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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) program prepares students to be able to work under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs carry out the daily activities of physical therapy such as performing exercises and massage. They also carry out various treatments such as heat, cold, whirlpools, and electrical stimulation. Students work with a variety of injuries, diseases, and birth defects. Employment is found in hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, schools, or private clinics. The Williston State College physical therapist assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Program Goals:
The physical therapist assistant program goals include developing, advancing, transforming, disseminating, and exchanging knowledge, methods, and techniques in physical therapy as a means for preparing PTAs for the work force, and enhancing the current work force’s skill level. The program will:
- Develop and deliver curriculum materials that reflect the content of information that the physical therapy profession expects the PTA student to know as an entry-level practitioner.
- Establish and maintain channels of communication with affiliating clinical sites, national and state professional organizations, accrediting agencies, and other programs in physical therapy.
- Provide professional development opportunities for program instructors.
- Provide access to equipment that is reflective of the technology students will be required to be familiar with in the work place.
- Provide assistance to students in making career decisions and/or in securing academic help.
- Provide continuing education opportunities designed to meet the needs of the licensed physical therapist assistant.
Admission to the PTA Program
Admission to the program is done on a first come first serve basis. Limits are placed on class size to assure students have adequate contact with faculty and educational materials available for their use. The program may consider adding additional sections of courses to accommodate more students. Students must maintain a minimum grade of a “C” in all required classes to make satisfactory progress. Refer to the PTA Program Handbook for more details.
When can new students enroll?
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) course sequence begins each Fall semester, but students can potentially begin work on courses any semester. There may be some courses that would be unavailable to a student starting in Spring or Summer semester, as they are not offered until Fall or are a sequence course. Admission to the program is an open admissions process. Our technical courses are limited in size to 16 students. Admission to these classes is on a first come first serve basis. General education courses will have larger class sizes. If more than 16 students seek admission, they will be put onto a waiting list. Students are strongly encouraged to gain as much practical experience in physical therapy prior to admission to the program. Physical therapy clinics are usually very willing to have individuals interested in therapy do volunteer work or job shadowing with them.
What about a student wishing to transfer to the PTA Program? Typically the PTA program is spread over 2 1/2 semesters and students start as freshman taking their courses over those six semesters. For transfer students who have completed a sufficient number and types of courses, they may be able to complete the program in as short as three semesters. The PTA Program Chair will work individually with you to assess the work you have already completed.
Student Goals:
- Begin practice as an entry-level physical therapist assistant.
- Provide physical therapy services as specified in the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
1. Perform skillfully and safely all treatment, rehabilitation, and selected exercise.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of treatment precautions and contraindications in carrying out these activities.
3. Respond to acute changes in physiological state (to insure the safety and comfort of the patient).
- Teach other health care providers, patients, and families to perform selected treatment procedures and functional activities.
- Identify architectural barriers.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior and awareness of legal responsibilities in patient care.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structure/function of the human body as applied in physical therapy procedures and describe the essential features of selected pathologies.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the psycho-social effects of injury on patients/families by providing appropriate support and respecting dignity and individuality.
- Demonstrate appropriate and effective written, oral, and non-verbal communication skills with patients, their families, colleagues, and the public.
- Contribute to the overall effective management of a physical therapy department through application of the basic principles of levels of authority and responsibility, planning, time management, supervisory processes, performance evaluations, policies, procedures, and fiscal consideration.
- Demonstrate an understanding of his/her role as a PTA with its privileges and limitations.
- Recognize the need to adapt to the ever-changing technology and advancement of knowledge in health care.
Purpose of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
The physical therapist assistant program assists students in obtaining the skills required to successfully function in the delivery of health care as a PTA. The program is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about the human body, how it functions, the effects of injury or disease on the body, and the physical measures used to maximize function. It also gives them hands-on practical experience and practical preparation for the National Board Examination. Continuing education and its role as an informational resource to the physical therapist assistant work force is also a vital part of the program.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Degree Requirements:
16 credits completed in residence
2.00 “C”grade point average
72 total credits
Minimum grade of “C” in all required courses
ASC 100-Freshman Seminar
General Education Requirements:
15 General Education Credits including:
1. 1 class from each of the following 2 areas:
a. Communications
b. Math or Science
2. 1 class from 3 of the following 4 areas:
a. Humanities
b. Social Science
c. Computer Technology
d. Wellness
Program Course Requirements:
AH 260 Kinesiology I 3
AH 260L Kinesiology I Lab 1
AH 261 Kinesiology II 3
AH 261L Kinesiology II Lab 1
BIOL 220 Anatomy & Physiology I L/L 4
BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology II L/L 4
ENGL 110 College Composition I 3
or
ENGL 125 Introduction to Professional Writing 3
HPER 210 First Aid & CPR 1
PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology 3
PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy 2
PTA 121 Treatment Issues 2
PTA 130 Pathology for PTA 3
PTA 140 Therapeutic Exercise I L/L 3
PTA 141 Therapeutic Exercise II L/L 3
PTA 150 Modalities L/L 4
PTA 151 Medical Records 2
PTA 190 Freshman Clinical 3
PTA 240 Advanced Techniques L/L 3
PTA 241 Assessment 1
PTA 249 Physical Therapy Clinical 3
PTA 250 Neurological Rehabilitation L/L 4
PTA 251 Fieldwork A 5
PTA 252 Fieldwork B 5
PTA 260 Advanced Exercise 3
PTA 261 Exercise Application 2
Computer Technology Course 1
Suggested Elective Credits
PTA 259 Muscles & Their Functions (3)
Electives: Nutrition, Introduction to Sociology, Fundamentals of Business, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Microbiology, Chemistry, Math, Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Accounting, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Medical Terminology, Speech, General Biology, or other courses approved by the PTA Program Chair.
Additional Requirements and Expenses
In addition to the usual tuition and fees charged at WSC, the PTA student will be responsible for some additional costs. These are approximate values.
Cost for books $1000.00
WSC name badge $12.00
Criminal background check $60.00
PTA Lab fees $100.00
Board Preparation Seminar $200.00
Optional APTA Membership $45.00
You may also have some additional expenses depending on individual clinical internship requirements.
Drug screening $45.00
Vaccinations $25.00
Uniform Requirements $30.00
Medical Examination $100.00
CPR and First Aid Recertification
The college provides malpractice and workmen’s compensation insurance free of charge to students in the PTA program. Students do have the option of buying their own additional insurance.
Some additional requirements for students to consider are related to that all education does not take place on campus. Students will be spending time in various clinical settings and so they need to consider these things:
1. A student will need reliable transportation to get to and from clinical facilities. Public transportation may not be available.
2. Clinical facilities may have additional requirements of students wish to have an internship with them. The student will be responsible for meeting those requirements.
3. When on internships it is nearly impossible to work at a paid job. Good management of your financial resources is important, so that adequate funds are available for those internship times.
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