Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate in Applied Science

Olympic College offers a two-year curriculum designed to prepare graduates to be employed as Physical Therapist Assistants. The curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) www.apta.org/capte. The program offers a balance of general education courses, physical therapy theory and physical therapy assistant practice. Students accepted into the program will complete 640 hours of clinical education as part of the professional curriculum. Following acceptance, the professional phase of the program can be completed in five consecutive quarters. PTA program courses require a minimum 2.7 grade point or above to progress in the program. Clinical education courses are pass/fail. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as physical therapist assistants (PTA) in various health care settings including hospitals, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, private out-patient practice, school settings and home health. There is not current licensure examination for PTA graduates in the State of Washington, but graduates of the program will be encouraged to take the national licensing examination for physical therapist assistants.

Cost:

1. Same tuition as other Olympic College students;

2. Laboratory fees (maximum $35/quarter);
3. PTA student liability insurance;
4. Proof of health insurance;
5. APTA student association dues (optional);
6. Transportation to and from clinical facilities not located on campus.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate occupational skills necessary to obtain employment as a physical therapist assistant.
2. Function under the supervision of the physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical and effective manner.
3. Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills necessary to effectively interact with clients and family members, members of the health care team, and other professional colleagues.
4. Demonstrate critical problem solving to assist the supervising physical therapist in monitoring and modifying plan of care within the knowledge and limits of practice.
5. Perform and document physical therapy data collection and interventions safely and efficiently under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
6. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
7. Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities.

*See course description for prerequisite.

Source: 2012-2013 Olympic College Catalog