Physical Therapist Assistant

Prospective Students

EXERCISE. MOTIVATE. EDUCATE.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience. Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists and assistants treat pain through movement, hands-on care, exercise, and patient education.

Physical therapist assistants are educated and licensed clinicians who provide care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. They help people recover their ability to walk, heal from wounds, and learn to work through the effects of injuries and other health problems to live a normal, active life.

PTAs care for people of all ages and abilities, and empower people to actively participate in their own treatment. They work collaboratively with each other, and with other health professionals, to ensure patients receive the best care.

LEARN MORE

Go Baby Go!

Students from Utah Tech University’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program offer mobility and independence to young children with disabilities through the Go Baby Go Program. Students adapt toy cars to function as powered wheelchairs and then teach local children in need how to use them, making a difference in their lives for years to come.

See the video!

Description of Degree

The nationally accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program at Utah Tech University is an admission-limited, two-year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Academic Catalog

Course of Study

The two-year, five-semester program course of study consists of lecture courses, concurrent lab courses, and off-campus clinical education.

Graduation Plan

Program Costs

Students should be aware that the Physical Therapist Assistant program tuition students are charged is based on the base price of either resident or non-resident UT tuition plus a $90.00 per credit tuition differential.

Tuition & Fees

Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS: The Fine Print

Admission Requirements / Considerations

  • To be considered for admission to the PTA program, an applicant must first be accepted as a Utah Tech University student. Then, the applicant must complete a separate application to the PTA program.
    • Everything one needs to know about applying to UT can be found on the Admissions website.
  • Students are accepted into a cohort–a group of students who start the program at the same time, enroll and complete the same program courses, perform clinical education at the same time, and graduate together as a group.
    • Each cohort is limited to 16 students; therefore, admission is competitive. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
  • Specific requirements include:
    • Be admitted to Utah Tech University
    • Minimum GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite courses (no grade below “C”)
      • Prerequisite courses may by repeated only once
      • Human Anatomy/Lab and Human Physiology/Lab must have been taken within the last 7 years
    • Minimum “C” grade in each required general education course
    • Observation or work experience (16 hours minimum)
    • Results of the HESI A2 exam
      • Students will be scored in 5 areas on the HESI A2 exam: Anatomy and Physiology (A&P); Biology; Grammar; Reading Comprehension; and Vocabulary and General Knowledge.
      • Results of the HESI A2 exam are typically uploaded anywhere between 24-48 hours.
    • Official college transcripts

Student Employment

  • Students accepted into the program will be going to school, studying, and attending clinical education for approximately 18 months. Students are advised not to consider employment while in the program.
    • Some individuals are able to work part-time but must have a very flexible schedule that also allows for extended times off.
    • Most students are not employed while in the program.
    • The program cannot be taken part-time; it is a full time commitment.

Program Prerequisites

Compliance Requirements

Students taking this program of study are required to meet certain health and safety standards. The following requirements are mandatory and must be completed by deadlines given upon program admission.

Screenings:

  • Background check
  • Drug screen
  • Tuberculosis (TB): Either of the following TB tests performed within the past 12 months is acceptable:
    • Blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-SPOT.TB) with negative result
    • Proof of two separate TB skin tests (administered at least 7 days apart and within 1-3 weeks of each other), both with negative result

Immunizations:

  • Hepatitis B: Proof of 3 vaccinations and a positive antibody titer (showing immunity/reactivity) demonstrated by a lab report
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): Proof of 2 vaccinations or a positive antibody titer (showing immunity) demonstrated by a lab report
  • TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): Proof of 1 vaccination administered within the past 10 years
  • Varicella (chicken pox): Proof of 2 vaccinations or a positive antibody titer (showing immunity) demonstrated by a lab report
  • Influenza (seasonal flu): Proof of flu vaccine administered during the current flu season (September – March)
  • COVID-19: Proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccine series

Certifications:

  • Current Basic Life Support CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals
    • A BLS (Basic Life Support) certification course must have been completed prior to the student’s entry into the program and must be Healthcare Provider status.
    • The course must have a “hands-on” component and must include AED.
    • Certification must remain current for the duration of the program.

College of Health Sciences Fit for Study Procedures

Contact

Drew Wilcox

Program Director

Email: Drew.Wilcox@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4861

Office: Taylor 208/HPC 318

Kat Preiss

Academic Advisor

Email: Kat.Preiss@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7695

Office: HPC 347

Katie Reeves

Administrative Assistant

Email: hdandt@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4820

Office: Taylor 258