Physical Therapist Assistant is an Associate Degree program offered by Johnson College in Scranton, PA. The program takes 2 academic years plus a summer term to complete, with a total tuition of $42,400.
Program Overview
Johnson College is no longer accepting applications to the 2-year PTA program. The 2-year PTA program is no longer being offered to new students. Applicants who meet the pre-requisite coursework requirements to enter directly into the second year of the PTA program should contact enrollment for more information.
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the five-semester Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree program at Johnson College is to prepare students to be competent and caring entry-level physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of settings. Students will be committed to developing and continuing professional competence, demonstrating lifelong learning, and adhering to the behavioral expectations outlined in the APTA Guide for Conduct and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA.
What do Physical Therapist Assistants do?
Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals achieve their optimal level of mobility and independence. Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists and work directly with patients to help improve quality of life. Physical therapist assistants must be well educated and personable.
Clinical Education
Clinical education is a significant part of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Prior to the clinical education experiences, students must complete criminal background checks, fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and drug testing. Students must satisfy the clinical requirements for both Johnson College and the clinical sites in order to successfully complete the program.
Learn More
Johnson College’s President & CEO, Dr. Katie Pittelli, visits industry partner, Pivot Physical Therapy.
Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook
Physical Therapist Assistant students are responsible for reading and abiding by all policies and procedures in the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook and Clinical Packet. View the handbook here.
Special Fees
In addition to tuition and program fees, students are responsible for the cost of all clearances and additional drug tests. Students are also required to join the American Physical Therapy Association as student PTA members.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Johnson College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org ; website: http://www.capteonline.org . The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information, see https://www.capteonline.org/about-capte/recent-actions-and-updates/recent-actions . If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 570-702-8992 or email jmartin@johnson.edu .
Program Effectiveness for Johnson College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Johnson College PTA program adheres to standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE requires accredited programs to make program data and effectiveness related to graduation rate, NPTE pass rate, and job placement rate available to the general public.
Graduation Rate:
According to CAPTE, the graduation rate is equivalent to the percentage of students who are matriculated in the first technical course in the program after the add/drop period and who complete the program. Graduation rates are required to be over 60% when averaged over two years.
Johnson’s PTA Program Graduation Rate
NPTE Pass Rate CAPTE requires ultimate licensure pass rates are at least 85%, averaged over two years.
Johnson College PTA Program NPTE Pass Rates
Job Placement Rate CAPTE requires employment rates of at least 90%, averaged over two years based on the last two academic years for each cohort based on the number of graduates who sought employment and the number of graduates employed within one year of graduation.
Johnson’s PTA Program Job Placement Rate
Important Note for Prospective Students:
If you are considering a degree program that leads to a professional license or certification in a state other than Pennsylvania, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state BEFORE enrolling in an academic program or course at Johnson College.
Johnson College will not be held liable if you have not contacted your appropriate state agency prior to enrollment.
School Information
Campus
Career Opportunities
Physical therapy is a very rewarding and diverse profession. Practicing physical therapist assistants have the option to work in a variety of settings, including: hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, home health, and schools. PTAs can also teach in physical therapist assistant programs or if they choose, can further their education in a variety of related fields.
Our Physical Therapist Assistant program graduates enter the region’s workforce at locations such as Pro Rehab , Cawley Physical Therapy , Geisinger .
Admissions Requirements
Special Admissions Requirements
Admittance to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Johnson College is based on a selective admission process that has been developed to ensure that students who are admitted to the Johnson College PTA Program are prepared to succeed in the program and enter the workforce as competent entry-level physical therapist assistants. Students are admitted based on their merit without being discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, non-job-related disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Current enrollment is limited to 12 new students per year based on the number of applicants who meet the admission criteria and qualifications.
The procedure for applicants who desire to seek acceptance into the PTA program is as follows:
Students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- GPA 2.67 or higher*
- 1 year of Algebra with a “B-” or higher*
- 2 years of English with a “B-” or higher*
- 1 year of Biology with a “B-” or higher*
- Recommended: 1 year of an additional life or physical science with a “B-” of higher*
Students are encouraged to submit the following recommended criteria:
- SAT scores of 900 (combined math and verbal with not less than 450 on either section) or above or ACT scores 18 or above or If SAT/ACT test were never taken, an online exam will be provided by the Recruitment Advisor. A score of 21 or above is required for English and 18 or above for Math.
- PTA Admissions Questionnaire
(*denotes prerequisites that can be completed in high school or college; college level courses will be weighted more in the scoring process)
Once the applicant has completed all of the above prerequisites, the admissions representative will send the file to the program director for review.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Curriculum
Program total: 67 credits.
Tuition
Johnson College publishes tuition as an annual rate rather than a per-program price: $19,700 per academic year full time (12–20 credits per term, 24–40 per year), $625 per credit part time, and $250 per credit for summer and intersession. Books for the fall and spring semesters are covered by tuition.
The figure shown for this program is computed from that rate over its 2 academic years plus 12 summer credits at $250 per credit — it is not a price the college publishes per program.
Accreditation
Johnson College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); its status is Accreditation Granted.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).