Phys Therapist Assistant

The American Physical Therapy Association defines Physical Therapy as the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of physical disability and pain resulting from injury, disease, disability, or other health-related conditions.

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is an integral part of the health care team. The duties of a physical therapist assistant include assisting in the implementation of treatment programs in accordance with the plan of care established by the physical therapist. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy services. Services may include use of physical agents such as therapeutic heat and cold, electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound; application and instruction of therapeutic exercise techniques; functional mobility training; and data collection skills to monitor strength, range of motion, sensation, and reflexes.

The practice of physical therapy offers opportunities to provide valuable health care service to patients or clients of all ages. The PTA program curriculum is designed in accordance with recommendations of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Model Curriculum for PTA Education (Version 2007), and Minimum Required Skills of the PTA graduate. The program meets the required Standards and Elements as established by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program has been accredited by CAPTE since 1996.

The integrated two-year curriculum consists of a balance of liberal studies, science and technical courses. Within the curriculum, three clinical education courses are completed. The clinical education courses provide an opportunity for students to transition from the classroom/lab setting into the clinical environment. Students continue the learning process in various clinical settings under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist assistant and/or physical therapist.

The clinical education component of the curriculum requires a total of approximately 640 clinical hours. Clinical sites utilized for clinical education are available throughout the United States with the majority of sites in the tristate region. A significant number of clinical facilities within Erie County have committed their support to the program. Clinical sites available represent a wide variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, nursing homes, sports medicine clinics and pediatric settings. In order to participate in the clinical education courses, students must submit various required health records and clearances during the summer term between years one and two. Requirements include: a recent physical exam (within one year), appropriate immunizations/vaccinations (including COVID-19), recent two-step TB test, current American Heart Association CPR certification, completion of a federal and state criminal record check, child abuse clearance, and alcohol and drug screening. All documentation will be submitted through Certiphi. Some clinical facilities have additional requirements. All expenses related to fulfilling clinical documentation/ clearance requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Requirements for admission include a high school diploma or GED with a preferred GPA of 2.5 (C+ average), and completion of high school algebra, biology and chemistry with a C or better in each course. Applicants may be asked to take a placement test if direct entry into the program is in question. Applicants are also required to complete 20 hours (total) of documented work or volunteer experience in two different physical therapy settings under the supervision of a licensed PT or PTA. The hours may be completed after acceptance to the program, but prior to the start of fall semester.

Program Goals

• Graduates will be prepared for entry-level practice as a physical therapist assistant within the guidelines set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association and within the scope of practice established by the State Boards of Physical Therapy.
• Graduates will be adequately prepared to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Graduates will perform as safe and effective physical therapist assistants in a physical therapy setting.