Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures to patients. The physical therapy assistant may, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. The Physical Therapy Assistant program will be setup by cohorts. The program will accept 35 students each Fall semester. The following courses are required to apply for admission to the Program: 1. English 101 - College Reading and Composition I 2. Anatomy 1 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 - Introduction to Human Physiology Or 3. Biology 20 - Anatomy and Physiology 4. Math 124 - Intermediate Algebra 5. Chem 51 - Introduction to Chemistry Program Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to: 1. Select and perform safe and effective interventions within the: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) scope of practice and Physical therapists plan of care. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of California physical therapy laws and regulations. 3. Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with professional standards and practice. 4. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as appropriate for a PTA. practice. 5. Participate in self-assessment and develop plans to improve knowledge, skills, and behavior as appropriate for a PTA. 6. Incorporate an understanding of the implications of individual and cultural differences, and adapt behavior and delivery of care accordingly in all aspects of physical therapy services with respect to patients' values, preferences, and needs.

The goal of the Physical Therapy Assistant program is to graduate 80% of the cohort every two years. 80% of the graduates will also receive a Certificate of Achievement in Physical Therapy Assistant.

The program goals are designed to assure that we: 1. Select and perform safe and effective interventions within the: a. Physical Therapist Assistant scope of practice. b. Physical therapist’s plan of care. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of California physical therapy laws and regulations. 3. Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with professional standards and practice. 4. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as appropriate for a PTA. 5. Participate in self-assessment and develop plans to improve knowledge, skills, and behavior as appropriate for a PTA.

First Semester PTA 100 Introduction to Physical Therapy 2 PTA 105 Documentation Skills 1 PTA 110 Growth, Development, & Aging 3 PTA 115 Acute Care 2 PTA 115 Lab Acute Care Lab 2 PTA 120 Introduction to Human Movement 3 Subtotal 13 Second Semester PTA 140 Introduction to Pathology 3 PTA 150 Introduction to Therapeutic Exercise 2 PTA 160 Topics in Neurology and Rehabilitation 2 PTA 160L Topics in Neurology and Rehabilitation Lab 2 Subtotal 9 Third Semester PTA 170 Patient Management 1 Subtotal 1 Fourth Semester PTA 200 Therapeutic Modalities 1.5 PTA 200L Therapeutic Modalities Lab 1.5 PTA 210 Orthopedic Exercise and Rehabilitation 3 PTA 210L Orthopedic Exercise and Rehabilitation Lab 2 PTA 220 Directed Clinical Practice I 2 Subtotal 10 Fifth Semester PTA 230 Organization of Physical Therapy 2 PTA 240 Directed Clinical Practice II 3 PTA 250 Directed Clinical Practice III 3 Subtotal 8 Pre-requisites courses 22 Additional degree requirements 13 Total 76 PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT ADVISEMENT: Once a student is formally admitted to the program, they will be assigned a Physical Therapy Assistant advisor. This advisor will work with the student to establish their written “Physical Therapy Assistant Education Plan”. This plan, once established, must be followed by the student; any changes made without the prior written approval of the student’s Physical Therapy Assistant Faculty advisor, will result in the student being placed on Program probation and at risk for program dismissal. Additionally, any student who modifies their education plan by withdrawing from a Physical Therapy Assistant class while earning a grade less than a “C” and without formal Physical Therapy Assistant advisor approval, will not be permitted to progress any further in the program until said class has been successfully remediated. The following are additional criteria for entry into the “Clinical Year” of the program: BACKGROUND CHECK: Background checks must be done and successfully completed by all students accepted into the clinical phase of the Program. If the background check is unsuccessful, the student will not be admitted to the clinical component. A 10-panel Drug screen will also be required for entry into clinical training. HEALTH: The student must be free from any condition that would present a health threat to the well-being of the consumer (Title 22, College Regulations, Division 5, Section (a). A complete physical examination, including laboratory test with select immunizations, will be required upon entry into clinical classes. MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Malpractice insurance is required for the clinical year of the Physical Therapy Assistant program and must be purchased PRIOR to the start of the Fall semester of the clinical year. Special Notes: 1. Physical Therapy Assistant courses are scheduled sequentially in each semester and must be completed before progressing to the next semester. 2. Students transferring from another Physical Therapy Assistant program will be evaluated by the Program for Physical Therapy Assistant course transfer credit. A general petition form must be completed and submitted to the Admissions office with syllabi and college catalog course descriptions of the courses. In addition, all transfers must submit a letter from their former Physical Therapy Assistant program director stating they are clinically safe. 3. Course Recency Requirement: Students must have received a grade of “C” or better in all Science courses within seven (7) years prior to their admission to the Physical Therapy Assistant program. 4. Supplies, Health and Miscellaneous Requirements: All accepted students must expect to complete a criminal background check before entry will be permitted into a clinical rotation. This should be processed during the month of May or June of the upcoming clinical year. Students are also required to purchase an equipment lab kit, lab coats (optional), scrubs and other materials for their classroom and clinical training. 5. Students who have a break in enrollment from a core respiratory course will be Subject to the new prerequisites, corequisites, and policies in effect when they return.

Allied Health Department

Cerritos

1st year - 35 2nd year - 70