NVCC 1996-1997 Catalog

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT


Associate in Applied Science Degree

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 Curriculum Application Procedures: To be admitted to the PTA program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 1. Admission to Northern Virginia Community College. 2. Completion of all program prerequisites. 3. Attendance at PTA Program Group Interview/General Orientation Session. (This satisfies the "Interview with the Program Head" requirement.) 4. Confirmation that Admissions and Records has received college transcripts. 5. Documentation of completion of a clinic observation/interview. 6. Submission of a one-page paper summarizing the clinic interview, and/or interest in the PTA program. 7. Program placement into the PTA curriculum.

Completion of steps 1-7 above constitutes a completed PTA Program Application Portfolio. Completed PTA Program Application Portfolios will be accepted in the PTA program office between October 1 and March 31 each year. Application portfolios postmarked or hand- delivered before October 1, or after March 31 will not be accepted. Notification of acceptance into the PTA program occurs in April. Students not accepted into the program are required to re-submit a PTA Program Application Portfolio as part of the application process in subsequent years.

Students Seeking 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.

Special Curriculum Admission Requirements: Students must complete NAS 150, Human Biology, 4 credits, or the equivalent with a grade of "C" or better. Students must also complete a basic first aid course prior to admission to any PTH courses.

Special Curriculum Completion Requirements: 1. Students are required to pass all laboratory practical exams with a grade of 70% or better on each exam. If a student receives a grade less than 70% on any exam, a maximum of one re-examination is permitted. The maximum permissible grade from the re-examination is 70%. If the student fails to achieve a 70% on the re-examination, the student will not be permitted to complete the course during that semester. 2. Students are expected to demonstrate behavior consistent with the APTA Code of Ethics for Affiliate Member at all times. Behavior unbecoming of a physical therapist assistant will result in dismissal from the program.

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.

Accreditation Status: The program is fully accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.

                                                              Credits
First Year                                           1st Sem.  2nd Sem.  3rd Sem.
________________________________________________________________________________
     ENG  111 College Composition I ...................    3                  
 (1) PED  116 Lifetime Fitness & Wellness .............    1                  
     PTH  105 Intro. to Physical Therapy ..............    3                  
     PTH  121 Therapeutic Proc. I .....................    5                  
     PTH  151 Musculoskeletal Structure ...............    5                  
     SPD  127 Workshop/Interpersonal Skills ...........    1                  
     STD  Elective ....................................    1                  

     ___  Humanities elective .........................             3         
 (1) PED/RPK ..........................................             1         
 (2) PSY  201 Intro. to Psychology I ..................             3         
     PTH  115 Kinesiology for the Physical                                    
          Therapist Assistant .........................             5         
     PTH  131 Clinical Education I ....................             3         

     MTH  120 Intro. to Mathematics ...................                      3
     PTH  122 Therapeutic Proc. II ....................                      5
                                                       _________________________
                              Total Credits               19       15        8

                                                              Credits
Second Year                                          1st Semester   2nd Semester
________________________________________________________________________________
     PTH  225 Rehab. Procedures .......................    5               
     PTH  231 Clinical Education II ...................    5               
 (3) ___  Social science elective .....................    3               

     PTH  210 Psych. Aspects of Therapy ...............                   2
     PTH  227 Pathological Conditions .................                   3
     PTH  232 Clinical Education III ..................                   5
     PTH  245 Professional Issues .....................                   3
                                                       _________________________
                              Total Credits               13             13

Total minimum credits for the Physical Therapist Assistant major (A.A.S. degree) = 68 (72 credits including NAS 150, 4 cr. prerequisite).

(1) The PED requirement may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 2 cr.; PED 116, 1 cr. plus a PED activities course, 1 cr.; or PED 116, 1 cr. plus RPK 205, 207, 208, 216, or 225. PED 116 is offered as both a 1-credit and a 2-credit course. PED 220, Adult Health and Development, 2 cr., is strongly recommended.

(2) In addition to the courses outlined, PSY 231-232 are strongly encouraged.

(3) The following are recommended: PSY 202, PSY 215, PSY 216, PSY 225, PSY 235, PSY 237, SOC 201, or SOC 207.


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