Physical Therapist Assistant
Department Chair: Barbara Larsson - (207) 453-5161
Visit the Physical Therapy Assistant
Website
~ Associate in Applied Science
Degree ~
Accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 706-3245
www.apta.org/CAPTE
DESCRIPTION
Physical Therapist
Assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical
therapist, assist with specific components of treatment
interventions. Their duties may include a variety of interventions
including therapeutic exercises, functional training in both
self-care and work reintegration, use of adaptive equipment, wound
management, and the use of physical agents. They attain their
requisite skills through extensive academic and clinical education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is competency-based and
provides sequential learning experiences progressing from
theoretical to applied using patient simulations in the laboratory
and finally to actual patient treatments in clinical education
centers. During clinical education courses, students may practice at
facilities throughout New England under the supervision of clinical
instructors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants to certain
programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be
required while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition
of employment in the field; that certain internship and/or practicum
sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical
privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and
that certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to
practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn
more about whether the program or profession you are interested in
has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department
Chair.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT STUDENTS
For students to
successfully complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, they
must be capable of performing, with or without reasonable
accommodation, essential skills and tasks.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at
Kennebec Valley Community College is to provide the opportunity for
an education to prepare students for competent and safe practice as
physical therapist assistants. Physical therapy is a growing and
changing health care field which needs practitioners who can adapt
to change and are socialized into lifelong learning. The program
assumes a responsibility for developing a skilled work force to help
meet the dynamic physical therapy needs of the community and to
enhance the quality of existing physical therapy services. Through a
cooperative effort with clinical education centers, the Physical
Therapist Assistant program offers an opportunity for the students
to develop necessary knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors
to attain an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Physical
Therapy.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant
program, the graduate is expected to:
1. Possess knowledge to successfully credential as a physical
therapist
assistant.
2. Competently and safely practice as a physical therapist
assistant.
3. Demonstrate professional behaviors as a physical therapist
assistant.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students who have been
accepted must:
1) Obtain a short white lab coat, KVCC/SPTA name pin, stethoscope,
sphygmomanometer, watch with a sweep second hand, a gait belt, and
a goniometer.
2) Hold current Basic Life Support certification (CPR for the
Healthcare
Provider from the American Heart Association or
Professional Rescuer
from the American Red Cross).
3) Provide proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus,
measles,
mumps, rubella, varicella (titer)
Hepatitis B (series and
titer) and a
negative test for tuberculosis.
4) Have Internet access for online/Blackboard enhanced courses
and/or
discussions.
5) Assume responsibility for transportation and/or other living
costs to and
from clinical sites.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
Physical Therapist Assistants are respected members of
the health care team who have the rewarding opportunity to make a
positive difference in the quality of people’s lives. KVCC graduates
may find employment as entry-level physical therapist assistants in
a variety of settings such as:
| Hospitals |
Rehabilitation Centers |
| Nursing Homes |
Outpatient Clinics |
| Home Care Agencies |
Community Health Centers |
| Corporate Health Centers |
Private Practices |
| Schools |
Wellness Centers |
| Pediatric Facilities |
Sports Medicine Clinics |
Under the supervision and direction of the physical therapist,
career opportunities are not limited to this region. The KVCC
Associate in Applied Science Degree Physical Therapist Assistant
Program meets the national standards of accreditation.
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 67 credits in the Physical Therapist
Assistant program, achieve a minimum grade of "C," or "PASS"
criteria, in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Many states, including Maine, require licensure to practice as a
physical therapist assistant. Graduates are eligible to sit for the
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing Examination.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO213 |
Anatomy & Physiology I |
4 |
| ENG101 |
College Composition |
3 |
| PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| PTS105 |
Self-Paced Medical Terminology for
PTAs |
1 |
| PTS107 |
Introduction to Kinesiology |
1 |
| PTS111 |
Physical Therapy I |
4 |
| PTS115 |
Professional Issues |
1 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO214 |
Anatomy & Physiology II |
4 |
| COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| PTS112 |
Physical Therapy II |
4 |
| PTS116 |
Pathology |
3 |
| PTS117 |
Kinesiology |
3 |
|
SUMMER SESSION |
(5-WEEKS) |
CREDIT HOURS |
| PTS120 |
PTA Clinical Education I |
4 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| MAT117 |
College Algebra |
3 |
| PSY215 |
Developmental Psychology |
3 |
| PTS215 |
Neuroscience |
3 |
| PTS211 |
Physical Therapy III |
4 |
| ______ |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| PTS218 |
PTA Clinical Education II |
6 |
| PTS220 |
PTA Clinical Education III |
6 |
| PTS222 |
PTA Seminar |
1 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS FOR AAS
|
67 |
