Mission & Goals


Mission & Goals

Mission Statement

As a workforce/technical program, the PTA Program promotes the values, professional behaviors, critical thinking skills, and competencies that are consistent with the physical therapy profession and essential for a career in physical therapy.

Program Goals

  • Develop technical competence, lifelong learning and professional growth for safe, effective entry-level practice.
  • Instill the importance of ethical and legal practice as defined by the profession and the State of Texas Practice Act.
  • Maintain accreditation requirements for licensure pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates.
  • Promote diversity and cultural sensitivity among the students and faculty in preparation for clinical practice.
  • Develop sound clinical decision-making using evidence-based practice.
  • Utilize current technology and equipment to deliver a comprehensive and contemporary curriculum.

Vision Statement

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Austin Community College will be recognized as the preferred gateway to PTA education in central Texas.

Value Statement

The PTA Program values and respects each individual student and the community we serve. Faculty and students are guided by the principles of respect, trust, and appreciation for individual differences and strive to instill these in the students of the program.

  • Every student should have the opportunity to pursue a higher education in a culture that welcomes diversity of ideas and attitudes.
  • Deliver a challenging, flexible, and high-quality education to prepare students for contemporary physical therapy practice.
  • Utilize open and respectful communication to achieve goals and resolve conflict.
  • Diversity and cultural sensitivity within the program and in interactions with the community.
  • Decision-making using evidence-based practice.
  • Professional behavior that includes ethical and legal practice in physical therapy.

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Physical Therapist Assistant Updates

  • PTHA 1409 Availability Changes

    Starting with the spring 2025 semester, there will only be two sections offered in the spring semester (20 seats). We encourage anyone interested in taking PTHA 1409 to consider the summer and fall semesters first. There will be four sections offered in both of these semesters.

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  • 2023-2024 PTA Application Dates

    The PTACAS opening date has been delayed. The PTACAS will open on October 15, 2023 and will remain open until May 26, 2024.

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  • PTA Volunteer Hours Update

    PTA Program applicants now only need a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer experience to apply. For more information, see the "Before You Apply" section of the Application Process page.

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