Frederick Community College will develop a new Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) A.A.S. degree program with the help of a $150,000 CTE Innovation grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Grant funding will cover all startup costs for the new PTA program at FCC, including supplies, materials, equipment, the hiring of a consultant to vet current curriculum, and costs associated with the accreditation process.

The grant will enable FCC and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) to create a pathway for physical therapy education. FCPS, which received its own CTE Innovation Grant, will start a physical health rehabilitation specialty within its allied health academy of health professions. That program will align with the FCC Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program to ensure a seamless transition for students.

“We know there is a high demand for physical therapist assistants, and we have already had many students inquire about this program,” Jan Sholes, Department Chair of Allied Health and Wellness, said. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this program to our community members and fill a workforce training need in Frederick and beyond.”

As the large elderly and veteran population in Frederick County continues to grow, the demand for PTAs is increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PTAs is expected to grow by 31 percent from 2016 to 2026.

The program is scheduled to start in 2022.

For more information, contact Dr. Renee Davis, Assistant Dean for Career Programs, at [email protected] or 301-846-2587.