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 program at Clarkson College utilizes high quality, well-integrated, contemporary curricula to prepare students to deliver professional, ethical, competent and compassionate health care to their patients, their families and their communities. 

  

Program Description 

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 are prepared to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and are expected to demonstrate clinical competence, good ethical judgment, and compassion in the treatment of patients. The PTA program provides an optimal learning environ­ment for preparing students to deliver 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 professional skills needed to becoming an integral member of the health care team. Graduates are expected to adhere to all professional and ethical standards set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association. The program prepares students to help people improve their quality of life, which is consistent with the College mission. 

  

Philosophy 

Physical Therapy (PT) is a healing profession.  It focuses on the restoration of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular 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 in patient care. Involvement with patient care in PT requires an educated individual who possesses a basic insight to human nature and who places a strong moral value on human life. Physical Therapists Assistants are influential professionals who advance the field of PT as clinic administrators, faculty members, clinical instructors, clinicians and by participating in professional organizations at the state and national levels. They are educationally and technically trained health care professionals concerned with improv­ing the well-being of all humankind, and empowered to make a positive difference. 

  

Program Outcomes 

Graduates of the PTA program will: 

• work within the legal guidelines and professional standards for the physical therapist assistant in the delivery of quality health care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• implement treatment plans and PT interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• show sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender and lifestyle differences.
• possess the ability to effectively translate theory into practice in order to meet the demands of a dynamic health care system.
• contribute to the advancement of the profession by participating in research, teaching, the APTA, and/or serving on committees or within organizations concerned with health care policy and planning.
• exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice and 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, including exercise prescription, therapeutic modalities and mobility training. Whether the patient's goal is to resume function after an illness or injury to improve their physical fitness, PTAs have the skills to help people gain functional independence and improve 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 PTA 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

  

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.  Lab time is scheduled as part of the curriculum and reserved lab hours can be established to allow students to complete required coursework and additional practice. 

  

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)