This two-year program prepares individuals for a career as a physical therapist assistant. The licensed physical therapist assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to perform treatments and procedures, which include therapeutic use of heat, cold, ultrasound, massage and exercise. They work under the direct supervision of the physical therapist to assist people with movement impairments and subsequent pain to regain functional activity through the use of preventive patient education, motor relearning programs and exercise. The capstone experience course for the AAS is PTHA 2239 Professional Issues in Health Care.

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the licensure examination administrated by the Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Students must complete special admissions requirements prior to enrollment in specialized courses. Deadlines for application are January 1 for programs starting in Summer or Fall Semesters; September 1 for programs started in Spring Semesters. Before enrolling in the first clinical course, students must provide proof of CPR certification at the professional level (American Heart Association Professional Level or American Red Cross Basic Life Support Level.) Current CPR certification must be maintained throughout enrollment in clinical courses within the program. Students enrolled in clinical education courses must provide evidence of a current physical examination, tuberculin test, and specified immunizations. Additional information on this requirement is provided at the program orientation. Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus clinical learning sites. Special uniforms are required for clinical courses. Uniforms must be in accordance with provided guidelines for the program. Students must purchase them at their own expense. Students may enter the program with articulated credit from high school. In order to complete the requirements for progression and graduation, students enrolled in this program must have a grade of “C” or better in all specialized courses. The term “specialized courses” refers to all courses carrying the prefix of the program in which the student is majoring or the prefix of another health-related discipline. Following completion of the Tech Prep Associate of Applied Science, a multi-disciplinary enhanced skills certificate in Border Health Issues is available. This program prepares graduates to work as member of a multi-disciplinary team to meet the unique health care needs of the U.S./Mexico border community.