Physical Therapist Assistant - PTAS.AS

Applying to this Program

The application deadline is April 1. All required materials must be completed by that date.

The PTA program is a competitive academic program with rigorous standards. To be admitted to the program, an applicant must:

1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Demonstrate competency in English through one of the following:
   • 4 years of high school English with no grade lower than a “C”; or
   • Successful completion of DRDG-092  or DWRT-099  with a grade of “C”; or
   • Placement examination at ENGL-100  level; or
   • Successful completion of ENGL-100  or its challenge exam through the Testing Center.
3. Have completed algebra 2 level math, with a “B” grade or higher (high school level or higher)
4. Have completed biology with lab and chemistry with lab, with “B” grades (high school level or higher)*
5. Have completed college level “Anatomy & Physiology 1 ” (4 credits) with a grade of “C”;
6. Demonstrate competency in medical terminology, determined by:
   • Successful completion of a suitable course; or
   • Successfully passing a medical terminology challenge exam in the Testing Center; or
   • Waiving of this requirement by the department chair with evidence of a healthcare background.
7. Demonstrate competency in basic computer skills, determined by:
   • Successful completion of CMPA-160 ; or
   • Successful passing the computer skills challenge exam in the Testing Center
8. Demonstrate competency in basic research skills, determined by (beginning with the incoming class of fall 2014):
   • Successful completion of RSCH-100 ; or
   • Successful passing of the library skills challenge exam in the Testing Center; or
   • Waiving of this requirement by the department chair with evidence of a college background
9. Exhibit an understanding of an commitment to physical therapy by documenting a total 25 hours of observation in at least two different physical therapy settings, or through related work experience, approved by the department chairperson; signed verification forms to be submitted to Admissions.
10. Have scored around 450 on each (verbal and math) section of the SAT1 exam. Candidates can waive the SAT criteria if they can document a 3.0 or better QPA in at least 15 college credits, including English Composition, with no grade lower than a “C.”

* In the event that an applicant has already taken Anatomy & Physiology 1 in college (4 credits) and earned a “B” grade, “C” grades in biology and chemistry will be accepted and the applicant will not be required to re-take these courses.

All Anatomy & Physiology courses over three years old by start of program must be repeated. Applicants strengthen their candidacy by achieving high SAT1 scores, maintaining high grades in high school or high QPAs in college courses, successfully completing college courses in related academic areas prior to application, and providing documentation of related observation or work in the field. Applicants to the PTA program should be aware that this is a physically demanding occupation, often requiring lifting and supporting of heavy patients. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are essential to satisfactory functioning as a physical therapist assistant. Additional information may be obtained by calling the program director at (413) 755-4880. All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending on the results, the student may not be allowed to continue in this program of study. Some clinical facilities may require more frequent and, hence, updated CORI/SORI checks, or even additional kinds of pre-clinical tests. The student assigned to such a site will be informed of these tests and may be responsible for assuming the cost of such reports. The College reserves the right to withdraw any student at any time from his/her program in Health who cannot be placed in a cooperating agency because of failure of the student to meet or comply with the terms of the affiliation agreement, college or school policy, and/or achieve the behavioral objectives/competencies of the educative events. For further information, contact the office of the Dean of the School of Health & Patient Simulation (Building 20, Room 252).

Program Goals

The Physical Therapist Assistant program will cultivate and advance graduates whom:

1. Understand their role and the scope of practice as responsible physical therapist assistants, adhering to appropriate ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
2. Cultivate skill competence and engage in evidence-based practice, responding to the dynamics of a changing health care system.
3. Integrate the principles of the physical, biological and behavioral sciences with the clinical practice of physical therapy.
4. Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, families and other members of the health care team.
5. Commit to a lifelong process of self-improvement and learning.
6. Achieve an effective transition from this educational program to a physical therapist assistant career.

The objective of this program is to prepare men and women for employment in the physical therapy field. The graduate physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technical health care provider who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA performs related activities and therapeutic techniques for patients with burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and cardiac, neurologic and orthopedic injuries. Such techniques include therapeutic exercise; gait training; heat and cold applications; massage; and the use of assistive, prosthetic, orthotic, and electrical devices. The two-year curriculum leading to an Associate Degree follows the guidelines adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association. The curriculum is designed to develop technical knowledge and skills for understanding in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, disease processes, psychological and interpersonal relations. In addition, emphasis is placed on ethical and legal aspects. Approximately one semester of the program is supervised practice in selected clinical settings. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association through June, 2018.

Program Outcomes

The design of the curriculum and activities undertaken by the faculty of the PTA Program should achieve the following outcomes:

1. Produce safe, competent, caring graduates who possess entry-level skills.
2. The three year passing rate of the graduates who choose to take the Physical Therapist Assistant licensure examination will be at least 95%.
3. 100% of the graduates who seek employment as a physical therapist assistant will attain a position within six months of passing the national licensure examination.

The STCC PTA program admits 18-20 students each fall semester out of an average applicant pool of 105; the acceptance rate is generally 19%. The average graduation rate over the past three years is 76%. Of the graduates who took the National PTA Licensure Examination in the past three years, 89% have passed.

The program administers student clinical performance assessments, graduate opinion surveys, employer surveys and aggregate data from the National PTA Licensure Examination to assess the effectiveness of the program. For the calendar years 2009 - 2011, 100% of the graduates who sought employment have reported they were able to secure a position within six months of graduation. Some graduates choose to continue their education and do not seek employment.

(PTAS.AS) Curriculum

Total (PTAS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 68

Notice to the Public: Complaints Policy:

Complaints that fall outside of the college’s internal due process are directed to the Administrator under whom the complaint falls. Any complaint lodged against the PTA Program is directed to and investigated by the Dean of the School of Health & Patient Simulation. The Dean will consult with the Program Director, if appropriate, and then determine what action is to be taken according to college policy. Final documentation of the complaint, the plan for improvement and its outcomes is filed in the Dean’s office.

Department Personnel