Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate in Applied Science Code: 5279
Contact hsc@bhc.edu for information; Advising Center, 309-796-5100, Rm 1-213; East Campus Advising Center, 309-854-1709.

New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.

The Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant prepares students to perform physical therapy procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants are primarily employed in hospitals, extended care and nursing home facilities, and in private practices.

Employment of Physical Therapist assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2024.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Black Hawk College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245, 800-999-2782; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Admission Requirements:

1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. A physical examination prior to any clinical coursework.
3. The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class.
4. How to apply to the PTA program: Please refer to the program website www.bhc.edu/PTA for more detailed information and guidelines on the application process.
5. Applications are available online at: www.bhc.edu/PTA.
6. Interview with PTA selection committee. The interview is part of a written and oral selection process.
7. Minimum of “C” average in courses previously completed at Black Hawk College and any courses transferred from other colleges.

Students must also successfully document and need all health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses.

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Integrate critical thinking skills to assess and mitigate safety risks for patients and for all aspects of patient care within avariety of practicing health care environments.
• Utilize evidence-based data, standardized assessment tools, and treatment interventions to make informed decisions forpatient care and promote optimal treatment outcomes for patients across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional conduct in all aspects of physical therapy patient care, with commitment to theAPTA’s Core Values, Standards of Ethical Conduct, as well as all legal regulations for physical therapist assistant practice.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and all members of the interprofessional health care team to optimize a patient-centered continuum of care.
• Adapt physical therapy treatment to provide culturally sensitive, equitable, and inclusive care by recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, values, and psychosocial factors of patients and families.
• Analyze numerical data to inform clinical patient care decision making when providing physical therapy treatment for patients and diseases representative of those commonly seen in a variety of practice settings.
• Develop modifications within the physical therapist assistant’s plan of care using clinical judgment based on patient response to treatment, symptoms, and patient preferences to facilitate optimal patient outcomes, health, and wellness.
• Advocate for equitable health care practices by recognizing and addressing barriers to health care access, treatment, and successful outcomes for underserved and marginalized patient populations.
• Utilize self-assessment to evaluate personal strengths, areas for growth, internal biases, and professional goals to promote a commitment to lifeling learning within an ever-changing health care environment.