Physical Therapist Assistant
Program
Associate Degree
Mission and Goals:
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program aims to develop competent paraprofessionals who can offer quality services in their field. It offers a scientific knowledge base, founded on concepts and principles of natural and social sciences and on the humanities in addition to sciences related to physical therapy. It is designed to prepare entry-level paraprofessionals who use knowledge and skills for treatment of individuals whose function is limited or is in danger of being limiting due to some disease or injury.
The Program guides students through the
awareness of intervention strategies in
the rehabilitation process. Graduates
will work under the supervision of a
physical therapist in institutions such
as general and specialized hospitals;
rehabilitation and home care centers;
clinics and private offices; schools and
industries. In order to practice,
graduates must pass the local board exam
and obtain a physical therapy assistant
license.
The mission is reached through the
following goals:
Demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and competence while providing therapeutic intervention in the rehabilitation process.
Apply critical/creative thinking and analytical skills in the functions delegated and supervised by a Physical Therapist in a variety of practice settings.
Demonstrate legal and professional behaviors consistent with the practice and the ethical standards established by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Act responsibly, contribute actively, and respond efficiently as a member of a health care team under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.
Recognize the value of personal and professional lifelong learning and keep abreast of the technological advancements.
Effectively communicate with patients, supervisors, support personnel and other health care team members using suitable verbal, non-verbal, and written skills.
Demonstrate the application of skills and concepts of the Program by passing satisfactorily the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the local test.
Graduates from the Physical Therapist
Assistant Program in will have the
following competencies:
Upon completion of the Physical
Therapist Assistant Program, the student
will be able to:
Knowledge:
Apply theoretical and scientific knowledge to provide safe and effective therapeutic interventions in rehabilitation.
Acquire knowledge of basic patient care, therapeutic modalities in physical therapy, and the pathology of the most common conditions in the population.
Possess the knowledge to respond effectively to patient and environmental emergencies in the work setting.
Skills:
Provide safe interventions and ADL training as directed in the plan of care and supervised by the physical therapist.
Demonstrate mastery of skills for entry-level practice as a Physical Therapist
Assistant.
Progress the patient interventions through the plan of care established by the physical therapist, and if is necessary, discuss the need of modifications.
Identify, communicate and respond appropriately to emergency situations of changes in the patient’s state of health or environmental emergencies in the work setting.
Educate others (patients, family, caregivers, staff, students, other health care providers) using relevant and effective teaching methods commensurate with the needs of the learners.
Collect accurately and relevant data to quantify the patient’s response to interventions as directed and supervised by the physical therapist while maintaining confidentiality.
Demonstrate effective, and appropriate verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills with patients, family members, colleagues, and health care team members in ways that are congruent with situational needs.
Produces documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
Manages resources efficiently (e.g., time, space, and equipment) to achieve goals of the clinical setting.
Perform safely and effectively evidence-based interventions under the supervision of a Physical Therapist following the Standards of Ethical Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
Uses physical therapy aides and other support personnel according to legal standards and ethical guidelines.
Attitudes:
Be culturally sensitive and committed to the physical therapy profession’s core values and ethics.
Adjust behavior appropriately out of respect for individual and cultural differences with each patient.
Exhibit compassion, caring and empathy in providing services to patients and family members.
Demonstrates responsibility and commitment for professional development by completing continuing education credits, reviewing professional literature and be active members of professionals organizations.
Interact effectively with other health care professionals that reflect the roles and responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Non-discrimination Policy
Having an Institution free of discrimination is at the core of our value system as stated on our mission statement which reads:
“Inter American University of Puerto Rico Institution (UIAPR)-Wide Mission- Developing the talents of men and women, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age or nationality is IAUPR's main purpose. The Campuses offer diversified programs including, but not limited to, a liberal undergraduate education as well as graduate, professional and occupational programs leading to the degrees, diplomas and certificates usually granted by higher education institutions.”
The Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus strives to have an admissions process that does not discriminate in any manner against any applicant.
In addition to the admission requirements established in the Inter American University General Catalog 2009 -2011, prospective students must provide a certificate of no criminal record issued by the Police of Puerto Rico, a recent health certificate issued by the Health Department or an authorized doctor and evidence of vaccination against Hepatitis B. In order to be considered for admission to the program a minimum grade point index of 2.50 and an interview with the Program faculty and a general program orientation are required.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Requirements for the Associate of Science Degree Program in Physical Therapy
Meet the admission requirements established in the Inter American University General Catalog.
Provide a certificate no criminal record issued by the police of Puerto Rico.
Provide a recent health certificate issued by the Health Department or an authorized doctor.
Provide evidence of vaccination against Hepatitis B.
Have minimum grade point average of 2.50.
Complete an interview with the program’s faculty.
Complete the Application Form at the Health Science Department.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The Physical
Therapist Assistant Program at the Inter
American University, Ponce Campus will
select thirty-two (32) new students each
academic year.
The Program Coordinator and/or faculty will review all the applications. Applicants that meet the application deadline and GPA criteria will be invited to a general program orientation and will be granted an interview.
The faculty will use the following criteria to evaluate each candidate:
Overall GPA
Interview (Written and Oral)
The process consists of the following: GENERAL ORIENTATION and an INTERVIEW. Once all qualified applicants have been interviewed, applicants will be ranked from highest to lowest according to their accrued score and given admitted status positions according to their ranking.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Grade Requirements
PTA students must obtain at least a C in all PHTH courses. Failure to get at least a C in these courses will prevent the student from progressing to the next course in sequence and may result in a delay of graduation due to the sequential nature of the courses. Students must maintain an oveall grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or better in each semester and cumulatively throughout the program
Substandard Performance
Students failing to meet minimum grade requirements demonstrate academic integrity, exhibit appropriate professional conduct or adhere to safety standards may be placed on academic probation or the student may be dismissed.
Academic Probation
Academic probation may be imposed for failure to meet minimum grade requirements, breach of academic integrity, inappropriate professional conduct, or non-adherence to safety standards. A student on academic probation may be required to complete a remediation plan designed by the PTA Program Coordinator. Academic probation will be allowed for only one semester during a student’s course of study.
CURRICULUM:
First Year: August Intensive Session
GEIC 1010
Information and Computer
Literacy
First Year: First Semester
PHTH 1000 Introduction to Physical Therapy
PHTH 1010 Principles of Patient Care
PHTH 1211 Anatomy and Physiology I
GEEN 1101
English as a Second Language I
GEMA 1000
Quantitative Reasoning
First Year: Second Semester
PHTH 1222 Therapeutic Modalities
PHTH 1223 Pathology
PHTH 2051 Communication Skills in Physical Therapy
PHTH 1212 Anatomy and Physiology II
GESP 1101
Literature and Communication: Narrative
and Essay
Second Year: First Semester
PHTH 2053 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
PHTH 2054 Kinesiology and Functional Anatomy
PHTH 2055 Growth and Human Development
PHTH 2050 Emotional Dimension of Physical Incapacity
GESP 1102 Literature and Communication: Poetry and Theater
The Inter American University, Ponce Campus, Physical Therapist Assistant Program has been granted candidacy for accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245;
email:accreditation@apta.org.
Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.
