The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22035-3085
telephone: 800-999-2782
e-mail: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org

(69 Semester Credit Hours)

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant, a graduate will be able to:

• Communicate an understanding of treatment goals and intended outcomes as developed by the physical therapist.
• Implement selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
• Communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner.
• Recognize individual and cultural differences and respond appropriately in all aspects of physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate conduct that reflects a commitment to meet the expectations of members of society and members of the physical therapy profession.
• Perform components of data collection skills essential for implementing the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
• Modify interventions within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist in response to the patient's clinical indications and report the modifications to the supervising physical therapist.
• Report any changes in the patient's status to the supervising physical therapist.
• Recognize when an intervention within the plan of care developed by the physical therapist should not be provided due to changes in the patient's status and report this to the supervising physical therapist.
• Recognize when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for a physical therapist assistant and initiates clarification with the supervising physical therapist.
• Provide instruction to patients and caregivers in order to achieve outcomes based on the plan of care developed by the supervising physical therapist.
• Complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, legible documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies.
• Participate in discharge planning and follow-up under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
• Provide instruction to other members of the health care team under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
• Educate others about the role of the physical therapist assistant.
• Participate in the administration, organizational planning, and operation of physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of the patients and consumers.
• Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Recognize the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students.