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THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Faculty Resources: Nancy Greenawald, Nancy.Greenawald@montgomerycollege.edu
Program Coordinator
Office Location: Health Science Center 7977 Georgia Avenue Room 238 2nd.
Floor - Takoma
Park Campus
Counseling Office Location: Student
Services Building, Takoma Park Campus
Counselor: (240) 567-1480
I. General Description of the Career
Field
Physical Therapy is the assessment,
evaluation, treatment and prevention of disability, pain, or
movement dysfunction resulting from injury, disease, or disability.
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
may practice limited physical therapy under the supervision of a
physical therapist. Job settings include, hospitals, private
practice settings, rehabilitation facilities, extended care
facilities, pediatric centers, home care, and specialty clinics
(sports medicine, orthopedic etc.) PTA's have opportunities to
practice as part of a team of health care providers and their scope
of care allows for interactions with patients as well as
sophisticated equipment.
A broad and detailed knowledge of
anatomy, a thorough working knowledge of principles of exercise and
therapeutic techniques, and a mastery of patient care procedures
involved in the handling of the sick and injured are all necessary
accomplishments for the competent PTA. Good health, emotional
stability, accuracy, and the ability to get along with people are
essential. Since PTA's frequently work with seriously ill or injured
patients, they should be endowed with a good measure of empathy and
compassion.
II. Description of Academic Programs
Leading to a Career in PTA
PTA's may be prepared in Associate
Degree programs. An Associate of Applied Science Degree program can
be completed as a full-time student in two years or can be taken on
a part-time basis for general education requirements. Graduates from
an Accredited PTA program are eligible to take the National Physical
Therapy Licensing Examination which is required to practice in
Maryland.
While some PTA's may choose to
continue their education and become physical therapy students, it is
important for the PTA student to understand that the technical
courses offered in the PTA program do not necessarily transfer for
credit in PT programs.
As part of the educational process,
students learn and develop skills in the academic setting and in
various clinical settings during the program. Clinical education
allows the student to enhance new skills by practicing under the
instruction and supervision of a physical therapist.
III. Entry Level Position Title with
Salary
An entry-level position in the
hospital setting for a licensed PTA with no prior work experience in
the Washington Metro area has been estimated at approximately
$30,000 per year.
IV. Employment Outlook
Demand for physical therapist
assistants will continue. Those requiring physical therapy services
will continue and possibly grow, due in part, to the growing elderly
population and baby-boom generation.
V. Application Procedure for Montgomery
College Curriculum
Application to Montgomery College is
open to all; however, there is a separate admission procedure for
the Medical/Health Technologies programs. Please refer to the
Admissions section of your catalog for admission procedures. * (New
admission criteria is being considered.)
VI. Accreditation
The college has received
accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical
Therapy Education (CAPTE).
VII Health Examinations
After admission into the program
students must receive a complete physical examination by a
physician. Results of this examination must be in the PTA department
records prior to the students’ attending the first PTA course.
Physical examination includes complete blood work, urinalysis, TB (Mantoux)
test or X-Ray, and immunizations. The Hepatitis-B vacine is strongly
recommended.
VIII. Health and Accident Insurance
Students are financially responsible
for their own health care. This includes illness or accidents which
occur during school hours or on clinical affiliations. It is
advisable to get health coverage if you are not covered by any plan.
IX. Professional Liability (Malpractice)
Insurance
Students are covered by liability
insurance through Montgomery College at no cost during clinical
hours associated with the program. Additional liability insurance is
available commercially, should this be desired.
X. Transportation
Students are responsible for
providing their own transportation to and from school as well as the
clinical affiliation sites.
XI. Financial Considerations
Due to the Medical nature of the
program, expenses can run quite high. Special Considerations of
expenses include: Tuition, text books and lab materials, uniforms,
transportation, health examinations, immunizations, and Hepatitis-B
vaccinations.
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