PTA Schools in Wisconsin (WI)

Blackhawk Technical College offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. The program is 69 credits long, costing an estimated tuition of $13,329. It provides flexible learning options including in-person, live online, anytime online and FlexLab formats.

Students will gain exposure to various physical therapy services through three required clinical courses. Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to demonstrate clear communication skills, respect for practice standards, ability to function safely under supervision and critical thinking abilities among other competencies.

The PTA Program at Blackhawk boasts impressive statistics with a 100% ultimate pass rate on the FSBPT exam for 2022-2023 along with a graduation rate of 58%. Furthermore, all graduates from this period found employment within six months.

Career prospects are promising as PTAs are highly sought after in hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation facilities among others. Graduates can expect a median wage of approximately $61,800 according to Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics Associate Degree data.

The PTA Program at Blackhawk Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring its adherence to high educational standards.

Bryant & Stratton College – Wauwatosa offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. This course, which runs for approximately 20 months and includes 71 credit hours, is designed to prepare students for a career in physical therapy under the supervision of licensed professionals. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with hands-on lab experience and clinical training.

The PTA degree provides skills and knowledge needed to work in various medical settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing facilities, private practices, home health agencies schools and athletic facilities. It blends theoretical learning with practical application through four clinical experiences.

Students gain expertise in patient care techniques like electrotherapy therapeutic massage exercise-based rehabilitation. Upon completion graduates can take licensure exams including the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

Key courses include Introduction to Physical Therapy Fundamentals of Physical Therapy Clinical Medicine/Pharmacology Physical Therapy Modalities Data Collection Therapeutic Exercise Neurological/Neuromuscular Rehabilitation etc.

The college also encourages students to join professional organizations like American Physical Therapy Association for staying connected to industry advancements.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional behavior articulate distinct roles responsibilities advocate patients services profession apply principles theories data collection intervention achieve desired outcomes provide services varied backgrounds systems without bias utilize research make evidence-based practice decisions show lifelong learning.

Chippewa Valley Technical College offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant program. This 61-credit associate degree is designed to be completed in two years and includes face-to-face delivery methods at the Eau Claire location, with start months in August.

The program focuses on teaching students how to implement treatment programs, conduct treatments using special equipment, and teach patients exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist. Students will gain skills in therapeutic exercises, soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation, documentation and various treatment skills related to neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions.

There’s also an opportunity for clinical experience as part of the curriculum where students can apply their knowledge and technical skills in different practice settings. After completion of this program graduates are prepared for employment opportunities at hospitals, nursing homes rehabilitation centers or other healthcare facilities.

According to recent graduate surveys from CVTC graduates reported an average starting salary of $46K annually with 80% landing jobs within their industry soon after graduation.

The college has transfer agreements with several institutions should students choose further education post graduation. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Chippewa Valley Technical College is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that it meets high standards of quality.

Gateway Technical College offers an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. The program is designed to help students reduce or manage pain, restore function and prevent disability. It includes hands-on training with the latest diagnostic and rehabilitative equipment, over 500 clinical hours providing assistance under a physical therapist’s guidance, and opportunities for service learning.

The curriculum covers courses such as English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology, Oral/Interpersonal Communication, Psychology, Kinesiology among others. The program also prepares students for a high-demand career field with projected growth in the coming years.

Graduates of this program can work in various settings including hospitals, clinics, patients’ homes, schools and nursing homes. They have the option to continue their education through articulation agreements with UW-Parkside and other area colleges via a Physical Therapist Assistant to Doctorate of Physical Therapy Bridge Program.

The estimated cost of tuition & fees is $10,944 while books & supplies are estimated at $4,964. Graduates have a salary outlook of approximately $57k per year according to Gateway Technical College’s data.

Unique features include strong partnerships with area professionals who shape the program curriculum to meet local demand; admission petitioning that prioritizes early applicants from within district (Kenosha/Racine/Walworth counties); site-specific requirements for clinical components which may include COVID-19 vaccination requirements; accreditation by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Herzing University in Orlando offers an Associate of Science/Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree. This 73-credit undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for a career as a PTA, providing fundamental knowledge and skills in areas such as basic patient care, therapeutic modalities, orthopedic patient care, kinesiology and more. The curriculum includes hands-on clinical and laboratory experiences.

To become a physical therapist assistant in Florida, you need to earn your associate degree from a program like Herzing’s then pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants (NPTE-PTA). After certification, you can start practicing as a PTA.

The Herzing PTA program begins twice a year—January and July—with no waiting list. It also offers flexible scheduling options suitable for non-traditional students balancing work or family responsibilities alongside their studies. Students have access to extensive virtual services including academic advising, tutoring support services and technical support.

The job outlook for PTAs is positive with opportunities available across various settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics home health agencies schools sports fitness facilities work settings nursing homes. Some PTAs may advance into administrative positions or teaching roles within accredited academic programs.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a 2-year Associate degree offered in-person at the Mequon Campus. The program involves working with physical therapy patients in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics under the supervision of a physical therapist. Duties include implementing treatment programs, teaching patients exercises and daily living activities, and reporting patient progress.

Courses in the curriculum include PTA Patient Interventions, PTA Applied Kinesiology 1 & 2, PTA Professional Issues 1 & 2 among others totaling to 64 credits required for graduation. Key skills that contribute to success in this field are strong oral/written communication skills, dependability, patience, empathy and ability to lift/transfer patients.

Program outcomes encompass functioning safely under direction/supervision of a physical therapist; clear/collaborative communication with patients/families/healthcare team; supportive documentation for delivery of services; critical decision making for treatment implementation/modification; performance of data collection essential for care plan execution etc.

Career outlook is positive due to projected growth driven by an aging population and increased need for support personnel. MATC boasts high pass rates on National PTA Exam (100% ultimate pass rate across three years) along with impressive graduation rates (86-91.5%) over two years.

Unique elements about this program include its waiting list admission process and accreditation by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree program. The course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for assisting physical therapists in providing therapeutic interventions, carrying out operational functions, making modifications within established plans of care, and performing documentation and assessments.

The curriculum includes courses such as PTA Professional Issues, PTA Patient Interventions, PTA Applied Kinesiology 1 & 2, PTA Therapeutic Exercise, PTA Biophysical Agents among others. Students must achieve at least a “C” grade in all program-related courses and a “B” or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology to graduate.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Graduates have an employment potential as Physical Therapist Assistants with 88% graduate employment rate recorded.

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). NWTC also provides opportunities for study abroad experiences associated with program courses. However, it’s worth noting that due to Wisconsin Caregiver Law compliance requirements students may be required to complete background checks prior to clinical experience placements.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers an Associate Degree that prepares students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, patient interventions, professional issues and applied kinesiology among others. To be eligible for progression, students must achieve a grade of C or better in each course.

Students interested in this program should have good reading, math and comprehension skills and be adaptable with excellent people skills. They also need to meet Wisconsin Caregiver Law requirements. While financial aid is available for those who qualify, some classes may begin as early as January although the main program starts in August.

Graduates are expected to demonstrate clear communication abilities along with respect and sensitivity towards patients while working safely within legal parameters. They should also exhibit critical thinking skills needed to modify treatment plans according to patient responses.

According to CAPTE guidelines provided by the college on their website: “Graduation rates ranged from 75% – 100% over the past few years; licensure examination pass rate was between 66.7% – 100%; employment data within 12 months of graduation was reported at around 85%-100%.

Unique features include automatic enrolment into Charger Tech 360 which provides complete technical support including hardware (HP EliteBook Laptop) and software for a fee of $300 per semester.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Western Technical College in Wisconsin is an associate degree program that requires 65 credits to complete. The PTA program is demanding but fulfilling, preparing students to enhance human health and functionality using scientific principles. Students learn technical skills and collaboration techniques, with a focus on patient progress documentation.

Courses are held in the Health Science Center near the La Crosse main campus. Program outcomes include functioning under supervision in a safe, legal manner; demonstrating clear communication with patients and healthcare teams; producing documentation supporting physical therapy services; critical thinking skills for implementing treatment plans; performing data collection essential for care plans, among others.

Graduates have found employment as Physical Therapist Assistants, Light Skills Education Assistants or Early Intervention Specialists. In 2021-23, of the 31 graduates from this program who responded to surveys:18 were employed in related occupations while two were employed elsewhere.

Admission requirements include college application fee payment and high school or GED/HSED transcripts submission along with completion of background check. Those having completed General Anatomy & Physiology get priority admission.

Program costs are approximately $10,670 excluding books/materials/testing fees which may be additional. The PTA Program at Western is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

PTA Careers in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a variety of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across diverse settings.

• In metropolitan areas such as Milwaukee, PTAs can find positions in hospitals like the Froedtert Hospital, which provides extensive rehabilitation services.
• In Madison, the University of Wisconsin Health System also employs PTAs, focusing on both outpatient and inpatient care.
• Additionally, in more rural regions like the Northwoods, facilities such as the Aspirus Network offer valuable community-based rehabilitation services, catering to local populations.

These varied settings not only enhance the professional development of PTAs but also contribute significantly to the health and wellness of Wisconsin residents.

Comparing a PTA School in Wisconsin

There are a number of considerations when selecting physical therapy assistant programs. Here is a short list of a couple of the most crucial factors to remember as you search for your physical therapy assistant school:

• Program size
• Passing-rates of the licensure exam
• Course room and lab facilities
• School costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• Campus admittance requirements

While you take these PTA school things into thought, it may be helpful to survey current students and recent graduates of the physical therapist assistant programs of interest. Also, talking to firms who have hired these graduates can provide you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

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