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 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Demonstrate professionalism.
  2. Exemplify appropriate interpersonal skills.
  3. Perform safe, effective technical/procedural skills.   
  4. 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.

BIO 1000Basic Human Structure and Function3
BIO 1110Anatomy and Physiology I (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )4
BIO 1120Anatomy and Physiology II (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )4
BIO 1400Microbiology4
BHS 1390Medical Terminology2
BHS 2110Growth and Development: Lifespan2
CHM 1120Introductory Organic and Biochemistry4
DTN 1220Principles of Nutrition2
NSG 1721Pharmacology for Nursing2

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.