Electromagnetic Radiation
Functional Training
Histology
Hydrotherapy
Learning Strategies
Management
Manual Muscle Testing
Nervous Systems
Pathophysiology
Physical Therapy
Problem Solving
Psychology
Rehabilitation
Research
Social Structure
Study Skills
Supervision
Surgical Procedures
Time Management
Ultrasound
Written Communication

Program Requirements:

Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED
Complete the requirements for the college's Success Initiative Plan, which usually include passing scores on the TSI exam, unless an exemption has been earned
Submit official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended
Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
Have a minimum of three good character references
Complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of observation/volunteer/work hours in a physical therapy facility

Acceptance into the program is determined by a point system based on:

Admission exam score (TEAS)
Academic record (number of general education classes completed and Anatomy and Physiology grades)
References
Interview (selection for interview is based on preliminary point totals)
Writing (sample completed at the time of the interview)

Students accepted into the program must comply with all school and physical therapist assistant program policies. Program policies are delineated in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Student Handbook. Liability insurance is required and is part of the college fee schedule. Students must pass a physical examination and urine drug screen in order to participate in the physical therapist assistant program. Health and accident insurance must be maintained throughout the program. Current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider) must be maintained throughout all clinicals, and proof of required immunizations must be on file before students will be allowed to participate in clinicals. After admission to the program, new students will authorize the physical therapist assistant department to conduct a criminal background check. This procedure is required for students to go to the various hospitals and agencies for clinical education.

Applicants or other interested persons seeking additional information should contact the OC Help Center or the physical therapist assistant program; additional information can be obtained from the physical therapist assistant program's Web site at https://www.odessa.edu/programs/CareerTechnical-and-Workforce-Education/Physical-Therapist-Assistant/index.html Testing deadline for TEAS and application is March 31.