Physical Therapist Assistant

Healing the human body after an illness or injury is a process. The care a patient receives during recovery has tremendous implications for their immediate health and overall, long-term wellbeing. Physical therapist assistants not only provide direct treatment; they accompany their patient and the patients’ social and medical support networks on the journey to recovery. 

This program prepares the student to provide physical therapist assistant services according to the plan of care developed by the physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant administers direct patient care; teaches patients, families, and other healthcare providers how to perform selected procedures; and provides desired psychosocial support to patients and their families.

Physical therapist assistants are employed primarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, extended care facilities, and home healthcare settings.

This program is sponsored by the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education (CACHE), which is comprised of the College of Southern Maryland, Chesapeake College, and Anne Arundel Community College. Students complete their general education requirements at the College of Southern Maryland, their physical therapist assistant labs at Anne Arundel Community College, and their clinical practice in their local service area when possible. Distance learning technology is used as appropriate.

Students who complete the program receive an associate’s degree from the College of Southern Maryland and are eligible to take the national licensing examination for physical therapist assistants.

View Program Requirements in the Catalog:

Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS