Physical Therapist Assistant - Radford University Carilion Campus

Program Director

Rebecca Duff, D.H.Sc
Assistant Professor
540- 985-8246 (Office)
rduff2@radford.edu

Mission

The mission of the program is to provide a curriculum which meets the needs of its students and employers in its service area through quality didactic coursework and clinical education experiences that are reflective of contemporary physical therapy practice. The program is committed to preparing competent, ethical and knowledgeable graduates who are life-long learners.

Goals/Outcomes

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to

Begin work as an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant,
Display ethical and professional behavior and awareness in patient care,
Collect data on patients through interviews, observations, screenings, and the administration of prescribed tests and assessments within the scope of work of the Physical Therapist Assistant,
Provide physical therapy services as specified in the plan of care prescribed by the Physical Therapist, including modifying treatment techniques as indicated with the plan of care and within the parameters of state law and the scope of work of the Physical Therapist Assistant,
Perform in a safe and effective manner within the scope of work of the Physical Therapist Assistant,
Appropriately interact with patients and families,
Understand basic principles and levels of authority and responsibility as it relates to functioning as an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant,
Appreciate the responsibility for continued personal and professional growth and a desire for life-long learning, and
Demonstrate appropriate and effective, written, oral and non-verbal communications.

Program-specific Competencies

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) curriculum includes, or its prerequisites include elements of general education, including biological, physical, physiological, and anatomical principles, and applied physical therapy science. The course work is designed to prepare the student to think independently, to clarify values, to understand fundamental theory, and to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

The technical education component of the curriculum includes learning experiences to prepare the entry-level physical therapist assistant to work under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.

The clinical education component of the comprehensive curriculum includes organized and sequential experiences coordinated with the didactic component of the curriculum. Clinical education includes integrated experiences and full-time terminal experiences.

Background

The PTA is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist in provision of physical therapy interventions to patients ranging from infants to the elderly. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of a PT, helping in rehabilitation of conditions such as back & neck injuries, sprains/strains & fractures, arthritis, burns, stroke, spinal cord injury, birth defects, issues with chronic diseases, on-the-job and sports related injuries. PTAs can work in a broad range of settings, including the following:

Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Rehabilitation facilities
Skilled care facilities
Home health
Schools

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Overall employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 30 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an ageing population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

PTA graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam in order to become licensed to practice in any state. Each state determines additional licensing requirements.

Admissions Requirements

University Admission Requirements
Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher.
Fully complete Physical Therapist Assistant Application Packet and submit to the admissions department at Radford University Carilion. This packet must be TYPED, no handwritten packets will be accepted.
In addition submit:
At least one, and up to three letters of recommendation (make sure to also complete the required area in the packet)
An updated resume
A personal statement
January 15, 2019 at 4:00 pm: Deadline for all application materials to be submitted to admissions department. No application materials will be accepted after this deadline.
Early February 2019: Top candidates will be invited to campus for a MANDATORY on-site interview and essay.
March-April 2019: Final admission decisions made based on initial application materials and on-site interview and essay.

Program Requirements

Students must complete health forms, obtain basic CPR certification, and undergo background checks and drug screens prior to performing clinical rotations.

Students are required to obtain 15 points in professional development activities during the course of the program. Activities must be pre-approved by a core faculty member. Activities must include at least one community service activity.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to obtain 15 professional development points as part of graduation requirements. Students must pass all professional courses with a C or better and complete all clinical hours and pass all clinical performance evaluations.

Advising Tips

Rigor, intensity, and pace increases as the program progresses. Time is required outside of class for studying, practicing skills, completing classroom and group assignments.
Students should seek assistance as soon as they are struggling. Program courses are sequential and not offered in subsequent semesters, so failing a course mean being placed on probation and returning the next year.
Plan on being on campus for classes 3-4 days a week.
Attendance is important and required, with grade penalties for accumulated absences.
Practical Examinations are utilized throughout the curriculum to assess the student’s comprehension of theory and application of skills.
Must have reliable transportation for clinical experiences.
Students cannot just depend on rote memorization. Written examinations and clinical experiences require students to apply the information and skills they have learned to various scenarios and care settings, which requires students to have a higher level of understanding of the material.

Academic Programs

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. - Radford University Carilion Campus