Physical Therapist Assistant

Transcription

1 Physical Therapist Assistant APPLICATION FOR FALL PROGRAM Application Deadline: Classes Begin: First Tuesday of March August For more information IRSC Information Call Center

2 IRSC OVERVIEW INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE is a public, comprehensive state college serving Florida s Research Coast with full-service campuses in Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Vero Beach. IRSC has earned a statewide and national reputation for quality, innovation and responsiveness to community needs, inspiring over 34,000 people to enroll in classes each year. Tuition is affordable, and IRSC students benefit from many opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. Committed to helping each student succeed, IRSC offers Bachelor s Degree programs meeting critical workforce needs and Associate in Arts Degree programs for university transfer. Associated in Science Degree, Associate in Applied Science Degree and short-term certificate programs prepare students for careers in health care, technology, business, industry, public safety and many other fields. ACCREDITATION The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax Association, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) Approved as a Massage School by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Division of Medical Quality Assurance, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN # C06, Tallahassee, FL, , (850) Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program leads to an Associate in Science Degree. Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and upon satisfactory achievement become licensed Physical Therapist Assistants. IRSC graduates have achieved 99% passing rates on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination since The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Indian River State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. The Indian River State College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program has been selected as a national model for top-quality education due to its success in incorporating real-world experience to prepare students for career success. After an extensive review of all aspects of the program and an on- site visit by a team of experts, the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education (CTE) designated the IRSC program as exemplary. The College s PTA program earned the exemplary rating in all ten categories including effectiveness, innovation, and program quality and was commended for evaluating students in specific patient care skills and their professional behavior.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS The Physical Therapist Assistant... 1 Application Checklist... 1 Introduction... 2 Application Process... 2 Information Sessions... 2 Application Deadline Date... 3 Pre-Admission Testing... 3 Applicant Review... 3 Acceptance into Program... 4 Criminal Background Checks... 4 Non-Acceptance into Program... 5 Program Expenses... 5 Financial Aid/Scholarships... 6 Program Curriculum... 7 Performance Standards... 8 Job Outlook... 9 Frequently Ask Questions Additional Considerations: Transfer Possibilities Professional Development Opportunities Forms: PTA Program Information Session Physical Therapy Experience Form Health Science Program Application Curriculum Guide... inside back cover

4 PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is an educated individual who works under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. Duties of the assistant include relieving pain and/or increasing function in clients/patients through the use of therapeutic application of heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait and functional activity. Physical therapist assistants practice in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory health clinics, home health, private practices, specialized clinics, schools and institutions of higher education, research centers, industries, wellness and fitness centers, health maintenance organizations, extended-care facilities, and nursing homes. APPLICATION CHECKLIST Note: All required forms are available in the back of this booklet. 1. Complete the IRSC Application for Admission online at 2. Complete Health Science Program Application (page 19) and pay the $30 fee by deadline. Send to: Cashier s Office, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce FL Request high school and/or college(s) to forward official transcript(s) to the IRSC Admissions Office by Applicant Review deadline date. 4. Complete and return the enclosed Physical Therapy Experience Form (page 17) to the Physical Therapist Assistant Department by Applicant Review Deadline, first Tuesday of March. 5. Proof of attendance at PTA program Information Session (1 st Tuesday of each month, Building P, Room 116 at 4:00 p.m. (page 15). 6. Complete SLS 1101 Student Success. Preference is given to students who complete this course. 7. Student must have minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA within the general education courses (page 3). Completion of this checklist alone does not guarantee acceptance to the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Students are selected on a competitive basis. (Please make a copy of all forms submitted for your own files.) 1

5 INTRODUCTION The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered through the IRSC Health Science Division. All applicants enter this program through a Selective Admissions process. Contact Educational Services, any IRSC Campus, or the Health Science Division at (772) for specific requirements and deadlines. NOTE: If at any time during the application process you have a change of address or need to update other personal information, submit this information to the Educational Services Division and to the Health Science Division by supplying original documentation to be copied (e.g., driver license, or adoption papers) in person or at any IRSC campus. This will expedite notification of acceptance status. APPLICATION PROCESS Any candidate who wishes to be considered for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Indian River State College must complete the following procedures. It is the student's responsibility to see that admission requirements are met. No notices will be sent. 1. Complete the IRSC Application for Admission online at and the Health Science Program Application in Educational Services, or at any IRSC Campus, and submit a $30 application fee by the program's deadline date. (Refer to Admission Requirements and Procedures in the IRSC College Catalog.) Send to: Cashier s Office, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce FL Submit an official high school transcript and official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended to Educational Services by the Applicant Review Deadline date. 3. ACT, SAT, or Florida Entry Level Placement Test scores must be submitted for placement in general education courses. 4. Complete SLS 1101 Student Success. Preference is given to students who complete this course. INFORMATION SESSIONS Students interested in applying to any health science program should plan to attend the appropriate, regularly scheduled, program information session for direction and assistance with the application process. The information session addresses any questions or concerns prospective applicants may have. The session also assists students in understanding how to achieve a qualified applicant status. All prospective PTA program applicants MUST ATTEND a PTA program Information Session prior to the application deadline (page 17). No reservations or fees are required to attend. Physical Therapist Assistant Information Sessions are held at the Main Campus PTA Lab behind the gym 1 st Tuesday of each month Building P, Room 116 4:00 p.m. 2

6 APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE Application Deadline Fall Program First Tuesday of March PRE-ADMISSION TESTING The Physical Therapist Assistant program does not require any pre-admission testing. APPLICANT REVIEW Educational Services must receive the completed applicant files including all official transcripts from IRSC and/or other institutions and a final high school transcript by the posted Admissions Review Deadline date. No documentation will be considered after the Applicant Review deadline date. Preference for admissions to the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be given to residents of the four-county service district of Indian River State College. These include St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. All of the above criteria must be met or the applicant file will not be reviewed and scored. Note: Students are selected on a competitive basis. Meeting admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. FACTORS CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION OF STUDENTS Factors utilized by the Admissions Committee include, but are not necessarily limited to: A. Academic Record - Past academic performance and grade point average earned in the general education core courses of the PTA Curriculum are indicative of the probability of an applicant's completing the academic portion of the program successfully. It is recommended for students to complete as many of the following courses as possible, especially math and science, before applying to the program. (Students must have an overall cumulative GPA of a 2.5 of the following courses.) ENC1101 PSY2012 BSC2093 BSC2093L BSC2094 BSC2094L HUN1201 PHY1020 MAT 1033 CGS1060 English Composition I Introduction to Psychology Anatomy and Physiology I Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Anatomy and Physiology II Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Nutrition Principles of Physics Intermediate Algebra College Computing 3

7 HSC2531 *SLS1101 Medical Terminology I Student Success * Students who complete SLS 1101 will have preference in the admission process. B. Motivation and Knowledge of the Field - The Admissions Committee believes that students who know the most about what physical therapists/physical therapist assistants do are most likely to take maximum advantage of the educational opportunities in physical therapist assistant school. Interest in and knowledge of the field may be evidenced by an applicant's having taken advantage of all available opportunities for learning about physical therapy. Twenty hours of observational/volunteer/actual work experience hours are required. However, students who have been successful in gaining admission to the program typically have over 20 hours in a variety of clinical settings. These students were also successful in expressing their overall knowledge of the field of physical therapy during their individual interview. ACCEPTANCE INTO PROGRAM The Physical Therapist Assistant program admits twenty-four students annually to the Fall Semester. Selected students will be notified by the Health Science Division of their provisional acceptance into the program the end of April. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory results from a physical examination, drug screen, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check. Information on obtaining these tests/reports will be provided in the provisional acceptance notification package. These reports should not be submitted with initial application materials. Substance Use/Abuse Regulation Refer to the IRSC website at Click Programs and Careers and then Health Science Programs. In the Resources box, select Drug/Background Checks. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS Refer to the IRSC website at Click Programs and Careers and then Health Science Programs. In the Resources box, select Drug/Background Checks. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy and Florida Department of Health Division of Medical Quality Assurance requires any licensure applicant who has ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony, regardless of adjudication, to explain the circumstances. Health/Medical Record A completed medical health form must also be submitted and approved by the Program Chairperson. This health record will contain results from a physical examination and laboratory tests including immunization records. 4

8 Applicants who do not meet the standards of good physical and mental health, as required by clinical facilities for safe patient care, may reapply and be considered for application to a Health Science program after resolution of the health problem. An updated health record verified by a licensed physician or an ARNP must be submitted. Student Drug Screen, Background Check, and Medical Records When submitted, these records will become the property of the College, and will not be available for copying or for use to meet the requirements of outside employers. Students who are out of the program for six months or more must submit new records. Complaint Process Refer to the Academic Review/Admission Committee policy located within the IRSC Student Handbook/Planner. NON-ACCEPTANCE INTO PROGRAM Applicants who do not qualify for the program will be notified, and should remediate (call the ASC at (772) , for a list of remediation classes), or call the Health Science Office at (772) for clarification on how to strengthen their application. PROGRAM EXPENSES The following is a list of approximate costs and is subject to change. In addition to these costs, the candidate should allow for room, board, transportation, and personal living expenses. Please note that non-florida resident tuition is a higher rate per credit hour, which will increase total fees accordingly. Interview/Assessment (Paid upon notification) $ FDLE Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screen $ Tuition ( , Florida Resident Rate) $7, Books $1, Uniforms $ Lab Fees (includes Student Malpractice and Accidental Insurance, lab materials and equipment) $ American Physical Therapy Association Professional Membership Fees (2 year membership) $ Medical Examination (cost will vary) $ Commencement Fees Spring (includes graduation regalia) $ $9,

9 FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS Financial Aid (grants, loans, work-study) is available to those who qualify. Complete the FAFSA and IRSC Supplemental Financial Aid Application to determine eligibility. For more information, contact the IRSC Financial Aid Office at (772) or toll-free at (FAID). Scholarships designated for students in the Health Science programs are also available. Complete the IRSC STARS ONLINE Scholarship Application, available at The application deadline for IRSC Health Science scholarships is in May visit (click on Scholarships ) for the updated application deadline date. Below is a list of possible scholarships available to Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree Physical Therapist Assistant students: Lawnwood Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship (St. Lucie County resident, preference to Fort Pierce resident) St. Lucie Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship (St. Lucie County resident, preference to Port St. Lucie resident) Sebastian River Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship (Indian River County resident, preference to north county and Barefoot Bay) Raulerson Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship (Okeechobee County resident) Gertrude E. Skelly Health Science Scholarship St. Lucie Life Member Club, Telephone Pioneers of America Scholarship (St. Lucie County resident) Treasure Coast Life Member Club Scholarship (Indian River, Martin, or St. Lucie County resident) Basil L. King Foundation Scholarship (St. Lucie County resident) Alex and Roxanna Booth Foundation Scholarship Adrian M. Sample Scholarship (St. Lucie County or Okeechobee County resident) see for eligibility requirements and application procedure JML Health Care Scholarship (Indian River County resident) The Tylenol Brand Scholarship Fund Workforce Development Scholarship (May be available) Maria A. Roldan Memorial Scholarship (Hispanic female) Tandem Health Care of Vero Beach Scholarship (must be employed by Tandem Health Care of VB) Treasure Coast Pilot Club Scholarship (female entering career related to helping persons with brain disorders in a rehabilitative capacity such as Physical Therapist Assistant) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship For more information regarding the scholarships listed above, contact the IRSC Foundation Office at (772) , or toll-free at , ext Further scholarship information is also available online at (click on Scholarships ). Revised 5/31/06 MSB 6

10 PROGRAM CURRICULUM PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM (74 credits) Selective Admission Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program leads to an Associate in Science Degree. The schedule of a Physical Therapist Assistant is rigorous. The PTA program incorporates a working physical therapy and wellness center providing students hands on training in the assessment and treatment of patients, requiring additional hours outside of scheduled class time. Due to the time required for attending lectures, laboratories, and clinical assignments, plus the time necessary for study and practice, students are encouraged to minimize outside work commitments during the time they are enrolled in the program. FIRST YEAR SUMMER I OR II SEMESTER Credits **HSC 2531 Medical Terminology I... 3 **MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra... 3 **PHY 1020 Principles of Physics... 3 FALL SEMESTER *ENC 1101 English Composition I... 3 *BSC 2093 Anatomy and Physiology I... 3 *BSC 2093L Anatomy and Physiology I Lab... 1 PHT 1121 Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology... 3 PHT 1121L Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology Lab... 2 PHT 1004 Introduction to Physical Therapy... 2 PHT 1004L Introduction to Physical Therapy Lab... 2 SPRING SEMESTER *BSC 2094 Anatomy and Physiology II... 3 *BSC 2094L Anatomy and Physiology II Lab... 1 *PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology... 3 PHT 1211 Disabilities & Therapeutic Procedures I... 2 PHT 1211L Disabilities & Therapeutic Procedures I Lab... 2 PHT 1351 General Pharmacology for Physical Therapist Assistants... 1 PHT 1300 Survey of Pathological Deficits... 3 SUMMER I SEMESTER PHT 2224 Disabilities & Therapeutic Procedures II... 2 PHT 2224L Disabilities & Therapeutic Procedures II Lab... 1 PHT 1801 Clinical Practice I... 2 SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER HUN 1201 Nutrition... 3 *CGS 1060 College Computing... 3 PHT 2810 Clinical Practice II... 8 PHT 2162 Survey of Neurological Deficits... 3 SPRING SEMESTER PHT 2703 Rehabilitative Procedures... 2 PHT 2703L Rehabilitative Procedures Lab... 1 PHT 2820 Clinical Practice III... 7 PHT 2931 Transition Seminar... 2 PHT courses are open only to those students who have officially been accepted into the Physical Therapist Assistant program. * May be taken prior to acceptance into the program. If not, must be completed in semester indicated. All core curriculum and natural science courses require a grade of C or better. ** Physics, Algebra, and Medical Terminology must be completed prior to the first year fall semester. 7

11 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS *Physical Requirement (Essential Functions) The rights of students with disabilities which pertain to post-secondary education are provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of These laws prohibit discrimination by institutions to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. This enables such students to have an equal opportunity to benefit from the education offered by those institutions. The role of the Physical Therapist Assistant in the various health care settings requires academic, physical, mental, and environmental work/demands. To be successful as a PTA student and PTA graduate, the following requirements are expected to be performed safely, ethically, and legally under the supervision of a physical therapist. Academic Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program achieving an Associate of Science Degree. Obtain State Licensure to practice in Florida. Physical Demonstrate coordination of small and large muscle groups to provide safe and effective care including transfers, ambulation, and positioning of patient/client using minimum, moderate, and maximum assistance techniques. Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time (3-5 hours), negotiating environmental barriers safely with a patient/client. Utilize movement to perform proper body mechanics of all patient/client treatment techniques and related procedures (i.e. stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and handling). Perform medium work (defined from Realistic Assessment of Vocational Experiences (RAVE) "exerting pounds of force occasionally, or pounds of force frequently, or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects." Perform range of motion and graded manual resistance of patient/client with poor balance and weakened muscle groups on uneven surfaces, inclines, declines, stairs, curbs, etc. Perform manual hand dexterity and coordination to manipulate and calibrate equipment, (dials, probes, ultrasound heads, switches, scissors, tweezers, etc.) individually or simultaneously for modality and wound procedures. 8

12 Respond to auditory emergency medical situations sufficiently with patients/clients (i.e. hearing monitor alarms, emergency signals, CPR, ausculatory sounds, verbal communication, etc.). Assess and observe patient/client condition (blood pressure and heart rate, respiration, etc.) response to treatment including near and far acuity (up to 10 feet away recognizing color discrimination). Perform physical assessment of structure, size, shape, and muscle tone through tactile ability of fingering and feeling (palpation). Mental Demonstrate sufficient and accurate use of verbal, non-verbal and written communication effectively with staff, patient/client, and families concerning treatment procedures. Receive and interpret verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills effectively with other health care providers. Ability to manage and function emotionally during stresses of an intensive academic training program for preparation of clinical situations with a variety of patients/clients (terminally ill, psychosocial responses of disabled individuals, and families, etc.). Respect patient/client/family confidentiality. Ability to make appropriate judgments and decisions by set priorities in clinical situations. Environmental Demonstrate the ability to apply universal precautions including the use of personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, gown, goggles, masks, etc.) when indicated. LATEX ADVISORY Latex based products are used in all health care facilities. Indian River State College strives to provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow a PTA student to be successful. Contact the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director and Student Disabilities Services following acceptance to the Program and before the first day of classes in the Fall Semester to declare your need for reasonable accommodations. JOB OUTLOOK According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year Demand for physical therapist assistants will continue to rise, in accordance with the increasing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function. The growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. These patients often need additional assistance in their treatment, 9

13 making the roles of assistants vital. The large baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, further increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. In addition, future medical developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating added demand for therapy services. Physical therapists are expected to increasingly utilize assistants to reduce the cost of physical therapy services. Once a patient is evaluated and a treatment plan is designed by the physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant can provide many aspects of treatment, as prescribed by the therapist. Physical therapist assistants with prior experience working in a physical therapy office or other health care setting will have the best job opportunities. Entry-level graduates can expect beginning salaries ranging from $32,000-$36,000, depending on geographical areas. Earnings Median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in the quad county area is $45,260. There will be a 41% job market growth within the quad county area by the year FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I am a junior in high school interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant degree program. What can I do to prepare for acceptance while still in high school? Students pursuing the career of a Physical Therapist Assistant should have a background in the life sciences, (including biology and anatomy), interact well with others and have a general interest in the prevention of disease and maintenance/restoration of the quality of life. A high school diploma from an accredited high school or GED is required. The following courses are recommended at the secondary (high school) level: Math through Algebra II Four years of science (including biology, anatomy, and physiology) English Composition High school students should contact their high school guidance counselor and the IRSC PTA Program Director for advisement concerning dual-enrollment opportunities. (Refer to Curriculum Guide on back cover.) Is there a required entrance exam for the Physical Therapist Assistant program? Although there is no pre-entrance exam specific to Physical Therapist Assistant program, all students entering a state college or state university system are required to be tested for placement purposes. IRSC accepts ACT, SAT, or the Florida Entry Level Placement Test (CPT) for appropriate placement in classes. Those students who do not meet the required minimum test scores for college-level courses must take college preparatory courses. 10

14 Where do students participate in their Clinical Training? The Physical Therapist Assistant program is affiliated with clinical facilities located within the IRSC service area including Martin, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. The program also has clinical agreements with facilities in Brevard and Palm Beach counties. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the clinical site to which they are assigned. Are there any other requirements once a student is accepted? Upon acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program, each student is required to have malpractice and accident insurance annually. These will be included in the course fees. Students are also, highly recommended to enroll in SLS 1101 Student Success in Summer I or II, prior to the start of the Fall semester. (Students are required to have health insurance to enter the program.) Students accepted into the program must provide evidence of 1) certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); and 2) HRS-approved four-hour AIDS seminar and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens course, PRIOR to the first day of class in the Fall Semester. Students admitted into the program must have a complete medical examination of their current health status by a licensed physician. Immunizations, tests and health verification must be included. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory results from a physical examination, drug screen and Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check. ADDDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Senior College/University Transfer Possibilities (Refer to Curriculum Guide, back cover) Generally, senior institutions will accept the general education courses. All senior institutions, however, require an Associate in Arts Degree and additional science courses as prerequisites to be considered for entrance into a Physical Therapy School leading to the Doctorate Degree. Contact the Physical Therapy School or other health programs at the university for specifics regarding their prerequisites and admission criteria. 11

15 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Following the completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, graduates are eligible to be admitted to the Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Manual Techniques. The ATC in Manual Techniques is dedicated to advancing the science and art of soft tissue mobilization through continuing education in an effort to enhance the quality of therapeutic treatment, and promoting patient wellness. Successful graduates of this curriculum are eligible to take the national certification examination through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and upon satisfactory achievement, become licensed Massage Therapists. Graduates have achieved 100% passing rates on the national certification examination since The Massage Therapist is an educated healthcare provider who performs a variety of manual techniques designed to promote stress relief and relaxation, relieve pain and swelling to various structures, prevent deformity and promote functional activity in a person who has a specific health problem. The curriculum is designed for working PTAs, offered at night, two days a week. Employers, depending on specific facility contracts, may reimburse this educational opportunity for a licensed PTA leading to an additional licensure as a Massage Therapist. Dual licensure will improve graduate employability and versatility meeting the needs of the health care community. Advanced Technical Certificate in Manual Techniques MAJOR FIELD REQUIRED COURSES-10 Credits PHT 2203 Manual Techniques I... 3 PHT 2203L Clinical Practicum in Manual Techniques I... 2 PHT 2204 Manual Techniques I... 3 PHT 2204L Clinical Practicum in Manual Techniques II... 2 For more information contact Leila J. Darress, PT at (772) or ldarress@irsc.edu The Florida Board of Physical Therapy and Florida Department of Health Division of Medical Quality Assurance are the agencies authorized to issue credentials and licenses in the Physical Therapy profession. 12

16 THE FOLLOWING FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION TO THE PTA PROGRAM (Pages 13-16) 13

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18 INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (PTA) PROGRAM PTA PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION Please refer to INFORMATION SESSIONS on page 2. I,, attended a PTA program Information Session on and understand the application process, requirements and the commitment to learning that is required of a PTA student. Signature of PTA Program Faculty PHYSICAL THERAPY EXPERIENCE (see next page) Prospective PTA students are required to observe the typical responsibilities and duties of a Physical Therapist Assistant. THE MINIMUM PERIOD FOR ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAM IS 20 HOURS. This may be achieved through OBSERVATION, VOLUNTEER SERVICE and/or PAID EMPLOYMENT in physical therapy departments. Experience in two or more settings is recommended. (It is recommended that you contact physical therapy departments/health care agencies in your geographical area to confirm their availability.) ATTIRE FOR THE OBSERVATION MEN: Dark shoes and slacks, dress shirt with tie. WOMEN: business attire and comfortable shoes (no sneakers or high heels). THE FACILITY HAS THE RIGHT TO DECLINE YOUR OBSERVATION IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY DRESSED. BRING THE PHYSICAL THERAPY EXPERIENCE FORM WITH YOU TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY FACILITY. FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF YOUR 20 OBSERVATION HOURS AND CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE AT A PTA PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION, RETURN FORMS TO: Mail To: Health Science Department Indian River State College 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL (772)

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20 PHYSICAL THERAPY EXPERIENCE FORM PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE STUDENT I.D. NUMBER NAME OF EMPLOYER I. OBSERVATION at a Physical Therapy Department (List only departments you visited for four hours or more) FACILITY DATE/TIME SPENT PT OR PTA SIGNATURE LIC. NO. II. VOLUNTEER SERVICE with a Physical Therapy Department. FACILITY DATE/TIME SPENT PT OR PTA SIGNATURE LIC. NO III. PAID EMPLOYMENT with Physical Therapy Department. FACILITY DATE/TIME SPENT PT OR PTA SIGNATURE LIC. NO

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22 Health Science Program Application (20690) Selective Admission - Fall Program Physical Therapist Assistant (Deadline: First Tuesday in March) INSTRUCTIONS - NO APPLICATION WILL BE PROCESSED UNLESS THE FOLLOWING IS COMPLETED: All documents required by the Health Science Department must be submitted by appropriate deadline dates to the Admissions Office in order to be given consideration for selective admission into a Health Science program. 1. Complete an Indian River State College Admission Application at 2. Complete this Health Science application (print clearly in ink or type), and return it with a $30 non-refundable/non-transferable application fee. Submit to the Business Office at the Main Campus (Cashier s Office) or any IRSC Campus. 3. Request former school and/or college(s) to forward transcript(s) to Admissions Office at Indian River State College. Student ID: Address: Name Last (please print) First M.I. and/or Maiden Name List any other names under which record of your education, tests, or work experience may be recorded: Name Last (please print) First M.I. Mailing Address Number and Street City State Zip Home Phone ( ) Other/Cell Phone ( ) Ethnic Origin: (Required by U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare) 1. White 3. Asian or Pacific Islander 5. Hispanic 2. American Indian or Alaskan Native 4. Black, non-hispanic DISCLAIMER: I have reviewed the program requirements outlined in the Health Science Program Admission Booklet and understand that this does not guarantee admission into a program. I certify that the above information is correct and I understand that falsification of information could lead to my dismissal if accepted into the program. STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE Receipt # Date Cashier Only 19

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24 Curriculum Guide Physical Therapist Assistant Career Ladder in Massage, and Athletic Training to a Bachelor of Science Degree HIGH SCHOOL (If you are a H.S. graduate or achieved a GED skip Steps #1-3 and consult with IRSC Educational Services to map your PTA curriculum prior to application to the program.) Step #1 10 th Grade: CPT test Step #2 Take Dual Enrollment for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Science Degree in physical therapist assistant general education courses (29 CREDITS) 11 th Grade 12 th Grade DUAL Term #1 Term #2 Term #1 Term #2 ENROLLMENT BSC 1010 BSC 1010L ENC 1101* BSC 2093* BSC 2093L* HSC 2531* BSC 2094* BSC 2094L* PSY 2012* CGS 1060* MAT 1033* or MAC 1105** PHY 1020* or PHY 2053** Summer Electives: HUN 1201 Additional Associate in Arts Degree courses should be taken** *PTA Program general education course. **Required for Associate Arts Degree (transfer to Athletic Training program) Students interested in Athletic Training should schedule an appointment with IRSC Educational Services before enrollment in the PTA program. Step #3 12 th Grade, Term #2: apply to IRSC PTA program. Step #4 Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program Required PTA Technical Core Courses (45 CREDITS) INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE Year #1 Year #2 Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer Session Fall Semester Spring Semester PHT 1121 PHT 1121L PHT 1004 PHT 1004L (9 credits) PHT 1211 PHT 1211L PHT 1300 PHT 1351 (8 credits) PHT 2224 PHT 2224L PHT 1801 (5 credits) PHT 2810 PHT 2162 (11 credits) PHT 2703 PHT 2703L PHT 2820 PHT 2931 (12 credits) Step #5 Apply for PTA national licensing examination. Step #6 Apply for Florida State PTA license. Step #7 or skip to step # 10 Apply for Advanced Technical Certificate in Manual Techniques at IRSC. Year #3 Fall Semester Spring Semester PHT 2203 PHT 2204 PHT 2203L PHT 2204L Step #8 Apply for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks Exam. Step #9 Apply for Florida State Massage Licensure. Step #10 Apply to IRSC (Bachelor of Science Degree programs) Step #11 Apply to Health Sciences - Athletic Training Track (B.S. Degree)** STATE OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (Example are University of Central Florida, University of Florida and University of South Florida) University requirements differ: GPA requirement: hours of observation, etc. Carefully consult with counselor as to program/college/university specifics within state for B.S. in Athletic Training. Step #12 Attend IRSC Baccalaureate Orientation Session IRSC PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM Following notification of successful completion of PTA Exam. Apply for MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM Following notification of successful completion of Massage Exam: Apply for State licensure

25 Physical Therapist Assistant Department Indian River State College 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL