Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

If you are interested in the PTA program, please send an email to pta@cecil.edu or call (443) 674-1557. PTA courses start January 2026 for the Class of 2027.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program provides a foundation for graduates to become highly skilled in providing patient services using physical therapy techniques under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist in clinics, hospitals, and many other healthcare settings. Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will receive the Associate of Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to take the National Licensing Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Cecil College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call Program Director Deanna Smith, PT, MPT  at (443) 674-1564 or email dsmith@cecil.edu.

Please refer to the College catalog and the PTA Prospective Student Packet for specific admission criteria. For additional information please contact the PTA program at pta@cecil.edu or (443) 674-1557.

Meet the Physical Therapist Assistant Faculty

 

Deanna Smith, PT, MPT
Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
M.P.T., University of Maryland
443-674-1564
dsmith@cecil.edu

 

 

Kelly Brukiewa, PTA, MEd
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
MEd, Widener University
410-287-1060
kbrukiewa@cecil.edu

 

Rebecca Kennedy
Administrative Assistant
443-674-1557
rkennedy02@cecil.edu

Degree

Associate of Applied Science Degree 

Physical Therapist Assistant

Applicant Information Sessions

If you are planning to apply to the PTA program, please view the Applicant Information Session video. The video will answer many of your concerns. Please email pta@cecil.edu with questions you may have about the program, the application process, or to schedule a virtual meeting.

PTA Application Information Sessions

In our PTA application information sessions, you'll have an opportunity to learn about admission standards, important deadlines, and the next steps for entrance to the PTA program. If you're interested in attending one of these sessions, see the upcoming dates currently scheduled. For more information, email pta@cecil.edu.

 

How to Register

Returning students can refer to the FAQ "How do I register for courses?" on the Virtual Support page for hours and contact information to speak with a representative. New students should contact Admissions at (410) 287-1006, live chat during regular hours on the home page of cecil.edu, or email admissions@cecil.edu.

How to Get Started

To be considered for spring admission to the program, students must complete the PTA Application each fall. A link to the PTA Application for the class of 2027 (classes start January of 2026) will be made available on this page starting July 1, 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to attend a PTA Applicant Information Session or Open House and review the Prospective Student Packet. A meeting with a Cecil College Academic Advisor to discuss program-specific requirements, transfer credits and plan the student's course schedule is strongly recommended. Please contact Academic Advising at advising@cecil.edu or 410-287-1000 option#4.  For additional information please contact the PTA program at pta@cecil.edu or (443) 674-1557.

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