The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Wallace Community College is to help students attain education to satisfy requirements of an Associate in Applied Science Degree. In so doing, we will graduate knowledgeable, competent, self-assured, adaptable, and service-oriented paraprofessionals. Graduates will be valuable members of the profession and the health care team, within their scope of work. Graduates of the PTA program at WCC will be qualified to sit for licensure in any state in which they wish to practice and will be prepared to uphold high standards of patient care while helping to meet healthcare needs in our community, state, and region. The program is committed to accomplishing this mission through the use of quality instructional methods, including both traditional and technology based instruction, whereby students are assisted to achieve the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to serve the physical therapy health needs of the public.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects greater than 36% growth in the physical therapist assistant field.  By the year 2014, 36,000 new physical therapist assistants will be needed.

Established in 1996, the program has prepared over 135 graduates for employment in health care. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Wallace Community College. The program has earned full accreditation status through June 2014.

Graduates of any physical therapist assistant program must take a standardized state board examination in order to receive a license to practice. Licensure is applied for in each state that you wish to practice, but you only have to pass the examination once. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers the examination, developed by the Professional Examination Service, and schools are provided an annual report of their passage rate. Wallace Community College graduates exceed State and National passing percentages for first time takers.

Admission to the PTA Program is competitive and applications are accepted in May and June of each year for Fall semester entry. For specific guidance, contact Ms. Shannon Turner or Ms. Tomi Sherlock, Allied Health Secretary.