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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.
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.
Criteria for Admission to the PTA program
Admission to the sophomore level of the PTA program is on a competitive basis. Applications are available beginning in January of each year for the following fall semester. The following criteria must be met (through completion of coursework or demonstrable competency) to be considered for admission:
1. BIOL 220 Anatomy & Physiology I L/L*
BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology II L/L*
ENGL 110 College Composition I
HPER 210 First Aid
PHYS 100 Concepts of Physics L/L*
PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology*
PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy*+
Approved Electives-10 Credits
2. Cumulative science GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale (anatomy & physiology, physics, chemistry, and psychology).
3. 40-60 hours of volunteer or work experience prior to admission to PTA 101.
4. Three letters of recommendation.
5. Interview with the admission committee to be held during the month of April.
6. (*) must be completed or in the process of completion by the time of interviews.
7. (+) may be completed by correspondence or challenge exam.
8. Verification of satisfactory health completed by a physician (if admitted).
Students will be notified of admission status after spring semester final grades are calculated. In the unlikely event that there are insufficient numbers of qualified applicants to fill the available 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 admission criteria.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Degree Requirements:
16 credits completed in residence
2.00 (C) grade point average
84 total credits
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: Credits
BIOL 220 Anatomy & Physiology I L/L .................................. 4
BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology II L/L ................................. 4
BIOL 260 Kinesiology ......................................................... 3
BIOL 260L Kinesiology Lab .................................................. 1
ENGL 110 College Composition I .......................................... 3
or
ENGL 125 Introduction to Professional Writing ........................ 3
HPER 210 First Aid .............................................................. 1
PHYS 100 Concepts of Physics L/L ....................................... 4
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 L/L .......................................... 3
PTA 150 Modalities L/L ......................................................... 4
PTA 151 Medical Records ..................................................... 2
PTA 240 Advanced Techniques L/L ........................................ 3
PTA 241 Assessment ........................................................... 2
PTA 250 Neurological Rehabilitation L/L .................................. 5
PTA 251 Fieldwork A ............................................................. 8
PTA 252 Fieldwork B ............................................................. 8
PTA 260 Advanced Exercise .................................................. 3
PTA 270 Case Studies ........................................................... 2
Computer Technology course .................................................. 1
Approved Electives 10
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.
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