Director of Physical Therapist Assistant
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed.
PH 402.552.2868
[email protected]
Introduction
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is designed to elevate the clinical practice of graduates with advanced PTA skills, clinical decision-making, and holistic, multi-system care. Gradates will be prepared to use leadership skills to influence systemic change within the profession and their community. Designed as a degree completion program, PTA graduates can advance their Associates degree to a Bachelor degree with focused content for the PTA clinician. The program can be completed in as few as four (full time) or seven (
Program Specific Competency Goals
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, graduates will:
- Implement contemporary treatment plans and technologically advanced physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. (Technology)**
- Display the ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender and lifestyle differences in patients across the lifespan and promote justice, equity, diversity, and belonging. (Diversity)**
- Creatively formulate advanced clinical
judgements and effectively translate advanced clinical theory into practice in order to meet the demands of a dynamic health care system and across the patient lifespan. (Critical Thinking)** - Assume leadership roles in the advancement of the profession by
participating one or more of the following areas: research, education, continuing education and service of a professional organization. (Professionalism)** - Exhibit good ethical judgment in
health care practice and demonstrate effective communication with all individuals. (Communication)** - Demonstrate advanced clinical practice skills through
implementation ofevidence based
**Categories denoted in the parentheses represent
Admission Policies
Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available from: the Admissions Department, College website or Academic Policies & Procedures section (AD-1).
Curriculum Requirements
Students must possess an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in PTA from an accredited PTA program, and must have completed Anatomy lecture and lab and Physiology lecture and lab prior to starting the Bachelor of Science in PTA degree completion program.
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree, students must successfully complete a total of 122 semeter hours. Students receive 65 hours of direct transfer credits for the above-mentioned prerequisites. The remaining 57 hours are distributed as follows:
- General Courses = 26 semester hours
- Core Courses = 9 semester hours
- PTA Major Courses = 22 semester hours
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 required 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: ◊
Bachelor of Science in PTA Required Courses
The required courses for the
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 Bachelor 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: Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant/Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health
- Multiple degree: Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant/Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Required Courses for Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
General Courses
26 semester hours
Core Courses
9 semester hours
| Courses | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| ◊ ICC Core - Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| HUM Core - Humanities | 3 |
| EEA Core - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 |
Major Courses
22 semester hours
Sample Curriculum Plan for the Bachelor of Science in PTA - Full Time Option
Students receive 65 hours of direct transfer credits for prerequisites to the program.
First Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 122 - Nutrition Science | 3 |
| ENG 101 - English Composition I | 3 |
| ◊ IC Core - Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I | 1 |
| PTA 260 - Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| MAT 310 - Statistics | 3 |
| IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education | 0 |
| Total Semester Hours | 16 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| HUM Core - Humanities | 3 |
| MAT 130 - College Algebra | 3 |
| PTA 350 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration III | 1 |
| PTA 307 - Outcome Measures & Reporting for the PTA | 3 |
| PTA 370 - Acute to Chronic Care in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BUS 335 - Managing Healthcare Departments | 3 |
| EEA Core - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 11 |
Total Semester Hours - 122
Bachelor of Science in PTA Required Courses - Part-Time Option
Students receive 65 hours of direct transfer credits for prerequisites to the program.
First Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 101 - English Composition I | 3 |
| ◊ ICC Core - Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| MAT 130 - College Algebra | 3 |
| PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I | 1 |
| IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education | 0 |
| Total Semester Hours | 10 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BU 262 - Business Communication and Marketing | 3 |
| ENG 102 - English Composition II | 3 |
| PTA-250 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration II | 1 |
| PTA 335 - Advanced Musculoskeletal System Interventions | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 10 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| EEA Core - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| PTA 307 - Outcome Measures & Reporting for the PTA | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 6 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| MAT 310 - Statistics | 3 |
| PTA 260 - Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 122 - Nutrition Science | 3 |
| HIM 180 - Essentials of Pharmacology | 2 |
| PTA 330 - Advanced Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Interventions | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 8 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| HUM Core - Humanities | 3 |
| PTA 350 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration III | 1 |
| PTA 370 - Acute to Chronic Care in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 7 |
Third Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BUS 335 - Managing Healthcare Departments | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| Total Semester Hours | 5 |
Total Semester Hours - 122