SANFORD, N.C. - The Central Carolina Community College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program has been granted the Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program will be accepting applications starting Dec. 1, 2023, for its inaugural cohort of 24 students to begin August 2024 at the Chatham Health Sciences Center.

The program, led by Department Chair Tiffany Needham, PTA, MS, CEASIII, will prepare students through a rigorous curriculum that includes field work led by Clinical Education Coordinator Jason Harloff, PT, MSPT, AT-Ret. "The team and program are excited to produce the next generation of rehabilitation professionals to serve in our community and beyond," said Needham.

"The college is excited to offer this new program to students looking for a hands-on job working directly with patients in the medical field," said Denise Martin, Ed.D., CCCC Dean of Health Sciences and Professional Services. "PTAs play a critical role in helping people recover from injuries or health conditions and people suffering from chronic pain. In just two years, students can earn a great salary while helping people live their best lives."

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs may also measure changes in the patient's performance as a result of the physical therapy provided.

Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Learn more about the CCCC Physical Therapist Assistant program at www.cccc.edu/pta. Or, contact Tiffany Needham at tneedham@cccc.edu or by phone at (919) 545-8652.