Housatonic Community College

(2009-2010 Catalog)Course Selection Guide for this program

Physical Therapist Assistant: Parent Program (code: EA79)      

Associate in Science Degree

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is designed to prepare graduates for employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, schools, and home care agencies. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide a variety of skilled physical therapy treatment to patients following a care plan designed by the Physical Therapist (PT) and under the supervision and direction of a PT. Upon program completion, students are eligible for licensure.

The program is offered through a collaborative agreement between HCC and Naugatuck Valley Community College. The two-year course of study begins in January and includes 67-68 credits. The PTA core courses are taken at Naugatuck Valley Community College during the day. All other courses are taken at HCC.

The curriculum combines general college courses in the humanities and sciences with clinical skill courses and clinical internship. Hospitals, out-patient departments, geriatric, and general facilities provide the environment where students practice techniques under the supervision of experienced clinicians.

Outcomes

• Recognize the role and scope of the field of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants including ethical and legal boundaries;
• Communicate appropriately and respectfully with, and educate, patients, personnel, and others;
• Demonstrate required knowledge and skills for observation, data collection, and clinical problem-solving;
• Provide, adjust, and document treatments/interventions according to an established plan of care under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe and competent manner;
• Participate in planning, supervising, and other departmental, administrative activities as appropriate to the role of the PTA;
• Demonstrate a commitment to the public welfare through self-evaluation, lifelong learning, and advocacy for self and others.

Special Admissions

Students who wish to be considered for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program must present credentials matching the following guidelines: All students must take placement tests in English, mathematics, and reading and place above the developmental level prior to enrolling in PT 125.

Students applying from high school must submit a high school transcript (or G.E.D.) including one year each of biology and chemistry and two years of algebra with grades of "C" or better within the last five years (equivalent courses taken in college would be acceptable substitutes). Students applying can meet admission requirements with college courses. Attendance at a Program Information Session is required during the calendar year prior to admission. Application deadline is October 15th of each year.

Admission to the program is selective and completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Criteria such as completion of related non-PTA courses, date of application, and date of completion of minimum requirements may be used in the decision process.

Special Requirements

Students are required to obtain a grade of "C" or higher in science and PTA courses for progression in the program. Students are also required to purchase appropriate clinic attire, and to provide their own transportation to and from all clinical assignments. In addition to having a physical examination, CPR certification, Hepatitis B immunization and drug screening may also be required of students prior to entering clinical training. Students should note that internship experiences constitute academic courses, therefore tuition and fees are applied.

The program is accredited by: The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.

NOTE: Clinical internship experiences are scheduled at affiliated clinics throughout the state. Students are not routinely placed out-of-state.

HCC Liaison, Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
Kathy Cercone, PT, PhD
(203) 332-5177
kcercone@hcc.commnet.edu.

Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
Cindy Lacouture, PT, MA
Ekstrom Hall # 630
Naugatuck Valley Community College
750 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06708
(203) 596-2168
clacouture@nvcc.commnet.edu.

Suggested Sequence of Courses:
Prerequisite or parallel courses may be required. Please check individual course descriptions for details.