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Academic Programs

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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 through June, 2018.

Program 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.

The PTA program admits 15 to 20 students each fall semester, out of an applicant pool of 75 to 90, resulting in an acceptance rate of between 20 and 23%. The average graduation rate has been 70% in the past four years. Of those graduates who took the National PTA Licensure Examination in the past 4 years, 100% have passed it.

The program administers a graduate survey six months post-graduation. From that survey, 100% of the graduates who have sought employment have reported that they have been able to secure a position as a PTA following licensure. Some graduates choose to continue their education and do not seek employment.

Admission Standards and Criteria

The PTA program is a competitive academic program with rigorous standards. To be admitted to the program, an applicant must:

1.  Have a high school diploma or GED.

2.  Demonstrate competency in English through one of the following:

    a. 4 years of high school English with no grade lower than a “B”; or

    b. Successful completion of DRDG-092 or DWRT-099 with a grade of “C”; or

    c. Placement examination at ENGL-100 level; or

    d. Successful completion of ENGL-100 or its challenge exam through the Testing
        Center.

3.  Have completed algebra 2 level math, biology with lab, and chemistry with lab, all with
     no grade lower than a "B."

4. Demonstrate competency in medical terminology, determined by:

   a. Successful completion of a suitable course; or

   b. Successfully passing a medical terminology challenge exam in the Testing Center; or

   c. Waiving of this requirement by the department chair with evidence of a healthcare
       background.

5. Exhibit an understanding of and commitment to physical therapy by documenting 25
    hours of observation in at least two different physical therapy settings, or through related
    work experience, approved by the department chairperson;

6. Have scored 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."

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. Applicants who plan to take Anatomy & Physiology 1 in semester one should be aware that there are new pre-requisites for that course at STCC. All courses within the curriculum must be completed before semester four clinical courses can be started.

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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Notice to the Public: Complaints Policy:

Complaints that fall outside of the college's internal due process are directed to the Administrator under whom the complaint falls.  Any complaint lodged against the PTA Program is directed to and investigated by the Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation.  The Dean will consult with the Program Director, if appropriate, and then determine what action is to be taken according to college policy.  Final documentation of the complaint, the plan for improvement and its outcomes is filed in the Dean's office.

** 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