Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA)
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a
technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist
in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy
interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist. The
physical therapist assistant works under the direction and supervision
of the physical therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and
neck injuries, sprains/strains, fractures, arthritis, burns,
amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related
to work and sports, and others.
Physical therapist assistants work in a broad range of settings,
including the following:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics or offices
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities
- Homes
- Education or research centers
- Schools
- Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
- Fitness centers and sports training facilities
The Physical Therapist Assistant
Program at ASU is an associate-level program that results in the
awarding of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program
is designed to prepare a generalist physical therapist assistant and to
foster lifelong learning and development. The program includes one year
of Prerequisite Coursework and one year of Professional Coursework.
The
Prerequisite Coursework must be completed prior to admission to the
Professional Coursework.
Admission to the Physical Therapist
Assistant Program is a competitive process. Up to 24 students are
admitted each year.
To be considered for admission, applicants should:
-
Obtain
admission to Arkansas State University
-
Be aware of the University General Requirements for
Associate Degrees found in the ASU
Undergraduate Bulletin.
-
Possess the abilities and skills outlined in the
Abilities and Skills of the Physical Therapist Assistant
document located in the application packet.
-
Complete the following Prerequisite Coursework (or
its equivalent):
-
ENG 1003 Composition I*
-
ENG 1013 Composition II*
-
MATH 1023 College Algebra*
-
ZOOL 2001/2003 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
with lab*
-
HP 2013 Medical Terminology (also available as a
web course)
-
PT 2003 Introduction to Physical Therapy (also
available as a web course)
-
One of the following*:
-
One of the following*:
-
One of the following:
-
One of the following:
-
One of the following:
-
PSY 2013 Introduction to Psychology
-
ANTH 2233 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
-
SOC 2213 Introduction to Sociology
* = General Education Requirement for Associate
of Applied Science Degree Total General Education
Hours = 35-37
Applications for the PTA Program can be obtained by contacting
the Programs in Physical Therapy office. Applications can also be
downloaded from our website. The
application deadline for any given year is April 1st.
Applicants are evaluated on the following factors:
- Academic/Cognitive Measures (70% total)
- Cumulative GPA (10%)
- Prerequisite Coursework GPA (60%)
- Non-Cognitive Measures (30% total)
- Accomplishment Record (15%)
- Interview (15%)
Up to 32 applicants are chosen based on Cumulative GPA, Prerequisite
GPA and the Accomplishment Record. These 32 applicants will be
invited to participate in a structured interview process.
Following the interview, up to 24 students will be chosen for the
program. The remaining students will be designated as alternates.
In the case of a tie, the final decision shall be made by the PTA
faculty in conjunction with the Director of the Programs in Physical
Therapy.
Admissions Policies and Procedures are reviewed / updated annually. Applicants should check with a PTA advisor to make sure that
they have the most current materials. If you have additional questions about the application or
admissions process, please feel free to contact the Programs in Physical
Therapy office.
Summer
Fall
-
PTA 2213 Musculoskeletal PT
-
PTA 2223 Physical Agents and Massage
-
PTA 2233 Neuromuscular PT I
-
PTA 2243 Cardiopulmonary PT
-
PTA 2252 Clinical Education I*
Spring
-
PTA 2303 Neuromuscular PT II
-
PTA 2323 Seminar
-
PTA 2333, Clinical Education II*
-
PTA 2343, Clinical Education III*
Professional Program Hours = 38
Total Hours for Degree = 73-75
*
Completion of the professional program requires the
student to participate in 3 full-time clinical internships. Clinical
Education I occurs at the end of the Fall semester. Clinical Education II and III
occur at the end of the Spring Semester. Clinical education may require the
student to travel away from Northeast Arkansas and even out of the
state.
The BSIS degree allows currently licensed PTAs
the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible
for administrative positions in their organizations or to continue their
education toward a degree in physical therapy. Entry-level students
interested in pursuing a PTA degree in route to an MPT degree may
also want to consider this option.
For more information, contact
Dr. Herman Strickland, Dean of University College, at (870) 972-3574 for advising.
For current estimated
cost information, please contact a PTA faculty advisor.
The Arkansas State University Physical Therapist
Assistant Program attempts to meet the demand for quality physical
therapy services in the lower Mississippi Delta Region by producing
competent, self-directed graduates who are committed to high
educational, clinical and professional standards and dedicated to
meeting the diverse needs of those persons entrusted to their care.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
Education, the sole accrediting agency of U.S. physical therapy
education programs [Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314,
Telephone: 703-706-3245].
Advising is available for all students interested in the
Physical Therapist Assistant Program. To schedule an appointment
with an advisor, please contact our office at 870-972-3591.
Transfer students should contact the Admissions Office
or the Registrar for information about whether or not courses taken
elsewhere will transfer to ASU.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Department of Health Professions
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Arkansas State University
PO Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 972-3591
Fax: (870) 972-3652
Email:
ptadmissions@astate.edu
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