Consistent with the philosophy of the College, and the core values of physical  therapy, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) curriculum combines science and technical courses with the core courses to provide an education leading to the development of a competent and compassionate graduate.

The curriculum uses a variety of teaching and learning environments. Students are introduced to the importance of professional activities and life long learning through course content, assignments, availability of professional literature and exposure to academic and clinical faculty dedicated to the profession. The curriculum, although evolving and continually subject to revision, is designed to educate and graduate students possessing an understanding of, an appreciation for, and a competence in, the field of physical therapy and their role as physical therapist assistants.

The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum is designed to prepare successful graduates to pass the NPTAE and enter the work force as health care providers skilled to assist the physical therapist in the delivery of physical therapy services. State registration/certification requirements and Practice Acts vary and the assistant must abide by the Practice Act in the state in which they wish to be employed.

The physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant work as a team, the assistant conducting treatments under the supervision of the therapist. Physical therapists establish plans of care which require the physical therapist assistant to utilize special equipment while conducting thermal, electrical, and mechanical treatments. Physical therapy plans often include exercise and functional training programs administered by the assistant. Assistants are responsible for reporting patient response to the physical therapist, documenting physical therapy interventions and performing selected measurements.

The curriculum is a combination of general study and technical courses. The technical or physical therapist assistant courses include both theoretical and laboratory instruction. Clinical education courses occur in a variety of health care settings.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. College Application.
2. Completed work equal to standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units, including four units of English, three units of a social studies, two units of mathematics and two units of science with a related laboratory.
3. One course in chemistry or physics, one course in algebra and one course in biology at either high school or college level with a minimum grade of “C.”
4. Minimum combined critical reading and math SAT scores of 800 or minimum ACT score of seventeen (17). College board scores are not required of an applicant who has graduated five years or more prior to date of application, but the applicant must submit demonstrated evidence of academic ability through college level course work.
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Forms and information relevant to application are obtained from the Admissions Office. All admissions requirements standard to Mount Aloysius College apply to Physical Therapist Assistant candidates. Class enrollment is limited.

PROGRAM SPECIFICS

1. All students must follow College policy regarding admission eligibility.   
2. If required, EE 091, EE 093, and EE 098 must be completed with a “C” or better before matriculation into the Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum.
3. Students must complete or maintain certification in American Heart Association CPR Healthcare Provider (Adult, Child, Infant and AED).
4. Students are required to submit a completed health form including medical history, physical examination and immunization, and lgG antibody lab titers indicating immunity for rubella, rubeola, mumps, and varicella.  
5. Students must comply with all health requirements as outlined on the form.  
6. Clinical experience will not be permitted without the completed health form.  
7. Health forms are obtained from the Health Services Department and returned to the Health Services Department where the results are kept confidential.
8. A student earning less than a “C” in any technical or science course will be dismissed from the PTA program.
9. Students are required to complete summer clinical coursework.
10. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites and are responsible for their own room and board during the course, if necessary.
11. Students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum may not be employed as a physical therapist assistant.
12. Students in a Health Studies Division curriculum are assessed a one-time fee to cover incidental expenses connected with the PTA program’s clinical education requirements. American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification (Adult, Child, Infant, and AED), urine drug screening, and TB testing are included in this fee and will be available through Health Services at specified times only. One criminal background check, one child abuse clearance, and one urine drug screen are included in the fee. If additional criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, or urine drug screens are required, the student is responsible for any additional cost.
13. All students are required to have a current clear urine drug screen, submit to a  criminal record check, and have a child abuse history clearance.

FACTORS CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION OF STUDENTS
Motivation and Knowledge of the Field - The Admissions Committee believes that students who are knowledgeable about the field of Physical Therapy are more likely to take maximum advantage of the educational opportunities in physical therapist assistant school. Interest in and knowledge of the field may be evidenced by an applicant having taken advantage of all available opportunities for learning about physical therapy. A minimum of sixteen hours of observation/volunteer/actual work experience hours are required. Students are required to submit an essay conveying their knowledge of the field and the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant.

ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program admits thirty (30) students annually to the Fall Semester. Those applicants who have met minimum acceptable requirements will be notified by the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions of their acceptance into the College. Final acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program is contingent upon completion of all prerequisite courses and, if required, EE 091, EE 093, and EE 098 with a “C” or better; documentation of 16 hours of clinical observation; and submission of an essay that conveys knowledge of the field.