Academic Calendar 2011-2012 - Chesapeake College

Health ProfessionsPHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT DEGREE (140)This program of study meets all the Maryland State General Education Requirements.AWARD: Associate of Applied Science DegreePROGRAM MISSION: The mission and philosophy of the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education (CACHE) PTA Programis to educate students to become competent and caring physical therapist assistants. The program values and promotes excellence ineducation that includes evidence based knowledge and clinical skills essential to the physical therapist assistant. CACHE strives to producepractitioners who hold high ethical standards, demonstrate critical thinking, and communicate effectively with a diverse population. Theunique three college consortium makes optimal use of academic and clinical resources that allow greater outreach to students and physicaltherapy clinicians across the Chesapeake Bay region in Maryland.PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Physical Therapist Assistant Degree program prepares students to provide physical therapyservices according to the plan of care developed by the physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant administers direct patientcare; teaches patient’s families, and other healthcare providers how to perform selected procedures; and provides desired psychosocialsupport to patients and their families. Physical therapist assistants are employed primarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, privatepractice, extended care facilities and home healthcare settings. Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervisionof a physical therapist.Students in the CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant program complete their general education requirements at Chesapeake College,their professional training at Anne Arundel Community College, and their clinical internships in their local service area whenpossible. Distance learning technology is used as appropriate. This is a five-semester, two-year program with courses that build onthe knowledge from previous courses. After the first semester, the program is a full-time experience with a minimum of 12 credits persemester. Students should anticipate study and attendance needs and adjust work schedules accordingly.Students have to be selected for admission into the program and must meet specific academic standards prior to admission. A gradeof “C” or better in physical therapist assistant courses and general education course work is required to progress in the program.Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or the Nursing and Allied Health Advisor in planning an appropriateprogram. NOTE: CPR Certification - Students must complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support course for healthcareproviders (Modules 1-4). Certification must remain valid through graduation.PROGRAM GOALS:1. To graduate students who meet the program terminal objectives2. To strive for excellence in PTA education in the academic setting by utilizing state of the art instructional tools and pedagogy3. To strive for excellence in PTA education in the clinical setting by promoting clinical faculty development4. To serve as a liaison to the clinical community to promote excellence in physical therapy5. To model professional and ethical behaviors to students in both the clinical and academic settings6. To clarify and promote the role of the physical therapist assistant, consistent with the standards of practice and applicablelaws of the profession.TERMINAL OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED PROGRAM OUTCOMES:By the end of the curriculum sequence the student will have completed didactic, laboratory and clinical practice courses to enable them tomeet the following terminal objectives.1. Assist a physical therapist in the delivery of selected interventions in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner under the directionand supervision of a physical therapist, consistent with the standards of practice of the profession.2. Use critical thinking and problem solving skills to perform data collection, conduct tests and measures, and implement selectedinterventions, within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.3. Teach patients, families and other health care providers selected treatment interventions and participate in discharge planningunder the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.4. Provide psychosocial support to patients and families.5. Utilize effective communications skills when interacting with patients, families and other health care providers.6. Be prepared to take the National Licensure Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.127