Program Overview

The PTA Part‑Time Option is a flexible six‑semester pathway ideal for working adults balancing career and life responsibilities. Designed for weekday attendance only, classes are offered during the day, allowing students to maintain employment or other commitments while progressing toward an Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. The curriculum mirrors the full‑time track, featuring classroom, lab work, and clinical rotations. The program spreads over three academic years, preparing graduates for entry‑level roles under licensed physical therapists in diverse healthcare settings.


Curriculum Sequence

66 credits

Year 1: Fall

PTA 103 Therapeutic Massage                             1 credit 
PTA 108 Kinesiology lab 1 credit
PTA 109 Kinesiology 1 credit
CMP 101 Composition 1 3 credits
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physioogy 1 4 credits
PTA 115 Intro to PT 3 credits

Year 1: Spring

BIO 212 Anatomy & Physiology 2                         4 credits 
PTA 203 Neurology for the PTA 2 credits
PTA 204 Clinical Anatomy 1 lab 1 credit
PTA 205 Clinical Anatomy 1 1 credit

Year 2: Fall

CMP 104/146 Composition 2 elective                   3 credits 
PTA 113 Pathophysiological Conditions 1 2 credits 
PTA 104 PTA Procedures Lab 1 credit
PTA 105 PTA Procedures  2 credits
PSY102 General Psychology  3 credits

Year 2: Spring

PTA 114 Pathophysiological Conditions 2            2 credits 
PTA 106 Introduction to Clin Ed 1 credit 
PTA 201 Physical Agents Lab  1 credit
PTA 202 Physical Agents 2 credits 
PTA 117 Therapeutic Exercise 1 Lab 1 credit
PTA 118 Therapeutic Exercise 1  2 credits

Year 2: Summer Session 1

PTA 111 Clinical Experience 1                             3 credits 

Year 3: Fall

PTA 214 Clinical Anatomy 2 Lab                         1 credit  
PTA 215 Clinical Anatomy 2 1 credit 
PTA 212 Therapeutic Exercise 2 Lab 1 credit
PTA 213 Therapeutic Exercise 2  2 credits 
PTA 220 Current Topics in Physical Therapy  3 credits 
PTA 217 Pediatric Physical Therapy  1 credit
HUM Elective  3 credits 

Year 3: Spring

PTA 206 PTA Seminar                                        1 credit 
PTA 210 Case Studies in Physical Therapy  2 credits 
PTA 211 Clinical Education Experience 2 7 credits 

Program Questions

dcaruso@northshore.edu 
978-762-4165

General Assistance

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Accreditation

North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

The PTA program at North Shore Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 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 email or call Diane Caruso at dcaruso@northshore.edu or 978-762-4165.

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