Notice of Change in Admission Cycle
The UCNJ PTA program will no longer admit new students in the Spring semester,
effective Spring 2024. Beginning in 2024, new students will be admitted in the Fall
semester only. The deadline for submission of new applications for the Fall 2024 is
May 10, 2024.
All prospective PTA program applicants can now schedule to complete the HESI exam admission requirement. Please visit http://www.proctoru.com/portal/elsevier-hesi to create your account and schedule your exam. Information about the HESI exam can be found at http://evolve.elsevier.com/education/hesi/hesi-admission-assessment-exam/. Please note that the HESI exam will test a student’s knowledge about Anatomy and Physiology I along with their English, and critical thinking skills.
Download the PTA Program Application
Download the PTA Student Handbook
Download the PTA Program Outcome
Download the PTA Clinical Handbook
Download the PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is an accredited two-year, six-semester course of study composed of specialized courses in physical therapy, planned clinical training and general education. During the first year, a background in biological and behavioral sciences is established with emphasis on anatomy. General education courses in writing and communication skills are included in the curriculum. As the semesters progress, more time is allocated to the clinical application of physical therapy procedures that were learned in the classroom. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an A.A.S. degree and are eligible to take the state licensure examination.
All students must complete their prerequisite courses before the application deadline. The program will only consider completed applications for admission into the program. Prerequisite BIO 105 Anatomy and Physiology I must be completed within 10 years of the application date.
Qualified students are admitted without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, natural origin, sexual orientation, ancestry or gender.
Students who are pursuing a degree in physical therapy need to be aware of certain elements that potentially can impact fieldwork placement, certification, licensure, and future employment. Federal and various state laws are in place that preclude persons with criminal backgrounds from being in contact with children and patients. Where these laws apply, you will be required to undergo a criminal background check which may include fingerprinting and a search of federal and state criminal data bases. Drug testing may also be required. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for and/or attain state licensure.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at UCNJ is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 303 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program directly, please call 908-791-4917 or email Kathleen Wittrock.
SKILL INVOLVED
Upon completion of the program, the graduate is prepared in the use of standard procedures involving the therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, massage, electricity, ultrasound, functional activities and exercises. Assisting the physical therapist in evaluation and in more complex treatment interventions are additional areas in which the physical therapist assistant participates. The physical therapist assistant has skills in the treatment of adults and children with disabilities resulting from disease or injury.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Physical therapist assistants are required by state law to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. There are a variety of work settings such as hospitals, private practice, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities and schools.
The American Physical Therapy Association
Faculty:
- Dr. Sohal Hallur PT, ScD, Program Director
- Dr. Marie-Helene McAndrew, PT, DPT
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at UCNJ is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 303 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please contact Kathleen Wittrock.