Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science

Career-Technical Program

Interest Areas:

Healthcare

The Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium Program prepares students for employment as physical therapist assistants (PTA). The PTA functions through the direction of a physical therapist (PT) to implement the PT's plan of care. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to aid patients and clients in their return to maximal function. PTA students are instructed in thinking processes and skills such as therapeutic exercise, orthopedic and neurological interventions, therapeutic modalities, and the art of patient care. In addition to patient treatment courses, students study the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, clinical pathology, and kinesiology. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to practice the techniques learned and practiced each semester. The program is designed to be completed in two years.

The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education at the College of Southern Idaho, the College of Western Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, and North Idaho College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.catpeonline.org.

This is a competitive entry program. For admission requirements and program specific information, please refer to the program website.

Contact Information:

Health Professions Division
Meyer Health and Sciences Building, Room 167
Phone: (208) 625-2320

Program Website

Program Requirements

Note: A minimum grade of C/2.0 is required in all prerequisite and program courses.

Plan of Study Grid
Prerequisites		Credits
BIOL-227	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
CAOT-179	Medical Terminology	2
ENGL-101	Writing and Rhetoric I	3
PSYC-101	Introduction to Psychology	3
GEM 3 - A.A.S. Mathematical Ways of Knowing		3-5
	Credits	15-17
Semester 1
PTAE-101	Physical Therapy in Health Care	2
PTAE-107	Kinesiology	4
PTAE-107L	Kinesiology Lab	0
PTAE-110	Principles and Procedures	3
PTAE-110L	Principles and Procedures Lab	0
PTAE-211	Data Collections	3
PTAE-211L	Data Collections Lab	0
BIOL-228	Human Anatomy and Physiology II With Cadaver	4
	Credits	16
Semester 2
PTAE-207	Therapeutic Exercise	4
PTAE-207L	Therapeutic Exercise Lab	0
PTAE-208	Orthopedic Rehabilitation	4
PTAE-208L	Orthopedic Rehabilitation Lab	0
PTAE-217	Neurological Rehabilitation	4
PTAE-217L	Neurological Rahabilitation Lab	0
COMM-101	Fundamentals of Oral Communication	3
	Credits	15
Semester 3
PTAE-113	Clinical Pathology	2
PTAE-204	Therapeutic Modalities	3
PTAE-204L	Therapeutic Modalities Lab	0
PTAE-240	Clinical Affiliation 1	7
	Credits	12
Semester 4
PTAE-215	Special Populations	3
PTAE-215L	Special Populations Lab	0
PTAE-221	Seminar	2
PTAE-241	Clinical Affiliation II	7
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	70-72

Course Key

: GEM
: AAS Institutionally Designated
: Gateway
: Milestone

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Student Learning Goals and Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate competent entry-level PT interventions, working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
1. Within the context of patient care, distinguish between the role of the physical therapist and the role of the physical therapist assistant. Demonstrated by examinations, practicals and clinical rotations.
2. Under the direction of a physical therapist, implement safe and effective physical therapy interventions based on the PT plan of care. Demonstrated through practical exams and clinical rotations.
3. Under the direction of a physical therapist, perform entry-level interventions following standards of ethical practice. Demonstrated during clinical experiences.
Graduates will show respect for diverse human life and advocate for physical therapy care that works to restore optimal human dignity and function.
1. Effectively communicate with other health care providers, patients, and families about selected treatment procedures and functional activities. Demonstrated in the didactic and clinical components of the program.
2. Provide and document patient/client care in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner to all individuals. Demonstrated in lab scenarios and clinical experiences.
3. Exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice and uphold confidentiality of all persons at all times. Demonstrated in lab scenarios and clinical experiences.
Graduates will be lifelong learners and continually pursue developmental opportunities within the physical therapy profession.
1. Provide education to peers, patients/clients, and others through professional organization, employment, and other avenues of collaboration.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The program will deliver competent physical therapist assistants to serve the regional communities.
1. The graduation rate for each class will be 85% higher.
2. Eighty-five percent of the PTA graduates will pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) overall, average over two years.
3. Of those who seek employment, 95% of graduates will be employed within one year of passing the NPTW, averaged over two years.
4. Eighty-five percent of the PTA graduates will receive an above average rating on employer surveys.

Faculty Goals and Outcomes

Maintain a contemporary and comprehensive curriculum in accordance with CAPTE standards and the ICPTAE Mission.
1. Core faculty will engage in a minimum of two appropriate professional development activities annually.
2. Core faculty will engage in annual curriculum review and document improvements or changes.
3. Adjunct faculty will engage in a minimum of one appropriate professional development activity annually.

In addition to the program outcomes, students will meet the following North Idaho College General Education (GEM) Requirements: Written and Oral Communication; Mathematical Ways of Knowing; Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing; and an additional program-designated or selected course from any of the GEM requirements.