Rogue Community College will start a new physical therapy assistant program in the fall.

The program is a partnership between RCC and Lane Community College and prepares students to work as entry-level physical therapy assistant and to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, school officials said.

PTAs work with physical therapists and help give care to patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses and surgeries.

The program will combine laboratory and clinical sections locally and in Eugene. RCC will provide program prerequisites, general education and related coursework, but students completing the program will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree from LCC.

The application process for the class starts May 24 and closes June 20. Up to 10 students will move through the two-year program as a cohort.