{"id":16424,"date":"2026-03-16T14:38:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics-new\/?page_id=16424&#038;preview_id=16424"},"modified":"2026-04-14T15:48:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T19:48:48","slug":"essential-functions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Functions"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(74% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(26% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id16424_080ce6-2a alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column16424_b049e2-f7\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explanation of PTA Program Technical Standards (Essential Functions)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Virginia Western Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program educates students with the goal of graduating PTAs able to provide quality and skilled physical therapy services using sound clinical reasoning and well-honed technical skills while displaying exemplary professional behaviors. To ensure this quality of student, graduate, and eventual clinician, the PTA program maintains academic as well as technical standards that must be met by students who wish to successfully progress through, and graduate from, this program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To support success in the academic and clinical settings, PTA students enrolled in the program must possess and\/or develop abilities and skills in the areas of (1) Behavior Skills (2) Communication Skills (3) Intellectual &amp; Conceptual Skills (4) Physical Functioning and (5) Use of Sensory System. The standards and specific behaviors are listed alphabetically throughout this document, instead of in order of importance, as they each contribute equally to success in the program. A summary of the technical standards is provided first in this document with in-depth information regarding each of these skills following the summary table. As the program technical standards apply to the classroom, the lab, and clinic setting, each of these three areas is represented in the detailed tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The technical standards and specific behaviors included in this document are provided to inform prospective and enrolled students of standards required to complete the curriculum in lecture, lab, and clinical settings. The technical standard examples provided reflect sample performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to complete the requirements of the PTA program. The standards are not requirements of admission into the program and the <strong>examples provided represent only a sample of specific skills and behaviors associated with each standard<\/strong>. However, once enrolled in the PTA program, students will be required to meet the expectations of each technical standard. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities, and behavioral characteristics required to complete the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessibility and Accommodations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Virginia Western PTA Program wishes to ensure that access to its facilities, programs and services is available to all students, including students with disabilities (as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008) and that all students meeting academic and technical standards can progress towards becoming a licensed PTA with or without reasonable accommodation. The PTA Program provides reasonable accommodations to all students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, equipment, facility, program or service that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to fulfill the requirements necessary for graduation from the PTA program. To be eligible for accommodations in the classroom and\/or clinical settings, a student must have a documented disability of (a) a physical, psychological or learning impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or, (c) be regarded as having such a condition. <strong>For further information regarding services and resources to students with disabilities and\/or to request accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) 540-857-7286 Student Life Center S207 <a href=\"mailto:disabilityservices@virginiawestern.edu\">disabilityservices@virginiawestern.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PTA Program Technical Standards\/Essential Functions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>See below for the program technical standard categories and example behaviors in each category. As a reminder, the technical standard examples in the following tables reflect only a sample of possible performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to complete the requirements of the PTA program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once enrolled in the PTA program, students will be required to meet the expectations of each technical standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behavioral Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display professional behavior appropriate for the classroom and lab settings and the clinical environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate accountability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate appropriate stress management behaviors and flexibility during changing or unknown situations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate a commitment to learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate compassion, caring, and trustworthiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate concentration and the ability to attend to instructor during lecture courses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate effective use of time and resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate integrity and responsibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate respect for others and follow the college and program stance on nondiscrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professionally accept, respond to, and integrate feedback<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communication Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communicate professionally with faculty, classmates, staff of clinical site, other members of the healthcare team, patients, and family members at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate effective communication skills with all parties during a simulated treatment session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the ability to document patient treatments in simulated and actual medical record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate interpersonal and collaborative skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effectively communicate with a diverse population in the classroom and clinical settings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intellectual and Conceptual Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communicate professionally with faculty, classmates, staff of clinical site, other members of the healthcare team, patients, and family members at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate effective communication skills with all parties during a simulated treatment session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the ability to document patient treatments in simulated and actual medical record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate interpersonal and collaborative skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effectively communicate with a diverse population in the classroom and clinical settings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physical Functioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Demonstrate the ability to maintain proper body mechanics at all times to ensure safety of self, lab partners, faculty, patients, faculty, and other members of the healthcare team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the ability to move into the various positions required to perform the duties of a PTA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the appropriate motor control and strength to provide treatment techniques while ensuring patient safety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the physical ability to respond in emergency or unexpected situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the physical balance required to perform all variety of patient treatments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possess the endurance to complete required activities or shifts in the classroom and clinical environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use of Sensory Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Utilize sensory systems to effectively engage in the teaching and learning process in the classroom and lab setting and to effectively treat patients in a variety of clinical settings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical Standard Examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/lecture\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"16429\">Technical Standard Examples That Might be Required in a Lecture Class<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/lab\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"16437\">Technical Standard Examples That Might be Required in a Lab Class<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/clinical\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"16440\">Technical Standard Examples That Might be Required in a Clinical Setting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#18284a;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h1, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h2, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h3, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h4, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h5, .kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 h6{color:#ffffff;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 a{color:#ffffff;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 a:hover{color:#fec00f;}.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column16424_a88d9c-42 feature-box-academic\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-top:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-right:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-bottom:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-left:0px;--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.header-desktop-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-link-color:#18284a;--kb-nav-top-link-background:#f3f3f3;--kb-nav-top-link-border-bottom:2px solid #ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id > .navigation > .menu-container > .menu{--kb-nav-margin-top:-15px;--kb-nav-margin-right:-15px;--kb-nav-margin-left:-15px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);--kb-nav-top-link-border-bottom:2px solid #ffffff;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.header-tablet-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);--kb-nav-top-link-border-bottom:2px solid #ffffff;}.header-mobile-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation16347-cpt-id kb-nav-desktop-horizontal-layout-standard kb-nav-tablet-horizontal-layout-standard kb-nav-mobile-horizontal-layout-standard navigation-desktop-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-tablet-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-mobile-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-desktop-orientation-vertical navigation-tablet-orientation-vertical navigation-mobile-orientation-vertical wp-block-kadence-navigation\" data-scroll-spy=\"\"><nav class=\"navigation navigation-desktop-style-standard navigation-tablet-style-standard navigation-mobile-style-standard navigation-desktop-dropdown-animation-none navigation-tablet-dropdown-animation-none navigation-mobile-dropdown-animation-none navigation-desktop-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-tablet-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-mobile-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-desktop-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-tablet-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-mobile-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-desktop-parent-active-false navigation-tablet-parent-active-false navigation-mobile-parent-active-false\"><div class=\"menu-container\"><ul class=\"kb-navigation menu collapse-sub-nav-desktop-true collapse-sub-nav-tablet-true collapse-sub-nav-mobile-true\">\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_b6bdd8-d7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_b6bdd8-d7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_b6bdd8-d7 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/\"><strong>Physical Therapist Assistant Home &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_3709f5-6b > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_3709f5-6b > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_3709f5-6b menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/catalog.virginiawestern.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=25&#038;poid=3536&#038;returnto=2597\"><strong>Curriculum &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_9ab0ce-26 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_9ab0ce-26 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_9ab0ce-26 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/03\/PhysicalTherapistAsstChecklist.pdf\"><strong>Admission Requirements (PDF) &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_278622-6d > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_278622-6d > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_278622-6d menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/apply\/\"><strong>Apply Now &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_439aa1-40 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_439aa1-40 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_439aa1-40 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/cost\/\"><strong>Estimated Cost &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_84d48f-c4 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_84d48f-c4 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_84d48f-c4 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/03\/PTA-Financial-Fact-Sheet.pdf\"><strong>Financial Fact Sheet (PDF) &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_dc844a-df > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_dc844a-df > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_dc844a-df menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/occupational-therapy\/forms\/\"><strong>Application Forms &amp; Resources &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_b53478-9c > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_b53478-9c > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_b53478-9c menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/faq\/\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_880323-64 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_880323-64 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_880323-64 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/03\/PTAProspectiveStudentPacket.pdf\"><strong>Prospective Student Packet (PDF) &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_104c54-c8 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_104c54-c8 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_104c54-c8 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/program-policies\/\"><strong>Program Policies &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-16424_48dd24-e7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-16424_48dd24-e7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-16424_48dd24-e7 menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/program-outcomes\/\"><strong>Program Outcomes &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-ptzilkg0y > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-ptzilkg0y > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-ptzilkg0y menu-item wp-block-kadence-navigation-link\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/\"><strong>Essential Functions &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program Cost &amp; Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Est. Tuition*:<\/strong> $<span id=\"tuition\"><\/span><br><strong>Program Length:<\/strong> 2 Years<br><strong>Credits: <\/strong><span id=\"hours\">69<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"disclaimer\"><p>*Estimated cost reflects in-state rate and is subject to change. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/pay\/cost-of-attendance\/\">Click here for the cost of attendance for financial aid<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Health Professions Advising<\/h3>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\" title=\"email\"><\/i> <a href=\"mailto:healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu\">healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu<\/a><br \/>\n<i class=\"fa fa-map-marker\" title=\"location\"><\/i>\u00a0Fralin Center HP339<br \/>\n<strong>New Students:\u00a0<\/strong>Chapman Hall<br \/>\n<i class=\"fa fa-phone-alt\" title=\"phone number\"><\/i>\u00a0540-857-7341 or 540-857-6644<br \/>\n<strong>Fax:<\/strong> 540-857-6640<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program Head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jordan Tucker, PT, DPT, EdD<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Program Director and Assistant Professor, Physical Therapist Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n<p>B.S. &#8211; Ithaca College, 2004<br \/>\nM.S. &#8211; Ithaca College, 2005<br \/>\nDPT &#8211; Ithaca College, 2005<br \/>\nEdD &#8211; A.T. Still University, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Have Questions? Contact Us<\/h3>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\" title=\"email\"><\/i>\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:enroll@virginiawestern.edu\">enroll@virginiawestern.edu<\/a><br \/>\n<i class=\"fa fa-map-marker\" title=\"location\"><\/i> Chapman Hall<br \/>\n<i class=\"fa fa-phone-alt\" title=\"phone number\"><\/i> <a href=\"tel:855-874-6690\">855-874-6690<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"school\">School of Health Professions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:3px solid #ffffff;border-right:3px solid #ffffff;border-bottom:3px solid #ffffff;border-left:3px solid #ffffff;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;background:#53c6d6;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:35px;}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-media{color:#000000;border-radius:200px;overflow:hidden;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-infobox-textcontent p.kt-blocks-info-box-title{color:#000000;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,u0022Segoe UIu0022,Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,u0022Helvetica Neueu0022,sans-serif, u0022Apple Color Emojiu0022, u0022Segoe UI Emojiu0022, u0022Segoe UI Symbolu0022;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-infobox-textcontent .kt-blocks-info-box-text{color:#000000;}.wp-block-kadence-infobox.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-text{font-weight:400;}.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:3px solid #ffffff;border-right:3px solid #ffffff;border-bottom:3px solid #ffffff;border-left:3px solid #ffffff;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:3px solid #ffffff;border-right:3px solid #ffffff;border-bottom:3px solid #ffffff;border-left:3px solid #ffffff;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box16424_612f33-29 feature-box-light\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-left kt-info-halign-left kb-info-box-vertical-media-align-top\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media-container\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-container kt-info-icon-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-inner-container\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_info-circle kt-info-svg-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/p><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\"><p>This program is eligible for G3 funding assistance!\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/freecollege\/\">Click here for more information and to contact an advisor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explanation of PTA Program Technical Standards (Essential Functions) The Virginia Western Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program educates students with the goal of graduating PTAs able to provide quality and skilled physical therapy services using sound clinical reasoning and well-honed technical skills while displaying exemplary professional behaviors. To ensure this quality of student, graduate, and eventual&hellip; <a class=\"continue\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/\">Continue Reading<span> Essential Functions<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":16340,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16424","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-14T19:48:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/essential-functions\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/essential-functions\\\/\",\"name\":\"Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-16T18:38:37+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-14T19:48:48+00:00\",\"description\":\"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/essential-functions\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/essential-functions\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/essential-functions\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Healthcare\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Physical Therapist Assistant\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/health-professions\\\/physical-therapist-assistant\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Essential Functions\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/\",\"name\":\"Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.virginiawestern.edu\\\/academics\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western","description":"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western","og_description":"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western","og_url":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/","og_site_name":"Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western","article_modified_time":"2026-04-14T19:48:48+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/","url":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/","name":"Essential Functions - Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-03-16T18:38:37+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-14T19:48:48+00:00","description":"Essential Functions for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Virginia Western","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/essential-functions\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Healthcare","item":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Physical Therapist Assistant","item":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/health-professions\/physical-therapist-assistant\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Essential Functions"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/","name":"Programs &amp; Training at Virginia Western","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16424"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16424\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}