Liberal Arts and Science - Manchester Community College ...

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. Degree
Program Design
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program prepares
students to function in health care settings as an entry level practitioner within
the boundaries and scope of practice of a physical therapist assistant and
under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTA’s practice in hospitals, school
systems, private offices, home health agencies, industry, rehabilitation hospitals
and nursing homes.
The program is offered through a collaborative arrangement between Capital
Community College, Housatonic Community College, Manchester Community
College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Northwestern Community College,
and Tunxis Community College. The A.S. degree is awarded by Manchester
Community College. The two year course of study begins in January
and includes a minimum of 63 credits in science, mathematics, psychology,
social sciences and humanities. Seven physical therapy courses, which have
a strong foundation in the sciences and in professional practice standards, are
also required. Twelve credits are earned during the final semester in clinical
practicums. These are done in physical therapy clinics that are affiliated with this
PTA program. Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the healthcare
facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they
submit to a clinical background check before beginning their clinical experiences.
All physical therapy classes are held during the day at Naugatuck Valley
Community College in Waterbury and the clinical practicums require 40 hours
of attendance weekly throughout that semester. Non-professional courses will
be taken at Manchester Community College.
Scholastic Preparation and Admissions Process
The PTA Program relies on a selective admissions process which uses specific
admissions criteria. These criteria are available through the admissions office
in each college and include course work in algebra, chemistry or physics, and
college level anatomy and physiology. Interested candidates will be expected
to have a history of academic success, particularly with science courses.
When the applications are evaluated, only the strongest candidates will be
considered for an interview by the Admissions Committee. The student will
need to demonstrate the skills necessary to become a PTA. The deadline for
application is November 1 and the classes will begin in January each year.
For more information about admission into this program, contact the MCC
Mathematics, Science and Health Careers Division Office in the Learning
Resource Center, 860-512-2703.
Students who do not meet the program entrance requirements should select
appropriate courses from the Pre-Allied Health Program, an access program
that provides courses and guidance to prepare the student for a career in the
health field. (See page 27.)
Accreditation
One requirement for registration or licensure to work as a PTA is graduation
from a program of education accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy
Association. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by
Connecticut’s Board of Governors for Higher Education and by the Commission
on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education/APTA, 1111 North Fairfax
St., Alexandria, VA, 22314-1478, (703) 684-2782.
Physical Therapist Assistant Requirements
BIO* 212 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
ENG* 101 Composition 3
PSY* 111 General Psychology I 3
PTA* 120 Introduction to Physical Therapy 3
PTA* 125 Physical Therapy for Function 4
Subtotal: 17
PTA* 220 Introduction to the Physical Therapy Clinic 1
Subtotal: 1
COM* 173 Public Speaking 3
ENG* 110 Introduction to Literature 3
Gen Ed Mode 4 3-4
PTA* 230 Physical Agents in Physical Therapy 4
PTA* 235 Kinesiology for Rehabilitation 4
Subtotal: 17-18
Choose Any ANT*, ECN*, GEO*, HIS*, POL*, PSY*,
SOC* or SOSC course 3
Gen Ed Mode 1 3
PTA* 250 Therapeutic Exercise 5
PTA* 253 Pathophysiology for Rehabilitation 3
PTA* 258 PTA in the Healthcare Arena 2
Subtotal: 16
PTA* 260 Physical Therapy Seminar 2
PTA* 262 PTA Internship II 5
PTA* 265 PTA Internship III 5
Subtotal: 12
Total Credits Required: 63-64
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all Physical Therapist Assistant program
requirements, graduates will
1. Sit for examination for state licensure/registration as a physical therapist
assistant.
2. Perform physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a
physical therapist.
3. Accurately obtain patient information through data collection.
4. Demonstrate accurate problem-solving abilities when working as a
physical therapist assistant.
Continued on next page.
Division of Mathematics, Science & Health Careers: 860-512-2703 or www.mcc.commnet.edu
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DEGREES