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WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Physical therapy means the assessment, evaluation, treatment and prevention of physical disability, movement dysfunction, and pain resulting from injury, disease, disability, or health related conditions. Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist in the delivery of physical therapy services. Their duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses.
Physical therapy practitioners work with the entire spectrum of the patient population and are employed in a wide variety of settings including: hospitals and medical centers, rehabilitation centers, pediatric facilities or school systems, private physical therapy clinics, home health care agencies, convalescent centers and extended care facilities.
Williston State College (WSC) offers a 2½ year associate in applied science (A.A.S.) Degree program to prepare physical therapist assistants for immediate employment. The program includes study in anatomy and physiology, social science, technical physical therapy courses, and clinical education in regional health care facilities.
Williston State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
WHEN CAN NEW STUDENTS ENROLL?
The formal physical therapist assistant (PTA) courses only begin during Fall semester, but students can begin work on the prerequisite courses any semester. Admission into the formal program is limited and requires a special application process, in addition to being admitted to the college itself. Please be aware that the admission process is competitive and limited to a maximum of 16 students in the formal portion of the program. The completion of all requirements does not ensure admission into the program. The program is designed to be completed in five full-time academic semesters. PTA courses must be taken in sequence and are only offered to students accepted into the PTA program, with the exception of Introduction to Physical Therapy and Pathology for PTA. Students are strongly encouraged to gain as much practical experience in physical therapy prior to beginning the formal component of the program. Please refer the College Catalog for more specifics about the program.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA TO FINAL YEAR OF PTA PROGRAM
1. First year of prerequisite courses completed or in the process of being completed, by the time interviews take place (unless prior approved by the PTA Program Chair). All these course must be completed with the minimal grade of a "C".
2. Cumulative science GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
3. A minimum of 40 - 60 volunteer/work experience completed prior to entering the Fall semester.
4. Three letters of recommendation.
5. Completion of the PTA Program Application Forms.
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. An interview with the admissions committee (if selected) during the month of April.
7. Verification of satisfactory health from a physician (if admitted to the program).
In the unlikely event that there are insufficient numbers of qualified applicants to fill the available 16 student slots, the college reserves the right to reduce the number of applicants accepted or to consider outstanding applicants who have not completely fulfilled all of the admissions criteria
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Formal application to the program is conducted during the year you expect to have your prerequisite courses completed (usually the first year). PTA Program Supplemental Application forms are available from the PTA program office (Health Science Sports Complex Room 165) beginning in December of each year. Applications must be submitted or postmarked by March 15th to be considered for the following Fall semester.
In order for your application to be considered for the PTA program, you must have the following completed and on file in the Student Services office by March 15th:
1. A "North Dakota University System Application for Admission" and a "Medical History Report" must be submitted to the Student Services office, if you are not currently enrolled at WSC. You must reactivate your application if you were previously enrolled at WSC or UND-W.
Request official transcripts of all college and/or high school course work. Have them sent to the Student Services office. If you are currently enrolled at WSC these should already be in your records.
The following items pertain to the supplemental application process. These materials must be submitted to PTA Program office (Health science Sports Complex Room 165) by the deadline of March 15th. You are responsible for making sure your application is complete. It should contain the following:
1.
Completed PTA Program Supplemental Application Form
2.
Experience verification for volunteer and/or work hours in healthcare related areas. You may have facilities verify your hours and description of the types of experiences on their letterhead stationary.
3. Three letters of recommendation from individuals of your choice. Individuals may use the Letter of Recommendation forms and/or write a personal letter.
4. Responses to the essay questions.
5.
You must supply unofficial copies of transcripts of high school (if within the last 5 years) and all previous college course work even if you are or have been enrolled at WSC. Your application will not be evaluated without all transcripts attached.
6. Please include a cover letter addressing any pertinent facts you feel the selection committee should be aware of.
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screening committee will evaluate the applicants and determine eligibility for the program. Qualified applicants will be rated by points given for grades earned in prior course work. Additional points will be given for demonstration of previous experience in physical therapy or related medical fields. Applicants will then be rank-ordered by points for advancing to the interview portion of the application process (a maximum of 30 applicants will be interviewed).
Letters notifying students that they have either been chosen to be interviewed or that their application was denied, will be sent out by March 30th. Interviews will be held during the month of April, with the exact date and time included in the notification letter. Interviewees will be ranked on motivation, maturity, communication skills, professional knowledge/preparedness, poise/appearance, interests and experience. Final decisions on acceptance into the program will be made in early May, following the applicant's submission of the outstanding grades from Spring semester. Applicants will be notified of the date by which these transcripts are to be submitted. A maximum of 16 students will be accepted each Fall. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to a restricted entry program. Applicants who are accepted into the PTA program and then decline to accept are not guaranteed priority consideration in future classes. Students who withdraw from the program will be allowed to re-enter the program during the following year.
ADDITIONAL STUDENT FEES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the usual tuition and fees charged at WSC, the PTA student will be responsible for some additional costs.
Required PTA Textbooks Approximately $900.00
Name Badge Approximately $12.00
Watch with second hand Student to purchase style of their choice
CPR Certification (You will initially be certified in First Aid class)
Medical Physical Exam Student to complete with own physician
Immunizations MMR or rubella titer, TB test, Tetanus, current proof required
Hepatitis B Immunization or signed Informed Waiver
Lab Fees
APTA Membership $45 (optional but recommended)
The college provides malpractice and workmen's compensation insurance free of charge to students in the PTA program.
Because the PTA program requires each student to complete approximately 720 hours of clinical education in clinic facilities, there are several special requirements:
1. Students are required to have access to reliable transportation. Clinic sites will be located throughout the region and perhaps beyond. Students may be required to be on campus the same day. There are no bus services and car pools are rarely feasible, as it is unusual for more than one student to be assigned to a site.
2. Health care workers are required to have current TB tests, measles vaccinations and CPR training. These are necessary prior to entering the formal program.
3. Specific uniforms are not necessary although some clinics may require a lab jacket for clinical experiences. However, it is expected that dress and grooming will be appropriate for professional settings.
4. Your final semester of education involves full-time clinical affiliations. Students will pay tuition and receive training in clinical sites 40 hours per week. It is nearly impossible to work at a paid job during this time. Please plan ahead for this financial consideration.
RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
1. Students must maintain a letter grade of "C" or higher in all classes required for graduation.
2. Attendance is mandatory in all classes unless arrangements have been made with the instructor. Students who have unexcused absences will be dropped from the program.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS
The following information is provided to assist you in achieving a better understanding of the cognitive and physical demands of the program and of the abilities needed to successfully work as a PTA. These criteria are based on cognitive and physical abilities identified as being essential job functions for physical therapist assistants and as such, closely match the abilities needed to successfully complete the clinical and laboratory components of the PTA curriculum. (From APTA Accreditation Competencies for Physical Therapist Assistants: Commission on Accreditation in Education, 1985).
A. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This includes but is not limited to the ability to perform the following activities:
1.) OCCASIONALLY (1/2 to 2½ hours/day) sit, stand in place, walk, twist (knees/waist/neck), climb, push/pull, and lift.
2.) FREQUENTLY (2½ to 5 hours/day) crouch (bend at knees), stoop (bend at waist), turn/pivot, reach overhead, pinch or grasp small objects.
3.) CONTINUOUSLY (5½ to 8 hours/day) be mobile, grasp large objects.
If you are disabled and need special accommodations, please contact the coordinator for disability and support services at 774-4594.
B. COGNITIVE DEMANDS This includes but is not limited to the ability to:
Adapt to frequent changes in work environment and patient/client population.
Concentrate and attend to detail amidst a variety of environmental distractions.
Process information accurately, thoroughly and quickly.
Carry out complex sequences of instructions.
Provide clients with clear instructions that are adapted to their cognitive levels and communication needs.
Generalize learning from one situation and patient to another, as appropriate.
Adapt treatment style in order to work with a variety of different supervisors.
Interact positively with many professionals including members of a multidisciplinary team.
Prioritize tasks.
Read and write therapy reports, clinical notes, communications to and from other professional team members.
Deal with a variety of patient/client ages, behavior, cognitive abilities, cultures and ethnic backgrounds both individually and in groups.
Learn and apply new information on methods of treatment, equipment, pathologies, etc., on an ongoing basis.
DOES THE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO A FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION?
Many students opt to obtain their associate's degree as a PTA prior to attending a four-year institution. It affords the student an opportunity to gain valuable experience and to see if they want to attempt the next step. In addition it is often possible to be employed part-time, at a good paying job, while attending physical therapy school. The technical courses for the physical therapist assistant program (prefix PTA) are not designed to transfer to four-year institutions. All other courses are transferable to other colleges in the North Dakota University System. Private colleges must be consulted on an individual basis as to the transfer of credits. Students who are planning to earn a master's or doctorate degree in physical therapy should consult with an adviser from the four-year institution to plan an appropriate selection of classes to ensure that all requirements are met.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Regionally, job placement of graduates of physical therapist assistant programs is good. The PTA profession is rated by the United State Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions, and current projections indicate that this trend will continue well into the next century. Graduates of WSC's PTA program can expect to be hired, though relocation may be necessary. There are many job opportunities for both men and women and career opportunities for pursuit of specialty interests in rehabilitation, orthopedics, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Starting salaries vary in range depending on demand and usually include benefits. A license is required in North Dakota state for the PTA to practice which means successfully completing the National Board Examination. Not every state has this requirement. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from specific state licensing boards.
PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS
FIRST YEAR (PREREQUISITE COURSES)
ENGL 110 English Composition 3 credits
PHYS 100 Concepts of Physics 4 credits
PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
BIOL 220 Anatomy & Physiology 1 4 credits
BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology 2 4 credits
PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy 2 credits
PTA 259 Muscles and Their Functions 3 credits
HPER 210 First Aid 1 credit
Computer Application Course 1-3 credits
Electives minimum of 4 credits
SECOND YEAR (PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM)
BIOL 260 Kinesiology 3 credits
BIOL 261 Kinesiology Lab 1 credit
PTA 130 Pathology for PTA 3 credits
PTA 140 Therapeutic Exercise 3 credits
PTA 150 Modalities 4 credits
PTA 121 Treatment Issues 2 credits
PTA 151 Medical Records 2 credits
PTA 240 Advanced Techniques 3 credits
PTA 260 Advanced Exercise 3 credits
PTA 241 Assessment 1 credit
PTA 250 Neurological Rehabilitation 5 credits
PTA 270 Case Studies 1 credit
PTA 249 Physical therapy Clinical 2 credits
PTA 261 Exercise Application 2 credits
PTA 251, 252 Fieldwork A & B 6 credits each
PROGRAM TOTAL: 85-89 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy (2 credits)
Overview of the Physical Therapy profession and its place in health care.
PTA 121 Treatment Issues (2 credits)
Introduction to clinical concepts including patient positioning, body mechanics, gait training, vital signs, wheelchair management, asepsis, safety, infection control and patient transfers.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 130 Pathology for PTA (3 credits)
Introduction to medical and pathological conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy.
Prerequisites: BIOL 204 & 205 & instructor's consent
PTA 140 Therapeutic Exercise L/L (3 credits)
Introduction to basic concepts of orthopedic management, review of tissue healing, gait and joint mobilization, and management of orthopedic conditions.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 150 Modalities L/L (3 credits)
Theory, principles, and technical skills of the application of heat, cold, light, electromagnetic, and sound waves in physical therapy.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 151 Medical Records (2 credits)
Documentation and record keeping in the physical therapy department, PTA responsibilities for documentation, legalities and insurance issues.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 240 Advanced Techniques L/L (3 credits)
Theory and usage of therapeutic electricity, cardiopulmonary treatment, wound care, orthotics, and prosthetics are examined. Special treatment topics are investigated.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 241 Assessment (2 credits)
Students will learn differential functional evaluation tools to use in the clinic. Other selected topics will be presented. Students will spend time in the clinic setting observing and practicing skills.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 250 Neurological Rehabilitation L/L (5 credits)
Theory of the developmental process is studied. Principles of neurological rehabilitation are explored.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 251 Fieldwork A (4 credits)
240 hours of full-time experience (6 weeks at 40 hours per week) working with a clinical instructor applying the concepts and techniques learned in the classroom. This is the student's first full-time filed experience. Students are placed in numerous locations throughout the United States and Canada.
Prerequisite: Completion of all didactic work for the PTA program.
PTA 252 Fieldwork B (6 credits)
240 hours of full-time experience (6 weeks at 40 hours per week) working with a clinical instructor applying the concepts and techniques learned in the classroom. This is the student's second full-time experience. Students are placed in numerous locations throughout the United States and Canada.
Prerequisite: PTA 251
PTA 259 Muscles and Their Functions
This course reviews the origin, insertion, innervation and function of the human muscular system. It builds off from the information in BIOL 220 Anatomy/Physiology 1
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
PTA 260 Advanced Exercise L/L (3 credits)
This course builds off PTA 140 to include more advanced exercise techniques in the following areas: geriatrics, vestibular rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, back care, isokinetic exercise, plyometrics, Swiss ball, and weight lifting techniques.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 261 Exercise Application
This course focuses on performance of common exercise protocols and the progression of exercises used in treating various medical conditions.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA Program
PTA 270 Case Studies (2 credits)
Students, individually or in groups, will problem solve appropriate treatment, the effects of treatment and progression sequence for various clinical diagnoses.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
PTA 295 Independent Projects (1-4 credits)
Opportunity to do independent study in an area of physical therapy under the advisement and direction of a PTA instructor. Credit hours will be awarded based on the complexity of the project.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.
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