Krannert School of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Assistant Professor Mary Ann Shurig, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education.

The physical therapist assistant program is designed to prepare students for assistant roles within the profession of physical therapy. We require that our PTA students exhibit excellent interpersonal communication skills and that they develop high levels of technical competence across those areas of physical therapy practice that are typically delegated to PTAs. Our curriculum reflects this by incorporating realistic laboratory activities into most classes, by requiring that students demonstrate their skills through an extensive set of "check-off" activities, and by challenging students to grow and develop in their professionalism.

The Associate in Science in PTA requires that students complete at least 62 credit hours, 32 general education credit hours, and 30 PTA credit hours. Students may complete the PTA program on a part- or fulltime basis.

Students following an integrated curriculum pattern attend the University of Indianapolis full-time, completing general education and PTA classes each semester during the academic year and the clinical education courses during the summer. Full-time students in the integrated curriculum can complete the PTA program in two years, including both summers. General education courses are offered during the day and evening; PTA courses are offered in the evening.

Students following a sequential curriculum complete a portion or all of the general education courses before enrollment in the PTA classes. Students may take the general education courses at the University of Indianapolis or from another accredited college or university. To ensure proper credit for courses taken at another institution, students should discuss courses with the key advisor for the physical therapist assistant program before enrolling in courses at another institution. Students in the sequential curriculum may take the general education courses on a full-time or part-time basis. PTA courses are offered in the evening.