The student will demonstrate the knowledge and necessary skills to practice as an
entry-level PTA under the supervision and direction of a PT, while developing critical
thinking skills and professionalism throughout the curriculum to better serve those
in the River Valley and beyond.
The graduate will demonstrate entry-level PTA skills and clinical competency under
the supervision and direction of a PT in the River Valley area and beyond, and work
while abiding by their state practice act and the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct
of the PTA.
Faculty will provide a positive learning environment to deliver curriculum that is
focused on contemporary and evidence-based physical therapy practices while modeling
professional activism and commitment to learning for students, graduates, and neighboring
communities.
The program will demonstrate a commitment to its faculty and students in order to
promote life-long learning, service to surrounding communities, and advocacy for health
and wellness to both the private sector and the physical therapy profession.
Program Objectives
Safety:
Demonstrate awareness of safety during all patient interactions, recognize changes
in status and respond to emergencies appropriately, and maintain individual health
and wellness for self.
Clinical Behavior
Adhere to APTA Code of Ethics and legal practice standards, appropriately report abuse
and fraud, complete, submit documentation in a timely and effective manner to support
patient care, and actively participate in all areas of patient care.
Accountability
Recognize professional and personal character strengths and weaknesses, advocate for
needs to improve self-confidence and teamwork, appropriately regulate and adjust behavior
and interactions with others, and participate in professional and community organizations
to promote physical therapy.
Cultural Competence
Demonstrate awareness of individual, cultural, and socioeconomic differences while
delivering quality care that is patient centered.
Communication
Effectively communicate (verbally, nonverbally, written) with all individuals of the
healthcare team to provide competent continuity of care throughout the established
plan of care.
Self-Assessment and Lifelong Learning
Cultivate and foster a growth mindset dedicated to application of evidence-based practice
and understanding the importance of staying current with ongoing advancements that
affect patient care and the future of physical therapy.
Clinical Problem Solving
Interpret and gather information from patient records and interviews to prepare appropriate
interventions in the plan of care, and recognize when interventions need to be modified
or discontinued based on patient status.
Intervention Techniques
Provide therapeutic interventions (including therapeutic exercises, therapeutic techniques,
physical agents and mechanical modalities, functional training and application of
devices and equipment) per the established plan of care in a competent, safe, and
effective manner to promote patient improvement under the supervision of a physical
therapist and recognize safety barriers and aggravating factors that may affect patient
outcomes.
