Physical Therapist Assistant

Associates Degree | Ozark Campus | In-Person

The Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates classroom theory with clinical lab practice. It is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as physical therapist assistants. The physical therapist assistant is an educated health care provider who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist and assists in the provision of physical therapy. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises through a plan of care developed by the physical therapist that are aimed at improving mobility, relieving pain or preventing and /or limiting physical disability.

Students are advised that the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the PTA Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The PTA Program is intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the PTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Guest lecturers and guest participants visit students for lecture and demonstration.
Students have three clinicals required in the program.

Skills You Will Learn

Communicate an understanding of treatment goals and intended outcomes as developed by the physical therapist.
Communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel and others in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
Demonstrate conduct that reflects a commitment to meet the expectations of members of society and members of the physical therapy profession.
Implement selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist in a safe, legal and ethical manner under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
Modify interventions within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist in response to the patient's clinical indications and report the modifications to the supervising physical therapist.
Perform components of data collection skills essential for implementing the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
Provide instruction to patients and caregivers in order to achieve outcomes based on the plan of care developed by the supervising physical therapist.
Recognize individual and cultural differences and respond appropriately in all aspects of physical therapy services.
Recognize when an intervention within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist should not be provided due to changes in the patient's status and report this to the supervising physical therapist.
Recognize when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for a physical therapist assistant and initiates clarification with the supervising physical therapist.
Report any changes in the patient's status to the supervising physical therapist.

About This Degree

TUITION

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

The AR Futures grant could cover your expenses for this credential. Check credential eligibility.

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