Director of Physical Therapist Assistant
Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed.
PH 402.552.2868 TF 800.647.5500
niemannjessica@clarksoncollege.edu
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 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.
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 dual 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 dual degree 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 to earn a Bachelor of Science in PTA.
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 upholdconfidentiality of all persons at all times. (Communication)**
**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
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 associatesdegree 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
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 - IC 200 Developing Cultural Competence OR IC 250 Advancing Cultural Competence | 3 |
| Humanities Healthcare Core - HU 200 A Cultural History of the Healing Arts |
3 |
| Ethics, Empathy and Advocacy Healthcare Core - EA 200 Biomedical Ethics in Healthcare |
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
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.
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
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 |
| ◊ IC Core (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 |
| HU Core (HUM Core) - Humanities | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 13 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Course Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| PTA 241 - Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| PTA 246 - Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| EA Core (EEA Core) - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 |