2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Jul 11, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook

Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS


CODE: PT-AAS     |     TOTAL CREDITS: 72     |     FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY: Eligible

This degree is not intended for transfer to UNLV, UNR, or NSU.  Some of the courses may be eligible for transfer depending on the policies of the institution you are transferring to.  Students who wish to transfer should consult with their assigned advising unit.

ACADEMIC MAP: Map: CSN AAS Physical Therapist Assistant 


SCHOOL: School of Health Sciences 
AREA OF STUDY: Health Sciences

LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM
Some of these courses are program prerequisites and MUST be completed before a student is eligible to be considered for admission into the Program. 
 
Prospective students MUST complete a Health Programs Orientation (HPO - https://launch.comevo.com/csn/1853) then schedule an appointment to meet with a Health Programs Advisor via the HPA WCOnline scheduler (https://hpa.mywconline.com/).
 
Note: Prospective students are expected to meet this program’s Essential Functions.  To review the Essential Functions for this program, go to csn.edu/health-sciences-program-requirements, select your program, and click the link.  Learners with a documented need for accommodation must contact the Disability Resources Center (csn.edu/disability-resource-center). 

DESCRIPTION
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive the AAS degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. This entitles the graduate to take the national licensure examination. Successful passing of this examination and completion of the state licensure requirements will allow the graduate to function as a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA). The program integrates classroom and laboratory experiences into a structurally sound curriculum that develops the competencies required to function as a safe, ethical, and competent PTA. Students are required to complete two clinical education affiliation experiences in hospitals and clinics affiliated with the program. Requirements for participation in these clinical experiences include having: 1) current CPR and First Aid cards; 2) a current personal health insurance policy; 3) a yearly negative TB test; 4) all required immunizations; 5) a satisfactory physical examination; 6) drug and alcohol screen; and 7) background check.

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305, (703) 706-3173, www.capteonline.org, email: accreditation@apta.org.

 

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Practice abilities and critical thinking skills necessary to carry out the physical therapy plan of care.
  2. Provide competent, safe, and ethical patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
  3. Cultivate effective, respectful, and culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills.
  4. Use critical thinking skills to assess patient response to treatment interventions.
  5. Formulate educational plans for the patient, family, other providers, and the community related to physical therapy interventions.
  6. Critique self-assessment and self-directed lifelong learning.

General Education Requirements


TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS: 24


300-level and above courses cannot be used to satisfy GE requirements.

NOTE: The courses listed below may require a prerequisite or corequisite. Read course descriptions before registering for classes.

Mathematics (3 Credits)


NOTE: Your first college-level MATH course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.

English Composition (3-5 Credits)


NOTE: Your first college-level ENG course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.

Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences (3 Credits)


  • any PHIL prefix course
  • or  any PSY prefix course
  • or  any SOC prefix course

Major Requirements


TOTAL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS CREDITS: 48


Grades of D+, D, and D- in the major requirements (occupational) area in an Associate of Applied Science degree program will not count toward graduation requirements.