Physical Therapist Assistant
Summer 2018
Spokane Falls Community College
- 3410 West Fort George Wright Drive
- Spokane, WA 99224-5298
- https://sfcc.spokane.edu/
Start
Fall (application due winter quarter prior)Degrees and Certificates
Program Website
View the program websiteTuition and Fees
Additional Costs
Books | $1434 |
Program Description
SFCC offers a two-year program which includes study in anatomy and physiology, social science, technical physical therapy courses and practical clinical experience in area health care facilities affiliated with the college. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The technical courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program are not designed to transfer to four-year schools.Physical therapist assistants duties include: a) designing exercise programs and treatments that are within the plan of care proposed by the physical therapist b) training patients to use special equipment that will make life easier; c) applying equipment such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound which decrease pain and increase functions; and d) keeping records and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's progress.
Physical therapist assistants work with all ages and are employed in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, pediatric facilities or school systems, private physical therapy clinics, home health care agencies, and extended care facilities. A national licensing examination is required for most states in order to practice as a physical therapist assistant.
Admission Requirements:
--Completion of the physical therapist assistant program application booklet which is available at the SFCC counseling center. Applications are accepted during the winter quarter preceding fall quarter entry into the program.
--Appropriate placement scores in assessment tests for ENGL& 101 and Math.
--A minimum of 2.0 in BIOL& 241
--Documentation of either paid or volunteer experience in a medical setting (preferably physical therapy).
--Each successful PTA applicant may be required to complete a background check, drug testing and submit proof of immunization. Clinical facilities may deny access to a student for any of the following:
- Lack of current immunizations required by the site
- A "discrepancy" on the criminal background check
- A positive drug test
--Essential requirements needed for the profession which include communication skills, cognitive demands, physical skills and behavioral, social and professional skills are discussed in greater detail in the Program Information Booklet located on our website.
The PTA program incorporates a selective process for admission. This process uses a point system based on coursework and experience as outlined in the application. Please be aware that the completion of all prerequisites does not ensure admission to the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Performs in a safe manner that minimizes the risk to patient, self, and others.
2. Demonstrates expected clinical behaviors in a professional manner in all situations.
3. Performs in a manner consistent with established legal standards, standards of the profession, and ethical guidelines.
4. Adapts delivery of physical therapy services with consideration for patients’ differences, values, preferences, and needs.
5. Communicates in ways that are congruent with situational needs.
6. Participates in self-assessment and develops plans to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviors.
7. Demonstrates clinical problem solving.
8. Performs selected therapeutic exercises and associated data collection in a competent manner.
9. Applies selected manual therapy, airway clearance, and integumentary repair and protection techniques, and performs associated data collection in a competent manner.
10. Applies selected physical agents and mechanical modalities and performs associated data collection in a competent manner
11. Applies selected electrotherapeutic modalities, and performs associated data collection in a competent manner.
12. Performs functional training in self-care and home management, applies and adjust devices and equipment, and performs associated data collection in a competent manner.
13. Produces quality documentation in a timely manner to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
14. Participates in the effiecient delivery of physical therapy services.
“Adapted from http://www:apta.org/PTACPI/, with permission of the American Physical Therapy Association. Copyright ©2008 American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved.”
Career Opportunities
Nationally, job placement of PTA graduates is excellent. The physical therapist assistant profession is rated by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions through 2021. Starting salaries vary in range, but start at approximately $19-$27 per hour. Licensure is required in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.AAS - SFCC
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Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. the information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.