Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.C.T.

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.C.T.

Physical Therapy student working on elbow pain.
  • Learn the skills need to excel in a rewarding and fast-growing profession that helps patients by relieving pain and improving mobility.
  • Physical therapist assistant positions are forecast to grow 24% by 2031, much faster than the average for other jobs.
  • Median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is more than $61,000.
source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Locations where this degree is offered:

Vincennes Campus


What can I expect during my time at VU?

What you will learn

At Vincennes University, you will learn through lectures, lab, and actual clinical experience to become a successful member of the physical therapy profession. Transportation and the cost of clinical education is the responsibility of the student.

Detailed information regarding the Physical Therapist Assistant program can be found in the Student Handbook.

Detailed clinical information can be found in the Clinical Education Handbook.

Cost

PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

Tuition rates

Applicants must first apply to Vincennes University. Once you are admitted to the University you will receive information about the required SECONDARY APPLICATION FOR THE PTA PROGRAM.

The PTA Program accepts 28 students annually each fall.   Due to the high number of applicants for this program selection is very competitive in nature. All applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis.   Compliance with all criteria does not guarantee acceptance to the program.   The PTA Program reserves the right to exercise judgment in the selection process for the PTA Program.   A waiting list may be created for highly qualified applicants in the event that there are no positions currently available.

Statistics

Please visit The Bureau of Labor Statistics for information on where PTAs work, median annual salary, and job outlook.

Program Vital Statistics

Graduation Rate 2022: 65.2%
2021: 73%
2-Year Average
69.1%
Ultimate Licensure Exam Pass Rate 2022: 86.7%
2021: 93.3%
89.5%
First Time Licensure Exam Pass Rate 2022: 64.3%
2021: 66.7%
65.5%

Employment Rate

Percentage of graduates seeking employment in physical therapy employed within 12 months of passing the licensure exam.

2022: 88%
2021: 100%
94%

What can I do with this degree?

Are you motivated to find a career with a range of options? The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Vincennes University prepares graduates to take the National PTA exam to become licensed physical therapist assistants.

What does a PTA do?

As a PTA you will be a vital member of the healthcare team. PTAs perform procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a physical therapist, assisting in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Patients may include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Components of treatment procedures performed by PTAs involve exercises, mobility training, mechanical traction, ultrasound, and aquatic therapy.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the educational program the graduate will:

  1. Be able to safely and competently function as a Physical Therapist Assistant, under the direction of a Physical Therapist, abiding by ethical standards as established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

  2. Effectively convert the knowledge and skills gained within the PTA program to successful completion of the appropriate state licensure examination and to employment situations.

  3. Seek out opportunities to continue professional and personal development for ongoing improvement of skills related to the delivery of Physical Therapy services.

  4. Faculty will provide classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences to meet the needs of the students and the program.

Additional information about the field of physical therapy may be found at www.apta.org.


Is this degree accredited?

capte logo
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Vincennes University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085;
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: ACCREDITATION@APTA.ORG
Website: https://www.capteonline.org
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 812-888-5090 or email HSHP@vinu.edu.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: ACCREDITATION@APTA.ORG
Website: HTTPS://WWW.CAPTEONLINE.ORG

Have questions?

We are happy to chat with you to answer your questions and understand your personal goals.
Please reach out to us at VUADMIT@Vinu.edu or call 812-888-4313 for more information.