Physical Therapist Assistant: A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science

CIP Code: 51.0806

---

Mission

The purpose of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Broome Community College is to educate individuals to function in the role of Physical Therapist Assistant as defined by the State of New York and according to the guidelines of the American Physical Therapy Association. Critical thinking, problem solving, diversity, lifelong learning and community responsibility are the program cornerstones. Serving the PT profession is the foundation.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Communication: Utilize proper verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
2. Cultural competency: Adjust behavior appropriately out of respect for individual and cultural differences with each patient/client and health care provider in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
3. Professional behavior: Display professional and ethical behavior.
4. Plan of care/intervention: 1). Provide basic, safe, patient care and comfort; 2). Integrate knowledge and skills gained in biology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology, physics, pathology, and pathophysiology and apply them to PT interventions; 3). Perform Physical Therapy Interventions and data collection, with excellence, according to the Scope of practice of the Physical Therapist Assistant, as directed in the plan of care, under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
5. Education: Demonstrate teaching and learning in physical therapy practice.
6. Administration: Participate in administration activities including: professional interaction with the health care team members; provision of accurate and timely documentation for billing and reimbursement; participate in quality assurance activities; and discuss organizational planning and operation of the PT department.
7. Social responsibility: Discuss the Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care.
8. Career development: Recognize that life-long learning is a continuum and identify life-long learning opportunities.
9. Outcome measurement: Through observation, data collection, communication and problem solving, participate in determining patient/client progress toward a specific outcome as established in the plan of care by the Physical Therapist.
10. Critical thinking/problem solving: Select appropriate patient/client interventions within the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist.

Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Phone: +1 (703) 706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Web: www.capteonline.org

Program Supervisor

Denise M. Abrams, PT, DPT, MA, Chairperson
Office: Decker Health Science Center, Room 217
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5261
E-mail: abramsdm@sunybroome.edu

---

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled health practitioner who works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. Treatments provided by the PTA include exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; the use of heat, cold, electricity, sound and water to relieve pain and stimulate muscle activity; instruction in activities of daily living and the use of assistive devices such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. Work settings include hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at SUNY Broome is not designed as a transfer program to an upper division Physical Therapy Program.

Clinical Education is a necessary component of the program. Clinical Education may be some distance from their home, and students are responsible for their own housing and transportation. It may not be possible for students to pursue this program on a part-time basis.

Sequence of Courses

The following coursework must be successfully completed to earn the A.A.S. degree in Physical Therapist Assistant: (note: courses are sequential and have prerequisites.)