Tri-County Technical College, in partnership with AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers, recently announced a new physical therapy assistant program.
The new two-year associate degree program was created to address the shortage of physical therapy assistants in the area. It will officially launch at the technical college’s Easley campus in the fall of 2027. The program will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy.
“The demand for physical therapy assistants and physical therapists continues to grow as our population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions increases,” said Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division.
TCTC, AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers signed an agreement on March 26 which outlines the new program. AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers have agreed to fully fund the new program including covering the cost of equipment and program faculty. The organizations will also provide internships, work placement and clinical rotations for students.
William Kenley, CEO of AnMed, said rigorous, quality education and training for health care professionals is critical both for our not-for-profit health system and the community at large.
“Physical therapists and assistants are needed by neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Upstate, and that need is growing,” Kenley said. “With the help of this wonderful new program, we’re going to educate and train people to make a difference and launch rewarding careers in health care in the process.”
The PTA program will educate students in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and patient care while providing hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The foundational knowledge will focus on therapeutic exercises, modalities and clinical skills for rehabilitation.
Students who graduate from the program must pass a national exam to become certified. Once certified, they can assist a licensed physical therapist in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, home health agencies and schools.
The certified physical therapy assistants can also choose to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree to become a physical therapist. TCTC has transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities to help students pursue further education.
“By offering a local PTA educational program, we are not only addressing the critical shortage of skilled licensed therapists in our community, but we are also creating opportunities for local individuals to pursue rewarding careers close to home,” said Paul Hecker, owner and CEO of Elite Integrated Therapy Centers.
For more information, visit tctc.edu/pta.
