Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

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No. of Credits: 70
Contact: Laura Polk, Acting Dean, School of Science and Health
David Thomas, Program Coordinator

The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares the student to provide physical therapy services according to the plan of care developed by the physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant administers direct patient care; teaches patients, families, and other healthcare providers how to perform selected procedures; and provides desired psychosocial support to patients and their families. Physical therapist assistants are employed primarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, extended care facilities, and home healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing examination.

This is a competitive admissions program. Admission and progression in this program requires that a “C” or better be earned in all coursework. Students are required to undergo a criminal background check at their own expense. A Health Requirements record must be submitted prior to entering the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. This program has been designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program. For more information, contact the Admissions Department.

The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 24.

Career Opportunities:

physical therapist assistant

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will…

Assist a physical therapist in the delivery of selected interventions in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, consistent with the standards of practice of the profession.
Use critical thinking and problem solving skills to perform data collection, conduct tests and measures, and implement selected interventions, within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
Teach patients, families and other health care providers selected treatment interventions and participate in discharge planning under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
Provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
Utilize effective communication skills when interacting with patients, families and other health care providers.
Be prepared to take the National Licensure Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.

Health Pathway

Learn more about the Health Pathway.

Visit Career Coach for more information on this program, related programs, and job opportunities in Southern Maryland and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan region.

Required Courses and Recommended Sequence:

The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. College Prep and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online program evaluation or an academic advisor to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.

First Semester

BIO-2070 - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I* (S) (3) and
BIO-2070L - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab* (S) (1)
ENG-1010 - Composition and Rhetoric* (E) (3)
ENG 1010 completed with a minimum grade of “C”
PSY-1010 - General Psychology* (B) (3)
PTA-1010 - Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting* (3)

Mathematics

Acceptable:

Second Semester

Summer

Third Semester

Arts/humanities (3 credits)

Acceptable:

See Gen Ed Listing

Fourth Semester

Notes:

* Courses requiring a prerequisite or co-requisite

****Pending MHEC approval

Course Indicators: English Composition (E), Arts (A), Cultural and Global Awareness (C), Humanities (H), Biological/Physical Sciences (S), Social/Behavioral Sciences (B), Mathematics (M)