Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Program
Program Overview
Central Methodist University's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program prepares students for a rewarding career as licensed PTAs. The two-year associate degree program combines classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and clinical rotations to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work under the supervision of physical therapists and assist patients with health-related conditions affecting their physical function. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings and achieve high pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam (NPTAE).
Program Outline
PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help people of all ages with health-related conditions affecting their physical function.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent and compassionate PTAs.
- Prepare graduates to successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam (NPTAE).
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for effective patient care.
- Instill ethical and professional conduct in alignment with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) core values.
Description:
The PTA program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experiences and clinical rotations. This approach allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the PTA profession and gain practical skills in various healthcare settings.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Medical terminology
- Patient care skills
- Therapeutic modalities
- Exercise prescription
- Clinical reasoning
- Professional ethics
Structure:
- The PTA program is a two-year associate degree program.
- Students complete a total of 72 credit hours, including coursework, laboratory experiences, and clinical rotations.
- Students typically take 4-5 courses per semester.
- The program includes a variety of general education courses alongside專業課程.
Individual Modules:
- Each module focuses on a specific area of physical therapy practice.
- Modules are taught by experienced faculty with expertise in their respective fields.
- Students participate in interactive learning activities, including case studies, simulations, and group discussions.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Written exams
- Practical skills demonstrations
- Clinical performance evaluations
- Portfolio development
- Standardized patient encounters
Assessment Criteria:
- Students are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the program's learning outcomes.
- Assessments are designed to measure students' critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and professional skills.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures
- Hands-on laboratory experiences
- Clinical simulations
- Group work and discussions
- Case studies
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
- The PTA program is led by experienced faculty with advanced degrees and clinical experience.
- Faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education and individualized support.
Unique Approaches:
- The "2+2" option allows students to earn both PTA and OTA (Occupational Therapist Assistant) degrees in four years.
- The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and incorporates the latest advancements in physical therapy.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home health agencies
- Schools
- Sports medicine settings
Opportunities:
- High demand for qualified PTAs
- Competitive salaries
- Job security
Outcomes:
- CMU PTA graduates achieve high pass rates on the NPTAE.
- Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.
- The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in successful careers.
Other:
- The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated PTA lab and clinical simulation center.
- The program offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students.
