PHYSICAL THERAPist ASSISTANT degree requirements
physical THERApist ASSISTANT
CORE AREA 1: Freshman Component (B) : Research & Writing ENG 120 Research & Writing
The American Physical Therapy Association defines Physical Therapy as the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of physical disability and pain resulting from injury, disease, disability, or other health-related conditions.
CORE AREA 2: Religious & Philosophical Inquiry RLST 100 Intro to Religious Studies
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is an integral part of the health care team. The duties of a physical therapist assistant include assisting in the implementation of treatment programs in accordance with the plan of care established by the physical therapist. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy services. Services may include use of physical agents such as therapeutic heat and cold, electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound; application and instructionof therapeutic exercise techniques; functional mobility training; and data collection skills to monitor strength, range of motion, sensation, and reflexes.
CHOOSE ONE MATH: MATH 102 Elementary Algebra OR CORE AREA 5: Scientific Quantitative & Critical Reasoning MATH 109 Statistics CORE AREA 7: Analysis of Individuals & Societies SOC 108 Human Growth & Development
The practice of physical therapy offers opportunities to provide valuable health care service to patients or clients of all ages.The PTA Program curriculum is designed in accordance with recommendations of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Model Curriculum for PTA Education (Version 2007), and meets established requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program has been accredited by CAPTE since 1996.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT REQUIRED COURSES BIO 240/241 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture & Lab BIO 250/251 Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture & Lab PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy PTA 103 Healthcare Communication PTA 104 Introduction to Physical Therapy Lab PTA 200 Kinesiology PTA 204 Kinesiology Lab PTA 205 Pathophysiology PTA 206 Therapeutic Modalities for PTA PTA 207 Orthopedics Interventions PTA 208 Therapeutic Exercise PTA 209 General Rehab PTA 210 Neurorehab PTA 211 Clinical Education I PTA 212 Clinical Education II/III PTA 214 Professional Issues Seminar PTA 216 Therapeutic Modalities for PTA Lab PTA 217 Orthopedic Interventions Lab PTA 218 Therapeutic Exercise Lab PTA 219 Neurorehab Lab
The integrated two-year curriculum consists of a balance of liberal studies, science and technical courses. Within the curriculum, three full-time clinical education courses are completed. The clinical education courses provide an opportunity for students to transition from the classroom/lab setting into the clinical environment. Students continue the learning process in various clinical settings under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The clinical education component of the curriculum requires a total of 640 clinical hours. Clinical sites utilized for clinical education are available throughout the United States and in Canada with the majority of sites in the tri-state region. A significant number of clinical facilities within Erie County have committed their support to the program. Clinical sites available represent a wide variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, nursing homes, sports medicine clinics and pediatric settings. In order to participate in the clinical education courses, students must submit documentation of a recent physical exam (within one year), appropriate immunizations, recent two-step TB test, current CPR certification, completion of a federal and state criminal record check, child abuse clearance, and alcohol and drug screening. Students should be aware that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to attain a license or certificate to practice, may restrict options for clinical placements and may impact employability. A minimum of 72 credits is required for the completion of this associate degree program. An overall 2.0 GPA is required by the end of the second semester and for graduation. A grade of C+ (80%) or higher is expected in all PTA courses to remain in good standing within the program. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are required to take the National Physical Therapy Examination in order to practice as a PTA in most states. The National Exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT.org). For more information contact Janice Haas at jhaas@mercyhurst.edu 56