Director of Physical Therapist Assistant
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed.
PH 402.552.2868  TF 800.647.5500 
niemannjessica@clarksoncollege.edu

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is designed to elevate the clinical practice of graduates with advanced skills, clinical decision-making and holistic multi-system care. Gradates will be prepared to use leadership skills to impact systemic change within the profession and their community. Designed as a degree completion program option, PTA graduates can advance their Associates degree to a Bachelor degree with specific, focused content for the PTA clinician. The program can be completed in four (full time) or seven (part time) semesters. 

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.  (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 of evidence based practice of physical therapy. (Critical Thinking)**

**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 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 prior to starting the Bachelor's degree in PTA-specific courses. Students must successfully complete a total of 48 semester hours in the program. Students will complete the four-semester (full time) or seven-semester (part-time) curriculum plan. Individualized curriculum plans are an option.

Program requires Health and Safety – View Health and Safety Information

Core Courses – 9 semester hours

Core curriculum courses must be taken at Clarkson College. Core courses are marked with an asterisk (*) after the course name.

Curriculum Plan

The following curriculum plan for an Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree has been provided to guide students in preparing a degree plan. Students should seek the advice of a PTA advisor to customize a degree. All semester hours of PTA major courses must be completed at Clarkson College. In addition, once a student enrolls at Clarkson College all general education coursework must be completed at the College. Total Semester Hours in Program: 48.

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 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 following curriculum plan for an Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree has been provided. Below is the full- and part-time outline of the program’s curriculum to guide students.

View course descriptions

Bachelor of Science in PTA Required Courses - Full-Time Option

First Year

First Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
◊ IC Core - Intercultural Communication	3
ST 310 - Statistics	3
EN 102 - English Composition II	3
PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I	1
PTA 260 - Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy	3
IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education	0
Total Semester Hours	13

Second Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
HM 180 - Essentials of Pharmacology	2
BU 262 - Business Communication and Marketing	3
PTA-250 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration II	1
PTA 330 - Advanced Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Interventions	3
PTA 335 - Advanced Musculoskeletal System Interventions	3
Total Semester Hours	12

Third Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
EA Core - Ethics, Empathy and Advocacy	3
BI 122 - Nutrition Science	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
HU Core - Humanities	3
BU 335 - Managing Healthcare Departments	3
◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV	1
PTA 405 - Advanced Multiple System Intervention and Care through the Lifespan	3
Total Semester Hours	10

Total Semester Hours - 48

Bachelor of Science in PTA Required Courses - Part-Time Option

First Year

First Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
◊ IC Core - Intercultural Communication	3
EN 102 - English Composition II	3
PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I	1
IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education	0
Total Semester Hours	7

Second Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
BU 262 - Business Communication and Marketing	3
PTA-250 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration II	1
PTA 335 - Advanced Musculoskeletal System Interventions	3
Total Semester Hours	7

Third Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
EA 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
ST 310 - Statistics	3
PTA 260 - Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy	3
Total Semester Hours	6

Second Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
HM 180 - Essentials of Pharmacology	2
BI 122 - Nutrition Science	3
PTA 330 - Advanced Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Interventions	3
Total Semester Hours	8

Third Semester

Course Name	Semester Hours
HU 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
BU 335 - Managing Healthcare Departments	3
◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV	1
PTA 405 - Advanced Multiple System Intervention and Care through the Lifespan	3
Total Semester Hours	7

Total Semester Hours - 48