Program

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant program consists of a year of general courses followed by a year of technical course work and clinical experiences. You will be qualified to work directly under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to restore function when disease or injury result in pain and limited movement or mobility.

Responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assisting the physical therapist during the evaluation;
• Performing measurement procedures;
• Administering treatments utilizing heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical current, water, light, massage, and other hands-on treatment techniques;
• Assisting and supervising patients in therapeutic exercises;
• Documenting relevant aspects of patient care;
• Maintaining and setting up treatment equipment;
• Maintaining department inventories;
• Participating in quality assurance activities; and,
• Scheduling patients.

Requirements for Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

General Year

Any student accepted for admission to Hocking College may enroll in the first year general courses. Successful completion of all first year courses is the prerequisite for enrollment in the clinical year of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The first year courses include the health and physical sciences, psychology, math, communications, sociology, a computer course, and an introductory physical therapy course.

Clinical Year

The clinical year begins in the summer and includes classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. Enrollment in the clinical year is limited to 30 students. The courses are offered during the day and each course is offered only once during the year. Students should plan for full-time enrollment during the clinical year.

Clinical Year Requirements

Students who meet the requirements outlined below are conditionally accepted into the clinical year of the Physical Therapy Assistant program based on their file completion date:

• Volunteer Hours: Completion of 50 volunteer hours in a physical therapy department with 20 hours in acute or sub-acute care (hospital inpatient) or the equivalent in full-time or part-time employment in a physical therapy department. Volunteer hours must be performed no more than two years prior to the date of application to Hocking College. Recording forms are available in the Allied Health Office located in Davidson Hall, Room 309. All forms should be returned to Hocking College Admissions Processing.
• Recommendation: Positive recommendation for admission to the program from two physical therapists or physical therapist assistants not related to the applicant under whom the applicant volunteered.
• High School Transcript: Provide an official transcript indicating graduation from an accredited high school or proof of successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test. High school diplomas earned through correspondence schools are not acceptable with the exception of those granted by the American School; Chicago, Illinois after September 1, 1974. Official transcripts must be mailed directly to the Hocking College Admission Processing Office.
• Quarter I and II Classes: Successful completion of all Quarter I and Quarter II courses with a grade of C or better and an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.
• Quarter III Classes: Successful completion of all Quarter III courses with a grade of C or better and an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.
• Repetition Limitation: General courses which are part of the PTA curriculum may be repeated no more than two times.

It is your responsibility to monitor and verify your file for completeness, including the posting of transfer credits into the Hocking College computer system.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant:

• Within the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant, safely and effectively implement data collection techniques and interventions identified in the plan of care established by the supervising physical therapist;
• Communicate verbally and nonverbally with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner;
• Exhibit professional behavior reflecting legal, ethical, and safe standards; meeting expectations of patients/clients and the profession; and displaying cultural sensitivity;
• Complete accurate and timely documentation that follows the guidelines of state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies;
• Effectively manage daily operations including the organizational planning and operation of physical therapy services, participating in quality assurance activities, and providing information for billing and reimbursement purposes;
• Plan and organize individualized patient interventions established by the physical therapist such as adjusting or withholding intervention based on patient status, identifying alternatives within the plan of care, and reporting changes in patient status to the supervising physical therapist;
• Under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, participate in coordinating continuity of care including instructing other members of the health care team; providing patient related instruction to patients, family members, and caregivers; and participating in discharge planning and follow-up car; and,
• Educate others about the role of the physical therapist assistant, which may include being a clinical instructor, and engage in life-long learning.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Physical Therapist Assistants are employed in a variety of settings such as hospitals, out-patient clinics, home health settings, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and school systems. Salaries start at approximately $30,000 to $37,000 annually, according to information collected by our 2010 graduates.

Occupation Profile

Hocking College Career Services