Physical Therapist Assistant

Andrea Liles, PT, DPT, Chair

Phone: (419) 993-7420
Email: liles.a@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 102G

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. In the PTA 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 (NPTE) for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PTA program, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate professionalism.
Exemplify appropriate interpersonal skills.
Perform safe, effective technical/procedural skills.
Employ effective business operational skills.

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.

Tech Prep Partner
See here for details.

“C” grade policy

A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for graduation.
A grade of “C” or higher must be achieved in all courses carrying the specific program prefix such as DHY, EMS, MAT, NSG, OTA, PNS, PTA, RAD, RES and SRG.
All programs and certificates require a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in required science courses and in required basic/related health science (BHS) courses as well as in selected general education and basic/related science courses (see program requirements).

All of the following required coursework needs to have been completed within five years of matriculation into a Health Sciences program or certificate. The five year limit may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
BIO 1000	Basic Human Structure and Function	3
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIO 1400	Microbiology	4
BHS 1390	Medical Terminology	2
BHS 2110	Growth and Development: Lifespan	2
CHM 1120	Introductory Organic and Biochemistry	4
DTN 1220	Principles of Nutrition	2
NSG 1721	Pharmacology for Nursing	2

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

To meet the expanding requirements of our clinical affiliates, both a criminal background check and a drug screen will be mandatory prior to clinical experiences for most students within the Division of Health Sciences and Public Service. Some program exceptions may apply. You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related convictions will be ineligible for admission into clinical experiences. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession or to obtain employment post-graduation. Students admitted to a program containing off-campus clinical/practicum experiences will be required to submit to drug screening. Positive drug screenings may result in dismissal from all clinical courses. Any student who refuses/fails to cooperate or complete any required drug screening will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the clinical component of their program. All students requiring drug screening may be subject to random drug screens and for cause during the program.

Recommended High School Coursework

Students are encouraged to complete college prep classes in high school. Although not required, the courses provide a better understanding of college-level work. Recommended college prep courses include:
English: 4 units
Math: 4 units
Natural Science: 3 units
Social Science: 3 units

Health Insurance

The Division of Health Sciences and Public Service is committed to protecting students, faculty, and patients from infectious diseases during clinical practice and taking every reasonable precaution to provide a safe educational and work environment. All new students entering the health-related programs will be informed of the risks of blood-borne and other infectious diseases. Students with a high risk of infectious diseases should be aware of their own health status and risk of exposure to other students, employees, or patients involved in the clinical environment. All students are required to provide their own health insurance coverage for the duration of their program and be able to provide proof of insurance if requested.

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree

First Year
Pre-requisite Semester		Hours
BHS 1150	Applied Functional Anatomy	4
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
COM 1110	English Composition	3
MTH 1260	Statistics	3
SDE 1010	First Year Experience	1
	Term Hours	15
Spring
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
PTA 1010	Fundamentals of PTA Practice	3
PTA 1200	Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA	4
PTA 1220	Clinical Kinesiology for the PTA	4
	Term Hours	15
Summer
COM 2213	Verbal Judo	3
PTA 1400	Physical Agents for the PTA	3
PTA 1500	Professional Topics in PTA	1
SOC 1010	Sociology	3
	Term Hours	10
Second Year
Fall
PSY 2150	Lifespan Psychology	3
PTA 2010	PTA Seminar I ^{*first 5 weeks}	1
PTA 2020	Clinical Application I ^{*first 5 weeks}	2
PTA 2100	Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Patient	4
PTA 2120	Functional Neurorehabilitation	4
	Term Hours	14
Spring
PTA 2200	Clinical Application II	3
PTA 2201	Clinical Application III	4
PTA 2250 	Capstone Course for the PTA	2
	Term Hours	9
	Total Hours	63

Program Qualification Requirements: completion of pre-requisite semester with "C" or better in all courses.

*Courses in program are sequential. All PTA courses and Anatomy and Physiology II require a "C" or better for program continuation.

	Capstone Course

Prerequisites:
Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Tab.

PTA 1010 — Fundamentals of PTA Practice

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 5.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

Builds the fundamentals of physical therapy practice for the PTA. This course will examine the utilization of appropriate medical terminology, documentation, and an overview of interventions in the clinical setting. Laboratory sessions will focus on application of patient positioning, bed mobility, transfers, selection and fitting of appropriate mobility devices, applied gait patterns and gait training, infection control, and vital signs to specific therapeutic interventions. 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.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BHS 1150 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: PTA 1200, PTA 1220.

PTA 1200 — Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 6.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

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.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BHS 1150 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: PTA 1010, PTA 1220.

PTA 1220 — Clinical Kinesiology for the PTA

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 6.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

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.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BHS 1150 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: PTA 1010, PTA 1200.

PTA 1400 — Physical Agents for the PTA

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 5.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

Provides a comprehensive overview of physical agents/therapeutic modalities utilized in physical therapy practice. Analyze the theory and physiological effects of various thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic agents as well as the indications, contraindications, precautions, advantages, and disadvantages of each to promote evidence informed, clinical decision making for application into patient care. Laboratory activities seek to achieve competency in the application of the above treatment interventions to ensure effective outcomes and patient safety. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Summer
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1010, PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 1500.

PTA 1500 — Professional Topics in PTA

Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00

Explores contemporary practice strategies and emerging trends within the field of physical therapy, aligned with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards. Topics will include: ethics and professionalism, professional development and lifelong learning, leadership skills, legislative and political advocacy, interprofessional collaborative care, performance improvement/quality assurance, health promotion and wellness, healthcare disparities, cultural sensitivity, inclusive and equitable care, and practice management. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Summer
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1010, PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 1400.

PTA 2010 — PTA Seminar I

Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00

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.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: PTA 1400, PTA 1500
Corequisite: PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA 2120.

PTA 2020 — Clinical Application I

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 10.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 10.00

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.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BHS 1150, BIO 1110, BIO 1120, PTA 1010, PTA 1200, PTA 1220, PTA 1400, PTA 1500
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2100, PTA 2120.

PTA 2100 — Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Patient

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 6.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

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.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: PTA 1400, PTA 1500
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2120.

PTA 2120 — Functional Neurorehabilitation

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 6.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 4.00

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.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: PTA 1400, PTA 1500
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2100.

PTA 2200 — Clinical Application II

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 15.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 15.00

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.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2201, PTA 2250.

PTA 2201 — Clinical Application III

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 20.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 20.00

Provides a terminal full-time learning experience in which the student must complete 300 clinical hours in an outpatient or inpatient setting. Students are expected to achieve entry-level performance and maintain 100% of a full-time, entry-level physical therapist assistant's patient caseload in a cost-effective manner with direction and supervision from the physical therapist by the end of this clinical experience. This course is graded S/U.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2250.

PTA 2250 — Capstone Course for the PTA 

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Accompanies the terminal clinical rotations of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and prepares the student clinician to transition into the healthcare workforce as a licensed physical therapist assistant. 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 capstone experience in PTA allows students to demonstrate their proficiency in technical knowledge with integration of the Rhodes State College Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs). This is accomplished through student participation in the Health Science Division's Cultural and Diversity Awareness Retreat where 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 with in depth focus on the laws and rules governing physical therapy practice in the state of Ohio and through biweekly review modules to identify personal strengths and weaknesses. Other elements of the course include resume development, participation in mock interviews, and application for the physical therapist assistant licensure examination. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2201.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a limited enrollment program. The program allows enrollment of thirty (30) qualified students each spring semester. If more than thirty are qualified, students will be ranked by date of qualification. Remaining students will be placed on a waitlist for the next spring semester.

PTA Program Eligibility Requirements:

1. Completion of all pre-requisite courses with the required grade of "C" or better:

BHS-1150 (Applied Functional Anatomy)
BIO-1110 (Anatomy and Physiology I)
COM-1110 (English Composition)
MTH-1260 (Statistics)
SDE-1010 (First Year Experience)

NOTE: BIO-1110 must be successfully completed within 5 years and BHS-1150 within 2 years of entry into the program. This requirement may be waived by the program coordinator with submission of proof of employment in a health care field.

2. Students must schedule a meeting with a PTA program faculty member or Program Coordinator for a personalized program advising session, which will include establishment of a personalized academic plan for program completion.

3. Completion of 20 hours of observation in two (2) different clinical settings - ten (10) hours each in two different settings (one inpatient such as hospital or skilled nursing facility and one outpatient facility), using the verification forms provided in the PTA Program Information Packet on the program webpage.

4. Conduct an interview with a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) using the guided Interview provided in the PTA Program Information Packet on the program webpage.

5. The student must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the first clinical experience (fall semester of the second year of the PTA program).

This PTA Program at Rhodes State College is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
telephone: (703) 706-3245
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call the Program Coordinator at 419-993-7420 or via email aa liles.a@RhodesState.edu .