The A.S. degree Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Sacramento City College is designed to graduate physical therapist assistants ('PTAs') who will work under the supervision of physical therapists in a wide variety of health care settings. These include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, and home health care agencies. Physical therapist assistants treat clients with movement, strength, and coordination disorders in order to improve function, decrease pain, and increase independence. The scope of practice may include activities such as administration of physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, and assisting/instructing patients with transfers and functional activities. Physical therapist assistants must recognize common medical disorders and be able to assess whether patients are progressing appropriately with the treatment plan determined by the supervising physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants are currently in demand in the health care system and physical therapist assistant is listed as one of the 10 fastest growing occupations by the US Dept. of Labor.

 The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Sacramento City College is a part-time evening program. After completing prerequisite courses students apply to the program. Once enrolled the program requires two academic years to complete, including the summer session. Academic classes are typically on Monday-Thursday evenings. The clinical education courses do require daytime attendance. The program admits 28-30 students for enrollment each year and approximately 70% of students complete the program. Students who take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by the Sacramento City College Physical Therapist Assistant program are well-prepared to succeed on the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants. The weighted average cumulative pass rate for Sacramento City College PTA graduates for 2007-2009 was 96%. More than 90% of graduates responding to surveys report that they are employed as physical therapist assistants.

Information Meetings:  Informational meetings are held several times each semester and provide prospective students with information on program prerequisites, the enrollment process, the schedule of required academic and clinical coursework, the licensing process, and employment outlook for PTAs. A brief video on physical therapy as a career is presented. Opportunity is available for questions as time permits. Students are encouraged to bring copies of their transcripts if there are specific questions about the equivalency of prerequisite courses. Meetings are held on the Sacramento City College campus. No appointment is necessary.