Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree

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.

Requirements for Program Entry

• For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.

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

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

Curriculum

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

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-524-156

PTA Applied Kinesiology 1

4

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; Corequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-524-139

PTA Patient Interventions

4

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)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-524-140

PTA Professional Issues 1

2

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)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; 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)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

18

Second Semester

10-524-157

PTA Applied Kinesiology 2

3

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: 10-806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology, 10-524-139 PTA Patient Interventions, 10-524-156, PTA Applied Kinesiology 1; 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-524-142

PTA Therapeutic Exercise

3

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)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-524-143

PTA Therapeutic Modalities

4

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; 10-806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology, 10-524-139, PTA Patient Interventions; 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1; 10-524-156 PTA Applied Kinesiology 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-809-196

Intro to Sociology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; 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)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Summer Before Third Semester

10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-524-105

PTA-Pathology Concepts

3

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; Corequisite: 10-524-147 PTA Clinical Practice 1)

Course Typically Offered: Summer

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10-524-147

PTA Clinical Practice 1

2

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: 10-524-142 PTA Therapeutic Exercise, 10-524-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities, 10-524-157 PTA Applied Kinesiology 2; Corequisites: 10-524-148 PTA Clinical Practice 2, 10-524-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

8

Third Semester

10-524-144

PTA Princ of Neuro Rehab

4

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)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-524-145

PTA Princ of Musculo Rehab

4

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)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-524-146

PTA Cardio & Integ Mgmt

3

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)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-809-188

Developmental Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; 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)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; 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)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Fourth Semester

10-524-148

PTA Clinical Practice 2

3

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. (Prerequisites: 10-524-144 PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehab, 10-524-145 PTA Musculo Rehab, 10-524-146 PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary & Integumentary Conditions ;Corequisites: 10-524-147, PTA Clinical Practice 1, 10-524-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-524-151

PTA Clinical Practice 3

5

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)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-524-150

PTA Professional Issues 2

2

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. (Prerequisites: 10-524-140, PTA Professional Issues 1, 10-524-144 PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehab, 10-524-145 PTA Musculo Rehab, 10-524-146 PTA Cardio & Integ Mgmt; Corequisite: 10-524-148, PTA Clinical Practice 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-524-149

PTA Rehab Across the Lifespan

2

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)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

12

Total Credits

71

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.

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

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical 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 Leah Smejkal at 920-498-6270 or email: Leah.Smejkal@NWTC.EDU.

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).

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances and participate in weekend rotations. | Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements. | Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. | Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine. | Students may be required to complete drug testing and/or finger printing by clinical agencies.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.