Physical Therapist Assistant

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Curriculum Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct patient care settings under the supervision of physical therapists. Assistants work to improve or restore function by alleviation or prevention of physical impairment and perform other essential activities in a physical therapy department.

Course work includes normal human anatomy and physiology, the consequences of disease or injury, and physical therapy treatment of a variety of patient conditions affecting humans throughout the life span.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Student Goals-Students in the program will demonstrate entry-level proficiency in executing the plan of care in a professional and competent manner, respecting patient/client differences and preferences, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
   1. Students will participate in at least 10 hours of community outreach programs and service-learning opportunities to address health disparities and support social mobility within the communities served.
   2. Students will demonstrate the primacy of safety during didactic education by passing all skill checks and lab practical exams in preparation for clinical education rotations.
   3. Students will demonstrate entry-level proficiency by the end of the terminal clinical rotation in all areas of the CPI in executing the plan of care in a professional, compassionate manner, respecting patient/client differences and preferences.
2. Graduate Goals-Upon program completion, graduates will be proficient in delivering professional, compassionate, culturally competent, respectful and individualized patient care, working collaboratively with licensed physical therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.
   1. At least eighty-five percent of graduates will pass the licensure exam and obtain licensure to practice as physical therapist assistants.
   2. At least ninety percent of job-seeking graduates will attain employment in the field within one year of graduation.
   3. At least ninety-five percent of employer surveys will indicate that graduates provide safe, equitable, innovative patient care in diverse clinical settings, in accordance with the mission of Surry Community College and the PTA program.
3. Faculty Goals-The program’s faculty will grow professionally and provide contemporary education to meet program and curricular needs.
   1. Instructors will foster a safe and supportive learning environment that embraces diverse perspectives and promotes a sense of belonging for all students.
   2. Instructors maintain clinical licensure to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in North Carolina.
   3. Instructors demonstrate commitment to professional development and the profession of physical therapy by participating in clinical practice, continuing education, and/or professional development opportunities in order to maintain contemporary competency and expertise, particularly in the areas designated for instruction.
4. Program Goals-The program will prepare and graduate students who meet the needs of the institution and the communities we serve.
   1. The program will maintain compliance with standards and required elements of CAPTE.
   2. The program will recruit and retain a diverse faculty and student body that reflects the communities served by the PTA program and Surry Community College.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may be eligible to take the licensure examination administered by the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. (A student with a felony may not be eligible for licensure or employment). Employment is available in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, specialty hospitals, home health agencies, private clinics, and public school systems.

Competitive admissions are anticipated for a challenging program that leads to an intensely-satisfying career. The program will admit a maximum of 16 students each Fall Semester.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Surry Community 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: CAPTE Online. This program is only offered at the Yadkin campus.

Complaints outside of due process must be provided in writing, signed by the author, and submitted to the attention of the Program Director.  If the complaint concerns the Program Director, contact the Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Yvonne Johnson, at johnsony@surry.edu. 

Contact

Eileen Coleman, PT, DPT PTA
Program Director
colemanei@surry.edu
(336) 386-3513

Completion Information

Each Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) course must be successfully completed in order to progress to subsequent PTA courses.

PTA students prohibited from participating in a clinical internship based on their criminal background check or drug screening will be dismissed from the PTA program due to their inability to progress.

Location

The Physical Therapist Assistant classes are located in Yadkinville at the Yadkin Center.

Programs

• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree (A45620)

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