Physical Therapist Assistant
Quick Links
Admissions Requirements
Although it is not required, you are encouraged to attend a PTA information session to learn more about the program. If you are interested in attending an information session, please register below. You may contact us at (585) 343-0055 x6402 with other questions.
For a complete list of requirements to apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please see our Admissions Procedure.
Why GCC?
The Physical Therapist Assistant degree program at GCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and is designed to prepare you for the national licensing exam. 89.5% of our 2021 & 2022 graduates who took the National PTA Licensing Examination have passed it. 63% of our 2021 & 2022 graduates have passed this exam on the first time. For our graduating classes of 2021 & 2022, 100% of our graduates who sought employment were employed as a PTA within one year of graduation.
The program includes on-site internship opportunities at health care facilities. The curriculum provides hands-on lab experiences in functional anatomy, kinesiology, pain management, massage, orthopedic therapeutic exercise, and neurological treatment techniques used with pediatric and geriatric populations.
You can complete the degree in as little as two years of full-time study, or you can choose a more flexible part-time class schedule for a large portion of the curriculum
Program Information
Accreditation and Licensure
Genesee Community College (GCC) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
GCC is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University of New York to award the degrees of Associates in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. The PTA program offered at GCC is registered by the New York State Education Department. The college is fully credentialed to award students the Associate in Applied Science Degree upon successful completion of its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. Graduation from an accredited PTA program is a requirement for eligibility to take the national PTA licensing exam. Graduates desiring to work as a PTA in New York State, and most of the other states, must take and pass the national PTA licensing exam.
Program Accreditation Status
The PTA program at Genesee Community College is accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org
If needing to contact the PTA Program/Genesee Community College directly, please call 585-345-6822 or email cdcaputi@jinken-fukuoka.com.
If anyone in the public has an issue or complaint regarding this program, please contact the Program Director, Christopher Caputi. Those submitting complaints should not fear any form of retaliation or retribution from the program.
Reporting requirement for Licensure or Certification of Physical Therapist Assistants
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate have requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. GCC’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these New York State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. However, other states frequently have their own requirements.
Genesee Community College cannot determine whether its educational program curriculum for Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S., that if successfully completed, is sufficient to meet the licensure and certification requirements for practicing in Physical Therapy in States and U.S. territories other than New York. Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity (if not practicing in New York) to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.
We encourage you to talk to your program director if you plan to practice in a State other than New York after graduation.
Degree Types
Associate In Applied Science (AAS)
Career Outlook
The Physical Therapist Assistant is an educated health care provider who assists the Physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy. Duties of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) include: training patients in exercises and activities of daily care living; conducting treatments utilizing special equipment; assisting in performing test, evaluations and complex treatment procedures; and observing and reporting the patient’s responses.
PTAs work in many types of settings, such as general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, developmental centers, nursing homes, schools for handicapped children, and community health centers. Currently there are not enough physical therapy practitioners to meet the needs throughout the country.
Next Steps
View our enrollment checklist and apply today.
See our classrooms, facilities and housing.
See tuition and explore financial aid options.
Make a plan to transfer your credits.