PTA Open House Information Session:

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1 Physical Therapist Assistant Program Dear Applicant: Thank you for your interest in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. This packet includes information on the profession, admission requirements and the PTA curriculum. Physical Therapy is the care provided by or under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) to individuals in pain or to those with impaired mobility following disease, illness, injury, or surgery. Physical Therapy clinicians work with individuals of all ages including, but not limited to, those who have suffered stroke, head injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson s disease, amputation, spinal cord injury, knee surgery, or shoulder injury. A PTA earns an associate s degree in applied science, holds a state license to practice and works under the supervision of a PT. PTAs perform the majority of direct patient care visits once the PT has evaluated the patient and established the treatment plan. They are employed in many practice settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, sports medicine clinics, private practice, industry, and school systems. Employment opportunities for PTAs are growing due to the rising costs of healthcare, an increase in the number of elderly, and an increase in the number of sports injuries among adolescents. TCC s PTA program is offered on a full-time basis during daytime hours, and it is five semesters in length. The first semester is a prerequisite, preadmission semester consisting entirely of general education courses and is taken before admission into the program. There are two additional general education classes that can be taken in the normal curricular sequence or they can be taken prior to admission. Applicants are awarded points based on the grades they receive in all general education classes, the number of observation hours they complete, and recommendations. Candidates with the highest number of points are accepted into the technical portion of the program. Since positions in the program are limited, it is recommended that applicants apply early, complete all prerequisite, preadmission general education classes, consider taking the two additional general education classes not listed in semester one and complete the maximum number of observation hours. Applicants planning to transfer general education classes from other institutions should have official transcripts sent directly to: Office of the College Registrar, Tidewater Community College, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA Additionally, applicants transferring in general education credits must submit an Evaluation of Previous Educational Experiences form available on-line at This form gives the Office of the College Registrar permission to evaluate your transcripts and award transfer credit. You can verify that TCC has received your transcripts by calling (757) or ing: CentralRecords@tcc.edu. CHESAPEAKE NORFOLK PORTSMOUTH SUFFOLK VIRGINIA BEACH College Crescent Virginia Beach Virginia Telephone: [Type text]

2 The program accepts students into its technical phase once per year every fall semester. Applicants must complete a TCC ( and Health Professions applications ( These are additionally available at TCC Admissions Centers, or by calling the Information Center at (757) The deadline to apply is April 15. Prior to the application deadline date, students are encouraged to contact Gloria Singleton in the Enrollment Services Domicile Office at (757) to verify receipt of your application. Applications will be reviewed during the month of April, and notification letters will be sent via regular mail during the third week in May. Upon notification of acceptance and before beginning the technical phase of the program, accepted students must submit a physical form indicating good general health. A two-step PPD (tuberculin skin test) is required as well as immunization records. All program students must be certified in CPR (either healthcare provider or health care professional level) prior to entering the program and must remain current throughout the program. A one-step PPD (tuberculin skin test) will be required when students begin their second year in the program. Prior to graduation, students must demonstrate computer competence in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and internet/ . Computer skills can be demonstrated through completing ITE Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts, or by calling the Counseling Center at (757) to schedule computer competency exams. It is best to do this early in the program. For information about grants, loans and scholarships, the Financial Aid Office can be reached by calling (757) To inquire about Veterans educational benefits, the Veterans Affairs Office can be reached at (757) Prospective students are encouraged to attend an Open House Information presentation conducted by PTA program faculty for an overview of the admissions process. Due to the large number of applicants and inquiries into the program, individual appointments are not routinely scheduled. PTA Open House Information Session: Third Thursday of every month (none held in December) VB Campus Regional Health Professions Center room posted upon arrival Presentation: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA The contact number is (703) Physical Therapist Assistant 2 July, 2014

3 PLEASE NOTE: Information in this packet is subject to change. Students should check periodically to see if materials have been updated. Prospective students are hereby notified that all medical facilities require criminal and sex offender background checks as well as drug screens prior to being authorized to attend clinical rotations. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the student. Also, please note that there will be a criminal background check for all individuals applying for licensure to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that those with a felony conviction may not be issued a license. Each case is handled on an individual basis and the decision to allow licensure is made by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. Prospective students with concerns should call the Board at (804) Tidewater Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs or activities. Once again, thank you for your interest in our program. Please contact me with any further questions at (757) or at the address listed below. Sincerely, Melanie C. Basinger, PT, DPT, MS Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director mbasinger@tcc.edu Physical Therapist Assistant 3 July, 2014

4 WHAT ARE THE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO TCC S PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM? Pre-requisite, preadmission coursework BIO 141 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I)¹ ENG 111 (College Composition I) 2 HLT 130 (Nutrition and Diet Therapy) PSY 230 (Developmental Psychology) SDV 101 (Orientation to Healthcare) Demonstrate at least MTE 5 (high school algebra) competence 3 Observation hours A minimum of forty (40) hours of documented observation or work hours (20 in each of two different physical therapy practice settings (i.e., outpatient and acute care, skilled nursing facility and outpatient, etc.) under the supervision of a PT or PTA. Recommendations Two recommendation forms from employers, professional associates, PT clinicians, or professors. Additional opportunities to strengthen your application Recommend completion of BIO 142 (Human Anatomy & Physiology II) and Humanities elective. It is not mandatory to take these classes, but if you do you can earn points toward admission. Complete an additional 160 observation hours for a total of two hundred (200) 2014 applicants did not have enough points to earn a seat without completing the maximum 200 observation hours and all general education requirements prior to admission. 1. BIO 141 may require that you first take NAS 2 (Foundations of Life Sciences) if you have never taken, or have not recently taken high school or college biology. 2. ENG 111 may require that you first take an English placement test to verify your reading and writing skills. 3. In the event you are admitted into the program, PTH 121 requires you to demonstrate math competence at the MTE 5 level (high school algebra). This may require that you take a math placement test and complete developmental coursework. If you are unsure about which courses you need to complete, speak to the Counseling Center by calling (757) Physical Therapist Assistant 4 July, 2014

5 PTA Program Points Overview Applications will be reviewed for the prerequisite, preadmission courses, the recommended optional courses, hours, and recommendations. Points will be awarded in the following manner: Courses: Prerequisite "A" pts "B" pts "C" pts BIO 141 (must be no more than 5 years old) ENG 111 (can use ENG 112 if grade is higher) HLT 130 (can use an alternate nutrition class) PSY 230 (can use PSY 215, PSY 231, or PSY 235) SDV 101 (must be orientation to healthcare) Total Points Courses: Optional BIO 142 (does not have a time limit) HUM EEEE (LIT, SPA, HUM, ART, REL, PHI, etc) Total Points The optional classes are strongly recommended prior to admission because applicants receive points for all general education courses (prerequisite and optional). About 50% of applicants enter the program with BS/BA or MS/MA degrees so many of them have completed all possible general education classes. Applicants without BS/BA or MS/MA degrees can make themselves as competitive by completing all general education coursework. This will, however, affect your full-time status (must be enrolled in 12 or more credits) during your final semester of physical therapy coursework. Please note: Points listed above are for the grade you earn the first time taking a class. In the event that you take a class and receive a grade of C, D or F on your first attempt, you will receive ½ of the points for the grade you earn on the second attempt. Ex: Receive F in BIO 141 during Fall 2014, retake and earn A in Spring 2015 you will receive ½ of 30 pts = 15 pts. No points are earned for applicants requiring 3 or more attempts to pass a course. Hours: Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours (20 in each of 2 different settings - 20 in outpatient and 20 in home health). Applicants can complete an additional 160 hours and earn up to 200 hours toward admission you earn 1 pt for every 10 hours earned. Applicants earning the minimum of 40 hours earn 4 points. Applicants earning the maximum of 200 hours earn 20 points. Recommendations: Submit no more than two (2) recommendations from employers, professional associates, PT clinicians, or professors. Excellent = 5 points. Good = 2 points. Average = 0 points. Bottom Line: 1. Academic Points: 100 possible 2. Hours Points: 20 possible 3. Recommendation Points: 10 possible Total possible Points: 130 possible The top point earners are accepted into the program each year. The next ten qualified applicants will make up the waiting list and placed in the order of points earned. The date stamped on the student s application will decide all point ties. If a student is not accepted into the program and is interested in admission for a subsequent year; he/she must submit a new Health Professions application. Applicants will not be considered without an updated application. Physical Therapist Assistant 5 July, 2014

6 ADMISSION PRIORITIES Due to the large number of applicants and limited enrollment, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program strictly follows the admission priorities established by the College: When enrollments must be limited for any curriculum or course, priority shall be given to all qualified applicants who are residents of the political subdivisions* supporting the college and to Virginia residents not having access to a given program at their local community college, provided such applicants apply for admission to the program prior to registration or by a deadline established by the college. In addition, residents of localities with which the college has clinical-site or other agreements may receive equal consideration for admission. The priority list is as follows: (1) residents of the political subdivisions supporting the College, (2) other Virginia residents, (3) out-of-state residents, and (4) foreign students. * Pol itical subdivisions include: Virginia Beach Portsmouth Chesapeake Norfolk Franklin City Isle of Wight County Suffolk City Southampton County Hampton Newport News Poquoson Williamsburg James City County York County Emporia City South Boston City (partial) Brunswick County Buckingham County (partial) Charlotte County Cumberland County Greensville County Halifax County (partial) Lunenburg County Mecklenburg County Nottoway County Prince Edward County NOTE: Applicants to all Health Professions programs must be categorized in priority jurisdictions by the program application deadline date. Physical Therapist Assistant 6 July, 2014

7 PTA PROGRAM TECHNICAL STANDARDS To ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Tidewater Community College has established qualifications, which must be met by the students admitted or enrolled in the program. These qualifications include: Satisfactory verbal, reading, and written skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English. Sufficient eyesight to read paper or computer generated medical records; read instrument panels; apply therapeutic modalities such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation; monitor patients for adverse reactions to treatment; adjust assistive devices; and make visual observations regarding posture and functional abilities (bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation). Sufficient hearing to communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team, monitor patients by hearing instrument signals and alarms. Sufficient smell to assess patient status and maintain a safe practice environment. Sufficient fine touch discrimination to palpate pathologic changes in soft tissue. Sufficient fine and gross motor coordination to manipulate/operate equipment controls and to perform manual treatment/assessment techniques including, but not limited to, massage; ultrasound; electrical stimulation; stretching; neuromuscular re-education; goniometry; and manual muscle testing. Satisfactory physical strength to transport, move or lift patients requiring all levels of assistance and to perform prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Satisfactory intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal skills to ensure patient safety; exercise independent judgment and discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities, and interact with patients, families, and other health care workers. Physical Therapist Assistant 7 July, 2014

8 APPLICATION CHECKLIST The following steps must be completed by April 15 to be eligible for fall admission: 1. Submit a TCC Application, online at or via regular mail to the Admissions Center (Virginia Beach Campus), Princess Anne Building, Room A-111, Tidewater Community College, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA Complete a Health Professions Program Application indicating Physical Therapist Assistant as your program choice. Submit the application to Gloria Singleton, Enrollment Services Domicile Office, Princess Anne Building, Room A-100A, Tidewater Community College, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA If you would like to receive transfer credit for general education coursework from previous colleges, you must contact the Registrar at each college and have them send official transcripts directly to: Tidewater Community College, Office of the College Registrar, PO Box 9000, Norfolk, VA Complete the on-line Request for Evaluation of Previous Higher Educational Experiences Form if you plan to transfer credit, This form must be received by the Office of the College Registrar in order to evaluate your transcripts. Verify receipt of all transcripts by calling (757) If you have not yet successfully completed a college-level English or Math class, you will need to take placement tests. These tests determine the appropriate English and Math developmental classes a student must take before enrolling in ENG 111 and PTH 121 respectively. Contact the Counseling Center at (757) regarding your need to take these tests, and for the dates and times these are given. 6. If you have never taken or have not recently taken high school or college biology (BIO 1, BIO 100, or BIO 101), you may be required to take NAS 2 as a refresher course prior to enrolling in BIO 141. Call the Counseling Center at (757) for more information. 7. Contact the Counseling Center at (757) to schedule computer competency testing, or plan to enroll in ITE 115 to satisfy computer competency requirements before graduation. 8. Minimum completion of forty (40) hours of documented observation or work hours (20 in each of two different physical therapy practice settings (i.e., outpatient and acute care, skilled nursing facility and outpatient, etc.) under the supervision of a PT or PTA. 9. Two recommendations from employers, professional associates, clinicians, or professors. 10. Complete all prerequisite, preadmission coursework. 11. Recommend completion of BIO 142 and HUM EEE. Physical Therapist Assistant 8 July, 2014

9 Physical Therapist Assistant (180) Associate of Applied Science Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant Pre-Admission Semester (prerequisite courses) Prerequisites Course No Course Title NAS 2 1 BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits When Taken Grade 4 ( ) Placement test ENG 111 College Composition I 1 PSY 230 Developmental Psychology SDV 101 Orientation to Health Care HLT 130 Nutrition and Diet Therapy Semester Total 3 ( ) 3 ( ) 1 ( ) 1 ( ) 12 SEMESTER 1 - FALL (start of technical program) Prerequisites Course No Course Title Credits When Taken Grade BIO 141 BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 ( ) PTH 105 Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting 3 ( ), PTH 121 Therapeutic Procedures I 1 5 ( ) MTE 5 PTH 151 Musculoskeletal Structure and Function 5 ( ) SEMESTER 2 - SPRING Semester Total 17 Prerequisites Course No Course Title Credits When Taken Grade PTH 110 Medical Reporting 1 ( ) PTH 115 Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant 4 ( ) PTH 122 Therapeutic Procedures II 5 ( ) PTH 131 Clinical Education 2 ( ) Semester Total 12 Physical Therapist Assistant 9 July, 2014

10 SEMESTER 3 FALL Prerequisites Course No Course Title Credits When Taken Grade PTH 227 Pathological Conditions 3 ( ) PTH 210 Psychological Aspects of Therapy 2 ( ) PTH 226 Therapeutic Exercise 4 ( ) PTH 251 Clinical Practicum I 3 ( ) SEMESTER 4 - SPRING Semester Total 12 Prerequisites Course No Course Title Credits When Taken Grade HUM EEE Humanities Elective 2 3 ( ) PTH 225 Rehabilitation Procedures 5 ( ) PTH 252 Clinical Practicum II 4 ( ) PTH 255 Seminar in Physical Therapy 2 ( ) Semester Total 14 Total Program Credits Placement test or prerequisite required. Eligible courses are listed on 40 of the catalog. See your academic advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s). NOTES: Program requirements may change in accordance with federal, state, or industry standards. Call (757) or (757) for the most current information. In order to graduate with the associate s degree, you must meet the college s computer competency requirement see page 37 of the catalog, or consult your academic advisor or counselor to determine how to satisfy this requirement. Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate Degree. Physical Therapist Assistant 10 July, 2014

11 PTA PROGRAM: PREADMISSION CLINICAL EXPERIENCE FORM Each student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation or work hours under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant before he or she will be considered for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program; 20 in each of two (2) different physical therapy practice settings (i.e., outpatient and acute care, skilled nursing facility and outpatient, etc.) A minimum of 40 hours is required although a maximum of 200 hours may be applied towards admission Please remember that the physical therapy clinician s first responsibility is to the patients, therefore, there may be some delay in scheduling your hours. You should begin contacting clinics as soon as possible to avoid problems in completing the required number of hours. Some clinics may have a requirement for a minimum number of volunteer hours that may be greater than admissions requirements. You will need to abide by the facility s policies for minimum hours, even though this program only requires 20 hours in any single practice setting. A copy of this form must be completed for each clinic you visit, including the signature of the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant who supervised the visit(s), and be submitted with your application before your application will be considered for admission. STUDENT NAME (please print): NAME and ADDRESS OF PT CLINIC: CLINIC PHONE NUMBER: TYPE OF PT SETTING: NAME OF SUERPVISING PT CLINICIAN: TOTAL HOURS OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE: PT/PTA COMMENTS (optional): Student Signature and Date PT Clinician signature and Date Physical Therapist Assistant 11 July, 2014

12 PTA APPLICANT RECOMMENDATION FORM Student Name: Student Address: The above student has applied for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Please assist us in making our student selections by providing the following information. Thank you for your time. Assessment Area Excellent Good Average Below average Communication skills Attention to detail Initiative Flexibility Ability to work as a team member Timeliness Attitude Willingness to learn Appearance Overall Rating (please circle one) Excellent Good Average Below Average How long have you known applicant? In what capacity? Evaluator s Name: Please print Signature Evaluator s Clinic/Business Name and Address: Phone Number: Please place in a sealed envelope, sign across the seal, and return to applicant. Physical Therapist Assistant 12 July, 2014