Program Overview
This Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist, providing high-quality physical therapy services. Through a combination of clinical practicums, lectures, and hands-on practice, graduates develop entry-level skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical behaviors necessary for success in the field. The program's multidimensional approach fosters lifelong learning and prepares students for a variety of clinical settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed healthcare providers who assist in delivering high-quality physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (PT).
- A combination of clinical practicum rotations and other learning experiences including the use of technology and online instructional enhancements, lectures, discussions, small group activities, and guided laboratory practice prepares graduates to be employed in a variety of clinical settings.
- This multidimensional educational approach fosters the development of individual responsibility and professional behaviors leading to successful lifelong learning.
Objectives:
To prepare graduates who possess entry-level skills and knowledge that will function under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. To ensure graduates possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world situations for contemporary evidence-based practice. To graduate students who practice effective communication skills in the clinical work setting. To graduate individuals that demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors. Employ qualified and effective faculty that maintains contemporary practice and academic development in educational foundations, maintain progress for tenure and promotion, and are involved in the profession. Facilitate participation in the communities served by providing and assessing educational needs.
Outline:
First Semester
- PTA 110 Therapeutic Exercise
- PTA 112 Documentation Communication
- PTA 120 Physical Therapist Assisting I
- BIO 246 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- ENG 102 English Composition II
Second Semester
- PTA 114 Pathology
- PTA 122 Physical Therapist Assisting II
- PTA 123 Clinical Practicum I
- PTA 125 Kinesiology
Third Semester
- PTA 231 Physical Therapist Assisting III
- PTA 232 Clinical Practicum II
- CMS 215 Intercultural Communication
- PSY 218 Human Growth and Development
Fourth Semester
- PTA 241 Physical Therapist Assisting IV
- PTA 242 Clinical Practicum III
Teaching:
- This multidimensional educational approach fosters the development of individual responsibility and professional behaviors leading to successful lifelong learning.
- The program is taught by qualified and effective faculty that maintain contemporary practice and academic development in educational foundations, and are involved in the profession.
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, small group activities, and guided laboratory practice.
Careers:
- Physical therapist assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and nursing homes.
- PTAs typically work under the supervision of a physical therapist, and they may perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Evaluating patients' physical condition
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing therapeutic exercises and treatments
- Educating patients on their condition and treatment
- PTAs can also work as independent practitioners in some states.
- The job outlook for PTAs is expected to be excellent in the coming years, as the demand for physical therapy services continues to grow.
