Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS (180)

Program Description/Purpose: The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Laurel Ridge is conducted at the Luray-Page County Center (Jenkins Hall). Labs will be conducted at either Jenkins Hall or the Page Memorial Hospital rehabilitation facility in Page County. Students are placed in clinical education experiences throughout the Laurel Ridge service region and nearby areas.

The associate of applied science degree with a major in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is designed to prepare successful graduates with the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes expected of entry-level physical therapist assistants. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the national physical therapist assistant licensure examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to collect and review data and administer evidence-based interventions within the limits of the PTA scope of work and as outlined by the physical therapist in the plan of care.
2. Graduates will demonstrate written and verbal communication related to the practice of physical therapy that is effective, professional, and presented in a manner appropriate to the intended audience.
3. Graduates will apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to the provision of physical therapy care to ensure patient safety and to appropriately progress the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
4. Graduates will adhere to federal and state regulations, facility policies and procedures, and will meet standards of performance-based and values-based behaviors expected of the entry-level physical therapist assistant.

Accreditation Status: The Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Laurel Ridge Community College 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
CAPTE Email 
CAPTE Website

If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call (540) 843-0798 or email Dr. Rekha Parameswaran.

Admissions Requirements: 

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements to Laurel Ridge Community College. For application information, materials, and additional program information, please look at the Laurel Ridge Community College Program Pathway.

It is highly recommended that students consult with their academic advisor to select the most appropriate elective. 

Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Curriculum requirements:

Students progress sequentially through the PTA curriculum, designed to prepare the student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the physical therapist assistant. The curriculum includes classroom and lab components and three full-time clinical education experiences. Progression to the subsequent semester depends on passing each PTH-prefix course with a C or better, maintaining an overall 2.5 or better GPA, and meeting course-specific requirements in each syllabus. Students are given an opportunity for remediation if they are in danger of not passing a course.

It is highly recommended for students, if able, to complete co-requisite courses of BIO 142  and SOC 200  before program application; however, there is time allotted in the program semesters to complete these courses. HLT 105  is also a co-requisite course required for graduation, but it is recommended that students wait until receipt of “conditional acceptance” in May of the application year to take this credit. This allows certification to remain valid throughout a student’s tenure in the program.