PTA Schools in Oregon (OR)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Lane Community College is a hands-on, immersive course that prepares students for a rewarding career in physical therapy. The PTA curriculum includes online lectures, lab practice and realistic simulations with faculty and peers. Students also complete three full-time six-week supervised internships at assigned physical therapy settings.

The program takes place across two campuses – the main one in Eugene and another partner campus at Rogue Community College in White City. Both locations offer state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with advanced equipment like Shuttle Balance, standing frames and biophysical agents to facilitate authentic practice.

Graduates of the PTA program can find employment in various settings such as outpatient clinics, schools, public health clinics, hospitals or skilled nursing facilities both within Oregon and beyond. Some may even choose to become traveling PTAs where they get to work wherever they’re needed.

In addition to practical skills training, Lane’s PTA courses transfer credits towards Pacific University and Oregon Institute of Technology should graduates decide to pursue further education. Those who earn four-year or advanced degrees have opportunities to become educators, researchers or administrators within the field.

Lane Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring it meets industry standards for quality education.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Mt. Hood Community College is a highly competitive, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree that prepares students for careers in physical therapy under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education with courses covering topics like anatomy, physiology, therapeutic exercise, kinesiology and patient care procedures.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure as a PTA. Successful completion of this exam allows them to work in various settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics or home health agencies.

Career outlook for PTAs is promising due to an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitative care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are expected to grow 29% from 2016-2026 – much faster than average.

Mt Hood Community College distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach towards practical training; it ensures that students get hands-on experience by arranging their participation in three different clinical experiences during their study period. This helps students gain valuable real-world experience before they step into professional roles after graduation.

PTA Careers in Oregon

Oregon offers a diverse array of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings.

• In urban areas like Portland, PTAs can find positions in bustling outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals, providing care to a wide demographic. For instance, the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland offers a robust environment for PTAs to engage in advanced rehabilitation practices.
• In more rural regions, such as Bend or Medford, PTAs may work in community-based clinics or assist with sports rehabilitation, capitalizing on the outdoor activity culture.
• Additionally, facilities like the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford provide PTAs with opportunities in acute care settings, highlighting the importance of regional diversity in PTA employment across Oregon.

Choosing a PTA School in Oregon

There are a few of factors to consider when selecting PTA programs. Here’s a short list of some of the most crucial factors to always remember as you search for your PTA program:

• Program size
• Passing-rate of the National License test
• Classroom and lab-room buildings
• College costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• PTA School admission criteria

As you bring these PTA school factors into consideration, it may be beneficial to survey present-day college students in addition to former students of the physical therapist assistant schools of curiosity. Also, interviewing companies who have actually hired these graduates may give you additional insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.