PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Department Chairperson - Dr. Stacy Sekely Consistent with the philosophy of the College, and the core values of physical therapy, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) curriculum combines science and technical courses with the core courses to provide an education leading to the development of a competent and compassionate graduate. The curriculum uses a variety of teaching and learning environments. Students are introduced to the importance of professional activities and life long learning through course content, assignments, availability of professional literature and exposure to academic and clinical faculty dedicated to the profession. The curriculum, although evolving and continually subject to revision, is designed to educate and graduate students possessing an understanding of, an appreciation for, and a competence in, the field of physical therapy and their role as physical therapist assistants. Upon completion of the Associate of Science Degree Physical Therapist Assistant program, the graduate will 1. perform as a competent and skilled physical therapist assistant at the entry level, having an in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, relative to patient/client management from the simplest to the most complex patient conditions; 2. apply knowledge to prevent, correct and/or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunctions; 3. function in a clinical team atmosphere, appropriately referring patients/clients to other healthcare providers/agencies/resources within the context of managed patient care; 4. demonstrate awareness for the commitment to a pursuit of personal and professional development and growth, becoming life long learners seeking experiences necessary to remain current with changes in health care policy and patient care; 5. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, Core Values, and Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy as a guide for practice; 6. demonstrate advocacy skills for the professional and the consumer; and 7. be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) to enable entry-level employment in the physical therapy field. The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum is designed to prepare successful graduates to pass the NPTAE and enter the work force as health care providers skilled to assist the physical therapist in the delivery of physical therapy services. State registration/certification requirements and Practice Acts vary and the assistant must abide by the Practice Act in the state in which they wish to be employed. The physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant work as a team, the assistant conducting treatments under the supervision of the therapist. Physical therapists establish plans of care which require the physical therapist assistant to utilize special equipment while conducting thermal, electrical, and mechanical treatments. Physical therapy plans often include exercise and functional training programs administered by the assistant. Assistants are responsible for reporting patient response to the physical therapist, documenting physical therapy interventions and performing selected measurements. The curriculum is a combination of general study and technical courses. The technical or physical therapist assistant courses include both theoretical and laboratory instruction. Clinical education courses occur in a variety of health care settings.
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