Physical Therapist Assistant: A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science

CIP CODE: 51.0806

​HEGIS CODE: 5219.00

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Program Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.) program at SUNY Broome Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the national licensing examination and enter the workforce as competent entry-level clinicians.

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you will work under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist in various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home care, subacute rehabilitation centers, school districts, and private practices.

At SUNY Broome, your coursework will provide a strong foundation in both the theoretical and technical skills necessary to deliver high-quality therapeutic interventions for patients with orthopedic, neurological, arthritic, cardiopulmonary, vascular, and integumentary conditions across the lifespan. You will gain hands-on experience through classroom simulations and lab work, followed by real-life clinical internships that will deepen your practical expertise.

This dynamic career offers diverse opportunities for advanced proficiency in areas such as acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and wound management. You will have the flexibility to tailor your career path according to your interests and professional goals.

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 (800) 999-2782
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Web: www.capteonline.org

Program Contact

Julianne Martin, Program Director and Department Chairperson
Office: Decker Health Science Center, Room 217C
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5329
E-mail: martinje@sunybroome.edu

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Admission to this program is through the competitive admissions process. Information about the requirements for admission and the competitive admissions process may be found on the Admission for Competitive Health Sciences Programs webpage. Questions may be directed to the Admissions Office at 607-778-5001 or via email at admissions@sunybroome.edu.