Austin Community College

FY 2002 Degree Plan

Physical therapist assistants perform physical therapy treatments and other duties under the supervision of a physical therapist. These may include teaching patients to walk again, helping them to learn to use an artificial limb, and helping them to learn to coordinate movement. They observe patients during treatment to gather information on their responses and progress and to report findings to the physical therapist, either orally or in writing. They also instruct patients in the use and care of artificial limbs, braces, and other devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Heat, cold, ultrasound, electricity and massage may also be administered as part of the physical therapy program. Physical therapy personnel are needed in hospitals of all types, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Clinics and community health agencies also offer employment opportunities. Texas requires that a licensure exam be successfully completed after graduation in order to practice as a PTA in this state. Upon applying to take the licensing examination, the student will have to answer questions about his/her drug, alcohol, psychiatric, and/or conviction history for determination of eligibility to take the national licensing exam. ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE PTA PROGRAM. Each applicant to the PTA program must complete a minimum of sixty (60) hours as a volunteer/aide in two (2) different physical therapy facilities. This Program is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488; (703) 706-3245. Admission criteria may be obtained from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Office or by visiting the program web site at http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/pta. Students accepted into the program are required to have a physical examination, provide documentation of immunizations, and verify annual tuberculosis status.

Prerequisites

	ENGL	1301	1,3,4,5	English Composition I	3
	PSYC	2301	1,3,4,5	Introduction to Psychology	3
	BIO	1714	1,3,4,5	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
	MATH	1333	1,3,4,5	Mathematics for Measurement	3
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Fall Semester

	BIO	1724	1,3,4,5	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
	PTHA	1409	1,3,4,5	Introduction to Physical Therapy	4
	PTHA	1513	1,3,4,5	Functional Anatomy	5
	HPRS	1106	1,3,4,5	Medical Terms PCM	1
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Spring Semester

	SPCH		1,3,4,5	Oral Communication1	3
	PTHA	1321	1,3,4,5	Clinical Pathophysiology	3
	PTHA	2409	1,3,4,5	Therapeutic Exercise	4
	PTHA	2301	1,3,4,5	Assessment Skills	3
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Summer Semester

	PTHA	2205	1,3,4,5	Neurology	2
	PTHA	1431	1,3,4,5	Physical Agents	4
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Fall Semester

	PSYC	2314	1,3,4,5	Human Growth and Development	3
	HPRS	2233	1,3,4,5	Consumer Orientated Health Delivery Systems	2
	PTHA	2435	1,3,4,5	Rehabilitation Techniques	4
	PTHA	1266	1,3,4,5	Practicum--PTA	2
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Spring Semester

	HUMA		1,3,4,5	Arts/Humanities2	3
	PTHA	2431	1,3,4,5	Management of Neurological Disorders	4
	PTHA	1267	1,3,4,5	Practicum--PTA	2
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Summer Semester

	PTHA	1291	1,3,4,5	Special Topics in PTA: Current Issues in PTA	2
	PTHA	2367	1,3,4,5	Practicum--PTA	3
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				TOTALS	------- 71

¹ Please select from the Oral Communication section of the General Education Course list.
² Please select from the Humanities/Fine Arts section of the General Education Course list, with PTA Program Coordinator approval.