Coursework introduces the skills needed to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. You'll learn how to assist with therapeutic exercises, monitor patient progress, use therapy equipment, and support treatment plans. The focus is on safe patient care and preparing for work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Surry Community College offers flexible training to match your goals, whether you’re looking to start a career quickly or plan for long-term success:
Competitive admissions are anticipated for a rigorous program that leads to an intensely satisfying career. The program will admit a maximum of 16 students each Fall Semester.
Applicants are required to complete the TEAS Test along with additional requirements before applying. Taking the TEAS test does not necessarily qualify students for admission into the PTA program.
Fall PTA students must turn in all materials by May 31.
Complaints outside of due process may be submitted to the program director. If you have not heard back within one week, or if your complaint concerns the program director, please contact Dr. Yvonne Johnson, Dean of Health Sciences, at johnsony@surry.edu.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Surry Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 336-386-3289 or email lawrencejk@surry.edu.
Helping patients regain strength, movement, and independence starts with skilled physical therapy support. Graduates enter the field prepared to work alongside licensed physical therapists in a variety of healthcare settings. After completing the program and meeting state requirements, graduates may be eligible to take the North Carolina licensure examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.
Early-career opportunities often include:
Healthcare providers rely on physical therapist assistants to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and medical conditions that affect movement. Graduates may find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient therapy clinics. Demand for physical therapist assistants remains strong as the need for rehabilitation services continues to grow.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 23/24 Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 75% | 75% | 75% |
| First Time Pass Rate | 83.3% | 75% | 85.7% | 80.4% |
| Ultimate Pass Rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Employment Rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| *These numbers are based on applicants who meet all minimum criteria necessary to be considered for admission to the PTA Program. | ||||
Sources for salary information obtained from O*NET. Salaries may vary for reasons including but not limited to years of experience, place of employment, and specific occupations within each industry.
Students learn through real-world practice in supervised clinical settings, where they assist patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and medical conditions. You'll build confidence by guiding therapeutic exercises, tracking patient progress, and working alongside physical therapists. These experiences prepare you for licensure and help you step confidently into your first physical therapy career.
