Director of Physical Therapist Assistant
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed.
PH 402.552.2868 TF 800.647.5500
niemannjessica@clarksoncollege.edu
Introduction
Students earning an Associates degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) are encouraged to take advantage of the Clarkson College dual degree option. This option allows you to earn an Associates degree and Bachelors degree in PTA in just over three years. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for additional career opportunities and advancement within the profession with advanced PTA skills, clinical-decision making, and holistic care. After completing the Associates in PTA degree, students can take courses for the Bachelors in PTA degree at a full time (four semesters) or part-time (seven semesters) rate.
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 successfully complete an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in PTA prior to entering the Bachelor in Science in PTA degree program. Part-time and full-time degree plans are available. To earn the Bachelor of Science in PTA, students must successfully complete a total of 122 semester hours. Students receive 74 hours of direct transfer credits from their Associate of Science in PTA degree.
Program requires Health and Safety – View Health and Safety Information
Curriculum Plan
The following curriculum plan provides an overview of the classes required to complete the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science dual degree in PTA. Students should work with their advisor to customize their degree plan.
- Total hours for an Associates degree in PTA: 74
- Total hours for the Associate and Bachelor’s degree dual degree in PTA: 122 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 Physical Therapist Assistant - Traditional Option Required Courses
Full time
First Year
First Semester
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BI 213 (BIO 213) - Human Physiology - Lecture and Lab | 4 |
| ◊ IC Core (ICC 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 (HUM Core) - Humanities | 3 |
| PTA 122 - Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 6 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 205 - Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PTA 111 - Clinical Readiness | 2 |
| PTA 215 - Therapeutic Exercise II | 3 |
| PTA 222 - Therapeutic Interventions | 3 |
| PY 101 (PSY 101) - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 14 |
Second Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| EA Core (EEA Core) - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| PTA 211 - Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 213 - Professional Leadership Seminar | 1 |
| PTA 230 - Advanced Procedures | 3 |
| PTA 235 - Therapeutic Exercise III | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 241 - Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| PTA 246 - Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 12 |
Third Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| BI 122 (BIO 122) - Nutrition Science | 3 |
| EN 102 (ENG 102) - English Composition II | 3 |
| PTA 150 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration I | 1 |
| PTA 260 - Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| ST 310 (MAT 310) - Statistics | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| MA 130 (MAT 130) - College Algebra | 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 (BUS 335) - Managing Healthcare Departments | 3 |
| ◊ PTA 450 - Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration IV | 1 |
| PTA 475 - Capstone | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 7 |
Total Semester Hours - 122
Students must complete the courses in the order and timeframe listed for the first two years to earn their Associate of Science in PTA degree. After successful completion of the Associates in PTA degree, students may choose to take courses at a full-time (four semesters) or part-time rate (seven semesters) rate for the Bachelor of Science in PTA degree.