A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant (2PTA)

Overview

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) assists in the delivery of physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist (PT). While the physical therapist evaluates the patient, sets goals, and develops the appropriate treatment plan, the physical therapist assistant:

Implements treatment plans designed by the physical therapist
understands the rationale and effectiveness of treatment procedures
communicates regularly with the supervising physical therapist
performs measurement and assessment techniques for assisting the PT in monitoring and modifying interventions within the plan of care
documents relevant aspects of patient treatment

#4 job in Best Health Care Support Jobs by U.S. News and World Report

There are plenty of great job opportunities in this field, with approximately 31,900 new jobs opening by 2024, according to the BLS. Physical therapist assistants made a median salary of $54,410 in 2014. Although the largest chunk of physical therapist assistants are employed by the practices of physical, occupational and speech-language therapists, they are usually paid the best by home health care services.

U.S. News & World Report full story

The 2 PTA program is a five semester, two-year, academically based program to prepare the graduate to take the PTA licensure examination in preparation for employment. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student is awarded an Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. Students enrolled in the Penn State DuBois 2 PTA program will be required to:

Become certified in CPR
Annually purchase liability insurance
Assume all responsibilities for transportation to and from clinical facilities to which they are assigned for clinical education; the student may be required to make special housing or transportation arrangements during clinical education.
Sign a form to indicate if they have or have not had the Hepatitis B vaccination series. Many clinics require this vaccination. A waiver form will be provided.
Perform volunteer or observation hours (10-20 hours) in a health care facility during the first semester of classes.
Complete drug testing and/ or FBI fingerprinting as required by assigned clinical sites.
Obtain criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, medical testing, and immunizations as required by university policy.
Attend a PTA program orientation session during the first Fall semester of the program.

Mission Statement

The mission of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Penn State DuBois is to graduate well-educated, competent, caring, quality-oriented PTAs. Graduates will provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT. They will serve patients/clients across the life span who are experiencing pain or have a disability.

The Program's deliberate integration of teaching, service and evidence-based practice enhances the capacity of the Program and its graduates to meet the needs of the local community. The faculty believe that a quality education produces knowledgeable, critical thinking, creative, and ethical students who will become leaders in the profession and who will engage in the life-long learning experiences necessary to keep abreast of the changing field of physical therapy.

The cirriculum demands both the manual skills necessary to perform the duties of the PTA as well as the intellectual and critical thinking skills necessary for many of life's decisions. Training in clinically relevent knowledge, communication skills, cultural diversity, and the ability to function as a team member to complete a project are general goals of this program.

Program Goals and Objectives

The PTA Program will strive to:

Goal 1. Develop clinicians who possess and can apply their knowledge of basic sciences, physical therapy theory and procedures to practice as a PTA in a variety of practice settings to enhance patient care.

Upon successful completion of the program the students will be able to:

Objective A	Competently carry out the plan of care established by the PT
Objective B	Collect relevant data in order to determine if modification of treatment is needed
Objective C	Effectively perform quality, evidence-based, patient centered treatment interventions while minimizing risk to patient, self and others
Objective D	Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills to progress treatment interventions within the established plan of care and to recognize variables that appear to be affecting patient progression

Goal 2. Develop clinicians who possess the necessary professional behaviors to practice as a PTA. 

Upon successful completion of the program the students will be able to:

Objective A	Demonstrate effective verbal communication with: the supervising PT, the patient/family, the physician and other health care professionals
Objective B	Demonstrate effective non-verbal communication including documentation
Objective C	Apply effective interpersonal skills to work as a team with a wide variety of persons in the classroom and in inter-professional settings
Objective D	Instruct patients/families, students, members of the community and other members of the health care team using instructional techniques commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience

Goal 3. Develop clinicians who are culturally sensitive and have a sense of commitment to the physical therapy profession’s core values and ethics as outlined in APTA’s “Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA”.

Upon successful completion of the program the students will be able to:

Objective A	Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals by responding to the individual cultural needs of each patient
Objective B	Comply with the laws and regulations governing physical therapy
Objective C	Protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts

Goal 4. Develop clinicians who are prepared to be lifelong learners and who will keep current with best practices.

Upon successful completion of the program the students will be able to:

Objective A	Engage in self-assessment to identify their own learning needs
Objective B	Identify and obtain resources to increase knowledge and skill
Objective C	Engage in learning activities to incorporate knowledge and skill into clinical practice

Goal 5. Provide students with an outstanding education experience with highly qualified faculty, appropriate and stimulating curricula, necessary resources, and outstanding clinical experiences.

In order to meet the program mission, the faculty will:

Objective A	Actively pursue educational opportunities to enhance their skills in educating and evaluating students
Objective B	Develop and implement curricula that will adequately prepare students for clinical experiences and future employment as PTAs
Objective C	Work with qualified clinical faculty to provide students with relevant and diverse clinical experiences
Objective D	Work with administration and other support services to develop policies/practices and to provide resources that are beneficial to the students and faculty
Objective E	Engage in professional development activities that will advance their knowledge related to physical therapy, rehabilitation and teaching.
Objective F	Provide a positive example to their students by service and leadership to the physical therapy profession and community

Goal 6. Prepare graduates to promote health, serve the community and work effectively as a team member.

Upon successful completion of the program the students will be able to:

Objective A	Engage in interprofessional collaboration activities to effectively work as a team member
Objective B	Serve the community and promote health

Professional Licensure and Certification Compliance

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.