Clarkson College

Clarkson College Logo
x
Academics

Omaha College Among First in U.S. to Offer PTA Bachelor's Degree

  • 03 October 2016

Clarkson College is among one of just three colleges in the nation to launch a PTA Bachelor’s degreedesigned for certified PTAs seeking educational advancement and increased career opportunities.

Why the change?

Traditionally an associate’s-level degree field, the Bachelor’s degree in PTA offering comes as a result of the increasingly high professional standards set for entry-level PTAs over recent years. Concerned about the implications of this trend, PTA educators began a dialog in the fall 2012 to deliberate possible changes to course curricula and training. The discussion led to the formation of a formal investigatory committee at Clarkson College in 2013, which found sound evidence to believe an advanced degree option would enhance student learning outcomes and overall career potential.

Dr. Michael Witte, Director of the Clarkson College PTA program, spoke about the inevitable changes in physical therapy education over the last 40 years. “The profession has advanced with the educational requirement of physical therapists (PTs) from bachelor’s to master’s, and now to doctoral programs. These changes were attributed to the expansion of both acute and chronic patient conditions, the increased emphasis on PTs to provide differential diagnosis and the advancing complexity of the health care environment.”

All the while, the educational requirement for PTAs remained at the associate’s degree level. “This made sense in 1970,” said Dr. Witte, “but after years of progress, the profession has come to realize the role and capacity of quality care provided by the PTA is limited by this level of education.” He added that many employers only offer advancement for clinicians who have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which limits the career opportunities for PTAs.

What’s the advantage for PTAs?

“For us at Clarkson College, this new degree offering is focused on helping PTAs work toward becoming expert clinicians, better community members and leaders within their organization,” Dr. Witte said. “While other bachelor’s degrees may prepare a student for one or another, we are excited that the Clarkson College Bachelor’s in PTA degree offering will meet all three of those objectives and that—regardless of whether you are starting as a PTA or have been working for 20 years—this can add value to your career and the profession of physical therapy.”

How will future PTAs be affected?

The associate’s degree continues to be the standard for individuals considering a PTA career. To become eligible for the bachelor’s degree program, candidates must successfully complete their Associate’s degree in PTA, pass the PTA licensure exam and have some professional practice experience.

About the Clarkson College PTA Bachelor’s degree

The Clarkson College Bachelor’s degree in PTA is offered online with part- and full-time study options available. Students can complete the 46 credit hour program in as few as four semesters. One on-campus visit per semester is required to demonstrate clinical competencies. Applications for the fall 2017 semester are being accepted through Jan. 15.

Request more information.

Categories