Physical Therapist Assistant Department

physical therapist assistant student

Physical Therapist Assistant Department

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a two-year program that prepares students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist as a PTA in a variety of rehabilitation settings. 

Who We Are

The Physical Therapist Assistant Department provides outstanding training for work in a variety of rehab settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Department Directory
Course Descriptions
Admissions | 763-433-1300
Dean Sandra Kohler | 763-433-1603

Meet Lisa Lentner

Lisa Lentner
Meet Lisa Lentner
Instructor of PTA
Meet Lisa Lentner
Instructor of PTA

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT), College of St. Scholastica; Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Science, College of St. Scholastica

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Meet Vinny Morocco

Vinny Morocco
Meet Vinny Morocco
PTA program
Meet Vinny Morocco
PTA program

West Middlesex, PA

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Degrees & Certificates We Offer

Courses offered range from anatomy, medical terminology and advanced physical therapy techniques. Students also gain hands-on clinical experience at three different healthcare facilities.

The department offers one degree:

  • The Physical Therapist Assistant program is located in the Visual Arts Building. The lecture and lab rooms all have internet access, projectors and seating for 32 students.

    The labs have up-to-date therapy equipment including modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, combination units, spinal traction, and various heating and cooling agents.

    There is also a wide variety of exercise equipment and assistive devices. Students also go to the Health and Wellness Center for specific labs.

  • The types of setting that a PTA can work in under the supervision of a physical therapist are hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care therapy, and the school system. Areas of specialty in physical therapy are orthopedics, neurological rehab, pediatrics, geriatrics, pool therapy, manual therapy and sports rehabilitation.

  • In 2017, the graduation rate for the Anoka-Ramsey PTA Program was 93.8%, in 2018 it was 81.5% and in 2019 it was 96.8% for a three-year average of 90.7%.

    For the graduating class of 2017, 97% of those who graduated and sought employment in physical therapy (full-time or part-time) were employed within one year following graduation. For the graduating class of 2018, 100% of those seeking employment as a PTA were employed within one year after graduation. In 2019 96% of graduates who passed the licensing exam and were seeking employment are now working as a PTA.

  • Upon successful completion of the PTA program, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Licensing Exam (NPTE).

    Our graduates have been very successful on the PTA National licensing exam (NPTE). In 2017 our program's first time pass rate was 93.3% and ultimate pass rate was 96.7%. In 2018 the first time was 90% and ultimate pass rate was 100%. In 2019 the first time pass rate was 89.7% and the ultimate pass rate was 96.6%. A total of 79 graduates from those three cohorts have taken the exam. The mean scores have improved almost every year since 2008 and for 2017 the ultimate mean score was 685.9 in 2018 the ultimate mean score was 675.1 and in 2019 it was 685.7. A score of 600 is required to pass the licensing exam.

    Scale scores of 600 and above are passing.

    According to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) reports, ARCC PTA graduates scored above the national mean scale score in all content areas of the licensing exam except the musculoskeletal system.

  • The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

    If needing to contact the program or institution directly, please call Lisa Lentner at 763-433-1293 or email Lisa.Lentner@anokaramsey.edu.


    1111 North Fairfax Street
    Alexandria, Virginia 22314
    703-706-3245
    accreditation@apta.org 
    www.capteonline.org

Meet Our Students and Alumni

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  1. Meet Tina Klaysmat
    Tina Klaysmat
    Allied Health & Nursing
    AS Exercise Science

    “I chose ARCC because it is close to home, affordable, and they have a lot to offer in terms of classes and Transfer Pathways.”

  2. Meet Logan Douglas
    Logan Douglas
    Arts & Communication
    AFA Theatre

    “I think the best aspect of Anoka-Ramsey is the people. Everyone here, staff and students alike, feels super down to earth, and I'm never too scared or nervous to engage in conversation with them… We all help each other with our problems and I think that's one of my biggest reasons I'm glad I came here.”

  3. Meet Madison Rowe
    Madison Rowe
    Information Systems
    AS Computer Science

    “I was nervous about my decision to come to Anoka-Ramsey because of the stigma of community colleges, but it was the right decision for me.”

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