Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

As a physical therapist assistant, you will provide the hands‐on treatment for individuals that have experienced a traumatic illness or injury, under the direction of a physical therapist. This treatment may take place in numerous health care settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports medicine clinics, private offices, individual homes, nursing homes, or school systems. This career path will provide knowledge in the use of modern technology and specialized techniques including exercise to improve muscle strength, balance, flexibility and coordination, gait training with devices, and application of heat, cold, water, or electricity thus motivating the individual towards physical independence. This career choice may be a steppingstone to further professional development in medicine.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program has achieved the highest standard in accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085, 800‐999‐2782) since November 2, 1994. North Central State College re‐confirms the position of total support through human resources and fiscal measures towards the accreditation  process.

Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program is limited. There is a special admission procedure. Please contact the Admissions Office for details. The program is a five‐semester sequence that starts every Fall Semester. Students must successfully complete the entrance requirements and have been selected through a selective point system. Pre‐Physical Therapist Assistant status does not guarantee admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant courses or program. Students may begin non‐PHTA courses any semester.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program publishes a student handbook delineating specific program policies that are not explained in the general catalog. The specific policies as described in the program handbook take precedence over any general policy outlined in the College catalog. A copy of the handbook is available for review in the PTA Program Director’s Office and the Admissions Office. An acceptable health physical and verification of immunizations are required. Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check and drug screening are required. A minimum grade of 77% is required in BIOL 2751, BIOL 2752, STAT 1010, HLTH 1150 and all PHTA courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements. The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for the completion of this program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will:

1. Competently perform interventions under the supervision of the Physical Therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner.
2. Accurately utilize data collection skills to assist the Physical Therapist.
3. Effectively communicate with the patient, patient’s family, caregivers and members of the health care team.
4. Correctly document patient interventions.
5. Educate health care providers, the community and government as it relates to physical therapy as required by the given situation.
6. Consistently support patients with regard for individual, cultural and economic differences.
7. Routinely display self‐direction for career development and the ongoing process of learning.
8. Recognize the importance of research as it relates to physical therapy.