Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

This program will prepare the graduate to work under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist in performing physical therapy treatments that include the following: therapeutic exercise, mechanical traction, massage, compression, heat, cold, sound, ultraviolet, water, and electricity; instruction in activities of daily living (ADL); and the use and care of braces, prostheses, and ambulation devices.The program includes clinical experience under the direction of a licensed physical therapist in health facilities. Students are responsible for transportation to and from these facilities which could be located up to one hour away from their home. The final clinical experience (PTA 208/Clinical Practice II) consists of two, seven(7)-week, forty (40)-hour a week sessions.Jobs for which graduates are expected to be qualified include physical therapist assistants practicing in hospitals, outpatient and private physical therapy practices, extended healthcare facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and children’s centers.The curriculum of Lehigh Carbon Community College PTA program is designed to:1. Enable the student, upon completion of the program, to demonstrate safety and competency in the application of physical therapy procedures, functions and tasks under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist including the following:
1. Enable the student, upon completion of the program, to demonstrate safety and competency in the application of physical therapy procedures, functions and tasks under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist including the following:
Review the plan of care established by the physical therapist prior to initiating patient intervention.
Apply therapeutic exercise, mechanical traction, biofeedback, therapeutic massage, compression and bandaging, heat, cold, light, water, electricity, ultrasound, short wave diathermy, isolation techniques, and wound care using sterile technique.
Measure and adjust crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs and provide instruction in their use and care.
Provide instruction, motivation, and assistance to patients and others in improving pulmonary function, performing exercises, learning and improving functional activities, such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities, and instruction in the use and care of orthoses, prostheses, and supportive devices.
Perform selected measurement and assessment procedures, such as arousal, mentation, and cognition, chest wall expansion and excursion, cough and sputum production, joint range of motion, gross strength of muscle groups, muscle mass, length and tone, fine motor skills, functional status, gross motor milestones, length and girth of body parts, integument integrity and color, pain, posture, self-care, sensory tests, tissue viability, wound assessment, and vital signs to collect data to quantify the patient’s response to interventions as directed and supervised by the physical therapist.
Modify treatment procedures as indicated by patient response and within the limits specified in the physical therapist’s plan of care, and report orally and in writing to the physical therapist.
Communicate with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to provide patient information.
Participate in routine administrative procedures required for a physical therapy service.
2. Increase students’ sensitivity to cultural, social and economic issues.
3.Introduce students to the importance of continued competence and professional growth through the core professional values of accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility.
4. Foster the students’ ability to engage in problem solving, critical thinking, and ethical decision making.
5. Prepare the graduate to pass the national licensure examination for PTAs.