Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

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CODE: PT-AAS | TOTAL CREDITS: 72 | FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY: Eligible

LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM

This is a limited-entry program. Some of these courses are program prerequisites and MUST be completed before a student is considered eligible for entry into the Program. Students MUST attend a Health Programs orientation and meet with a Health Programs advisor for additional advisement.

DESCRIPTION

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive the AAS degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. This entitles the graduate to take the national licensure examination. Successful passing of this examination and completion of the state licensure requirements will allow the graduate to function as a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA). The program integrates classroom and laboratory experiences into a structurally sound curriculum that develops the competencies required to function as a safe, ethical, and competent PTA. Students are required to complete three clinical education affiliation experiences in hospitals and clinics affiliated with the program. Requirements for participation in these clinical experiences include having: 1) current CPR and First Aid cards; 2) a current personal health insurance policy; 3) a yearly negative TB test; 4) the appropriate immunizations; 5) a satisfactory physical examination; 6) drug and alcohol screen; and 7) background check.

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305, (703) 706-3173, www.capteonline.org, email: accreditation@apta.org.

ACADEMIC MAPS

Academic Map: AAS Physical Therapist Assistant

Student Learning Outcomes

Practice abilities and critical thinking skills necessary to carry out the physical therapy plan of care.
Provide competent, safe, and ethical patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Cultivate effective, respectful, and culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills.
Use critical thinking skills to assess patient response to treatment interventions.
Formulate educational plans for the patient, family, other providers, and the community related to physical therapy interventions.
Critique self-assessment and self-directed lifelong learning.

General Education Requirements

TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS: 24

^{NOTE: The courses listed below may require a prerequisite or corequisite. Read course descriptions before registering for classes.}

Mathematics (3 Credits)

^{NOTE: Your first college-level MATH course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.}

Recommended: MATH 116

MATH 116 - Technical Mathematics
or MATH 120 - Fundamentals of College Mathematics
or MATH 120E - Fundamentals of College Mathematics Expanded
or MATH 124 - College Algebra
or MATH 124E - College Algebra Expanded or above
_{REMINDER: If a student does not place into the correct college-level MATH course, they are required to complete a preparatory or prerequisite course(s) or attempt to gain a higher score on the MATH placement exam. Such preparatory or prerequisite courses are not part of the degree, may delay degree completion, and will cause the student to complete more credits than the total listed on this degree.}

English Composition (3-5 Credits)

^{NOTE: Your first college-level ENG course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.}

Communications (3 Credits)

Human Relations (3 Credits)

PT 122 - Psychological-Social Considerations in Patient Care

Natural Science (5-8 Credits)

Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences (3 Credits)

any PHIL prefix course
or any PSY prefix course
or any SOC prefix course

U.S. and Nevada Constitutions (4-6 Credits)

Four Credit Options
HIST 100 - Historical Issues and Contemporary Society
or PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics
Six Credit Options
HIST 101 - U.S. History to 1877
and HIST 102 - U.S. History Since 1877
or
HIST 101 - U.S. History to 1877
and HIST 217 - Nevada History
or
HIST 102 - U.S. History Since 1877
and HIST 111 - Survey of U.S. Constitutional History
or
HIST 111 - Survey of U.S. Constitutional History
and HIST 217 - Nevada History

Special Program Requirements

TOTAL SPECIAL PROGRAM CREDITS: 48