Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree

What careers are in my future?

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The State of Wisconsin does require a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapist Assistant: assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy, performs physical therapy interventions and related tasks, carries out operational functions, makes modifications within the scope of the established plan of care, performs documentation and assessments under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Industry Credentials

Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org).

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION

• Completed application.

• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)

• Two semesters High School, or one semester in College of Chemistry (with a lab component), course grades must be completed with a "C" or better.

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY

• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact admissions at (920) 498-5444.

• Completion of Gen A & P with a "B" or better OR students will take the Health Educations Systems Inc. (HESI) A2 Exam. The HESI can only be taken after students have met the required program benchmarks. Test topics include Math, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Reading. A comprehensive score of 75 is required on the HESI exam in order to be admitted to the program. To learn more about these assessment scores, please contact an admissions specialist at (920) 498-5444.

• Attend mandatory spring registration session and fall Welcome Week.

• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

• Complete 16 hours of mandatory job shadow time within rehab settings.

• Complete a Functional Abilities Inventory.

Suggested Skills for Success

Students are expected to have entry-level computer skills. It is recommended that students complete basic computer skills coursework if deficient in this area.

Program Availability

FULL TIME	Spring 2020	Summer 2020	Fall 2020
Green Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Waitlist
Marinette	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Sturgeon Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable

Application Checklist

What will I learn?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

FIRST SEMESTER

10-890-101

College 101

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: Gen Chemistry w/C or better OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better & placement value of 3300; OR Accuplacer Rdg score greater/= to 80; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

PTA Applied Kinesiology 1

10-524-156

10-524-156 PTA APPLIED KINESIOLOGY 1 ...introduces basic principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, kinematics, and clinical assessment. Students locate and identify muscles, joints, and other landmarks of the lower quadrant in addition to assessing range of motion and strength. Integrates analysis of gait. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program)

PTA Patient Interventions

10-524-139

10-524-139 PTA PATIENT INTERVENTIONS...an introduction to basic skills and physical therapy interventions performed by the physical therapist assistant. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program)

PTA Professional Issues 1

10-524-140

10-524-140 PTA PROFESSIONAL ISSUES 1...introduces the history and development of the physical therapy program, legal and ethical issues, the interdisciplinary health care team, and professional communication skills. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program)

10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills score greater/equal to 60; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

PTA Applied Kinesiology 2

SEMESTER TOTAL

SECOND SEMESTER

10-524-157

10-524-157 PTA APPLIED KINESIOLOGY 2 ...applies basic principles from PTA Kinesiology 1 to the axial skeleton and upper quadrant including location and identification of muscles, joints and other landmarks. Assess range of motion and strength of the axial skeleton and upper quadrant. Integrates analysis of posture. (Prerequisites: 10-524-156, PTA Applied Kinesiology 1; 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1)

10-524-142

PTA Therapeutic Exercise

10-524-142 PTA THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE...provides instruction on the implementation of a variety of therapeutic exercise principles. Learners implement, educate, adapt, and assess responses to therapeutic exercises. (Prerequisites: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology; 10-524-156, PTA Applied Kinesiology 1; 10-546-140, PTA Professional Issues 1; 10-524-139 PTA Patient Interventions)

PTA Therapeutic Modalities

10-524-143

10-524-143 PTA THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES...develops the knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform numerous therapeutic modalities likely to be utilized as a PTA. (Prerequisites: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program; 10-524-139, PTA Patient Interventions; 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1; 10-524-156 PTA Applied Kinesiology 1)

10-801-136

English Composition 1

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 75; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND Eng greater/equal to 18; OR preparatory courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

10-809-196

Intro to Sociology

10-809-196 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY ...the nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 60; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Intro to Diversity Studies

SEMESTER TOTAL

SUMMER SEMESTER

10-809-172

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 60; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

10-524-105

PTA-Pathology Concepts

10-524-105 PTA-PATHOLOGY CONCEPTS...develops a working knowledge of pathologic processes by examining the most common disorders associated with various systems of the body. Emphasis is placed on pathogenesis, etiology and recognition of signs and symptoms. (Prerequisite: 10-524-142, PTA Therapeutic Exercise; 10-524-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities; 10-524-157 PTA Applied Kinesiology 2)

SEMESTER TOTAL

THIRD SEMESTER

10-524-144

PTA Princ of Neuro Rehab

10-524-144 PTA PRINCIPLES OF NEUROMUSCULAR REHAB...integrates concepts of neuromuscular pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment. (Prerequisites: 10-524-142, PTA Therapeutic Exercise; 10-524-157, PTA Applied Kinesiology 2; 10-524-139, PTA Patient Interventions; 10-524-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities; 10-524-105 PTA-Pathology Concepts)

PTA Princ of Musculo Rehab

10-524-145

10-524-145 PTA MUSCULO REHAB...integrates concepts of musculoskeletal pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment. (Prerequisites: 10-524-142, PTA Therapeutic Exercise; 10-524-157, PTA Applied Kinesiology 2; 10-524-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities; 10-524-105 PTA-Pathology Concepts)

10-524-146

PTA Cardio & Integ Mgmt

10-524-146 PTA MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOPULMONARY & INTEGUMENTARY CONDITIONS...integrates concepts of cardiopulmonary and integumentary pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment. (Prerequisites: 10-524-139 PTA Patient Interventions;10-524-142, PTA Therapeutic Exercise; 10-524-157, PTA Applied Kinesiology 2; 10-524-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities; 10-524-105 PTA-Pathology Concepts)

10-809-188

Developmental Psychology

10-809-188 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ...defines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 60; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

SEMESTER TOTAL

FOURTH SEMESTER

10-524-147

PTA Clinical Practice 1

10-524-147 PTA CLINICAL PRACTICE 1...provides a part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills pertinent to physical therapy practice. (Prerequisites: 10-524-144 PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehab; 10-524-145 PTA Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab; 10-524-146 PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary & Integumentary Conditions, Corequisites: 10-524-148 PTA Clinical Practice 2, 10-524-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3)

10-524-148

PTA Clinical Practice 2

10-524-148 PTA CLINICAL PRACTICE 2...provides another part-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings. (Corequisite: 10-524-147, PTA Clinical Practice 1, 10-524-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3)

10-524-151

PTA Clinical Practice 3

10-524-151 PTA CLINICAL PRACTICE 3...provides a full-time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings. (Prerequisites: 10-524-144, PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehab; 10-524-145, PTA Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab; 10-524-146, PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary & Integumentary Conditions; Corequisites: 10-524-147, PTA Clinical Practice 1; 10-524-148, PTA Clinical Practice 2)

PTA Professional Issues 2

10-524-150

10-524-150 PTA PROFESSIONAL ISSUES 2...incorporates professional development, advanced legal and ethical issues, healthcare management and administration, and further development of professional communication strategies. (Prerequisite: 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1; Corequisite: 10-524-148, PTA Clinical Practice 2)

PTA Rehab Across the Lifespan

10-524-149

10-524-149 PTA REHABILITATION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN...a capstone course that integrates concepts of pathology, physical therapy interventions and data collection across the lifespan. The PTA's role in health, and physical therapy interventions for special patient populations. (Prerequisites: 10-524-144, PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehab; 10-524-145, PTA Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab; 10-524-146, PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary & Integumentary Conditions; Corequisite: 10-524-148, PTA Clinical Practice 2)

SEMESTER TOTAL

TOTAL CREDITS

Curriculum Note

. Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-524-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

. Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" in this course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

. The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and health care team.

• Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards.

• Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction.

• Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and modify treatment within a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

• Perform data collection essential for carrying out the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.

• Perform technically competent, evidence-based physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.

• Educate patients, families, and other health providers.

• Integrate components of operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings.

• Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentialing, and lifelong learning.

What's next after graduation?

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND