Program Description:
The Physical Therapist Assistant program (PTA) prepares students to assist the physical therapist in patient-related intervention activities. Through a variety of learning experiences, the student acquires an understanding of, and learns to perform the technical skills of hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, light therapy, massage, electrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, ambulation, goniometry, muscle testing and functional training.
The student extends their knowledge and skill in the application of physical therapy techniques in the clinical setting. By participating in the treatment of patients, the student develops the ability to relate to and work effectively with patients, physical therapy personnel and those in other allied-health professions.
Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, demonstration and return demonstration, practice in the fully equipped physical therapy laboratory, simulated treatment situations in the classroom laboratory and experience in the clinical setting. Shared learning experiences also are planned with students enrolled in the Master of Physical Therapy program and those enrolled in other health-care disciplines at the college. Evaluation of student learning is based upon stated objectives that are shared with the student at the beginning of each course. Evaluation methods include performance tests of techniques in the classroom laboratory during unit, midterm and final examinations. Written tests include both objective and essay items. Clinical performance is evaluated by clinical instructors using a competency-based rating system.
Experience in a physical therapy setting is valuable in providing students with a basic introduction to the physical therapy profession. Prior to beginning course work in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, students must arrange to spend at least eight hours in a physical therapy setting. This experience may be as a volunteer, as an observer (with prior permission from the department or clinic supervisor) or through work experience. In order to begin first-year PTA program courses, students must present documentation of this experience to the student records and accounts office prior to September 1 of the academic year of enrollment. Forms for documenting experience in a physical therapy setting are included in admission materials; they also may be obtained from the registrar's office. While eight hours of experience in a physical therapy setting are required, additional experience in a variety of physical therapy clinic types is recommended.
ACCREDITATION
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
CPR CERTIFICATION
Students must have a current certification, valid through June 1 of their first year in the program, in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health-Care Providers offered by the American Heart Association. By October 1 of each academic year of enrollment, the student must have sent or submitted proof of CPR certification to the program director. This can be a two-sided photocopy of the certification card. However, the copy must show that the certificate is for the course listed above and must include the expiration date, the student's name, the student's signature and the instructor's signature.
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Offered in two academic years. The curriculum requires 66 semester credits for graduation. Failure to complete these credits during the specified year may result in delayed graduation or the need to take a greater number of credits than is necessary. Students who successfully complete all program requirements will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
PTA Course Listings
Major Requirements:
PTA 101 Physical Therapy Patient Handling
PTA 102 Physical Therapy Treatment Techniques I
PTA 105 Orientation to Physical Therapy/Role of the PTA
PTA 109 Gross Anatomy & Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System
PTA 111 Kinesiology Integration
PTA 114 Physical Therapy Treatment Techniques II
PTA 115 Musculoskeletal Function & Dysfunction
PTA 117 Massage Seminar
PTA 131 Clinical Affiliation I
PTA 132 Clinical Orthopedics
PTA 135 Topics in Physical Therapy
PTA 200 Physical Therapy Treatment Techniques III
PTA 201 Introductory Concepts in Pediatric Physical Therapy (optional)
PTA 202 Advanced Geriatric Physical Therapy for the PTA (optional)
PTA 210 Clinical Affiliation II
PTA 220 Clinical Affiliation III
PTA 225 Synthesis: Physical Therapy in the Health-Care Delivery System & Sophomore Project
Supporting courses:
BIOL200 or BIOL240 Summer Science Immersion or Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL242 Human Disease
HIMP102 Medical Terminology
PHIL200 Ethical Problems in Health Care
PSYC201 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC2023 Lifespan Development: Adolescence
PSYC2024 Lifespan Development: Middle Adulthood, Late Adulthood & Death
Liberal arts and sciences and CIL requirements:
ENGL110 Composition I
ECOL200 Human Ecology
PSYC1001 General Psychology I
PSYC1002 General Psychology II
SSCS100 Diversity, Democracy and Social Participation
ART Elective
THEO Elective
ENGL literature elective
CIL 100, 110
Computer competency requirement (FNDN010)
Curriculum Guide
Minor Requirements: