Director of Physical Therapist Assistant
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed.
PH 402.552.2868
[email protected]
Introduction
The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree prepares students to implement individualized rehabilitative care plans under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The program offers two pathways to meet the needs of diverse learners. The Traditional Track is a 24-month (6-semester), on-campus program designed for first-time college students and those who prefer to complete coursework at a more gradual pace. The Transfer Track is a 16-month (4-semester), online program with in-person instruction designed for individuals who have earned an associate degree or higher, or completed at least 35 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including general education prerequisite courses.
Both tracks require completion of the same PTA curriculum and provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences necessary for entry-level practice. Because Transfer Track students enter with general education requirements substantially completed, the curriculum focuses primarily on PTA coursework, allowing students to complete the degree in four semesters. Coursework is delivered through asynchronous online learning combined with in-person instruction during skills weekends. Students access online lecture and lab content and attend four on-campus skills weekends per semester during the first three semesters (12 total skills weekends). Skills weekends are typically held Thursday through Saturday. In the final semester, students complete two six-week clinical experiences and return to campus prior to graduation for a Capstone Day and Pinning Ceremony. Please refer to the academic calendar for the most current schedule and program dates.
Clinical education is a vital part of the PTA curriculum by immersing students in the clinical environment to prepare students for the workforce. Both the traditional and transfer tracks include three full-time clinicals which are one 3-week clinical and two 6-week clinicals.
Successful completion of the PTA program leads to an Associate of Science degree, making students eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain a PTA license.
PTA graduates can take their career to a new level by enrolling in the Multiple Degree Associate and Bachelor of Science in PTA degree program. After earning the Associate of Science in PTA degree, students begin the Bachelor of Science in PTA degree completion program. In the bachelor's program, students choose from two career pathways: pre-physical therapy or leadership to reach their career goals. Curriculum includes advanced clinical skills and clinical reasoning in physical therapy.
Admission Policies
Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available
Progression Criteria
- Entry into the PTA program is permitted during the fall semester.
- Students complete the course of study as outlined.
- Students applying for this program should
possesses an associatesdegree or higher level degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; or have earned 35 or more credit hours at an accredited institution with a transfer grade of a “C” or higher. Of those credits, 15 credit hours must be within the general courses listed below.
Curriculum Requirements
In order to complete an Associate of Science in PTA degree at Clarkson College, students must successfully complete a total of 74 semester hours. Students are required to attend four semesters, with all PTA courses completed in the sequence shown in the sample curriculum. Total hours must be distributed as follows:
- Clarkson College Core Courses = 9 semester hours
- General Education = 15 semester hours: Pre-requisites listed below must be completed prior to enrollment.
- PTA Major Courses = 50 semester hours
Health Care Core Courses: 9 semester hours
Core Curriculum Courses may be taken anytime during this program or prior to entering the PTA four-semester program option. These courses must be taken at Clarkson College.
| Course | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| ◊ Healthcare Communication Core - CCC 200 Developing Cultural Competence OR HCC 250 Advancing Cultural Competence | 3 |
| Humanities Healthcare Core - HUM 200 A Cultural History of the Healing Arts |
3 |
| Ethics, Empathy and Advocacy Healthcare Core - EEA 200 Biomedical Ethics in Healthcare |
3 |
Required General Education/Support Courses
The following courses must be completed prior to entry into the PTA Transfer option:
| Course | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| Medical Terminology | 1 |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Anatomy (plus lab) (must be current within last seven years) | 4 |
| Physiology (plus lab) (must be current within last seven years) | 4 |
| Electives (minimum) | 20 |
| Total 35 |
Note: Students that do not possess an associates degree or higher level degree must complete an additional 20 credit hours of general elective courses for a total of 35 transferable credits to be considered as a possible applicant.
Service Requirements
Service reflects a holistic view that focuses on how individuals provide high quality, ethical and compassionate service in the field of
All students are to complete designated service courses as a component of their program of study. Successful completion of service experiences is required to pass the designated service courses. Designated service courses are identified using the following symbol: ◊
Physical Therapist Assistant Skills Lab
The PTA Skills Lab allows students to practice a wide range of clinically relevant treatment techniques in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The lab is equipped with modern equipment and technology reflective of current physical therapy practice, enabling students to develop hands-on skils using tools they encounter in clinical settings. During deseignated lab times, students engage in guided skills practice while additional open lab hours are available to support skill development and mastery.
Multiple Degree Options
The multiple degree option is for students completing multiple degrees at Clarkson College. This option allows credits earned while completing a degree to be used directly toward an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. Students must apply and be properly admitted to multiple degrees. Admission into one major does not guarantee later admission into a second major. The options include but are not limited to:
-
Multiple degree: Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant/Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Business
-
Multiple degree: Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant/Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Multiple degree: Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant/Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health
PTA - Transfer Track Required Courses (16-month option)
The following curriculum plan for an Associate of Science in PTA degree has been provided. Below is the lock-step outline of the program’s curriculum to guide students.
First Year
First Semester
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 122 - Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
| PTA 111 - Clinical Readiness | 2 |
| PTA 205 - Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PTA 222 - Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| PTA 215 - Therapeutic Exercise II | 3 |
| HCC Core - Healthcare Communication | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 17 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| ◊ PTA 214 - Professional Leadership Seminar | 2 |
| PTA 211 - Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| PTA 230 - Advanced Procedures | 3 |
| PTA 235 - Therapeutic Exercise III | 3 |
| HUM Core - Humanities | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 14 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 241 - Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| PTA 246 - Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| EEA Core - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 |