Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program aims to develop competent paraprofessionals so they may offer high quality services in the rehabilitation field. It provides scientific knowledge based on concepts and principles from the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities, as well as their applications to the field of the physical therapy. It is designed to prepare physical therapist assistants that offer treatment to individuals whose functional capacity is limited or in risk of being limited due to some disease or injury.
The Program guides students to the awareness of intervention strategies in the rehabilitation process. Graduates will work under the supervision of a physical therapist in institutions such as general and specialized hospitals; rehabilitation and home care centers; clinics and private offices; schools and industries.
In order to obtain the permanent license in Puerto Rico, graduates must pass the tests offered by the Examining Board of Physical Therapy of Puerto Rico. To practice the profession in another jurisdiction, students must abide by the regulations in force in that area. The major requirements must be approved with a minimum grade of C.
The Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) (http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx).
The Ponce Campus is authorized to offer this Program.
Admission Requirements
- Meet the admission requirements established in the Inter American University General Catalog.
- Complete the application for admission to the Physical Therapy Program in the Department of the Health Sciences.
- Provide a certificate no criminal record issued by the police of Puerto Rico.
- Provide a recent health certificate issued by the Health Department or an authorized doctor.
- Provide evidence of vaccination against Hepatitis B.
- Have minimum high school or equivalent grade point index of 2.50.
- Have an interview with the faculty of the Program.
Retention Requirements
- Meet all the academic progress norms established in the University’s current General Catalog.
- Pass all major courses with a minimum grade of C and maintain a minimum average of 2.00 upon completion of each academic term.
- Students obtaining a grade less than C twice in the same course or in two courses of the major will be placed on probation for a period not greater than one academic year. Students, who, during the probationary period, do not reach the required minimum grade point index may not continue in the Program, but may choose to request admission to another study program.
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass all major courses with a minimum grade of C.
Requirements of the Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
| General Education Requirements |
24 credits |
| Major Requirements |
50 credits |
| Total |
74 credits |
General Education Requirements - 24 credits
Major Requirements - 50 credits