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, and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others (American Physical Therapy Association).

Overview of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

The South College Physical Therapist Assistant program is a 24-month program leading to an Associate of Science degree. Classes are taught in the morning and afternoons, Mondays through Fridays. Class schedules may change at the discretion of the institution. Students should be committed to considerable out of classroom preparation and study. Certain methods classes require off-campus site attendance. Clinical education internships are required and administered by South College and take place in a variety of health care delivery facilities in the Knoxville metropolitan area and beyond. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from these off campus educational sites. Students are responsible for costs associated with any emergency services needed while participating in off-site educational activities.

Students applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program must accept the following:

1. A felony conviction may affect ability to attain state licensure

2. Failure to produce proof of the following may severely limit clinical placement (possibly increasing the overall length of the program) and future employment options:

a. Negative TB testb. Hepatitis B vaccination or waiver

c. Health release to participate in clinical internships/physician’s certification that student is in good general health

d. Other immunizations, such as MMR

e. CPR training

f. Criminal background check or drug screening (increasingly required by internship sites)

g. Health Insurance (increasingly required by internship sites.)

Prospective students transferring credit into the PTA program should consult with the Executive Vice President and PTA Department Chair regarding transferability of credit. This decision is final. There is no guarantee that transfer credit will be given for major curriculum courses. Students may not take major curriculum classes until official transcripts have been received to verify pre-requisites have been completed.

Mission/Purpose

The mission of the South College PTA program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, competent professionals who have the skills necessary to meet the career demands of an entry-level physical therapist assistant and, thereby, serve the diverse needs of their communities. A comprehensive curriculum is maintained, which includes verifying the competence and professionalism of students. To promote an optimal educational experience for all students, diversity in teaching methodology is also practiced. As role models, those involved with the program strive to exhibit the professional attributes expected in the physical therapy profession.

Program Goals

1. The South College PTA program seeks to produce graduates who:

• behave in a professional manner.
• collect and interpret necessary information and adjust treatment accordingly within the plan of care.
• perform expected competencies in a safe and responsible manner.
• educate others effectively in all aspects of physical therapy.
• produce documentation that meets the designated guidelines.

2. The South College PTA program seeks to maintain a comprehensive curriculum developed and taught by qualified faculty in accordance with accreditation standards.

Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure

Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy is a requirement for professional practice in the state of Tennessee. Specific information regarding application for licensure will be available to students during their last term of enrollment. Licensure or registration is not required in every state for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Complete information on practice acts and regulationscan be obtained from individual state licensing boards.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at South College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Department of AccreditationAmerican Physical Therapy Association

1111 North Fairfax Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Telephone: 703-706-3245

Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE

Admission Requirements

General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science degree program in Physical Therapist Assistant. Applicants interested in this program are required to visit the college and meet individually with an admissions representative and program faculty to ascertain if their goals can be met by the college. Prospective students declaring PTA as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following requirements in order to be considered for full admission to the program:

1. Meet the requirements for general admission to South College.
2. Meet minimum score requirements on the college entrance examination, OR present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Assessment examination, OR present documentation of a 900 combined score or higher on the SAT I examination, OR meet the South College requirements for admission as a transfer student.
3. Complete and submit the South College PTA Program Application.
4. Successfully complete an interview cycle that includes two interviews, both with an oral and written portion, with a score of 75% or better on each.
5. Submit three (3) letters of reference (none of them family members) utilizing the program's reference form. These reference forms will be scored and must average 75% or better.
6. Submit proof of at least 25 observation or work hours in a physical therapy setting using the form provided by the program.
7. Complete all required general education core courses and earn the minimum grade required for each by the program. Formal admission will not be granted until PTA 1010, PTA 1030, and PTA 1060 are also completed with a grade of “C” (75%) or better earned.
8. Commit to full attendance and participation in a rigorous education program, significant out of class preparation time, and clinical assignments off campus.

Applicant must also demonstrate functional capacities. Please see the South College catalog for more information regarding these capacities.

* 3 have not taken the licensure exam yet.

Voluntary Withdrawal

If a student voluntarily withdraws, there will be no guarantee that he/she will be re-admitted. Re-admission will be based on results of the reinstatement process if withdrawal occurred during a quarter and grades were earned, scheduling, and space availability. Before withdrawing from any class, the PTA student should see the PTA Department Chair to determine the best course of action, since withdrawing may interrupt or stop continued education in the PTA program.