Class of 2007



ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE
IN
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) are educated, skilled health care workers who work under the supervision of a physical therapist (PT). PTA’s assist in implementing physical therapy interventions in accordance with an established plan of care.

Physical therapist assistants perform various treatment procedures as delegated by a physical therapist. Treatments may involve the therapeutic use of water, massage, ultrasound, and the thermal properties of light and electricity to promote healing and relieve pain. The assistant also implements exercise programs designed for the restoration of strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation, and range of motion.

The program is designed to facilitate problem solving, critical thinking, group interaction and improved self-assessment skills.

Employment Opportunities

Home health
Rehabilitation hospitals
Nursing homes
Acute care hospitals
Skilled nursing units
Outpatient departments
Private practice oiffices
School systems

Program Description

The program is designed in a 1 + 1 curricular format. The first year’s is general prerequisite courses total 32 credit hours, focusing on General Studies. Students receive foundational courses of Functional Human Anatomy and Kinesiology.

Through selective admissions, students enter the second year of the program. This year consists of Physical Therapist Assistant technical education courses. Courses include a comprehensive curriculum approach to Adult, Orthopedic, Pediatric and Spinal Cord Rehabilitation.

The student will participate in 720 hours of full-time clinical education. The costs of clinical education (travel, housing, incidentals) are the responsibility of the student.

For more information contact:

Travis H. Carlton, PTA, MS
Room 208 Cabell Hall
Phone (304) 696-3008 or 696-3353
E-mail carltont@marshall.edu