Physical Therapist Assistant

Welcome to PTA

Thank you for your interest in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. If you would like information beyond what is on the website, please complete our interest form.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average. Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an older population and individuals with chronic conditions.

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is required to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA may perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising physical therapist. Where permitted by law, a PTA my also carry out routine operational functions, including supervision of the physical therapy tech or PTA student, and documentation of treatment progress. The PTA is certified to practice in the state of choice upon completion of the licensure board exam.

The Colby Community College PTA program is planned in accordance with the established standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

The curriculum is arranged in a "1 + 1" format and is designed to be completed in four semesters and a summer. The freshman year (pre-PTA) is open to all students and consists of core courses. Satisfactory completion of these courses is a prerequisite to being accepted to the program. Admission to the program is limited and an interview process occurs prior to the second year.

The second year is devoted entirely to professional courses and consists of lecture and laboratory sessions on campus, and supervised clinical experiences in health care facilities in Kansas and other states. After completion of the fourth semester, an additional ten weeks of supervised clinical experience is required.

Financial Fact Sheet (PDF).

 

Student Outcomes

Per Class

2023
Ultimate pass rate: N/A (The 2023 PTA Program was on hold)

2022
Board Pass Rates: 85.7%
Employment Rates: 100%

Two-Year Program Outcomes

2020-2021
Graduation Rate: 94.1%
Employment Rates: 100%



Licensure

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student receives an Associate of Applied Science degree and qualifies to take state licensure examinations. The student is responsible for all applications and cost related to licensure in the state of choice.  


Complaints from Outside Sources

Should an outside entity (not a student or faculty member) wish to lodge a complaint against the CCC PTA program, the following procedure will be followed. All outside entity complaints should attempt to resolve the concern before starting the formal written process. A visit with the Vice President of Academic Affairs will often resolve the matter.  Every effort will be made to solve the complaint in an expeditious manner.

  1. The outside entity submits a signed, written complaint to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  2. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the complaint and respond to the entity concerning the steps to be taken in responding to the complaint. The investigation may involve other parties connected with the complaint. The nature of the complaint will dictate the extent of involvement of outside parties and the length of time needed to respond to the complaint.
  3. The complainant will be notified in writing of the action taken by Colby Community College in response to the complaint.


Faculty

Colby Community College is recognized for having dedicated and qualified PTA faculty. For more information, contact:

   

Christopher Flieg, PT, DPT, CSCS
Director

(785) 460-5443
christopher.flieg@colbycc.edu

Meghann Corder, PT, DPT, CIDN, CMDT
Instructor

(785) 460-5443
meghann.corder@colbycc.edu

 

Accreditation

 

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Colby Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE): For more  information, see the latest action letter. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 785.460.5443 or email christopher.flieg@colbycc.edu. 

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: www.capteonline.org

 

Get Started Today!

Questions? Contact Us.

PTA Program
1255 S Range Ave
Colby KS 67701
christopher.flieg@colbycc.edu
(785) 460-5443