NVCC 1999-2000 Catalog
    Instructional Programs

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Associate in Applied Science Degree AN  

[ NVCC Home Page | Catalog Search | Table of Contents | Instructional Programs | Divisions | Previous Page | Next Page ]
Purpose: The PTA program is designed to prepare students to utilize exercise, specialty equipment (modalities), assessment skills and other treatment procedures to prevent, identify, correct, and alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction of anatomic or physiologic origin. Such procedures are directed toward individuals of all ages for the promotion of optimum health and performance. The program design includes a background in philosophical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge necessary for the delivery of high-quality care. Ultimately, students are prepared as skilled technical health providers who possess the knowledge and abilities that are necessary to assist the professional physical therapist in the provision of services. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Virginia State Licensing examination leading to licensure as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Students are prepared for employment in a variety of health-care settings, including acute care hospitals; general and specialty outpatient practices; extended care facilities; rehabilitation centers; contract agencies; and schools.

Special Accreditation Status: The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Transfer Information: NVCC has a formal articulation agreement for transfer to the B.S. in Health Sciences-Health Care Management at Old Dominion University TELETECHNET.

Students must comply with all General Admission Requirements for Annandale Campus Health Technology Programs. (See pages 86.)

Program Admission Process: To be admitted to the PTA program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Satisfactory completion of anatomy and physiology. NAS 150 with a grade of C or better is required for program placement in the PTA program. BIO 141-142 or NAS 161-162 may be substituted for NAS 150. Contact the admissions counselor if you have any questions. 2. Attendance at PTA Program Group Interview/General Orientation Session. (This satisfies the "Interview with the Program Head" requirement.) 3. Confirmation that Admissions and Records has received any prior college transcripts. 4. Documentation of completion of a clinic observation/interview. 5. Submission of a one-page paper summarizing the clinic interview, and/or interest in the PTA program. 6. Program placement into the PTA curriculum.

Completion of steps 1-6 above constitutes a completed PTA Program Application Portfolio. Completed PTA Program Application Portfolios will be accepted in the PTA program office during the application period beginning in October and ending in December, for the following Fall semester. Application portfolios postmarked or hand-delivered before October, or after December, will not be considered for acceptance. Acceptance is determined on a first-come-first-served basis. Students are notified in a timely manner following submission of a completed portfolio. Students not accepted into the program are required to re-submit a PTA Program Application Portfolio in subsequent years.

Professional Standards Requirements: Students are expected to consistently demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the APTA code of Ethics for Affiliate member and Generic Abilities (see PTA Program Handbook). Behavior inconsistent with the code of Ethics and/or the Generic Abilities will result in dismissal from the program.

In addition to the Admission Requirements for Annandale Campus Health Technology Programs, students must complete a basic first aid course prior to admission to any PTH courses.

Advanced Placement Admission: The program makes every effort to acknowledge previously completed physical therapy education. Students seeking advanced placement, e.g., military physical therapy technicians, should contact the program head for individual counseling.

Laboratory Examination Requirements: Each student must achieve a minimum passing score of 70 on each laboratory practical exam. In the event that a lab practical is failed, a maximum of one reexamination, per examination will be permitted. Performance determined to be less than competent will result in withdrawal and/or failure from the class.

Re-Enrollment: 1. Students are permitted to re-enroll in the PTA curriculum on a space available basis.

2. Students who leave the program for any period up to two years for either personal or academic reasons are required to demonstrate proficiency in all previously enrolled skills courses prior to re-entering the program. "Practical exams" are administered and scheduled by the program faculty. A written exam may be required.

3. Students who leave the program for two years or more must re-apply to the program.

4. Students who leave the program for medical reasons are required to submit evidence of good physical and mental health, as substantiated by a newly completed Pre-Admission Health History and Physical for Health Technology form (NVCC 125-7) signed by the primary physician responsible for care.

First Year1st Semester2nd Semester3rd Semester

   ENG111College Composition I3
   PED220Adult Health and Development2
   PTH105Intro. to Physical Therapy3
   PTH121Therapeutic Proc. I5
   PTH151Musculoskeletal Structure5
   STDElective1
 
___Humanities Elective 3
   PSY201Intro. to Psychology I 3
   PTH115Kinesiology for the Physical 
   Therapist Assistant 5
   PTH122Therapeutic Proc. II 5
 
   MTHElective  3
   PTH131Clinical Education I  3

Total Credits/Semester19166

Second Year1st Semester2nd Semester

   PTH225Rehab. Procedures5
   PTH231Clinical Education II5
___Social Science Elective3
 
   PTH210Psych. Aspects of Therapy 2
   PTH227Pathological Conditions 3
   PTH232Clinical Education III 5
   PTH245Professional Issues 3

Total Credits/Semester1313

Total credits for the A.A.S. Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant = 67 (71 with 4 credit NAS prerequisite).

To graduate from a degree program, students entering NVCC Fall 1999 or later must demonstrate computer competency skills as described in the Degree Requirements section of the Instructional Programs of this catalog.

NOTE: In addition to the courses outlined, IST 116 and PSY 231-232 are strongly encouraged.

1 SPD 126, SPD 110, or SPD 115 is recommended to satisfy the HUM requirement.

2 The following are recommended: PSY 202, PSY 215, PSY 216, PSY 225, PSY 235, PSY 237, SOC 201, or SOC 207. See NVCC Catalog for additional courses which satisfy the Social Science requirement.


Last revised: Monday, May-18-2015 10:23
Comments to: Programming Support Services