Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Applicant Information Handbook

Transcription

1 Revised: 07/2015 Physical Therapist Assistant Program Applicant Information Handbook Mission Statement The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, and competent professionals who have entry-level skills necessary to meet the demands for a career in the profession of physical therapy, as a physical therapist assistant. The program strives to instill in each student the necessity and value of lifelong learning. Towards this endeavor, the program promotes activities that foster the development of critical thinking by emphasizing student reflection, self-assessment, and service across the curriculum. Program Philosophy South College Asheville is committed to creating a supportive educational environment as evidenced by the academic and technical experience of the faculty, by the resources made available to students, and by the breadth of the clinical opportunities. The college strives to recruit and retain a student body that is representative of the diversity found in the Asheville community. The primary objective of the PTA Program is to graduate skilled and dedicated professionals who will assist the health care community in meeting the physical therapy needs of the citizens of Western North Carolina and surrounding regions. Page 1 of 27

2 PROGRAM APPLICATION South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program Complete and submit to program Department Chairperson to begin the application process. Name Date Address: Contact Information: Home: Work: Cell: Reason for choosing Physical Therapist Assistant as a career: Reason for choosing South College PTA Program: Education History: List your past education in the space below. (High School, GED, Certifications, College Degrees, etc. and any classes you ve taken without graduating) Work History: List your past employment in the space below. Program Use Only Program Application Qualification: College Entrance Exam /SAT/ACT/GPA GPA Points Observation Verification 3 References Page 2 of 27

3 Applicant Checklist Physical Therapist Assistant Program Applicants are to initial each item and sign on signature line to indicate understanding of the program admission process. Submit completed form to program Department Chairperson to begin the application process. Name Date Print 1. I have received the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Applicant Information packet including the admission process information. I am aware that I must complete this process in order to be considered for acceptance. 2. I am aware that I must apply to the PTA Program using the application form provided by the PTA Program. 3. I am aware that I must meet or exceed the minimum score required by the PTA Program on the College entrance examination to be considered by for acceptance into the PTA Program or the minimum score on the ACT or SAT or the transfer hours and criteria as outlined in the South College-Asheville catalog. 4. I am aware that I must complete a writing assignment issued by the PTA program. 5. I know I must provide three (3) letters of recommendation using the form provided by the PTA Program. I know that these are scored and will be used to determine my eligibility for possible acceptance into the PTA Program. The letters cannot be from South College-Asheville faculty members or staff. 6. I am aware that I must provide documentation of 24 observation/volunteer and/or work hours in a physical therapy setting, using the form provided by the PTA Program. 7. I am aware I must receive a C or better in all major course work in the PTA Curriculum. I must complete all required general education core courses and earn the minimum grade required by the PTA Program. 8. I know that my South College-Asheville Academic Advisor is the Physical Therapist Assistant Department Chairperson. I know that I must meet with him/her once or twice (2) per quarter. 9. I am aware that South College-Asheville provides student services. It is up to me to utilize these services to enhance my educational experience. I have discussed possible educational options with my advisor in the event that I am not accepted into the PTA program. 10. I am aware that the results of my CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG SCREEN can result in clinical facility denying my participation in a clinical rotation. In the event that this occurs, the PTA program faculty members WILL NOT reassign me to another clinical site. This will result in my failure of the course and dismissal from the program. Reinstatement into the PTA program can be brought before the reinstatement committee. I understand that during a clinical experience I will be held to the policies and procedures of the facility including those related to drug testing. 11. I understand that I am responsible for transportation during clinical experiences and that travel time can be up to 1 ½ hours from the College. 12. I understand that I am committing to full-time attendance and participation in a rigorous educational program that requires significant out of class preparation time. Student Signature: Date: South College-Asheville Representative: Date: Page 3 of 27

4 Contents Page Application 2 Packet Checklist 3 Non-discrimination Statement 4 Program Accreditation Status 4 Welcome Letter 5 PTA Licensure 6 Overview of Program 6 Admission Requirements 7-8 Program Termination, Withdrawal 9 Course Sequencing 10 Program Outcomes Program Statistics 13 Career Opportunities 13 Observation Form Applicant Reference Forms 1, 2, Essay Information 25 Reapplication Policy 26 Career Options 26 Estimated Program Expenses 27 South College-Asheville is an equal opportunity college open to any qualified individual without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Pursuant to all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, South College-Asheville does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of policies, programs, or activities. This nondiscriminatory policy includes admission policies, loan programs, employment practices, and all other college-administered programs. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South College-Asheville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: ; accreditation@apta.org; website: Page 4 of 27

5 Dear Student: The PTA Program faculty members welcome you to South College-Asheville. South College-Asheville faculty members are committed to providing a quality educational experience that produces competent, professional Physical Therapist Assistants who become important assets to the medical community. In order to begin the major physical therapist assistant courses, you must successfully complete the admission criteria and be accepted into the program. This handbook details the requirements for application to the program and the criteria for admission. The student is responsible for seeing that he/she has met all application requirements and submitted requirements to the Physical Therapist Assistant Department Chair. Again, welcome to South College-Asheville. We will be meeting periodically but please contact me at any time with your questions or needs. Sincerely, Dr.Davidson Rebecca Davidson, PT, DPT, OCS Department Chairperson Physical Therapist Assistant Program South College-Asheville 140 Sweeten Creek Drive Asheville, NC Ph: (828) Fax: (828) rdavidson@southcollegenc.edu Page 5 of 27

6 Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Passing a state licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy is a requirement for the professional practice in the state of North Carolina. Specific information regarding application for licensure will be available to students during their last term of enrollment. Licensure or registration is not required in every state for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from individual state licensing boards. Overview of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program The South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant program is an eight (8) quarter program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Classes may be taught throughout the day and evening, Monday through Friday and Saturday, with additional open lab and library services available on Fridays. Class schedules may change at the discretion of the institution. Students must be committed to considerable out of classroom preparation and study. Certain methods classes require off-campus site attendance. During each of the last two terms, the student is required to complete all clinical internships. Students applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program MUST accept the following: 1. A felony conviction CAN PREVENT STUDENT ACCEPTANCE FOR CLINICAL ROTATIONS. If a student is denied participation in the clinical rotation, he/she will not be reassigned to another site. This results in the student failing the clinical rotation and being dismissed from the program. The student is not eligible for reinstatement into the program. A felony conviction may affect the ability to attain state licensure. 2. Clinical Education expectations include: a. Having a means of transportation to attend each clinical facility including expenses related to transportation b. Understanding that clinical sites are located up to approximately 1 ½ hours of travel time from South College Asheville c. Additional sites outside of this radius may be requested and assigned per approval of the ACCE d. In the event of transportation difficulties, it is the student s responsibility to find an alternate means of transportation to their clinical site. Prospective students can review the available clinical sites by making an appointment with the ACCE. 3. Failure to produce proof of the following may severely limit fieldwork placement (possibly increasing the overall length of the program) and future employment options: a. Negative TB test b. Hepatitis B vaccination or waiver c. Health release to participate in clinical internships. A physician s certification that a student is in good general health will include a comprehensive drug screen. A positive drug test can prevent student acceptance for clinical rotations. Students are required to follow the policy of the clinical facility as it relates to continued drug testing. Drug Screen required prior to beginning of clinical experiences. Students are subject to the specific policy and procedure of each clinical facility concerning suspected substance abuse by students in the clinical setting. d. Other immunizations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) e. A current CPR certification f. Criminal background check, including fingerprinting (increasingly required by internship sites and are required for employment in North Carolina) Page 6 of 27

7 Prospective students transferring credit into the PTA program should consult with the Dean of Academic and Student Services regarding transferability of credit, whose decision is final. There is no guarantee that transfer credit will be given for major curriculum courses. Admission Requirements The physical therapist assistant faculty members with begin reviewing all admission materials on March 1 st for Spring Quarter admission and on August 15 th for Fall Quarter admission to the PTA program. Any student currently enrolled in South College-Asheville or who has met with the program faculty to review the application handbook at least four weeks prior to these dates must submit materials by this deadline. Any new applications to the program after the deadline dates will be considered case by case depending upon remaining seat availability for the cohort. Prospective students applying for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program must meet the following requirements: 1. Meet the requirements for general admission to the college as found in the current catalog. 2. Meet minimum score requirements on the college entrance examination, or present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Assessment examination, or present documentation of a 900 combined score or higher on the SAT I examination, or have earned transfer hours (determined by the Executive Director or the Dean of Academic Affairs) either 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours with at least a 3.0 GPA or better. 3. Complete and submit to PTA Department Chairperson, the South College-Asheville PTA Program Application. 4. Submit three (3) letters of reference utilizing the program s reference form. Follow instructions on the forms concerning how they are to be mailed to the PTA Department Chairperson. The references will be scored and must average seventy-five percent (75%) or better. 5. Submit proof of minimum least twenty-four (24) hours of observation and/or work hours in a physical therapy (observing at 2 different settings) using the form provided by the PTA program. No more than 8 hours at any one specific facility. Turn in the completed form to the PTA Department Chairperson. Professional dress and behavior is expected during these observation hours no jeans or shirts without collars no open toed shoes. Please remember you are a guest observing patient care. 6. Complete and submit a written essay packet. 7..Ensure that you are able to demonstrate the functional capacities as noted in the table below. 8. Complete all required general education core courses and earn the minimum grade required by the PTA Program. 9. Commit to full-time attendance and participation in a rigorous educational program, significant out of class preparation time, and internship assignments off campus. All requirements must be met prior to acceptance into the PTA major classes and program. Applicants will be officially notified of acceptance into the program and must respond with their acceptance of the position. Cohort admission is based on clinical rotation availability. Page 7 of 27

8 The applicant must demonstrate the following functional capacities: Function Requirement Example tasks for PTA Vision Adequate to ensure safety of self and others in classroom and/or clinic settings. Observing patient behavior and appearance; directing patient s and own movement inside and outside a classroom and/or clinic; overseeing set-up and implementation of treatment activities. Hearing Tactile Sensitivity Gross motor strength and coordination Fine motor strength and coordination Critical thinking skills Interpersonal skills Communication skills Adequate to allow effective communication with patients and others in person and by remote means, and to ensure safety of self and others. Adequate to allow effective evaluation and therapeutic interventions related to movement disabilities, and to ensure safety of self and others in the use of thermal, vibratory, and other sensory stimulation techniques. Adequate to ensure the safety of self and others in classroom, laboratory, and clinic activities. Adequate to allow the use of measurement and evaluation devices common in physical therapy, and to ensure safe manipulation of patient s bodies and of treatment materials Adequate to allow mastery of basic course content and to demonstrate sound judgment in simulated and real life therapy situations. Adequate to allow establishment of an effective working relationship with patients, families, and other professionals. Adequate to allow completion of course work and effective verbal and written communications with patients, families, other professionals, and the general community. Face to face communication with patients and families who may have language, hearing, vision, or cognitive problems, or who may be illiterate; telephone consultations with other professionals or families: attending to pages, overhead announcements, etc. Palpation of muscle activity in muscle testing, recognition of hot areas related to inflammation; determining safe water temperature. Safe transfers of student and patients; safe and efficient mobility within the school and clinic settings; safe and efficient mobility within the community; safe and efficient transportation of treatment materials. Measuring joint range of motion using a goniometer; placing a patient s hand in functional position for splinting; setting controls on treatment equipment; performing manual facilitation and mobilization techniques Identifying cause and effect relationships in patient behavior in order to modify treatment approach; determining which behaviors could lead to unsafe situations; determining when to request additional support. Interacting with difficult family members; defining physical therapy to physicians and/or other referral sources; working with a difficult co-worker; motivating a depressed patient. Class discussions and presentations; research papers; weekly progress dotes on a patient; discussing patient behavior and needs with patient and family; home programs and education materials for patients. Page 8 of 27

9 South College Asheville does not discriminate on the bases of disability and is committed to full compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of Program Termination Grounds for termination from the PTA program may include: 1. Insufficient academic progress 2. Nonpayment of costs 3. Failure to comply with rules and /or Code of Conduct 4. Non-adherence to Attendance Policy 5. Falsification of application to the college 6. Unsafe or unethical clinical behavior Failure to meet the minimum grade required for any course will cause disruption in the program rotation, thus causing dismissal form the program. Any student wishing to reapply to the program must contact the Department Chair. The Department Chair will then initiate a reinstatement hearing. Following the hearing, a determination will be made as to whether the student will remain terminated from the program or be allowed to re-enter during the next rotation. Only under severe mitigating circumstances will a student be reinstated into the program more than one time. Voluntary Withdrawal If a student voluntarily withdraws, there will be no guarantee that he/she will be readmitted. Re-admission will be based on results of the reinstatement hearing, scheduling, and space availability. Before voluntarily withdrawing from any class, the PTA student should see the PTA Department Chair to determine the best course of action, since withdrawing may interrupt or stop continued education in the PTA program. Page 9 of 27

10 Revised: 07/2015 South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program Course Sequencing Courses in BOLD print must be completed prior to admission to PTA major courses. All courses or their equivalent are required, but one of the following: Effective Speaking (GS 126) OR General Psychology (GS 181), OR the Humanities Elective, may be completed prior to beginning Clinical Experience and Documentation (PT 220). First Quarter Course Number Course Title Credits/Quarter Contact Hours Week lecture/lab Second Quarter PTA Major Courses Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fifth Quarter Sixth Quarter Seventh Quarter MD170 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 4 MD170 L Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 2 4 GS120 English Composition 4 4 GS126 Effective Speaking 4 4 GS150 College Mathematics I 4 4 MD180 Medical Terminology 4 4 Total MD171 Anatomy & Physiology II 4 4 MD171 L Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 2 4 GS121 English Comp w/research 4 4 GS151 College Math II 4 4 GS181 General Psychology 4 4 See Catalog Humanities Elective 4 4 Total PT110 Introduction to PTA 5 4/2=6 PT130 Pathology for the PTA 4 4 PT150 Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology 6 3/6=9 Total PT180 Therapeutic Modalities 6 3/6=9 PT200 Principles of Rehabilitation 8 4/8=12 Total PT210 Therapeutic Ex & MMT 8 4/8=12 PT220 Clinical Experience & Documentation 4 hrs lab for 8 weeks, 40 hours clinical experience for 2 weeks 4 4/8=12 Total PT230 Advanced Rehabilitation Principles 8 4/8=12 PT250 Professional Seminar 4 3/2=5 PT260 Clinical Internship I (Internship A = 192 clinical hours, 8 hrs classroom, Internship B = 200 clinical hrs) Total Eighth Quarter PT280 Clinical Internship II Internship = 240 hrs Classroom = 40 hrs Total Total Total Program Hours Page 10 of 27

11 PTA Program Outcomes The comprehensive curriculum plan of the PTA program includes a series of organized, sequential and integrated learning experiences. The general education component is designed to prepare the student to think independently, to clarify values, to understand fundamental theory, and to develop critical thinking and communication skills. The technical education component includes learning experiences to prepare the entry-level physical therapist assistant to work under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. The program graduates will be able to: 1. communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner. 2. recognize individual and cultural differences and respond appropriately in all aspects of physical therapy services. 3. exhibit conduct that reflects practice standards that are legal, ethical, and safe and which reflects a commitment to meet the expectations of members of society receiving health care services and members of the profession of physical therapy. 4. communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. 5. demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. These interventions include: a. functional training b. infection control procedures c. manual therapy techniques d. physical agents and mechanical agents e. therapeutic exercise f. wound management 6. demonstrate competency in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care. These include: a. aerobic capacity and endurance b. anthropometrical characteristics c. arousal, mentation, and cognition d. assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, supportive, and prosthetic devices e. gait, locomotion, and balance f. integumentary integrity g. joint integrity and mobility h. muscle performance i. neuromotor development j. pain k. posture l. range of motion m. self-care and home management and community or work reintegration n. ventilation, respiration, and circulation examination Page 11 of 27

12 7. adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to changes in the patient clinical indications and reports this to the supervising physical therapist. 8. recognize when intervention should not be provided due to changes in the patient's status and reports this to the supervising physical therapist. 9. report any changes in the patient's status to the supervising physical therapist. 10. recognize when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond the scope of a physical therapist assistant and initiates clarification with the physical therapist 11. participate in educating patients and caregivers as directed by the supervising physical therapist. 12. provide patient-related instruction to patients, family members, and caregiver to achieve patient outcomes based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. 13. take appropriate action in an emergency situation. 14. complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. 15. participate in discharge planning and follow-up as directed by the supervising physical therapist. 16. read and understand the health care literature. 17. under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, instruct other members of the health care team using established techniques, program, and instructional materials commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience. 18. educate others about the role of the physical therapist assistant. 19. interact with other members of the health care team in patient-care and non-patient care activities. 20. provide accurate and timely information for billing and reimbursement purposes. 21. describe aspects of organization planning and operation of the physical therapy service. 22. participate in performance improvement activities. 23. demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of the patients and consumers. 24. demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities. 25. identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities. 26. recognize the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students. Page 12 of 27

13 Program Statistics Year Admission Acceptance Rates % % % Graduation Date Graduation Rate Ultimate Pass Rate Employment Rate % 100% 100% % 100% 100% % 90% 100% 3 year average 58.1% 94.5% 100% College statistics for all programs are available upon request. Career Opportunities Search the following websites to view career opportunities as a physical therapist assistant: and Scholarship Opportunities Minority scholarships are awarded through the American Physical Therapy Association. Go to and search minority scholarships for applications and other information including a list of links to additional aid and grant resources The North Carolina Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association awards student scholarships and loans. Visit the NCPTA website at for an application and further information. Instructions and Requirements for Observation Hours 1. Clinical facilities and clinicians are not required to have students observe or are reimbursed for applicants observing them work. Applicants must realize that they are guests at the facility and must not be a burden to the clinician or in any way interfere with patient care. Applicants are expected to dress professionally in business causal dress. 2. A total of 24 hours of observation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant working in physical therapy are required for application to the professional component of the program, with NO MORE THAN 8 HOURS AT ANY ONE SPECIFIC FACILITY. The student is required to observe at a minimum of TWO DIFFERENT TYPES of facilities. Examples of different types of facilities include hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. 3. Make copies of the observation form so that each different observation experience is recorded on a separate form. Page 13 of 27

14 Physical Therapy Observation Verification South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program Complete one form for EACH facility. Observation hours are due to the PTA program Department Chairperson with all other admission materials. Applicants are required to complete a total of at least 24 hours of observation with NO MORE THAN 8 hours at any one clinic. They are required to observe at least 2 DIFFERENT TYPES of a clinical setting. Dear Physical Therapy Practitioner, South College-Asheville believes in the importance of student exposure to the field of physical therapy prior to the student making the commitment to a demanding educational program. To ensure this exposure the program requires that a prospective student observe Physical Therapists or Physical Therapist Assistants practicing their profession in a clinical setting. The student is required to spend NO MORE THAN 8 HOURS AT YOUR CLINIC observing and/or working in a clinical setting where the therapists (PTs, PTAs) are present. The primary objective is to assist the prospective student in developing a basic understanding of the demands required in the profession of physical therapy. When the student has completed his/her observation experience at your clinic, complete the information requested below. Please do not sign the form until the student has completed the total of observation time. If there are any questions, please Rebecca Davidson, PT, DPT, OCS, rdavidson@southcollegenc.edu. Thank you for your willingness to support our prospective students. To be completed by the practitioner (PT, PTA): Student s Name: Facility Name and Type of Facility: Practitioner Name and Title: Printed Signature/Date Number of observation hours completed: Page 14 of 27

15 Physical Therapy Observation Verification (Continued) This form is to be completed by the student for EACH observation experience and submitted with the first page of the observation form. Type of facility 1. Discuss the patient diagnoses and/or physical problems observed. 2. What interested you most during your hours of observation? 3. What interested you least during your hours of observation? 4. Describe your overall impression of physical therapy as a profession. Page 15 of 27

16 APPLICANT REFERENCE #1 South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program I,, an applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South (Applicant s signature) College-Asheville, waive my right to view any reference information contained in this form. Please complete this form, evaluating (Applicant s Name) s general ability and potential to succeed as a college student and as a future healthcare professional. NOTE: Your reference will be scored, averaged with another reference, and used to determine the eligibility of the applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Only if the applicant signed the above statement will the CONTENT of your reference, be treated as confidential by South College- Asheville. Name of the person completing this reference: Print your name (Not South College-Asheville Faculty or Staff) Current Occupation/Position: May the College contact you by phone? Yes No Work Number: ( ) Home Number: ( ) Signature of Reference: Date: Once you have completed this form, please place it in an envelope, seal the envelope, and then sign your name over the seal to ensure confidentiality. If you are not given an envelope, return this form to: Rebecca Davidson, PT, DPT, OCS South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC Page 16 of 27

17 1. Please describe your relationship with the applicant. Be specific. (teacher, employer, advisor, minister, etc.) Co-workers who are not supervisors of the applicant, family members, or people employed by the applicant are not appropriate for references. How long have you know the applicant? To be completed by PTA Program Department Chairperson: Appropriate Reference: yes no 2. How well do you know the applicant? Please circle a number below. Limited Knowledge Extensive Knowledge Please rate the applicant in the areas listed below in relation to the setting in which you have worked with the applicant. Poor Average Exceptional Written Communication Oral Communication Problem Solving Sense of Responsibility Professional Behavior Professional Appearance Service to Community Keeping Commitments Teaching Ability Sense of Ethics Regard for Safety 1 Below Average 2 3 Above Average 4 5 No Basis for Judgment 0 Page 17 of 27

18 4. Based on your knowledge of the applicant s abilities, how would you rate the applicant s potential for success in an intense, fast paced, college level program? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Based on your knowledge of the applicant s professional and personal qualities, how would you rate this applicant s potential for professional success in healthcare? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Please add additional comments pertinent to this applicant s academic and intellectual abilities. Page 18 of 27

19 APPLICANT REFERENCE #2 South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program I,, an applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South (Applicant s signature) College-Asheville, waive my right to view any reference information contained in this form. Please complete this form, evaluating (Applicant s Name) s general ability and potential to succeed as a college student and as a future healthcare professional. NOTE: Your reference will be scored, averaged with another reference, and used to determine the eligibility of the applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Only if the applicant signed the above statement will the CONTENT of your reference, be treated as confidential by South College- Asheville. Name of the person completing this reference: Print your name (Not South College-Asheville Faculty or Staff) Current Occupation/Position: May the College contact you by phone? Yes No Work Number: ( ) Home Number: ( ) Signature of Reference: Date: Once you have completed this form, please place it in an envelope, seal the envelope, and then sign your name over the seal to ensure confidentiality. If you are not given an envelope, return this form to: Rebecca Davidson, PT, DPT, OCS South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC Page 19 of 27

20 1. Please describe your relationship with the applicant. Be specific. (teacher, employer, advisor, minister, etc.) Co-workers who are not supervisors of the applicant, family, or people employed by the applicant are not appropriate for references. How long have you know the applicant? To be completed by PTA Program Department Chairperson: Appropriate Reference: yes no 2. How well do you know the applicant? Please circle a number below. Limited Knowledge Extensive Knowledge Please rate the applicant in the areas listed below in relation to the setting in which you have worked with the applicant. Written Communication Oral Communication Poor 1 Below Average 2 Average 3 Above Average 4 Exceptional 5 No Basis for Judgment 0 Problem Solving Sense of Responsibility Professional Behavior Professional Appearance Service to Community Keeping Commitments Teaching Ability Sense of Ethics Regard for Safety Page 20 of 27

21 4. Based on your knowledge of the applicant s abilities, how would you rate the applicant s potential for success in an intense, fast paced, college level program? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Based on your knowledge of the applicant s professional and personal qualities, how would you rate this applicant s potential for professional success in healthcare? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Please add additional comments pertinent to this applicant s academic and intellectual abilities. Page 21 of 27

22 APPLICANT REFERENCE #3 South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program I,, an applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South (Applicant s signature) College-Asheville, waive my right to view any reference information contained in this form. Please complete this form, evaluating (Applicant s Name) s general ability and potential to succeed as a college student and as a future healthcare professional. NOTE: Your reference will be scored, averaged with another reference, and used to determine the eligibility of the applicant for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Only if the applicant signed the above statement will the CONTENT of your reference, be treated as confidential by South College- Asheville. Name of the person completing this reference: Print your name (Not South College-Asheville Faculty or Staff) Current Occupation/Position: May the College contact you by phone? Yes No Work Number: ( ) Home Number: ( ) Signature of Reference: Date: Once you have completed this form, please place it in an envelope, seal the envelope, and then sign your name over the seal to ensure confidentiality. If you are not given an envelope, return this form to: Rebecca Davidson, PT, DPT, OCS South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant Program 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC Page 22 of 27

23 1. Please describe your relationship with the applicant. Be specific. (teacher, employer, advisor, minister, etc.) Co-workers who are not supervisors of the applicant, family, or people employed by the applicant are not appropriate for references. How long have you know the applicant? To be completed by PTA Program Department Chairperson: Appropriate Reference: yes no 2. How well do you know the applicant? Please circle a number below. Limited Knowledge Extensive Knowledge Please rate the applicant in the areas listed below in relation to the setting in which you have worked with the applicant. Written Communication Oral Communication Poor 1 Below Average 2 Average 3 Above Average 4 Exceptional 5 No Basis for Judgment 0 Problem Solving Sense of Responsibility Professional Behavior Professional Appearance Service to Community Keeping Commitments Teaching Ability Sense of Ethics Regard for Safety Page 23 of 27

24 4. Based on your knowledge of the applicant s abilities, how would you rate the applicant s potential for success in an intense, fast paced, college level program? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Based on your knowledge of the applicant s professional and personal qualities, how would you rate this applicant s potential for professional success in healthcare? Limited Potential Excellent Potential Please add additional comments pertinent to this applicant s academic and intellectual abilities. Page 24 of 27

25 WRITTEN ESSAY SUBMISSION FOR APPLICATION TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM SOUTH COLLEGE-ASHEVILLE The purpose of the student written essay is to provide evidence of his/her ability to communicate in written form at a collegiate level. The student writings give insight into his/her understanding of the field of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant. The essay submission is due to the PTA Department Chairperson with all other admission materials to be reviewed prior to the start of the quarter in which the applicant is applying. DIRECTIONS Answer the following 4 (four) questions/statements to the BEST of your ability considering both content and writing form. Write each answer in PARAGRAPH FORM displaying your ability to communicate and write in a professional manner. Format your essay submission utilizing APA form. Include a title page with your full name, date, and the quarter you are applying for admission to the PTA program. 1. Compare and contrast the professional roles of the physical therapist (PT) and the physical therapist assistant (PTA). Include in your discussion the education requirements, the licensure requirements, and the practice requirements and skills for both the PT and the PTA. Answer such questions as Whose license does the PTA practice under? and Can a PTA work directly for a doctor or chiropractor? PROVIDE THE PUBLISHED SOURCES WHERE YOU OBTAINED THE INFORMATION. Possible sources can include the American Physical Therapy Association, the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy, and college/university websites offering physical therapy or physical therapist assistant programs. 2. Discuss the reasons why you have selected the field of physical therapy and a career as a physical therapist assistant. Describe the attributes you will bring to the physical therapy profession. Also identify areas where you need to make improvements in order to become a competent physical therapist assistant. 3. Describe three major characteristics you associate with being a professional. Give examples of how a physical therapist assistant could display these characteristics. Discuss examples of unprofessional behavior and how these behaviors can adversely affect the patient and the field of physical therapy. 4. Describe your strengths and weaknesses in terms of your academic career. Include previous academic successes and failures in your discussion and elaborate on what you learned from these experiences. Discuss challenges that could impede your academic success in the PTA program and how you plan to address these challenges. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AT THE END OF YOUR WRITTEN ESSAY SUBMISSION. I, (print), verify that the enclosed submission is my original work. I understand that falsification of material can result in my being denied admission into the PTA program and/or dismissal from the program. Applicant Signature/Date Page 25 of 27

26 REAPPLICATION POLICY If an applicant is not accepted into the program, he/she may schedule a meeting with the PTA program Department Chairperson to discuss the application results. The content of the reference forms will not be shared with any applicant who waived his/her right to view the reference information. CAREER OPTIONS There are several options related to health care offered at South College-Asheville. In the event that a student is not accepted into the physical therapist assistant program, he/she may be eligible to apply one of these health care programs at South College-Asheville. The PTA Department Chairperson and the Director of Student Services are available to meet with students to discuss possible career options. Page 26 of 27

27 PTA Program Expenses The purpose of the following information is to provide the student with approximate program expenses that will be incurred, in addition to college tuition, in order to complete the physical therapist assistant program and become licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant. These costs are only an approximation and are subject to change. Every effort has been made to identify all major costs. Item Cost Liability Insurance for Clinical Rotations College provides Each of the following items are the student s financial responsibility Health Physical varied cost Immunizations Medical Insurance and Health care expenses varied cost Students are responsible for the cost of any medical services including emergency care while a student at South College Asheville and while on clinical assignments as a student of the College. Background Check /Drug Screens varied cost $ CPR Training varied cost $ PTA Shirts varied cost $ Name Tags varied cost $ Watch with second hand varied cost $20.00 School supplies, goniometer ($16.00) varied cost Textbooks (average cost per quarter) $ APTA Student Membership varied cost $90.00 Graduation Fee $ Application Fee for licensure (NC) $ Exam Fee for licensure varied cost $ (go to for the most current cost) / Prometric fee $60 Students are responsible for personal health costs while a student in the PTA program. Emergency care (the level of care depends on the facility type) is available to the student during a clinical experience but the student is responsible for the cost of this personal health care. Page 27 of 27