Physical Therapist Assistant
Andrea Liles, MPT
PTA Program Coordinator
Phone: (419) 993-7420
Email: Liles.A@RhodesState.edu
Office: 105B Tech Edu Lab
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are skilled technical health personnel who provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs work as part of a team to implement selected components of patient interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient safety and comfort. PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the geriatric population, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
The Associate Degree program at Rhodes State College provides the student with an excellent physical therapist assistant education encouraging personal and professional growth. If accepted into the program the student will take part in challenging classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences to gain the knowledge necessary to function as an integral, critical thinking member of a rehabilitation team. The curriculum is a combination of general education, applied physical therapy sciences, technical skills, and clinical education courses. The clinical component provides students with supervised clinical learning experiences in a variety of settings with exposure to different patient populations.
After successful completion of both the didactic and clinical components of the PTA curriculum and attainment of the Associate of Applied Science degree from Rhodes State College, students seeking licensure as a PTA must submit an application to register for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Additionally, the student must submit a separate application to the licensing authority of the jurisdiction (state) in which the applicant is seeking licensure. In the state of Ohio, the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board is the jurisdiction licensing authority. The state of Ohio requires licensure to practice physical therapy. Licensure enables the PTA to seek employment as a part of a dynamic health care team in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and outpatient treatment centers.
Program Mission Statement
The Rhodes State College Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students to be competent, professional physical therapist assistants.
Notice to Prospective or Current Physical Therapist Assistant Students
You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites, therefore preventing you from completing the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.
Technical Standards
See here for details.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Structured Course Sequence (6 Semester Plan)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| SDE 1010 | First Year Experience *Pre-requisite to program admission | 1 |
| BIO 1110 | Anatomy and Physiology I *Pre-requisite to program admission | 4 |
| COM 1110 | English Composition *Pre-requisite to program admission | 3 |
| BHS 1390 | Medical Terminology *Pre-requisite to program admission | 2 |
| PTA 1100 | Introduction to Physical Therapy *Pre-requisite to program admission | 3 |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Fall | ||
| BIO 1120 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| MTH 1260 | Statistics | 3 |
| PTA 1120 | Functional Anatomy for the PTA | 4 |
| PTA 1140 | Therapeutic Modalities for the PTA | 4 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 2213 | Verbal Judo | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PTA 1200 | Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA | 4 |
| PTA 1220 | Clinical Kinesiology for the PTA | 4 |
| Term Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| PTA 2010 | PTA Seminar I | 1 |
| PTA 2020 | Clinical Application I | 2 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Fall | ||
| PSY 2150 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| PTA 2100 | Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Patient | 4 |
| PTA 2120 | Functional Neurorehabilitation | 4 |
| Term Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| PTA 2200 | Clinical Application II | 3 |
| PTA 2220 | Clinical Application III | 3 |
| PTA 2230 | Capstone Course for the PTA | 1 |
| PTA 2240 | PTA Seminar II | 1 |
| Term Hours | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
The “C” grade policy applies to all PTA courses, BIO 1110 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 1120 Anatomy and Physiology II. Courses are sequential and must be completed with a “C” or better to continue in the program.
| | Portfolio Course |
| | Capstone Course |
| * | Pre-requisite to program admission |
Prerequisites:
Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Tab.
PTA 1100 — Introduction to Physical Therapy
3 Credit hours
Builds the foundation for the development of the PTA. The course will examine the utilization of appropriate medical terminology and documentation in the clinical setting. Laboratory sessions will focus on patient positioning, bed mobility, transfers, selection and fitting mobility aids, infection control procedures, and monitoring vital signs. The acquisition of communicating in an effective and culturally sensitive manner in the clinical setting is also reinforced during laboratory sessions. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: Must be remediation free with a 2.75 GPA Academic Advisor from Public Service Office 148 will verify eligibility and complete course registration
Corequisites: PTA-1100L.
PTA 1120 — Functional Anatomy for the PTA
4 Credit hours
Involves the study of basic functional anatomy as it relates to the field of physical therapy. Students will study descriptive terminology, osteology, arthrology, and neurology and muscle physiology. Emphasis is placed on origin, insertion, action, and innervation of major muscles along with the ligamentous integrity of peripheral joints of the human body. Common diseases of the musculoskeletal system are introduced to provide clinical relevance. Group laboratory activities will focus on visualization of bony landmarks, muscles and nerves on anatomical models and the cadaver. Palpation of bones, muscles and joints will also be emphasized during laboratory sessions. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1390, BIO 1110, COM 1110, PTA 1100, Admission to the PTA Program
Corequisites: PTA-1120L, PTA 1140, PTA-1140L.
PTA 1140 — Therapeutic Modalities for the PTA
4 Credit hours
Educates the physical therapist assistant student in the theory and application of different types of therapeutic modalities. The course will analyze the use and application of therapeutic modalities according to current best evidence in order to support patient/client treatment and management decisions for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. Topics include: thermal modalities, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ultrasound, mechanical traction, biofeedback, diathermy, massage and pneumatic compression modalities. The principles of physics employed as well as the indications, contraindications, and precautions of each modality are discussed. Laboratory activities seek to promote clinical decision making and competency in the application of the above treatment interventions by the student. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1390, BIO 1110, COM 1110, PTA 1100, Admission to the PTA Program
Corequisites: PTA 1120, PTA-1120L, PTA-1140L.
PTA 1200 — Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA
4 Credit hours
Covers the basic concepts and principles of therapeutic exercise and foundational techniques. The course includes instruction in the areas of progressive resistive exercise, range of motion, stretching, coordination, balance, relaxation, aquatic therapy, general fitness, posture and core stabilization. A multitude of orthopedic pathologies and appropriate therapeutic exercise programs are covered and adapted for various aged patients. Case studies will be utilized to facilitate implementation of therapeutic exercise progression and to underscore the importance of evidence based practice in the clinical setting. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140
Corequisites: PTA-1200L, PTA 1220, PTA-1220L.
PTA 1220 — Clinical Kinesiology for the PTA
4 Credit hours
Involves the application of basic functional anatomy to an in-depth analysis of human motion. The biomechanics of each joint will be discussed along with common orthopedic joint dysfunctions, compensatory strategies, special tests, and surgical procedures. Students will also examine the gait cycle and identify possible causes for abnormal gait. Detailed goniometry and manual muscle testing will be the focus of lab content. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140
Corequisites: PTA-1220L, PTA 1200, PTA-1200L.
PTA 2010 — PTA Seminar I
1 Credit hour
Prepares students for the requirements and expectations of the first clinical experience, including an orientation to the Clinical Performance Instrument utilized to assess student performance in the clinic. Students will complete a "Clinical Education Passport" to validate exposure to a variety of patients and interventions and to document completion of supplemental learning activities. A cumulative written examination is given to assess mastery of first year content. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisite: PTA 2020.
PTA 2020 — Clinical Application I
2 Credit hours
Provides a supervised learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 150 hours of clinical experience with emphasis placed on treatment interventions and data collection skills learned in the first year of the didactic program. Students are expected to maintain 50% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload with direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140, PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 2010.
PTA 2100 — Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Patient
4 Credit hours
Introduces students to a variety of topics and areas of treatment including but not limited to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, women's health, diabetes, geriatrics, amputations, prosthetics, orthotics, and burn/wound care management. Laboratory activities seek to promote clinical decision making and student competency in the application of postural drainage techniques, residual limb wrapping, and sterile wound care management as related to infection control procedures. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020
Corequisites: PTA-2100L, PTA 2120, PTA 2120L.
PTA 2120 — Functional Neurorehabilitation
4 Credit hours
Links the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems to the functional aspects of human movement. Lecture content will focus on the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord, its arterial supply, and the influences of neurological pathways on muscle tone, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and balance. Continued course content involves the application of the above knowledge to the treatment of patients with selected neurological deficits resultant from CVA, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and birth. Laboratory activities will focus on instruction and competency of commonly utilized techniques by the PTA such PNF and NDT, facilitation/inhibition, and developmental sequence and pediatric intervention. Clinical case studies will also be utilized throughout the semester to facilitate critical thinking in the selection and implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions learned throughout the course. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020
Corequisites: PTA 2100, PTA-2100L, PTA 2120L.
PTA 2200 — Clinical Application II
3 Credit hours
Provides a supervised learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 225 hours of directed practice with emphasis placed on refinement of skills taught in the PTA curriculum. Students are expected to maintain 75% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload with the direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2220, PTA 2230, PTA 2240.
PTA 2220 — Clinical Application III
3 Credit hours
Provides a terminal full-time learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 225 hours of clinical experience with emphasis placed on demonstrating PTA skills at entry level competency. Students are expected to maintain 100% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload in a cost effective manner with direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2230, PTA 2240.
PTA 2230 — Capstone Course for the PTA
1 Credit hour
Prepares the student clinician to transition into the healthcare workforce as a licensed physical therapist assistant. The capstone experience in PTA allows students to demonstrate their proficiency in technical knowledge with integration of core skills and abilities. This is accomplished through student participation in the Health Science Division's Cultural Competency Retreat. Students will work as interdisciplinary teams to address a complex patient diagnosis. Students will also actively prepare for the national Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Examination through biweekly review modules to identify personal strengths and weaknesses. Other elements of the course include an e-portfolio writing assignment and the completion of selected Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency tests. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2220, PTA 2240.
PTA 2240 — PTA Seminar II
1 Credit hour
Accompanies the terminal clinical rotations of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Students will complete a "Clinical Education Passport" to validate exposure to a variety of patients and interventions and to document completion of supplemental learning activities. The seminar also prepares the student for transition to entry level practice with an in depth focus on the laws and rules governing physical therapy practice in the state of Ohio, resume development, participation in mock interviews, and application for the physical therapist assistant licensure examination. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2220, PTA 2230.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a limited enrollment program. The PTA program admits 30 students per year with a Fall semester start date. Admission to the program requires submission of a program application which can be found by contacting the Office of Advising or visiting the PTA webpage and requirements tab. Applications are accepted after successful completion of PTA 1100 and will conclude at the end of Summer semester.
PTA Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Attendance at a Program Briefing to learn about the PTA profession and the rigor of the curriculum.
- Completion of PTA 1100 Introduction to Physical Therapy which is open to all students considering a career in PTA. The student must meet with an Academic Advisor in Public Service Building 148 to determine academic eligibility to enroll in PTA 1100 (remediation free with a 2.75 GPA). PTA 1100 will be offered during spring and summer terms of the academic calendar.
- Completion all of the pre-requisite semester courses of the academic plan of study with a grade of “C” or better.
- Anatomy and Physiology I and Medical Terminology courses must be successfully completed within 5 years of entry into the program. This requirement can be waived by the program chair with submission of proof of employment in a health care field.
- If a student fails or withdraws (or a combination of these occur) three times from the same prerequisite course, the student will no longer be considered eligible.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Minimum overall achievement score of 60 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- The deadline for completion of the TEAS is the last day of July.
- Completion of 40 hours of observation in two different clinical settings with a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant using the Observation Forms approved by Rhodes State College. The observation hour forms can be found in the PTA Application Packet.
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the first semester of the PTA program (Fall cohort start date).
Students are awarded points based on the Application Review Form which is provided in the PTA Application Packet. Transfer credit, if applicable, must also be included with the application. Upon completion of the Application Review Process by the Program Chair and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, students who obtain the most points will be offered a seat for PTA Program enrollment up to a maximum of 30 students per cohort. Students are notified of an offer via Rhodes State e-mail. Students not offered enrollment may choose to be reviewed again the following year. No carryover of "Application Review" points or sorting from the previous year will be used.
This PTA Program at Rhodes State College is accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
telephone: (703) 706-3245
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call the Program Chair at 419-995-8813 or via email at heaton.a@RhodesState.edu.