Physical Therapist Assistant

Career Opportunities

Physical therapist assistants (PTA) are skilled technical health personnel who provide physical therapy services under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants enhance the delivery of physical therapy services by providing delegated interventions such as therapeutic exercise, training in assistive devices, developmental activities, balance and gait training, application of thermal agents, postural training and instruction in body mechanics. Physical therapist assistants help with data collection and must demonstrate the ability to modify intervention techniques as indicated in the plan of care designated by the physical therapist. Excellent communication skills are also necessary for the physical therapist assistant. The PTA must be able to interact with patients and families in a manner that provides the desired psychosocial support and effectively teach them to perform selected intervention procedures. PTAs also participate in discharge planning, document relevant aspects of the patient treatment, and promote effective interpersonal relationships.

The Associate Degree program at Rhodes State College provides the student with an excellent physical therapist assistant education encouraging personal and professional growth. The curriculum is a combination of general education, applied physical therapy sciences, technical skills and clinical education courses. The clinical rotations provide students with supervised clinical learning experiences in a variety of settings and with different patient populations.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree from Rhodes State College and is eligible to take the state licensure examination by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. 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.  According to the 2007 Rhodes State Graduate Survey, the average starting salary was $42,294.

Program Mission Statement

The Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Rhodes State College exists to develop students into ethical, safe and critical thinking members of the health care team who assist physical therapists in the provision of physical therapy.  The student-centered learning environment is managed by a core of qualified faculty which focuses on the delivery of a dynamic curriculum that strives to foster life-long learning, an appreciation for global diversity and advocacy for the PTA profession through community involvement and social responsibility.

Accreditation

This program is fully accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, (703) 706-3245.  The program has been accredited since its inception in May 1993.

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.

Qualification Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Physical Therapist Assistant applicants:

1. ACT composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 25 or higher in mathematics, 20 or higher in natural science; 18 or higher in English and Social Science or other appropriate test scores/ developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” on page 47 in the College catalog)
2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.
3. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.
4. Forty (40) hours of documented observation, work or volunteer experience with a licensed Physical Therapy clinician in a clinical facility of the applicant’s choice. Validation of this requirement must be received by the Physical Therapist Assistant Chair before placement on the qualified list may occur. (The Office of Admissions and Advising has forms for documentation of this experience.

*Requirements 5, 6 and 7 must be met by enrollment in the first PTA clinical course (PTA 211)

5. Current basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualifications from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute prior to the beginning of supervised clinical practice.  Must be maintained through graduation.
6. Satisfactory physical examination results from a physician to include specified laboratory tests and immunizations.  Validation of this requirement must be received by the Physical Therapist Assistant Chair and the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) prior to the beginning of supervised clinical practice.  Students are not permitted to attend clinical rotations until this requirement has been satisfied.
7. Completion of criminal background check to meet the specifications of some clinical sites.  It is each student’s individual responsibility to have this report available to present to the clinical site when requested.

Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program if study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program. 

Admission to this program is limited; therefore, it is advisable to submit application materials as soon as possible.

Technical Standards

All applicants accepted to Rhodes State College must be able to meet the technical standards of the program of study for which they enroll.  Students are asked to review the standards and to sign a form certifying that they have read, understand, and are able to meet the standards.  Students are to be provided the technical standards information upon selection of their program of study.  A list and more detailed explanation is available on page 48-49 of the College catalog.

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Updated 7/08 Information subject to change without notice