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Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Link to website maintained by the School of Health

Mission

The PTA Program trains, educates, and cultivates entry-level physical therapist assistant students through a dedicated community-engaging academic curriculum committed to the development and achievement of the following:

• clinical and personal critical thinking
• ethical and professional decision making
• effective personal and professional communication skills
• a life long commitment to learning

Philosophy

The Physical Therapist Assistant program establishes small, personalized learning environments designed to facilitate the development of clinical skill sets, professional engagement between faculty and students, and accomplishment of personal and professional growth. A foundation of biological sciences and the integration of social sciences enable the student to develop the requisite physical therapy skill proficiencies and intellectual abilities to engage the demands of the contemporary healthcare system successfully as a physical therapist assistant.

Program Goals

The Physical Therapist Assistant program will cultivate and advance graduates whom:

1. Understand their role and the scope of practice as responsible physical therapist assistants, adhering to appropriate ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
2. Cultivate skill competence and engage in evidence-based practice, responding to the dynamics of a changing health care system.
3. Integrate the principles of the physical, biological and behavioral sciences with the clinical practice of physical therapy.
4. Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, families and other members of the health care team.
5. Commit to a lifelong process of self-improvement and learning.

The objective of this program is to prepare men and women for employment in the physical therapy field. The graduate physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technical health care provider who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA performs related activities and therapeutic techniques for patients with burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and cardiac, neurologic and orthopedic injuries. Such techniques include therapeutic exercise; gait training; heat and cold applications; massage; and the use of assistive, prosthetic, orthotic, and electrical devices. The two-year curriculum leading to an Associate Degree follows the guidelines adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association. The curriculum is designed to develop technical knowledge and skills for understanding in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, disease processes, psychological and interpersonal relations. In addition, emphasis is placed on ethical and legal aspects. Approximately one semester of the program is supervised practice in selected clinical settings. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.**

Expected Student Outcomes

The design of the curriculum and activities undertaken by the faculty of the PTA Program should achieve the following outcomes:

1. Produce safe, competent, caring graduates who possess entry-level skills.
2. 100% of the graduates who choose to take the Physical Therapist Assistant licensure examination will pass it.
3. 100% of the graduates who seek employment as a physical therapist assistant will attain a position within six months of graduation.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, an applicant must have completed four years of high school level English with no grade lower than a "C". An applicant must also have completed at least high school level courses in algebra 1 & 2, chemistry with lab, biology with lab, with no grade lower than a "B".  The course Medical Terminology is also required prior to application, but may be waived for those applicants who are currently working in the medical field. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to physical therapy by documenting at least 25 hours of observation or work in two different physical therapy settings. In addition, it is recommended that the candidate for admission score around 450 on each (verbal and math) section of the SAT1 exam. Candidates can waive the SAT criteria if they can document a 3.0 or better QPA in at least 15 college credits, including English Composition, with no grade lower than a "C" (2.0). An applicant who is lacking any required courses must complete them prior to admission to the program. Competency in medical terminology or successful completion of that course must be provided by the end of the first semester.

Applicants strengthen their candidacy by achieving high SAT1 scores, maintaining high grades in high school or high QPAs in college courses, successfully completing college  courses in related academic areas, and providing documentation of related observation or work in the field.

Applicants to the Physical Therapist Assistant program should be aware that this is a physically demanding occupation, often requiring lifting and supporting of heavy patients. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are essential to satisfactory functioning as a physical therapist assistant.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the program director at (413) 755-4844.

All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending on the findings, the student may not be allowed to continue in the program of study. For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean, School of Health.

Minimum Grade Requirement: The Physical Therapist Assistant student must obtain a minimum grade of "C" (73%) in all required courses. In addition to the Physical Therapist Asst. requirements, the student must have earned a minimum of 66 credits with a cumulative quality point average of 2.0 in order to be eligible for graduation. Without exception, failed courses in Physical Therapist Assistant require that the student reapply to the program. This privilege may be used only once, and is based on available space.

It should be noted that a student must satisfactorily complete Anatomy & Physiology courses (BIOL-132, BIOL-232) before entering the third semester. All course work must be completed before the clinical affiliation in the fourth semester. The successful graduate Physical Therapist Assistant may apply to sit for the licensing exam in Massachusetts. Proof of satisfactory completion of the program is required by the licensing board. Licensure is required in Massachusetts and many other states.

Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)

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Upon the successful completion of the requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant will be awarded.

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** The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Department of Accreditation, American Physical Therapy Association 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Telephone: 703-706-3245 Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE