Director of Physical Therapist Assistant Programs
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed
PH 402.552.2868 TF 800.647.5500
niemannjessica@clarksoncollege.edu
Introduction
Students earning an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) are encouraged to take advantage of the Clarkson College dual degree option. This option allows you to subsequently earn a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for additional career opportunities and advancement within the profession. Students with no prior college experience can graduate with both majors in just over three years. Graduates from another accredited college can complete the BS PTA degree in four semesters (full-time) or seven semesters (part-time).
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 Clarkson College’s 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 office, the College website, or in the Academic Policies & Procedures section (AD-1).
Curriculum Requirements
Students must successfully complete an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in PTA prior to taking the advanced Bacheler of Science in PTA (B.S. PTA) courses. Students must have a valid state license and employment prior to taking BS PTA advanced interventions courses. Part-time and full-time degree plans are available. Students must successfully complete a total of 47 semester hours in the program to earn the Bachelor of Science in PTA degree.
Program requires Health and Safety – View Health and Safety Information
Curriculum Plan
The following sample curriculum plan provides an overview of the classes required to complete the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science dual degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Students should work with their advisor to customize their degree plan.
- Total hours for an Associate’s degree in PTA: 74
- Total hours for the Associate and Bachelor’s degree dual degree in PTA: 121 hours
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: ◊
Associate and Bachelor of Science in PTA Required Courses
First Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BI 211 - Human Anatomy - Lecture and Lab | 4 |
| EN 101 - English Composition I | 3 |
| GEN 105 - Medical Terminology | 1 |
| PTA 105 - Functional Anatomy for the Physical Therapist Assistant | 3 |
| PTA 106 - Introduction to Physical Therapy | 2 |
| IPE 301 - Interprofessional Education | 0 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BI 213 - Human Physiology - Lecture and Lab | 4 |
| ◊ IC Core - Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| PTA 107 - Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant | 2 |
| PTA 110 - Basic Skills in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTA 115 - Therapeutic Exercise I | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| HU Core - Humanities | 3 |
| PTA 122 - Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
| PTA 125 - Clinical Practicum I | 1 |
| PY 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 10 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| MA 130 - College Algebra | 3 |
| PTA 205 - Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PTA 222 - Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| PTA 215 - Therapeutic Exercise II | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 12 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| EA Core - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 213 - Professional Leadership Seminar | 1 |
| PTA 220 - Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
| PTA 230 - Advanced Procedures | 3 |
| PTA 235 - Therapeutic Exercise III | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 240 - Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| PTA 245 - Clinical Practicum IV | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 11 |
Third Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| ST 310 - Statistics | 3 |
| PTA 260 - Evidence Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| EN 102 - English Composition II | 3 |
| PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I | 1 |
| Total Semester Hours | 10 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| HM 180 - Essentials of Pharmacology | 2 |
| PTA 335 - Advanced Musculoskeletal System Interventions | 3 |
| BU 375 - Concepts of Leadership | 2 |
| PTA 330 - Advanced Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Interventions | 3 |
| PTA-250 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration II | 1 |
| Total Semester Hours | 11 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BI 122 - Nutrition Science | 3 |
| PTA 307 - Outcome Measures & Reporting for the PTA | 3 |
| PTA 350 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration III | 1 |
| PTA 370 - Acute to Chronic Care in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 10 |
Fourth Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BU 335 - Managing Healthcare Departments | 3 |
| PTA 405 - Advanced Multiple System Intervention and Care through the Lifespan | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| Total Semester Hours | 7 |
Total Semester Hours - 121