Director of Physical Therapist Assistant Program 

Andreia Nebel, P.T., D.P.T. 

P: 800.647.5500 or 402.552.6178 

E: nebel@clarksoncollege.edu  

  

Mission 

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Clarkson College is designed to give students a diverse educational experience rich in both basic and applied sciences. Students of the program will be prepared to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and be expected to demonstrate good ethical judgment and compassion in the treatment of patients. The physical therapist assistant student is expected to adhere to all professional and ethical standards set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association. 

  

The Physical Therapist Assistant program provides an optimal learning environ­ment for the preparation of students for delivering quality health care in a variety of clinical settings. The program offers a broad educational experience that enables students to apply theoretical learning to clinical practice. Students develop the necessary clinical problem solving and communication skills for becoming an integral member of the health care team. The program prepares students for clinical practice to help people improve their quality of life, which is consistent with the College mission. 

  

Philosophy 

Physical Therapy (PT) is characterized as a profession that focuses on the restoration of musculoskeletal function, the promotion of physical wellness and a commitment to service to others. Physical therapist assistants are individ­uals who play an integral role as part of the patient care team by assisting the physical therapist. Involvement with patient care in physical therapy requires an educated individual who possesses a basic insight to human nature and who places a strong moral value on human life. In addition to patient care advocacy, the physical therapist assistant is responsible for the advancement of the profes­sion by participating in professional organizations at the state and national levels. Through these combined efforts, the physical therapist assistant serves as an educationally and technically trained health care provider concerned with improv­ing the well-being of all humankind. 

  

Goals 

The goals of the Physical Therapist Assistant program are to prepare: 

1. Physical therapist assistants who provide quality health care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
2. Practitioners who exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice.
3. Graduates who possess the ability to effectively translate theory into practice in order to meet the demands of a dynamic health care system.
4. Graduates who will assume leadership roles in the American Physical Therapy Association and in their clinical setting.
5. Graduates who contribute to the advancement of the profession by participating in research, teaching and serving on committees or in organizations concerned with health care policy and planning.

  

Program Outcomes 

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program will: 

• work within the legal guidelines and professional standards for the physical therapist assistant in the delivery of PT services.
• correctly use all modalities utilized by the physical therapist assistant.
• demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when interacting with colleagues and patients.
• implement treatment plans and PT interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• show sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender and lifestyle differences.
• uphold confidentiality of all persons at all times.

   

PTA in the Profession 

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are an integral part of the health care team and provide skilled services to individuals across the lifespan. PTAs may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, educa­tional settings and wellness facilities to name just a few. Under the direction of a physical therapist, PTAs implement numerous interventions through exercise programs and mobility training. Whether it is following a person's injury or illness or working with someone just wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, PTAs have the skills to help people gain functional independence and have an improved quality of life. 

  

Admissions Policies 

Students must meet the criteria for entrance into the College prior to application to the PTA Program. For information about entrance requirements refer to the Admissions Information. Since class size is limited, additional criteria are used to determine admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Complete details regarding the policies and procedures about admission are available from the Office of Admissions, the Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program or on the website in the Admissions section. 

  

Curriculum Requirements 

In order to complete an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree at Clarkson College, students must successfully complete a total of 72 semester hours. Students are required to attend year-round, with all PTA courses completed in the sequence shown in the sample curriculum. These hours must be distributed as follows: 

• General Education = 17 semester hours (which must include 5 semester hours of the Clarkson College Core Curriculum). Recommended elective courses include: Abnormal Psychology, Human Biology, Human Development and Nutrition.
• Support Courses = 8 semester hours (Anatomy and Physiology).
• Major Courses = 47 semester hours

  

Curriculum Plan 

The following curriculum plan for an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant 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 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. 

  

Physical Therapist Assistant Skills Lab 

The Physical Therapist Assistant 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. 

  

Service-Learning and Community Service Graduation Requirements 

15 hours (11 Service-Learning)* of Clarkson College Service hours must be completed prior to graduation. Graduates who do not complete the required number of Service hours will not receive diplomas or transcripts, until the hours have been completed. *Note: Service hours accrued beyond the minimum number of required service hours can be applied toward the requirements for the Maltese Cross Certificate or Medal.  

  

Required Courses (click here) 

  

Course Descriptions (click here)  

  

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Students (click here)