Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) at the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is a two-year associate of applied science (AAS) degree program that prepares students for a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA).
The program is designed to prepare students for careers as PTAs in various settings, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient rehabilitation settings, school systems, and/or home care settings. It includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to empower students to become highly skilled, safe, and responsible PTAs by providing them with access to high-quality contemporary physical therapy assistant education in a diverse environment dedicated to meeting the current and emerging needs of the individuals and communities it serves.
Click here for Physical Therapist Assistant Program Overview
Physical Therapist Assistant Application Packet
More Information
CAPTE Accreditation Statement
Effective April 30, 2024, Wayne County Community College District has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/ institution directly, please call (313) 496-2818 or email ssagger1@wcccd.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program expects to receive an accreditation decision by October 2025. If the accreditation decision is positive, students who complete the program in December 2025 will graduate from an accredited program.
- Physical Therapist Assistant Program Admission Timeline
- The Applicant Point Count Worksheet is used to calculate and document individual applicant scores based on the PTA program’s selection criteria. This tool provides a clear breakdown of how points are assigned, ensuring a transparent and fair admissions process. Each applicant’s worksheet is securely stored in the PTA Dean’s office for five years before being properly discarded. This system helps maintain accurate records while upholding confidentiality and fairness in the selection process.
- Essential Functions for the Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant Application Packet
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate | First-Time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
| 2023 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2024 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2025 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2026 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2027 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Graduation Rate: The program calculates graduation rates by measuring the percentage of students who complete the program within 150% of the expected time.
First-Time Pass Rate: The program calculates first-time pass rates by tracking the percentage of graduates who pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTAE) on their first attempt.
Ultimate Pass Rate: The program calculates ultimate pass rates by tracking the percentage of graduates who pass the NPTAE on any attempt (first or subsequent).
Employment Rate: The program calculates employment rates by tracking the percentage of graduates employed in the field within six months, meeting CAPTE expectations.
Average Outcomes
- The average two-year graduation rate for the classes of 2025 and 2026 will be published when available.
- The average two-year ultimate licensure pass rate for the classes of 2025 and 2026 will be published when available.
- The average two-year employment rate for the classes of 2025 and 2026 will be published when available.
PTA students should be aware that they will incur costs beyond tuition, books, and fees. These costs may include:
- Uniforms
- Mock license exams
- Supplemental supplies
- Immunizations
In addition, students should understand that they will incur significant costs to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is the license exam required to work as a PTA. While the NPTE is not required to complete the PTA program, it is required to practice as a PTA.
For more information on the specific costs associated with the PTA program, please see the Program Handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact program staff.
We encourage students to budget carefully for all of the costs associated with the PTA program, including tuition, books, fees, and additional expenses.
APTA Membership Benefits
- Access to clinical resources, CEU discounts, advocacy, and networking.
- Learn more: APTA Membership Benefits
State & Regional PTA Associations
- Michigan Board of Physical Therapy – Licensing & regulations: Visit site
- APTA Michigan – Advocacy, resources, and events: Visit site
Conferences & Networking
Dr. Sherry Saggers, PTA Program Dean
Email: ssagger1@wcccd.edu
Phone: (313) 496-2818
Dr. Celestine Walker, PTA Program Associate Dean
Email: cwalker2@wcccd.edu
Phone: (313) 496- 2758 ext. 2034
We look forward to sharing information with you regarding the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
The PTA Program Complaint Policy addresses concerns from external stakeholders or individuals regarding program operations, policies, and external interactions unrelated to coursework, faculty, clinical experiences, or student conduct. Academic-related complaints should follow the WCCCD Student Inquiry Process. Review the process in the document here.
