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Physical Therapist Assistant's perform various physical therapy services specified in the plan of care developed by the Physical Therapist.
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. PTA's perform various physical therapy services specified in the plan of care developed by the Physical Therapist. These services include data collection, treating patients with exercise and other treatment procedures, administering physical agents/modalities, and reporting patient responses to the Physical Therapist. The 72-credit curriculum consists of: basic science coursework, technical coursework, including laboratory activities and practice, and clinical education experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
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Are you ready to begin the Physical Therapist Assistant A.A.S. at Northland? Take your first step toward becoming a student at Northland.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Northland Community and Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virgina 22314; telphone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1. Completion of the admissions application to NCTC.
2. Completion of the PTA Program Application.
3. 40 hours of volunteer, observation or work experience in a physical therapy department (Documented on the Clinical Observation Form).
4. All required developmental courses must be completed before applying to the PTA program.
5. HOBET V adjusted individual total score of at least 50%. FAQ about HOBET V and program admissions.
6. Current CPR for Health Care Providers (AHA) certification is required prior to enrollment in PTAS1120.
7. All required courses for the program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
8. Immunization and health screening data must be submitted on the College Health Screening form prior to enrollment in PTAS1120.
Required Courses |
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| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HLTH 1106 | Medical Terminology | 2 credits |
| PTAS 1101 | Introduction to PTA | 3 credits |
| PTAS 1105 | Fundamentals of PTA | 4 credits |
| PTAS 1108 | PTA Pathophysiology | 2 credits |
| PTAS 1110 | Physical Agents | 4 credits |
| PTAS 1114 | Clinical Kinesiology | 3 credits |
| PTAS 1116 | Therapeutic Exercise I | 2 credits |
| PTAS 1120 | Clinical Introduction | 1 credits |
| PTAS 1130 | Clinical Education I | 4 credits |
| PTAS 2101 | Orthopedics for PTA | 2 credits |
| PTAS 2105 | Neurology for PTA | 5 credits |
| PTAS 2111 | Therapeutic Exercise II | 3 credits |
| PTAS 2115 | Advanced Techniques | 4 credits |
| PTAS 2125 | PTA Ethics and Issues | 2 credits |
| PTAS 2140 | Clinical Education II | 5 credits |
| PTAS 2150 | Clinical Education III | 5 credits |
| PTAS 2160 | Professional Integration | 3 credits |
| BIOL 2252 | Anatomy & Phys I | 3 credits |
| BIOL 2254 | Anatomy & Phys II | 3 credits |
| ENGL 1111 | Composition I | 3 credits |
| PSYC 1105 | Intro to Psychology | 3 credits |
| G4: Math/Logical Elective | 3 credits | |
| G1:Communication Elec ( *See Elective Options Listed Below ) | 3 credits | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 72 credits | |
Program Specific Elective Course Options |
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 Electives for this program may be selected from the following list of courses below. Need help? Schedule an appointment with a Northland Academic Advisor for assistance in selecting courses. |
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| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Communications Electives | ||
| SPCH 1101 | Intro to Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| SPCH 1103 | Interpersonal Communicati | 3 credits |
1. Student will work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner.
2. Student will implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist promoting optimal outcomes for patients.
3. Student will integrate related concepts and theories of liberal arts and basic science with physical therapy knowledge and practice.
4. Student will demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication in a culturally competent manner with patients and their families, colleagues, other health care providers, and the public.
5. Student will interact skillfully with patients across the life span.
6. Student will demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life-long learning.
Counselors are available in the Career Center to assist with career advising, job search resources, employer connections, occupational descriptions, employment outlook, earnings, education/training requirements and sources.
PTA's are employed in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, pediatric facilities, home health agencies, schools, and long-term care facilities.
The employment outlook for graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program is excellent. From 2008-2018 there is a projected 33% increase in employment for PTA's nationwide. The median income for PTA's was $46,140 in 2008.
The employment outlook for physical therapist assistants in the state of Minnesota from 2009 to 2019 is 20%, a well above average growth percentage.
