Physical Therapist Assistant
Start Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Help people improve mobility, recover from injuries and regain independence. Colby Community College's accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training and supervised clinical experiences to prepare students for a career in physical therapy.
Now recruiting the Class of 2028. Explore admission information and take the next step toward your future in health care.
PTA students practice wheelchair mobility and patient assistance techniques during a hands-on training exercise.
Why Choose CCC's PTA Program?
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists. They carry out delegated treatment activities, help patients work toward functional goals and document treatment progress as permitted by applicable law.
At CCC, students develop foundational knowledge before progressing to professional coursework, laboratory practice and supervised clinical experiences. The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The program follows a 1 + 1 format designed to be completed in four semesters and a summer.
First Year: Pre-PTA
The first year is open to all students and consists of foundational courses. Satisfactory completion of these courses is a prerequisite for acceptance into the professional phase of the PTA program.
Second Year: Professional PTA Courses
Admission to the professional phase is limited and includes an interview process. The second year includes on-campus lectures and laboratory sessions, as well as supervised clinical experiences in health care facilities in Kansas and other states. After the fourth semester, students complete an additional 10 weeks of supervised clinical experience.
Admissions: Class of 2028
Interested in joining the Class of 2028? Review the admission information for prerequisites and the selection process. Completion of the pre-PTA year does not guarantee admission to the limited-enrollment professional phase.
Apply for PTA Admission Review PTA Admission Information (PDF)
Questions about getting started? Complete the PTA interest form or contact the program director below.
Student Outcomes
The following results are reported for the 2024 class:
2023
N/A (The 2023 PTA Program was on hold).
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is expected to increase as older adults and people with chronic conditions need physical therapy services.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Review estimated program expenses as you plan for tuition, fees and other costs associated with PTA education.
PTA Estimated Expenses Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)
Licensure
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and qualify to apply to take the applicable licensure examination. Graduates must meet the requirements of the state in which they seek licensure. Students are responsible for licensure applications and associated costs.
PTA Faculty and Contact Information
Program Director
Christopher Flieg, PT, DPT, CSCS
785-460-5443
christopher.flieg@colbycc.edu
Instructor
Meghann Corder, PT, DPT, CIDN, CMDT
785-460-5443
meghann.corder@colbycc.edu
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Colby Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). For more information, see the CAPTE accreditation action letter (PDF). To contact the program directly, call 785-460-5443 or email christopher.flieg@colbycc.edu .
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Phone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: www.capteonline.org
Complaints from Outside Sources
An outside entity (not a student or faculty member) wishing to file a complaint against the CCC PTA program should first attempt to resolve the concern informally. A discussion with the Vice President of Academic Affairs may resolve the matter. The College will make every effort to respond promptly.
- The outside entity submits a signed, written complaint to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- The Vice President of Academic Affairs reviews the complaint and informs the complainant of the steps to be taken. The investigation may involve other parties, depending on the nature of the concern.
- The complainant is notified in writing of the College's response and any action taken.
Take the Next Step
Explore the admission requirements for the PTA Class of 2028 or request additional information from the program.