Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant - Transfer Option

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 option prepares students to carry out customized rehabilitative care plans tailored to their patients’ individual needs. The program offers two options: an on-campus, 24-month (6 semester) traditional track for first-time college students or those with college credits who want to take courses at a slower pace; and a hybrid, 16-month (4 semester) transfer track for individuals who have an associates degree or higher or have earned at least 35 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including general education pre-requisite courses.

The hybrid PTA Transfer track requires all the same PTA coursework as the in-person PTA Traditional track. The content for the transfer track is delivered with a hybrid mode of delivery. Students will access online, asynchronously lecture and lab videos, and attend four on-campus skills weekends (Fri/Sat) per semester for the first three semesters (12 total skills weekends). Since students complete general education prerequisite courses, the transfer track primarily focused on PTA coursework allowing students to complete their degree in just four semesters with the flexibility of hybrid mode of delivery.

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. The multiple enrollmentgree in PTA option will open doors for career growth through advanced skills in clinical decision-making, multi-system interventions, and leadership within the profession and community.

Program Specific Competency Goals

Upon completion of the Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, graduates will:

Work within the legal guidelines and professional standards for the physical therapist assistant in the delivery of high quality health care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. (Professionalism)**
Implement treatment plans and PT interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. (Technology)**
Show sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender and lifestyle differences and promote justice, equity, diversity, and belonging. (Diversity)**
Possess the ability to effectively translate theory into practice in order to meet the demands of a dynamic health care system. (Critical Thinking)**
Contribute to the advancement of the profession by participating in research, teaching, continuing education and serving on professional organizations. (Professionalism)**
Exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice and uphold confidentiality of all persons at all times. (Communication)**

**Categories denoted in the parentheses represent relationship to the Clarkson College student success skills, which are our institutional student learning outcomes, and include Communication, Technology, Critical Thinking, Diversity and Professionalism.

Admission Policies

Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available from: the Enrollment and Advising office, College website or Academic Policies & Procedures section (AD-1).

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 associates degree 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, 18 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 = 16 semester hours: Pre-requisites listed below must be completed prior to enrollment.
PTA Major Courses = 49 semester hours

Program requires Health and Safety – View Health and Safety Information

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
◊ Intercultural Communication Healthcare Core - ICC 200 Developing Cultural Competence OR ICC 250 Advancing Cultural Competence	3
Humanities Healthcare Core - HUM 200 A Cultural History of the Healing Arts OR HUM 205 The History of Science, Technology and Medicine OR HUM 210 American Social Movements OR HUM 215 Academic Travel Abroad Humanities	3
Ethics, Empathy and Advocacy Healthcare Core - EEA 200 Biomedical Ethics in Healthcare OR EEA 205 Death and Dying OR EEA 210 American Poverty and Healthcare OR EEA 215 Abnormal Psychology	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 also 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 health care and the community at large. Students will become familiar with service agencies, connect learning with practice and engage in civic service activities to live and demonstrate the Clarkson College Values of Learning, Caring, Commitment, Integrity and Excellence.

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 provides students with an opportunity to practice a variety of clinically-related, patient intervention techniques. Students have access to an assortment of therapeutic equipment reflective of the current practice of physical therapy during designated lab times. Open lab times are established to allow students with additional time to practice.

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

Course Name	Semester Hours
PTA 105 - Functional Anatomy for the Physical Therapist Assistant	3
PTA 106 - Introduction to Physical Therapy	2
PTA 107 - Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant	2
PTA 110 - Basic Skills in Physical Therapy	3
PTA 115 - Therapeutic Exercise I	3
GEN 251 - Wellness for the Healthcare Professional	1
IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education	0
Total Semester Hours	14

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
◊ ICC Core - Intercultural Communication	3
Total Semester Hours	17

Third Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
◊ PTA 213 - Professional Leadership Seminar	1
PTA 211 - Clinical Practicum I	3
PTA 230 - Advanced Procedures	3
PTA 235 - Therapeutic Exercise III	3
HUM Core - Humanities	3
Total Semester Hours	13

Second Year