Program Goals

Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the student will:

1. Exhibit conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of the community and other members of the healthcare profession as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill number 1 in the competency evaluation manual.

2. Implement selected interventions identified in the plan of care as evidenced by satisfactory completion (3 or 4) of skill numbers 14, 16, 17, and 18 in the competency evaluation manual during the terminal clinical rotations.

3. Perform data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill numbers 12, 13, and 21 in the competency evaluation manual during the terminal clinical rotations.

4. Complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill number 10 in the competency evaluation during the terminal clinical rotations.

5. Work effectively in a clinical setting under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill number 16 in the competency evaluation manual during the terminal clinical rotations.

6. Communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill number 8 and 9 in the competency evaluation manual.

7. Possess the knowledge to think independently and critically, use fundamental theory, and basic sciences to solve patient care scenarios as evidenced by satisfactory completion of the PTA program exit exam.

8. Educate patients, families, caregivers, and members of the health care team using effective instruction methods as evidenced by satisfactory completion of skill number 7 in the competency evaluation manual