Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

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$49,000 - $60,000*

These estimated earnings are for employees who have completed their associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant. Career advancement is available if you transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. As experience and education increase, you can expect to earn significantly more during your career.

For more information on regional jobs and pay, go to NC State’s Career Coach, opens in a new window page.

*Earnings figure is based on EMSI employment information for north central Ohio.

$20,257 - $12,690 = $7,567 in net cost*

The calculation above includes the following:

The estimated current cost of tuition, fees and books to complete a two-year associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant at NC State is $20,257.
Minus the average amount of financial aid ($6,690 x 2 years) students received. NOTE: Your financial aid could be higher or lower than this average.
Leaving just $7,567 to be funded by other sources — which may include additional scholarships, grants and loans. Many students opt for payment plans to avoid debt. Employed students should inquire with their employers about the possibility of reimbursement for educational expenses.

Three out of four NC State graduates have $0 college debt. We will work with you to explore every source of financial aid available.

*These figures were calculated using data available when this information was published.

$47,336*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year public institution in Ohio.

$86,064*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year private institution in Ohio.

*This estimate is an average of the cost including room and board for residential students.

As a physical therapist assistant, you will provide the hands‐on treatment for individuals that have experienced a traumatic illness or injury, under the direction of a physical therapist. This treatment may take place in numerous health care settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports medicine clinics, private offices, individual homes, nursing homes, or school systems. This career path will provide knowledge in the use of modern technology and specialized techniques including exercise to improve muscle strength, balance, flexibility and coordination, gait training with devices, and application of heat, cold, water, or electricity thus motivating the individual towards physical independence. This career choice may be a steppingstone to further professional development in medicine.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program has achieved the highest standard in accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085, 800‐999‐2782) since November 2, 1994. North Central State College re‐confirms the position of total support through human resources and fiscal measures towards the accreditation process.

Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program is limited. There is a special admission procedure. Please contact the Admissions Office for details. The program is a five‐semester sequence that starts every Fall Semester. Students must successfully complete the entrance requirements and have been selected through a selective point system. Pre‐Physical Therapist Assistant status does not guarantee admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant courses or program. Students may begin non‐PHTA courses any semester.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program publishes a student handbook delineating specific program policies that are not explained in the general catalog. The specific policies as described in the program handbook take precedence over any general policy outlined in the College catalog. A copy of the handbook is available for review in the PTA Program Director's Office and the Admissions Office. An acceptable health physical and verification of immunizations are required. Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check and drug screening are required. A minimum grade of 77% is required in BIOL 2751, BIOL 2752, STAT 1010, HLTH 1150 and all PHTA courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements. The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for the completion of this program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will:

Competently perform interventions under the supervision of the Physical Therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner.
Accurately utilize data collection skills to assist the Physical Therapist.
Effectively communicate with the patient, patient's family, caregivers and members of the health care team.
Correctly document patient interventions.
Educate health care providers, the community and government as it relates to physical therapy as required by the given situation.
Consistently support patients with regard for individual, cultural and economic differences.
Routinely display self‐direction for career development and the ongoing process of learning.
Recognize the importance of research as it relates to physical therapy.

Enrollment

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is part of the Health Sciences Division with limited enrollment of 28 students per year. Application and observation hours must be completed by February of each year for admission to the program for the following Fall semester.

Clinical Rotation

Clinical rotations begin in the second year of the program. Students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of physical therapy facilities with numerous sites available throughout Ohio. At their request, previous students have been able to complete clinical experiences in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Program Outcomes

Year: 2020

Graduates: 73%

First Time Pass Rt.: 60%

Ultimate Pass Rt.: 80%

Employment Rt. **: 100%

Year: 2021

Graduates: 83%

First Time Pass Rt.: 62.5%

Ultimate Pass Rt.: 87.5%

Employment Rt. **: 100%

Year: 2 Year Average

Graduates: 78%

First Time Pass Rt.: 61.5%

Ultimate Pass Rt.: 84.62%

Employment Rt. **: 100%

** Six Months Post-Exam Passage Date for Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant Program at North Central State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 419-755-5624 or email lcox@ncstatecollege.edu.

For PTA licensure information for states other than Ohio, please refer to the following link: https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory.

Year One

Fall Semester

BIOL 2751 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is an in-depth study of the principles of human anatomy and physiology. It includes the study of structure and function of the body as a whole and study of cell biology, histology, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems plus the special senses. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 3

Required Prerequisite Course: High school chemistry with minimum C minus (C-) grade or CHEM 1010 with minimum C minus (C-) grade; AND ENGL 0040, MATH 0084 (Minimum grade of C- for all); OR qualifying placement test score. If the student has completed BIO121 and BIO122 OR BIOL 1730 with a minimum grade of C, then the student is not required to have high school Chemistry or

Required Concurrent Course: Take BIOL 2751L

PHTA 1010 - Intro to Physical Therapy

In this course the field of physical therapy and the roles of physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, and other healthcare personnel and organizations are explored. Laws, rules, ethics, organization, and accreditation in physical therapy and healthcare are reviewed also. Management of patient rights and the legal, ethical, and moral issues involved in the patient treatment, medical and physical therapy documentation, functional outcome reporting, and SOAP note writing is introduced as well.

Credit Hours: 1

Lecture Hours: 1

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 1040 PHTA 1070

PHTA 1040 - Physical Agents Theory and Practice

The course will cover the clinical application of physical agents to be administered by the physical therapist assistant. Included are the presentation of basic physiology and theory of vital signs, patient positioning, body mechanics, transfers, sterile procedures, massage, wound care, heat, cold, hydrotherapy, pneumatic compression, ultrasound, light, and motorized traction electrical safety as well as physiology, theory, and application of ultrasound, various forms of therapeutic electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and biofeedback. Bed traction and patient instruction will also be included. Semesters available: Day - Fa

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 2

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 1010, PHTA 1070 PHTA 1040L, PHTA 1040T

PHTA 1070 - Functional Anatomy

A course involving a study of human movement, principles of mechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy and neuromuscular physiology as it relates to the development of physical therapy exercise and those forces creating human activity. The time, space and mass aspects of human motion are also presented. Laboratory activities including location and palpation of muscles. Semesters available: Day - F

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 3

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 1010 PHTA 1040 PHTA 1070L;

Spring Semester

BIOL 2752 - Anatomy and Physiology II

This course is a continuation of BIOL 2751. It includes the study of structure and function of blood and the cardiovascular, lymphatic/immunity, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 3

Required Prerequisite Course: Take BIOL 2751; Minimum Grade C-

Required Concurrent Course: Take BIOL 2752L

ENGL 1010 - English Composition I

This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001)

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Required Prerequisite Course: ENGL 0040; (minimum grade of C-), or qualifying placement test scores

PHTA 1090 - Therapeutic Exercise

This course is beginning course work in therapeutic exercise including goniometry, range of motion, manual muscle testing, strengthening, stretching, joint mobilization, manual therapy, abnormal posture and gait training as well as wheelchair mobility, aquatic therapy and women's care Semesters available: Day - Sp

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 5

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 1010 PHTA 1040 PHTA 1070;

PHTA 1110 - Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

This is a continuation of didactic and technical instruction for clinical practice. This course covers normal and abnormal motor development, pediatric conditions affecting motor development, and interventions to address infant and pediatric conditions leading to motor delays and adult neurological disorders affecting motor function and interventions to address the motor deficits of individuals with neurological motor dysfunction. Wheelchair prescription and use as well as various transfers for pediatric and neurologically impaired individuals will also be covered. Semesters available: Day - Sp

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 5

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 1010, PHTA 1040, PHTA 1070;

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 1090 PHTA 1110T PHTA 1110L;

Summer Semester

COMM 1010 - Speech

This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

HLTH 1150 - Medical Terminology

This course will introduce medical terminology; including common medical root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. It will include common medical abbreviations, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terminology related to the human body systems. Students who are pursuing an allied health or nursing degree, or working in health care professions will enhance their knowledge of medical terminology in this course. (TAG# OHL020 and CTAG# CTMT001)

Credit Hours: 2

Lecture Hours: 2

PHTA 2110 - Practicum I

The practicum experience is a "hands-on" reality experience providing on-the-job opportunities to acquire further knowledge, learning and opportunities for practicing skills. The practicum will take place in a facility that can provide learning experiences consistent with the student's interest and learning desires and meets approval of the instructor. Students will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This practicum experience is a full-time rotation for 5 weeks with a minimum of 35 hours per week with an online seminar during the 5 weeks. Semesters available: Day - Su

Credit Hours: 1

Practicum Hours: 12

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 1090 and PHTA 1110

PHTA 2115 - Seminar I

This course discusses issues relevant to the physical therapy profession and patient populations. The course also discusses time and stress management as well as styles of management and communication, utilization review, and utilization management. The course relates patient outcomes to documentation and reimbursement in the healthcare field. Introduction into research as it relates to physical therapy, along with data collection and the different methods of collecting data for research. Semesters available: Day - Su

Credit Hours: 1

Seminar Hours: 1

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 1090, PHTA 1110

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 2110

PSYC 1010 - Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology is an introductory level course and is a study of the basic human behavior. Topics include the history of psychology, scientific methods, biological processes, cognitive processes, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, intelligence, human development, personality theory, psychopathology and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS015. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

STAT 1010 - Probability and Statistics

This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Year Two

Fall Semester

PHTA 2070 - Pathophysiology and Interventions

This course examines diagnoses encountered by the physical therapist assistant during practice and will be presented in terms of their relationship to physical therapy. Topics will include but not be limited to cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and geriatric disorders. Semesters available: Day - F

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 3

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 2110 and PHTA 2115

PHTA 2090 - Orthopedic Conditions and Interventions

Credit Hours: 1

Lecture Hours: 1

Required Prerequisite Course: Take PHTA 2070, PHTA 2090, PHTA 2170

Required Concurrent Course: Take PHTA 2130, PHTA 2135, PHTA 2150

Total Credit Hours: 62

Humanities Electives

Lecture Hours: 3