Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Quincy College prepares students for licensure and employment as Physical Therapist Assistants. Graduates will possess exemplary technical competence, be critical thinkers and practice ethically in various healthcare settings. The program is dedicated to the industry of Physical Therapy, lifelong learning and values a commitment to the community.
PTA Information Sessions
Join our Program Director, Christie Amorosino, as well as other members of the Quincy College community to learn more about our Physical Therapy Assistant program. Sessions are scheduled for the following dates. Please note that some dates are on campus and some are virtual. If you select a virtual session, you will receive a Zoom link the day before.
Physical Therapy Assistant Information Session
View the curriculum for this associate degree program in the latest college catalog here.
Have questions or want to apply for the program? Please contact:
Janet Pearson, Admissions Associate
jpearson@quincycollege.edu
617-984-1712
Application
Applications are still being accepted.
Click here to apply>>
- Students applying to the PTA program will be required to attend a virtual Open House presented by the PTA faculty as part of the application process.
- Scholarships are available for the Fall 2022 cohort
- All new Fall 2022 PTA Students will be eligible for a $3000 First Year Scholarship
- Students admitted into the PTA program will be required to attend a mandatory PTA Orientation session on campus with PTA faculty in order to reserve their seat in the program. These will take place in the PTA Lab on the Plymouth Campus. Please contact Christie Amorosino at camorosino@quincycollege.edu.
- Graduates of the PTA Program at Quincy College are eligible to take the National PTA Licensure Exam which is administered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. For information on the NPTE- PTA Licensure Exam please refer to www.fsbpt.org. To find out detailed information about applying for licensure in a specific state, please refer to this page.
Philosophy
The Quincy College physical therapist assistant faculty is committed to graduating confident, knowledgeable clinicians who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Guided by the practice that physical therapy necessitates specific complex cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors, the curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the professional standards of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Aligned with Quincy College’s mission to encourage academic achievement and excellence, the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program faculty and clinical educators value student learning and achievement both in and out of the classroom. Efforts are made toward a holistic, respectful learning environment. This collaborated effort includes a variety of learning resources and recognizes and understands differences in learning styles. An innovated approach will motivate the learner by utilizing contemporary education practices, technology, and competency based laboratory practice.
The PTA program is a five (5) semester, integrated full time day program of rigorous academic curriculum. The hybrid curriculum consists of foundational content, physical therapy technical courses, and a clinical education component. The program values and promotes excellence in education and includes evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills essential to the physical therapist assistant. The physical therapist assistant curriculum includes the necessary information to allow the student to gain the didactic knowledge, motor skills, and professional behaviors required to meet entry-level expectations of the physical therapist assistant working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The clinical education component is designed to integrate knowledge and professional behavior with patient care. Under the direction and supervision of the clinical instructors, students learn patient care skills as well as the value of lifelong learning.
Physical therapy practice encompasses health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation for individuals from diverse populations across the lifespan. The Quincy College Physical Therapist Assistant program is committed to this philosophy and will strive to embed the importance of promoting wellness and contemporary practice into a holistic environment. The program is an integral part of the Quincy College community and is consistent with the stated mission of the College.
Program Goals
1. Graduates will receive an Associate in Science degree designed to lead to licensure/credentials to practice as an entry-level physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.
2. Graduates will be competent in all the skills necessary to perform as a Physical Therapist Assistant under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist in a variety of settings.
3. Graduates will be well rounded in their education including basic, clinical, and social science coursework to enhance their ability to think critically as a member of the healthcare team.
4. The program will promote the importance of continuing personal and professional development through service to the community, life-long learning opportunities, and membership in professional organizations.
Accreditation Status
The PTA Program at Quincy College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (617) 405-5969 or email camorosino@quincycollege.edu.
Complaints
Complaints regarding the program or the program graduates should be first addressed to the PTA Chair, Christie Amorosino at camorosino@quincycollege.edu or (617) 405-5969. Unresolved complaints or complaints about the Chair should be directed to the Dean of Natural and Health Sciences, Andrea McLain, at amclain@quincycollege.edu or (617) 405-5960. All complaints will be documented, including the projected outcome, and kept on file at the program facility. Complaints regarding the Accreditation of this program should be addressed to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
This Commission is located at 3030 Potomac Avenue Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085. Retaliation following a student complaint submission is strictly prohibited and monitored by the Chair and/or the Dean of the Plymouth Campus.
Cost of the Program
Current cost per semester of PTA (Tuition only) based on the 2020-2021 academic year fee schedule.
Year 1 Fall : 19 credits = $12,884
Year 1 Spring :16 credits= $12,140
Year 1 Summer: 12 credits (Including Clinical Education I)= $5,079
Year 2 Fall: 16 credits= $10,678.
Year 2 Spring: 8 credits (including Clinical Education II and III)=$7,376
PTA Program Outcome Data
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||
Graduation Rate | 88.9% | 85.7% | 100% | |
|
87.5% | 100% | 80% | |
|
87.5% | 100% | N/A |
Employment Rate | 100% | 83% | Data not available as of 12/1/21 |
* This percentage reflects students who have passed the licensing exam and reported employment within 6 months of graduation.
Acceptance Review Process
PTA Applicants will be scored utilizing a Point System, out of 100 points. Points are based upon: Overall GPA (30), Prerequisite Grades(30), ATI TEAS Examination Score (30), Accuracy and Completeness of Application (3), Previous College Degrees (2), and Certification or Licensure as a Healthcare Provider and/or Previous Healthcare Experience (5). Please contact the Program Chair or Advising for more information.
Contact Us:
Christie Amorosino
(617) 405-5969
camorosino@quincycollege.edu
Janet Pearson, Admissions Associate
(617) 984 – 1712
jpearson@quincycollege.edu
Degrees
The Quincy College Physical Therapist Assistant program is a five (5) semester, integrated program of rigorous academic curriculum. The curriculum consists of foundational content, physical therapy technical courses, and a clinical education component. The program values and promotes excellence in education and includes evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills essential to the physical therapist assistant. The physical therapist assistant curriculum includes the necessary information to allow the student to gain the didactic knowledge, motor skills, and professional behaviors required to meet entry-level expectations of the physical therapist assistant working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The clinical education component is designed to integrate knowledge and professional behavior with patient care. Under the direction and supervision of the clinical instructors, students learn patient care skills as well as the value of lifelong learning. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Quincy College prepares students for licensure and employment as Physical Therapist Assistants. Graduates will possess exemplary technical competence, be critical thinkers and practice ethically in various healthcare settings. The program is dedicated to the industry of Physical Therapy, lifelong learning and values a commitment to the community.
Pre-requisities to the PTA program
A. College level General Biology w/ lab or Anatomy & Physiology I w/ lab and a grade of “C” or better. (For high school applicants, a high school biology course with a “B” (80%) or better will satisfy the prerequisite requirements.)
B. Demonstrated competency of placing into English 101 through the standardized college placement test (Accuplacer) or completion of English 097 or equivalent.
C. Demonstrated competency of placing into Math 207 through the standardized college placement test (Accuplacer) or completion of MAT 097 with a “C” or better.
D. Complete ATI TEAS exam by April 23, 2021. Please visit atitesting.com to register.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate professional clinical behavior including cultural awareness, adaptability, time management skills and dependability
- Describe the structure and function of normal and abnormal human anatomy
- Adhere to legal and ethical standards
- Demonstrate entry-level motor skill and competence in the implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients across the lifespan with various medical conditions
- Demonstrate entry-level competence with data collection skills
- Demonstrate effective/professional written and verbal communication and a commitment to patient education
- Formulate a plan and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning
- Compose concise, accurate, and timely documentation to support provided intervention
- Incorporate evidenced-based practice with critical thinking skills in order to make sound decisions regarding patient care
- Obtain employment as a Physical Therapy Assistant
Plymouth
Physical Therapist Assistant Courses
-
Code
Course
Credits
-
- PTA 100
Introduction to the Physical Therapist Assistant
- 3
-
- PTA 110
PTA Interventions I
- 4
-
- PTA 112
PTA Interventions II
- 5
-
- PTA 113
Critical Application Skills I
- 1
-
- PTA 115
Medical Terminology for the PTA
- 1
-
- PTA 120
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Function
- 4
-
- PTA 125
Manual Therapy for the PTA
- 2
-
- PTA 210
PTA Interventions III
- 4
-
- PTA 213
Critical Application Skills II
- 1
-
- PTA 220
PTA Interventions IV
- 4
-
- PTA 224
Career Capstone
- 1
-
- PTA 240
Pathology for the PTA
- 3
-
- PTA 270
Clinical Education I
- 3
-
- PTA 280
Clinical Education II
- 3
-
- PTA 290
Clinical Education III
- 4
-
- PTA 260
Critical Application Skills III
- 1
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Transfer Policy
For consideration into the PTA program at Quincy College from another PT or PTA program, students must be in good academic standing in the external program and meet all new student admission requirements for the Quincy College program. All previous coursework must have been completed within the past year and will be evaluated on an individual basis in order to determine transferability.
Any student who has been dismissed from another PT or PTA program, for either academic, conduct, or professional issues will not be considered for transfer admission.
Prospective students may be required to prove competency via practical and/or written examination at the discretion of the Program Director.
Transfer Procedure
- Students must notify the Quincy College PTA Program Chair in writing of their intent and reason for seeking to transfer.
- Submit an official transcript from the student’s previous program.
- Submit course syllabi for all courses the student seeks to transfer.
- Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a current faculty member or program administrator from the program the student seeks to transfer from.
Please note: All documents should be submitted to the Admissions Office at Quincy College (1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA 02169) and decisions will be made on a space available basis.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Frequently Asked Questions
Which campus is the program held on?
The PTA program is exclusively held on the Plymouth Campus.
Are night classes available?
No, the PTA Program at Quincy College is a full time, day program. All courses are held Monday – Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm.
How many students are accepted into the program?
The PTA Program accepts 12 students per cohort.
When does the program start?
The PTA Program only admits one cohort per year with a September start date.
Can students apply year round and start in September?
No. The application period for the PTA Program is from January 20 to May 1, 2022.
Can I take any courses before being accepted into the program?
All General Education courses (non-PTA designation) may be taken prior to acceptance into the program.
Will my general education courses transfer from another school?
You will need to meet with an Academic Advisor to determine if your courses will transfer.
You must acquire official college transcripts from the institution you are transferring from. Transcripts must arrive at Quincy College in a sealed envelope in order to be considered official.
Points to keep in mind:
- All grades must have a final grade of C or better
- All course(s) must be equivalent Quincy College level courses (please see your advisor for more information)
- College-level courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution in order to be considered for transfer into Quincy College (please see your advisor for more information)
For more information, please visit: https://quincycollege.edu/advising
How long is the program?
The program is 5 semesters comprised of two academic years and summer course work. The summer between the first and second academic year includes a full time clinical education experience.
Can I work while in this program?
The PTA Program is rigorous and demanding. The PTA Program Faculty suggest that you limit your time working while in the program in order to allot yourself enough time to be successful with the academic requirements of the program. There are three full time clinical education experiences in this program that require you to work 40 hours a week and schedules vary (travel time to and from sites may add to these hours). That being said, most of our students do maintain some part time work in our program.
Will my PTA courses count towards a PT degree?
No. PTA Programs are not typically designed to be a stepping stone for PT programs. If you are interested in pursuing a PT education, you should check the admissions requirements for those programs.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
For more information please contact the Financial Aid Office or visit: https://quincycollege.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
I have additional questions; who should I contact at Quincy College?
If you have any additional questions please contact Andrea McLain, Interim Chair of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at amclain@quincycollege.edu (617) 405 – 5960

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