FAQ's     

The Delgado PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy (PT) is a health profession which involves care of individuals who experience temporary or permanent disability due to pain, injury, disease or birth defects.  Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants work in a variety of environments including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public schools, private clinics and even patients' homes.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a graduate of an accredited PTA Program and is licensed to practice physical therapy in the state.  The duties of a PTA include assisting the PT in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, using special equipment, administering, modalities and other treatment procedures, reporting to the PT on the patient?s response, and documenting patient treatment and response.

What is the PTA Program like at Delgado?

The PTA program includes two parts: (1) PREREQUISITE, general education and required related courses, and (2) The PTA COMPONENT which includes all the PTA courses.  The PTA component of the program begins in August of each year and consists of THREE SEMESTERS OF FULL-TIME, DAY-TIME class work and clinical experiences.  The final summer semester of the program is spent in full-time clinical affiliations and may require travel to facilities outside the New Orleans area.

How do you apply for admission to the PTA Program?

Delgado Community College is an open admissions college; however acceptance into the PTA Program is by selection.  The Admissions Committee for the PTA Program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.  Students wishing to apply for admission to the PTA Program must submit a completed PTA application to the Division of Allied Health NO LATER THAN March 30.  See "Admissions".

Persons accepted into the PTA Program will be required to meet the technical standards of the PT profession which are available for review in the Allied Health Admissions Office.

When should you apply for admission to the PTA Program?

Students are eligible for admission to the PTA program who have:

1.  Completed all the prerequisite courses by the Spring semester preceding the August starting date.

2.  Achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college courses and a grade of "C" or better in BIOL 251, 253, 252 and 254, CHEM 101 and PHYS 101.  Grade point averages are calculated on the basis of all courses taken, including those repeated.

3.  Completed a minimum of 60 clock hours of observation, volunteer or work experience in two different physical therapy settings (a total of 30 or more at each setting) under the direct supervision of two different licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants prior to the time of application.  Additional hours are recommended and are included in admissions calculations.

4.  Complete a transcript evaluation by contacting an Allied Health Admissions Advisor.  This can be done by e-mail or in person by contacting Mrs. Julie Thompson at 504-671-6203 or jthomp@dcc.edu.  

5.  Completed high school or GED equivalent.

NOTE:  Applicants with courses over 10 years old should contact the Allied Health Admissions Office for advising.  Also, Delgado has a policy that addresses Academic Renewal (the act of declaing void all prior credits attempted and earned).  If you are interested in information regarding Academic Renewal and the procedure to initiate this process you must contact the Delgado Admissions Office at 504-671-5018.

What are the career opportunities for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Career opportunities for PTAs are excellent.  Licensed PTAs will find employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public schools, and private clinics.  The salary ranges from $34,000-$44,000 per year.

Will PTA courses transfer to a PT Program?

The technical courses in a PTA program do not transfer for credit to a PT education program.  Some hours of the pre-clinical courses may be accepted as prerequisites to PT programs, but there are many other courses needed as prerequisites to be considered for admission to PT school.  If you think you would rather be a PT than a PTA you should contact the LSU Health Science Center Department of PT (504-568-4288) for information about their program.

How do you find out if courses you have taken at other schools will transfer to Delgado?

To find out if courses you have taken will transfer to Delgado, call 504-671-6203 for information on advising hours of the Allied Health Admissions advisors.