Physical Therapist Assistant
Based at the RELLIS Campus, Blinn College's Physical Therapist Assistant Program focuses on student excellence and service in the classroom, in clinical environments, and in the greater community. Students receive extensive hands-on experience in the Blinn Physical Therapy Lab and in clinical experiences at area physical therapy facilities.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help people of all ages with medical issues or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Among their responsibilities, PTAs teach patients exercises to improve their mobility, strength, and coordination; train patients to walk with crutches, canes, or walkers; and provide patient treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, cold, and massage.
Degree Plan
After completing approximately 63 semester hours, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and qualify to take the national licensure exam.
Blinn College student finds a rewarding way to help others through the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Once Cynthia Mills chose to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant, she had three criteria in mind for her education: she wanted a program that would be close to home, had a high national certification exam pass rate, and had a reputation for helping its graduates find employment.
“I like helping people,” Mills said. “I’m already a licensed massage therapist, so I like helping people feel better, but I wanted to branch out in what I do. I do a lot of assessment of patients in what I already do, so I felt that it was a natural thing to move into and I love it.”
Meet Shelby Salley
A first-generation college student, Shelby chose to start her college career at Blinn before transferring to Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Motor Behavior Kinesiology and started her own personal training franchise. When she sought a more meaningful way to connect her athletic background with a desire to help people, Blinn’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program was the answer.
“I’ve always loved kinesiology and movement, but I wasn’t sure what avenue to take until I found physical therapy,” Salley said. “It’s rewarding to help someone regain something they have lost, whether it’s their sport, the ability to walk, or even just getting in their car or visiting their grandchildren. Blinn’s program was my top choice.”
Program FAQ
Will I get hands-on experience?
Yes, all students are required to complete hands-on clinical experience at various healthcare facilities throughout the duration of the program.
Is there program advising offered to prospective students?
Yes. The Division of Health Sciences provides program advising to prospective students interested in Blinn's various Health Sciences career pathways. For more information and who to contact, please visit our Health Sciences Advising page.
What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program's Mission Statement and Goals?
Blinn College District Physical Therapist Assistant Program Mission Statement:
“In keeping with the Mission & Vision of Blinn College District, the mission of the PTA Program is to provide a comprehensive curriculum to yield graduate Physical Therapist Assistants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become outstanding clinicians and educators in the diverse communities they will serve.”
Blinn College District Physical Therapist Assistant Program Goals:
1. Students will be proficient in providing therapeutic interventions established within the plan of care under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist in the communities they serve. -Blinn core values addressed: Excellence, Service
2. Students will be skilled in educating a variety of diverse stakeholders about the role, benefits, and application of physical therapy services and interventions. -Blinn core values addressed: Excellence, Service, Diversity, Respect
3. Students will demonstrate patient-centered, safe, effective, moral, and ethical behaviors within the realm of physical therapy. -Blinn core values addressed: Respect, Diversity, Excellence, Service
4. The program will provide access to innovative technology and an evidence-based curriculum to enhance the quality of education in an effort to meet contemporary professional expectations. -Blinn core values addressed: Innovation, Access, Excellence
5. Students will exercise the ability to collaborate as a dynamic member of the Physical Therapy profession, healthcare team, and society by demonstrating effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. -Blinn core values addressed: Collaboration, Excellence, Respect, Service
6. Students will discover the significance of lifelong learning and commitment to serving their community in order to positively impact the profession and society. -Blinn core values addressed: Excellence, Access, Service, Diversity
What are the identified marketable skills for the Health Science programs at Blinn College?
Health Science Programs faculty, in collaboration with members of the advisory committees who represent business and industry, will determine the marketable skills expected of the graduate in the workplace. These skills will be communicated with the students throughout the program. Annually, the marketable skills will be reviewed during a meeting of the advisory committee and amended as needed as the workplace demands change.
In addition to content specific knowledge for each program, the identified Marketable Skills for the Health Science programs of Blinn College are:
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Personal Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
How long is the program?
After completion of all prerequisite courses and admission into the program, the PTA program is 5 semesters (Fall 1, Spring 1, Summer 1, Fall 2, Spring 2).
When does the program start?
The PTA Program admits 1 new cohort per year, beginning in August each fall.
How many students are admitted each year?
The number of students admitted is determined based on a variety of factors, including job market, clinical site availability, and program resources. On average, the program admits between 16-22 students per year.
Can I complete any portion of the PTA program online?
The only courses that can be completed online are the program prerequisites. It is the student’s decision whether to take these courses online or face-to-face. (It is HIGHLY recommended to complete a face-to-face section of BIOL 2401 and 2402, due to the heavy emphasis of Anatomy & Physiology in all PTHA courses). All of the PTHA courses are only offered face-to-face.
PTA Application FAQ
I completed 20 observation hours at a clinic, and then an additional 10 hours at another clinic. Will both of these facilities be considered on my application?
No. The first 20 hours will satisfy the minimum requirement, but you must observe a minimum of 20 hours at each additional facility in order to get enhancement points on your application.
In this example, I would recommend completing another 10 hours at the second clinic (to equal 20 hours) if possible, in order to receive application points.
What if I have shadowed at more than 3 PT facilities?
Although we always recommend shadowing in a variety of different settings, you will only receive credit for up to 3 facilities on the application.
*Please be sure the observation hours you submit are no more than 2 years old.
I’m applying for the PTA program in the Fall semester, and I’m currently taking one of the pre-requisite classes. Will I receive application credit for this class?
If you are currently enrolled in one or more of the required pre-requisite classes in the fall semester of your application cycle, wait to send your transcript(s) and submit your application until after fall semester grades have posted. If you've completed any of the required pre-requisites at Blinn College, you do not need to send in your transcripts, as all of your courses are shown and can be verified using the 'Degree Progress' icon on your myBLINN dashboard.
I’m applying for the PTA program and want to submit my application in the Spring semester. I’m currently taking one of the pre-requisite classes. Will I receive application credit for this class?
Unfortunately, because our application cycle closes March 1st, any classes in progress in the Spring semester of application will not be completed before the due date, and therefore will not be factored into application points or GPA calculations.
Do I have to complete all of the prerequisites prior to starting the PTA program?”
Yes. The 7 prerequisites (PTHA 1201, BIOL 2401 and 2402, ENGL 1301, HITT 1305, PSYC 2301, and Humanities elective) must be completed before starting the program. Although there are 3 courses (BIOL 2402, HITT 1305, and Humanities elective) listed during the 1st and 2nd semester of the program, these are not intended to be taken in conjunction with PTHA program courses due to the comprehensive nature of the curriculum and emphasis on foundational knowledge.
I have worked as a PT Tech at a clinic. Do these hours count toward my Observation hours?
Yes. Any hours spent directly observing or participating in patient care with a Licensed PT or PTA can count toward your Observation hours. All hours (paid or volunteer) must be documented and verified (signed) by a Licensed PT or PTA. You may use the 'Documentation of PT Experience' form found under the Admissions & Application Process page to document your hours, or you may upload a facility-provided hour sheet if desired.
How many total evaluations are required?
A minimum of two evaluations is required for your application to be considered. This includes one PT Evaluation, and one non-PT evaluation. If you have completed PT observation hours in any additional setting(s), you will also need to submit an additional PT Evaluation for each additional observation setting. For example: If you've observed in 2 PT settings, you will need to submit 2 PT Evaluations, plus 1 non-PT evaluation, for a total of 3 evaluations on your application.
Contact Us
Physical Therapist Assistant
Kelsey Maki, PT, DPT
Program Director
Phone: 979-691-2140
Email: kelsey.maki@blinn.edu
Kelsey Maki, PT, DPT
Program Director
Phone: 979-691-2140
Email: kelsey.maki@blinn.edu