Program Overview
Physical therapist assistants, often called PTAs, work under the direction and supervision
of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses
regain movement and manage pain.
Patients may include accident victims and individuals with short- and long-term disabling conditions, such as low back pain, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease and cerebral palsy.
Delta's program is four semesters long, starting in the fall. It's a cohort program, so you come in as a group and take your classes together from your first semester until your last. Each semester in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, students take 12+ credits and requires a full-time commitment to be successful. Students spend many hours outside of class studying and practicing their skills.
Most PTA courses are offered on campus during the day, however students may occasionally be asked to be available on nights or weekends for special events. Students also have more than 100 clinical sites to choose from.
In fact, Delta's PTA program has been active since 1976, making it the second oldest in Michigan. We believe our vast experience over such a long time period is one reason why our students have such a great national exam pass rate – 100%!
Professional licensure
Students must take and pass the national physical therapy examination to practice as a PTA. Once a student passes the exam, they are eligible to practice anywhere in the country. However, there may be additional paperwork and costs associated with licensure in some states. Please contact the program coordinator for more details.
Be successful. Develop these skills.
- Customer service
- Motivation
- Physical fitness
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Decision making
- Patient mobility
- Pediatric and neuro rehabilitation
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Knowledge of clinical anatomy
- Evidence-based practice
At Delta College, we want every student to get the best education so they're ready to hit the ground running when they graduate. Accreditation is one way we do that.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Delta College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 989-686-9316 or email christopherhausbeck@delta.edu.
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org
www.capteonline.org
Delta College PTA students and faculty are actively involved with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as well as the Michigan chapter of the APTA. Faculty members and students alike have been elected to various volunteer positions within the association, in addition to garnering praises and awards for their contributions.
Every student enrolled in the PTA program is encouraged to become a member of the PTA Club. The PTA Club serves as an avenue to foster community engagement, provide valuable service, and participate in professional development all while having fun together as a class. Examples of PTA Club initiatives include distributing complimentary assistive devices to local residents, participating in state and/or national conferences, organizing a campus-wide 5K run/walk event, and actively volunteering within the community.
Obtaining a degree in a health-related field differs from other programs at Delta. Initially, you’re required to complete prerequisite (validation) courses, then you apply for validation before you can register for the technical and clinical courses.
What's validation?
The Registrar's Office validates your prerequisite courses to confirm you are eligible
to begin the clinical portion of your program. This application may be submitted any
time during the semester in which you will finish your prerequisite (validation) courses.
Success Tips
- Declare the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
- Meet with your Student Success Advisor regularly. Stay on track with what you need to do to apply for validation.
- Plan and register for courses.
- Review the Notations at the bottom of the catalog page (use the Required Courses link on this page) for helpful information about the program.
- Review the Notations at the bottom of the catalog page (use the Required Courses link on this page) for helpful information about the program.
- Apply for validation with the Registrar’s Office once you’ve started your final semester of prerequisite courses.
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Stay connected via email, the website, and/or social media for important updates from Delta!
The cost to attend Delta is less than half the cost of a university, which can add up to tens of thousands in savings. And we help find ways to pay for it. Last year, Delta students were awarded $26 million in financial aid, including nearly $640,000 in Delta College scholarships. That’s a lot of money available to students!
We want to make sure you're ready when you graduate and that the knowledge you gain from your Delta degree is top-notch.
Outcome 1
Demonstrate professional behaviors of the physical therapy field.
Outcome 2
Use relevant interpersonal skills to communicate with each diverse person in the healthcare
setting.
Outcome 3
Perform appropriate technical skills under the supervision of a physical therapist
to function as a competent entry-level physical therapist assistant.
Outcome 4
Utilize appropriate critical thinking abilities to carry out an established plan of
care under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Outcome 5
Demonstrate the ability to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
We think it's important to know how we're doing so we can continually improve our programs – collegewide. We work really hard to give our students the best possible education. So, we annually evaluate and show you what we find out.
Total percent of candidates by graduation year who took the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Licensure pass rates (first-time)
2022: 8/11 graduates; 72.7%
2023: 11/12 graduates; 91.7%
Two-year average: 82.6%
Source: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 2023
Licensure pass rates (ultimate)
2022: 10/11 graduates; 90.9%
2023: 12/12 graduates; 100%
Two-year average: 95.7%
Source: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 2024
2022: 68.8%
2023: 63.2%
Two-year average: 66%
Source: CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report, 2023
Employment rates
Employment in physical therapy (full-time or part-time) within six months of passing the licensure exam.
2021: 11/11 licensed graduates, 100%
2022: 10/10 licensed graduates, 100%
Two-year average: 100%
Source: graduate surveys and personal contact
Related Programs
Physical Therapist Assistant – Dual Associate with General Management
In addition to the Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree, Delta also offers a dual degree with General Management. With this program, you have the opportunity to earn a second associate degree in General Management at the same time as your physical therapist assistant associate's degree. It's a great way to get that business background and increase earning potential.
Physical Therapist Assistant – Dual Associate with Health Fitness Specialist
If you have an interest in wellness and health fitness, this dual associate degree in Health Fitness Specialist could be perfect for you! It's a great way to get additional training in personalized exercise and fitness to increase your earning potential.
Explore all programs
Delta College offers over 140 degree, certificate and training options. Whatever your path, when you leave here, you’ll be ready.
Option 1: Transfer opportunities
One of the very best things about Delta College is your ability to start here and go on. And, in the process, save thousands (and thousands) of dollars. It's a smart choice!
In fact, if you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, you have several options by coming to Delta first, and then transferring. Delta has signed transfer agreements to continue your studies with:
- Davenport University - Applied Business
- Ferris State University - Allied Health Sciences
- Siena Heights University - BAS Health Care Management
Option 2: MIWorkforce Pathways
Transfer your applied workforce degree in Healthcare to the following universities:
Alma College
Baker College
Davenport University
Grand Valley State University
Northwood University
Rochester University
Saginaw Valley State University
Siena Heights University
Walsh College
Interested? Make an appointment with academic advising to discuss your interests. Courses transfer differently based on the university you plan to attend. An advisor can help you determine the exact courses you need to get the education you’re looking for.
The transferability of courses between colleges/universities depends on the institution into which you transfer. Visit Transfer Programs and Procedures to see the full procedure.
"Delta gave me the opportunity to see what goes on in the real world of physical therapy. Clinicals gave me real-life, hands-on experiences with patients."
Physical Therapist Assistant student