2026-2027 Physical Therapist Assistant Program Handbook

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

For students beginning the PTA Program Fall 2026
Western Iowa Tech Community College

It is the policy of Western Iowa Tech Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, actual or potential parent, family or marital status, or other characteristic protected by law in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by state and federal civil rights regulation.

If you have questions or complaints, please contact Dean of Human Resources (employees) 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106; 712.317.3304; equity@witcc.edu or Dean of Opportunity and Engagement (students) 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106; 712.317.3369; equity@witcc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Federal Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: 303.844.5695 FAX: 303.844.4303, TDD 800.877.8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov. 

Individuals using assistive technology (such as a screen reader, Braille reader, etc.) who experience difficulty accessing information on this web site, should send an email to the Webmaster at webmaster@witcc.edu. The e-mail should include the nature of the accessibility problem and the individual's e-mail address for a response. If the accessibility problem involves a particular Web page, the message should include the URL (Web address) of the page. We will contact individuals having accessibility problems within three business days to assist them and to provide them with the information being sought.

TO: Enrolling Physical Therapist Assistant Students

FROM: Amanda Heilman, PTA, MHS
Administrative Program Coordinator - PTA

Welcome to Western Iowa Tech Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The admissions information included in this handbook will guide you through your application for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program. This information is to be used in conjunction with the WITCC college catalog.

Please contact the PTA program advisors to assist you with any questions or concerns not addressed in this handbook.

We strive to create a supportive and challenging learning environment for students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent Physical Therapist Assistants. We look forward to having you in the program.

This booklet is subject to change.

Table of Contents

Academic Advising: Role of Student in Advising
Academic Review Procedure Program/Course Appeal Process
Clinical Participation Requirements Form
Complaints about the PTA Program, Students, or Faculty
Completed Records; Health Evaluation Checklist
Confidentiality Agreement Form
Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Profession
Course of Study; Time Limit; Clinical Education
Criminal Background-General Information
Curriculum
Drug Testing
Enrollment Information
Financial Aid
Grading
Graduation
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Consent/Decline to Accept Forms
Informed Consent
Injury Incident
Iowa Core Performance Standards
Licensure
Mandatory Reporter Training
Mission Statement; Philosophy; Accreditation
Other Information
Overview; Career Outlook; Program Objectives; Program Outcomes
Program Costs, Retention, Graduation Rates
PTA Admission Requirements (Criteria 1, 2, or 3)
PTA Department of Education Disclosure Form
PTA Dress Code
PTA Program Advisors
PTA Requirements Prior to Clinical Education
Required Skills for the PTA Student
Service Learning
Signature Sheet for grading and graduation policies
Social Media Policy
Student Organizations
Tuberculosis Test; Vaccination Information
WITCC Clinical Health Evaluation Form

Students are encouraged to read the WITCC general catalog for information regarding student rights, services,

activities, and special programs which may be available to them. The catalog is available online at www.witcc.edu.

Western Iowa Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other protected basis   as defined in Iowa or federal law as amended from time to time in its educational programs, activities, admission procedures or employment practices. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College’s Complaint or Grievance Procedures. Complaint or Grievance Forms and Procedures may be obtained from the WITCC Human Resources Department, Dr. Robert H. Kiser Building, Room A242, (712) 274-6400, Ext. 1220.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Western Iowa Tech Community College is to provide quality, contemporary education to prepare students to become licensed physical therapist assistants who play an active role in expanding quality physical therapy services, under the direction of a licensed physical therapist, to meet the diverse needs of the individuals and communities that we serve. The PTA program incorporates the mission of WITCC, which is...

“We elevate our diverse learners and strengthen our communities through inclusive and innovative education.”

Preparation includes a two-year curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum includes classroom and laboratory work at the College with clinical affiliations in a variety of settings.

Philosophy

The Physical Therapist Assistant program faculty and administration are committed to the mission of the PTA Program and the mission and guiding principles of Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC).

All values and guiding principles of WITCC are adopted, specifically the following are the PTA program beliefs and commitments:

• We believe in the uniqueness and inherent worth and dignity of students, faculty, staff, clinicians, and patients. Each individual brings characteristics that strengthen the program. We recognize that individuals also have spiritual, intellectual, social, physiological, and psychological needs. Diversity is a strength of this institution. (Student Learning, Diversity, Access)
• We believe that lifelong learning will help assure individual and societal stability in terms of continued competence of a professional who delivers physical therapy services under the supervision of the physical therapist. (Lifelong Learning)
• We believe that the Physical Therapist Assistant must be an integral and contributing member of the community and that activities outside the profession enhance the individual’s ability to function in the professional and public community. (Lifelong Learning, Shared Governance, Dedication)
• The faculty serve as facilitators in the learning process, and this process is continuous from simple to complex learning. The learner, as the focus of the educational process, has the right and responsibility to be an active participant in the learning process. Through the multiplicity of structured experiences at Western Iowa Tech Community College and affiliating agencies, the learner has exposure to varied and selected learning experiences that allow direct application of knowledge. Physical Therapist Assistant education and selected arts and sciences courses contribute to the growth of the learner. This education involves the promotion of learning through the application of theory and skills to prepare the graduate for entry-level practice under the direction of a physical therapist in a varied work environment. (Quality, Academic Freedom)
• The faculty believes the educator is a multifaceted individual who is a transmitter of knowledge, a resource person, an evaluator, and a role model who possesses empathy and a sense of humor. The educator is also responsible for remaining current in practice and education. (Professional Integrity, Quality, Dedication)

The commitment of faculty is to (1) excellence in teaching and (2) service resulting in an environment that encourages students to achieve excellence in their performance. (Professional Integrity, Efficiency, Effectiveness)

Accreditation

The PTA program at Western Iowa Tech Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The Commission is recognized as the accrediting body for educational programs in Physical Therapy by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. The Commission therefore has the responsibility for establishing standards of quality for educating the physical therapist assistant. 

Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. The duties of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, educating patients in exercises and activities of daily living, performing treatments using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures, documenting in the medical record, and communicating with the physical therapist and other members of the healthcare team including the patient and family/caregivers.

Career Outlook

Employment opportunities for the Physical Therapist Assistant exist nationwide. Hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, home health care, and rehabilitation centers are some of the areas where PTAs are needed.

CAPTE Program Goals

1. Students will be able to communicate with and educate patients, caregivers, and others involved in patient care.
2. Students will be academically prepared to practice under a physical therapist’s supervision in various settings.
3. Graduates seeking positions in the field of physical therapy will be successfully employed.
4. PTA faculty will provide contemporary education to meet the diverse needs of student learners.
5. The PTA program will satisfy the employment needs of the communities we serve.

CAPTE Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program graduates, will be:

1. successfully employed in the field within one year of passing the NPTE.
2. prepared to practice under a physical therapist’s supervision in various settings.
3. able to function as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team in various settings.

Current Accreditation Status

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Western Iowa Tech Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandra, 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 call 712-317-3483 or email amanda.heilman@witcc.edu.

Physical Therapist Assistant

AAS Degree: Admission Criteria

All students must submit the following items for application to the program to be considered:

• A copy of a Final Official High School, GED or HSED transcript with date of graduation. For applicants currently in high school, please present a current high school transcript and then later submit the Final Official High School Transcript with the date of graduation.
• Official college transcripts of previously attended institutions.
• ACT Scores (if completed) listed on HS Transcript or other official documentation.

All students must meet one of the following criteria for admission/acceptance into the PTA program:

Criteria 1 for Acceptance:

• Verification of HS, GED, HSED official transcripts; AND
• Documentation of 22 ACT composite or higher

OR Criteria 2 for Acceptance:

• Verification of HS, GED, HSED official transcripts; AND
• Documentation of TEAS composite score minimum of 60%

OR Criteria 3 for Acceptance:

• Verification of HS, GED, HSED official transcripts; AND
• Verification of current credentials in a health-related field with an Associate Degree or higher

OR Criteria 4 for Acceptance:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, with a grade of B- or higher within the past 5 years; AND
• MAT-772 or equivalent or higher with a grade of B- or higher within the past 5 years

Enrollment Information

1. To apply for financial aid, visit the website www.fafsa.gov (WITCC school code 004590).
2. Students who wish to transfer credits from another college must submit official transcripts directly to the Registrar, Admissions Office, Western Iowa Tech Community College, P.O. Box 5199, Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199. Grades earned with a “C” or higher are eligible for transfer. Transfer forms are available from the Admissions Office and the Student Success Center. Students are responsible for requesting credits be transferred to WITCC.
3. A student who has a break in enrollment in the College for two or more consecutive semesters, excluding summer sessions, is readmitted to the College under the current program requirements in effect at the time of readmission. The student must submit a new Application for Admission prior to registering.

Students are admitted to the PTA program in the fall semester only. Class size is limited to twenty-four students per year. Any qualified applicants in excess of twenty-four will be placed on a waiting list. Openings that become available prior to the second week of the fall semester will be offered to the first student on the waiting list. If a student declines program enrollment, the next student on the list will be called.

Contact Fran DeJong for your admission standing. Phone: (712) 317-3345

Course of Study

Though general education courses may be taken ahead of time, courses in the PTA program are hierarchical in nature. Students must follow the sequence as outlined, meeting all pre- and co-requisites for the program.

All didactic courses must be completed prior to PTA 551: Clinical Affiliation I.

Some general education courses may be taken prior to the scheduled sequence of courses, but PTA specific courses must be taken in the order provided in the PTA program curriculum.

Time Limit

The entire work for the PTA program must be completed within three years of beginning the program. Exceptions may be made in extreme circumstances at the discretion of the Administrative Program Coordinator and Associate Dean of Health Science. 

Academic Advising

Academic advising assists students in realizing the maximum educational benefits available by helping them to better understand themselves and to learn to use the resources available at WITCC to meet their specific educational needs.

A Physical Therapist Assistant advisor is assigned upon enrollment in your first physical therapist assistant course. Students will continue to have the same advisor throughout the program.

Students wishing to schedule an appointment during the summer are asked to call Fran DeJong at 712-317-3345.

Role of Student in Advising

The student is to contact his or her advisor regarding all academic issues. It is necessary to make advance appointments with advisors for efficiency in scheduling. Physical Therapist Assistant faculty are available to meet new students prior to registering.

Students admitted to the program must obtain advisor signatures on forms for withdrawal from the program or the college.

The student must successfully pass all courses with a grade of “C” or better in order to graduate. Students must pass both practical and theoretical aspects of PTA courses. Students may repeat a failed course one time and may re-enroll in the program one time and must complete all program requirements within 3 years of starting the program. The student is ultimately responsible for meeting all requirements for graduation.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Advisors

Retention and Completion

The PTA program faculty seek to retain to completion all students enrolled in the program. Advisement from the program faculty will ensure that students receive all available resources within the college to aid their academic success.

The specific grading scale for all Physical Therapist Assistant courses can be found in course syllabi. The grading scale, and course requirements, will be explained at the beginning of each course. All students must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in all program courses. Students must pass all theoretical, practical, and clinical components of PTA courses. All students accepted into the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program may re-enroll only once in a PTA program-specific (core) course within the program. If a student fails and/or withdraws twice within the PTA program, the student will not be permitted to re-enroll. 

PTA Dress Code

Students in PTA lab courses will be required to dress appropriately for lab per course syllabi.

Students will be required to follow the clinical education handbook regarding dress code while caring for patients during clinical experiences.

Photo ID badges will be provided for students. Badges must be worn during clinical experiences. There is a small fee for replacing badges that are lost or damaged.

Clinical Education

Students must demonstrate that they are safe and competent prior to engaging in full-time clinical education during the fifth semester. This will be determined by successful completion of all lab practicals.

Clinical education opportunities exist in several states including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Students are responsible for all costs such as transportation and/or housing during all clinical experiences. Travel may be required for some clinical placements. Clinical experiences may occur outside of normal working hours. Prior to the first full-time clinical education experience, students will receive the WITCC PTA Program Clinical Education Handbook. Final clinical affiliation assignments will be made by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for all integrated and full-time experiences. 

Service Learning

During one semester of the PTA program, students are required to participate in a service learning project (integration of community service within the PTA curriculum). This may take place outside of regularly scheduled class time.

Graduation

WITCC Physical Therapist Assistant students must meet the graduation requirements as set forth in the general WITCC College Catalog and the WITCC Student Handbook. Clinicals must be completed within eighteen (18) months of academic preparation. Students taking PTA specific courses do so on a full-time basis, sequentially. Students are responsible for meeting all requirements for graduation.

Licensure

Physical Therapist Assistant program graduates must pass the national exam and be licensed in order to practice. Some states have additional specific requirements. This information is obtained from the state licensing board. There will be fees both for the examination and licensure. The student must contact the licensing board in the state in which they wish to practice. 

Examination and Licensure are the responsibility of the student.

For Iowa, contact:
Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
6200 Park Avenue Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
Phone: (515) 281-0254

To obtain information regarding licensure boards of other states contact American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at 1-800-999-2782.

Program Costs, Retention, Graduation Rates

For data related to the PTA program at WITCC, please see the PTA Program web page https://www.witcc.edu/programs/45/ 

Student Recruitment

It is the desire of the PTA program to recruit and retain a diverse group of students to meet the needs of the diverse patient population we serve. Nondiscrimination policies apply to all recruitment activities. The nondiscrimination statement appears on all recruitment materials, emails, and publications. 

Other Information

For additional information for academic policies, housing, security, student rights and responsibilities, including Code of Conduct and Due Process, please see the current Student Handbook.
https://catalog.witcc.edu/index.php?catoid=11 

Student Organizations

PTA students are encouraged to participate in college-wide organizations:

Comet CLASS, formally known as Student Senate, represents Cultivating Leadership, Advocacy, and Student Success. Students may apply to become a Comet CLASS leader or may be nominated by a staff or faculty member. Students selected for Comet CLASS are expected to actively participate in campus meetings and events, maintain good academic standing, and represent numerous programs and student populations.

Health Risks for Physical Therapist Assistants and Students in the PTA Program

There are certain risks associated with being a health professional. We want the students in the PTA program to be aware of these risks. Many of the risks can be minimized through following safety procedures. It is the student’s responsibility to know and follow these safety procedures.

Physical Hazards:

1. Risk of musculoskeletal injury related to lifting and moving patients
2. Risk of injury from physical assault by violent patients
3. Students may be a risk of harm during laboratory activities. Students learn contraindications and precautions for various interventions and should excuse themselves from receiving any contraindicated treatments.

Chemical Hazards:

1. Students must follow procedures for storage, handling, and disposing of chemicals. Safety data sheets for materials in the lab can be found on MyWIT. Go to the then Campus Security 24/7 tile. Click on the MSDS Website link. Your clinical instructor can instruct you how to find safety data sheets for materials in and around your clinical areas.
2. Some items (like exercise bands) in the lab my contain latex. Alternative non-latex products will be made available on request for any student with a latex allergy or sensitivity. Notify your clinical instructor of any sensitivities/allergies that may pertain to your duties in the clinic.

Radiation:

1. Some equipment utilized for lab activities and clinical activities may emit radiation including microwave and shortwave diathermy, ultrasound, infrared, and ultraviolet devices. Students are responsible to follow safety procedures when working with modalities that may emit radiation. Students who are pregnant should consult with their physician for guidance on use of equipment that may pose a radiation hazard.

Infectious Diseases:

1. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of exposure to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Students are required to have up-to-date immunizations including the influenza vaccination.
2. Handwashing is an important barrier to the spread of infection. Students are required to follow universal standard precautions on campus and in the clinics and follow isolation procedures when applicable.

Psychological Hazards:

1. Participating in a rigorous college-level program as a student can be stressful. Students are encouraged to utilize the free counseling services on campus for assistance when needed.
2. Working in a healthcare environment can also be stressful in many ways. Students are encouraged to continue to utilize WITCC’s counseling services during clinical experiences. Many employers also provide counseling and support when you are no longer a student.

PTA Program Handbook

Personal Injury and Insurance

To report injuries that occur while on clinical, please complete the following steps:

Process:

1. Notify the facility immediately and follow facility policies
2. Notify Amanda Heilman as soon as possible (712-314-3483)
3. If emergency medical treatment is needed, seek care at the nearest or most practical medical facility

Insurance:

1. The school purchases and maintains both Worker’s Compensation and Student  Professional Practices Liability insurance for off-campus educational experiences. 
   1. Worker’s Compensation covers medicals bills stemming from an injury to the student occurring within the course and scope of the clinical duties
   2. Student Professional Practices Liability insurance protects the student from  liability exposures stemming from the student’s negligence in the course and  scope of the clinical assignment

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Curriculum

Academic Review Procedure
Program/Course Appeal Process 
Health Sciences Programs

This process provides students with a mechanism to channel concerns related to departmental/program policies and procedures within the Health Sciences Department. These may include concerns and/or violations of department, program, course, laboratory, and/or clinical policies and procedures.

Step 1:  Informal Process:

• Students are encouraged to discuss specific concerns with the course instructor involved within five (5) instructional days of occurrence of the issue.  This is in an effort to resolve issue(s) by a prompt and effective means with free and informal communications.
• If at this point, the issue(s) is/are not resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, the student should proceed to the formal process Step 2.
• Documentation of the discussion will be generated. (i.e. email, verbal, phone, etc.)

Step 2:  Formal Process: (Student, Course Instructor)

• ]Student may initiate a formal appeal process by submitting the “Student Appeal Process Form” detailing the policy they’re appealing, as well as the reason for their appeal request, to the appropriate instructor.
  • Appeal process form must be submitted within five (5) instructional days of the informal process meeting.
• Instructor will initiate a formal conference with a student to discuss and develop a plan of action related to academic performance, behavior, or discipline.
  • Schedule meeting with student within five (5) instructional days of receiving written notification.
  • Documentation will be completed on the “Student Conference Form”
  • Instructor will submit completed “Student Appeal Process Form” to the Associate Dean of Health Sciences or the designated program administrator.
• If the issue is not resolved, the student may initiate Step 3 of the appeal process.

Step 3:  Formal Process: (Student, Department Administrator, or Associate Dean of Health Sciences)

• If issue is not resolved between student and instructor, the student will request an appointment with the Associate Dean of Health Sciences or designated program administrator within five (5) instructional days.
  • The student will submit a “Student Appeal Process Form” detailing the policy they’re appealing, as well as the reason for their appeal to the Associate Dean of Health Sciences.
  • Associate Dean of Health Sciences or designated program administrator will provide appeal decision within five (5) instructional days.
  • Associate Dean or designated program administrator will review all documentation.
  • Associate Dean or program administrator will send formal written notice to student within five (5) days from step 2.
• If the issue is not resolved, the student may initiate Step 4 of the appeal process.

Step 4:  Formal Process: (Health Sciences Review Committee)

• If the issue is not resolved, the student may petition to meet with the Health Sciences Review Committee within five (5) instructional days of appeal decision notice from Associate Dean of Health Sciences or designated program administrator.
  • Student will email request to the Associate Dean of Health Sciences to schedule a meeting with the Health Sciences Review Committee within five (5) instructional days of appeal decision notice.
  • Student will submit all documentation related to the issue for the Health Sciences Review team to the Associate Dean of Health Sciences or designated program.
• Health Sciences Review Committee (Associate Dean of Health Sciences and/or Health Administrator; 2 health instructors; 1 student)
  • Committee will convene meeting within five (5) instructional days of request.
  • Committee will review documentation and receive testimony from all parties.
  • Committee will render a decision and/or resolution within five (5) days
  • If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, they may initiate the college “Academic Review Procedure.”

Step 5:  Formal Process: (College Academic Review Procedure)

• Students may initiate the initiate the college “Academic Review Procedure.” For procedural steps, refer to the “College Catalog” and/or “Student Handbook.”

Adopted 12/10/2018
Approved Academic Council 11/24/2015
Revised on April 15, 2026

Western Iowa Tech Community College Health Services Programs
Student-Instructor Conference Record