Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

Offered at Main Campus

This 21-month (seven-term) program prepares the student to be a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The PTA is a health care worker who assists the Physical Therapist. PTAs administer treatments to patients working under the supervision of and as an assistant to a physical therapist. Treatments may include administering active and passive manual exercises and modalities such as massage, heat, light, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to patients with relatively stable conditions. Other duties include assisting patients in improving their function, collecting data on patient progress and documenting treatment.

To apply, complete an IHCC application and submit high school transcripts or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and take one of the following:  ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER test. Testing may be scheduled by calling the IHCC Testing Center at (641) 683-5142 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5142.  Following acceptance, applicants are required to complete 40 hours of observation in a clinical site. Accepted students must attend the required mandatory orientations. This program may be entered only at the beginning of the Fall term. Students meeting all program and graduation requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree, and are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination.

Criminal background, drug screening, CPR, physical examination with documentation of immunizations and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to the clinical courses.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Indian Hills Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandra, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone:  703-706-3245; email:  [email protected]; website:  http://www.capteonline.org. 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Communicate verbally and nonverbally with the patient, the Physical Therapist, health care delivery personnel and others in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
2. Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences in all aspects of physical therapy services.
3. Exhibit conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of members of society receiving health care services and of the profession of physical therapy.
4. Demonstrate problem solving and judgment skills such that they are able to provide safe, efficient and effective physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist.
5. Provide effective education to others regarding physical therapy and physical therapy services.
6. Demonstrate competence in performing delegated data-collection techniques necessary for performance of patient interventions in a safe, effective, efficient manner.
7. Implement the plan of care written for an individual patient such that goals and outcomes are achieved and discharge planning is performed.
8. Complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely and legible documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting and other regulatory agencies.
9. Provide services only under the appropriate supervision of a physical therapist.
10. Participate in the administration, organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy services.
11. Demonstrate social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities.
12. Participate in career development based on self-assessment, performance appraisals, work setting and special interest.

Program Total: 83 Credits