1. College Success

• COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)

• Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor

Meet with an advisor to discuss the application process and timeline for completion of all prerequisites. All prerequisites must be completed by the end of summer quarter for fall application. (November)

2. Math Course Recommendation

Choose one

• MATH& 107 Math in Society (5 credits)
• BTECA 117 Business Mathematics (5 credits)

• Course purpose: In these courses you will learn basic math concepts that would be routinely used in the physical therapy business. 

3. Medical Terminology I

• BTECM 150 Medical Terminology I (5 credits)

• Course purpose: In this course you will learn the basic terminology used in the medical community.  This is vitally important as you would interact with physical therapists and physicians as well as to explain terminology to patients. 

4. English Composition I

• ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Physical therapist assistants must be able to write patient notes that communicate clearly to doctors and physical therapists on patient progression. 

5. Preparatory Chemistry

• CHEM& 100 Preparatory Chemistry (5 credits)

• Course purpose: As a physical therapist assistant you would be applying chemistry principles in your daily practice. 

Action Item: GPA Check

GPA check with your advisor. You should also have knowledge of the application process and have setup job shadowing hours. 

6. Psychology/Sociology Course Recommendation

Choose one

• PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Physical therapist assistants work with a diverse group of patients on a daily basis. General knowledge of motivating patients and the psychology of injury is vital in working with patients.

• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Physical therapist assistants work with a diverse group of patients on a daily basis. General knowledge of diverse cultures is vital in working with patients.

7. General Biology w/Lab

• BIOL& 160 General Biology w/Lab (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is a prerequisite for BIOL & 241 and help you build a strong foundation in scientific methodology, evolution, ecological perspectives, cells, biotechnology, genetics, diversity of life, and metabolism.

8. Human A & P 1

• BIOL& 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 (6 credits)

• Course purpose: Physical therapist assistants need in-depth knowledge of cells and tissues.  This course also  provides information o n the following body systems:  integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor

Complete the application checklist and setup an appointment with an advisor to sign off on application checklist. After advisor review, submit the application to Whatcom Community College. 

Total Credits 39

Program Code: 34C