Rehabilitation Sciences

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING

Thank you for your interest in the University of Cincinnati's Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA) Program. Physical Therapist Assisting offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the quality of people's lives. Physical therapist assisting requires a personal and direct approach to meeting an individual's health needs. Physical therapist assisting is an exciting and challenging career. The services of physical therapist assistants are utilized throughout the country in a variety of settings.

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses.

The faculty and staff of the PTA Program at the College of Allied Health Sciences will be happy to answer any questions you may have after you read this brochure.

The full time faculty includes:

Rose Smith, DPT, ATC, SCS - Assistant Professor of Clinical, Program Director
Tina F. Whalen, DPT, MPA, PT - Associate Professor
Dexter Witt, MHS, DPT, OCS - Associate Professor
Rose Smith, DPT, ATC, SCS - Assistant Professor
Asad Dalia, PhD, MD - Assistant Professor

Physical Therapist Assisting Program Information    (Please use Adobe Acrobat reader to view this document)  
Physical Therapist Assisting Program Application    (Please use Microsoft Word to view this document)

Physical Therapist Assisting

Physical Therapist Assisting is a two-year academic and technical program leading to an associate degree from the College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. Students completing the Program are eligible to take an examination for state licensure. The Program is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Admission Procedures for the Freshman Year of the Physical Therapist Assisting Program (Pre-PPTA Major Code):

1. Observation in a physical therapy department is strongly recommended before applying for admission to the Physical Therapist Assisting Program. If you feel that you may want to pursue a career in physical therapy assisting, you should arrange to spend enough time in a physical therapy facility to be sure you have a good idea what physical therapy is and what role the PTA plays in patient care and rehabilitation.
   
    
2. If after visiting a PT department you have additional questions about a physical therapy assisting career, contact the Physical Therapist Assisting Program at the College of Allied Health Sciences and arrange for an appointment (513) 558-7477.
   
    
3. In order to enter the PTA Program's Freshman Year, you must have successfully completed four years of high school English, 2 years of high school social science, three years of high school science, which must include at least 1 year of Chemistry and 1 year of Biology, and two years of college preparatory math. Any exception to this must be approved by the Program Director.
   
    
4. Those students who do not have the needed academic high school background should consult with a College of Allied Health Sciences academic advisor at  (513) 558-8530 to determine needed coursework to formulate a plan or action.
   
    
5. To apply to the University of Cincinnati, write for an admission packet. The address is: Admissions, ML #91, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091 (513) 556-1100. When preparing your application, indicate the Pre-Physical Therapist Assisting Program (PPTA) as major and vocational choices. [If you do not have the requirements for the regular two-year program, please consult with a College of Allied Health Sciences academic advisor]. Sign up for a College of Allied Health Sciences Associate's Degree. Admissions processing takes 3 to 6 weeks. Decisions about advanced placement are made by the College of Allied Health Sciences' academic advisors. The phone number to reach the advisors is 558-8530. Questions concerning transfer credits should also be directed to the academic advisors.
   
    
6. If you will be needing financial assistance, request the appropriate forms at the same time you apply for admission and then submit them to the agencies indicated.
   
    
7. Consulting with a College of Allied Health Sciences academic advisor is strongly recommended for all applicants. The advising phone numbers are (513) 558-8530.

Physical Therapist Assisting Program

Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Physical Therapist Assisting is a two-year associate degree program designed to give instruction in the various laboratory experiences and techniques essential for performing physical therapy under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. To be admitted to the Freshman Year (PPTA), the student must meet specific requirements in math, science, English and social science. Entrance into the Sophomore year (PTA) is determined by an aptitude and interest in physical therapist assisting and academic performance. Applications for admittance to the Sophomore year should be made by the end of Winter Quarter; selection will be completed by June. Sophomore class size may vary and is limited to approximately 18 to 20 students.

Eligibility: Special Requirements for Admission
 

1. Entering Freshmen
   1. Science units: three (3) years of high school science (to include 1 year of high school chemistry and 1 year of high school biology).
   2. Math units: minimum of two (2) years of college preparatory math.
   3. English units: four (4) years of English.
   4. Social Science units: two (2) years of Social Science.
   5. Upon approval of Program Coordinator, student may substitute relevant professional experience for the above requirements.
   
   Special Note: The only exceptions to the above requirements will be made by the Program Director. Freshmen who do not meet the normal requirements may appeal to the Physical Therapist Assisting Program by attaching an appeal letter to the Program application when applying for admission.
   
    
2. Transfer Students
   1. Above requirements along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all college work completed.
   2. A candidate for admission as a transfer student should be guided by requirements for entering Freshmen and the appropriate associated policies of the College of Allied Health Sciences. Transfer students lacking any of the high school academic requirements should consult with a College of Allied Health Sciences academic advisor regarding transfer issues in order to avoid any misunderstanding regarding these matters.
   
   
    
3. Transfer from the Preparatory Year: Health/Science Careers (PSCI). Students must have the PTA Program Coordinator's approval to enter the PPTA. Approval is dependent upon the student meeting the following requirements:
   1. At least a 2.5 GPA in all PSCI.
   2. Completion of Intro to Chemistry and Introduction to Biology sequences.
   3. Completion of math requirements up to and including Intermediate Algebra.
   4. Completion of all Prep English, Effective Reading, and/or Developmental Writing courses or successful completion of the University Freshman English Placement test.
   5. Completion of Introduction to Health/Science Careers with a C or better.
   6. The completion of Technical reading is strongly advised.
   7. The only exceptions to the above requirements will be made by the Program Director.

*  This is the equivalent of one year's study of Anatomy & Physiology.
+  Health Care Orientation is only offered in the Autumn Quarter and is a prerequisite for Musculoskeletal Anatomy. It is offered to PPTA code majors only.

(a)  C or better in Health Care Orientation.
(b)  C or better in Musculoskeletal Anatomy.
 

#  Summer Term Physical Therapist Assisting classes are for those students who have been accepted into the Technical Core only.

* (includes a 4 full-time week clinical practice experience)
 

Program subject to Revision - Students should see College Bulletin and consult with an academic advisor for the College of Allied Health Sciences.

Admission to the Technical Core of the PTA Program

Initial admission into the Freshman Year of the PTA Program is open to anyone able to successfully complete the admission procedures and requirements discussed previously. However, admission into the Technical Core of the Program is a more competitive endeavor. All College of Allied Health Sciences students are strongly advised to consult with an academic advisor prior to and on admission to the PTA Program Freshman Year, and periodically thereafter. Be advised that admission to the Technical Core of the Program is limited and is not guaranteed by participation in the Freshman Year Program.

The criteria for entry to the Technical Core are designed to maximize fairness and accuracy in selection. Due to the varying number of available clinical spots (physical therapy affiliations) each year and the need to maintain effective student/teacher ratios, the exact number of students admitted is subject to change. Presently, approximately 18 to 20 students are accepted.

All PTA courses beyond the Freshman Year may be taken only by those students accepted into the Technical Core. A grade of C or better in all PTA courses is required to remain in the Technical Core.

The Selection Process:

The selection process consists of two categories:

1. The first category, academic performance, seeks to recognize the student who has shown the maturity and intellectual ability to perform well in those college level courses required in the Freshman Year of the PTA curriculum.*grades of C or better in pre-requisite course work is expected
2. The second category, through five different means, seeks to give the student an opportunity to show both an interest in and an aptitude for physical therapist assisting.

Determination of Technical Core Applicant's Standing

1. Academic Performance
   
    
   Cumulative grade point average of courses in introductory Physical Therapist Assisting curriculum
   
    
   Formula to Use: 12.5 x total GPA
   
   Total allowable points for this category: 50
   
    
2. Interest in and an Aptitude for Physical Therapist Assisting
    

   
   Recommendation of Technical Core PTA Faculty

   (4 points maximum)
   
   Three Letters of Recommendation - at least one from a physical therapist or a member of the allied health professions
   (3 points maximum)
   
   Admission Application (1 point)
   
   Exposure to Physical Therapy
    
   50 hours observing, volunteering, or working in a PT department, of which 20 hours must be in an acute care setting.
   (7 points maximum)
   
   Interview by PTA Technical Core Committee
    
   (+ or - 20 points maximum)
   
   Total allowable points for this category: 35

Application Procedures for Technical Core Admission

1. A cumulative grade point average for all college level work of 2.5 and a GPA of 2.5 in PTA Freshman year courses are required to apply for admission to the Technical Core of the Program.
2. Applications for admission to the PTA Technical Core may be obtained in the PTA Office during the month of February. All applicants must be submitted by the last day of the Winter Quarter. This deadline includes the required letters of recommendation. It is the student's responsibility to assure the acceptable completion of all registration materials and to inform the PTA Office if special accommodations are required.
3. All materials are to be submitted to the PTA Office.
4. Student Technical Core status notification will be completed by the end of Spring Quarter.
5. Transcripts are needed for all work completed outside of the College of Allied Health Sciences.
6. The exposure to physical therapy requirement must be met prior to applying for admission. Documentation of hours present in a physical therapy setting must be submitted.
7. The essential functions of a physical therapist assistant are available, on request from the PTA Office. Upon conditional acceptance into the Technical Core Year, the student must have their physician complete a physical from reflecting the student's ability to perform these essential functions. It is the student's responsibility to inform the PTA Program upon acceptance that reasonable accommodations are needed.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR STATUS AS A VETERAN OF THE VIETNAM ERA.

PTA Course Descriptions

35-PTTN-171 Health Care Orientation: This course gives a foundation in medical terminology and appropriate documentation for a medial record. It also provides a brief description of the modern health care system and especially the role of a PTA in this system. Legal and ethical issues are also addressed. Lecture, workbook exercises and group discussion will all be used. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: 808 Major.

35-PTTN-172 Musculoskeletal Anatomy: This course is designed to provide the student with a foundation in basic surface anatomy. In order to allow the student to develop a sound working knowledge of surface musculature and bony landmarks, laboratory experiences will be utilized throughout the course. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-171.

35-PTTN-173 Fundamentals of Physical Therapy: This course provides students with a foundation in the basic skills and procedures needed by a Physical Therapist Assistant. Students will also discuss professional and psychosocial issues related to working in today's health care environment. In order to become comfortable with the hands-on skills, laboratory experiences will be utilized throughout the course. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-172.

35-PTTN-201 Physical Therapy Modalities: The purpose of this course is to instruct the student in the principles of selected superficial agents, ultrasound, diathermy and electrotherapy. Indications, contraindications, physiological effects and clinical applications will be discussed and emphasized. (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite: Admission to PTA Technical Core.

35-PTTN-202 Physical Therapy Soft Tissue Techniques: PT Procedures II is designed for the students in the technical core year of the PTA Program. The goal of the course is to orient the entry level PTA to the theories and application of posture, traction, intermittent compression, myofascial release, massage, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-201.

35-PTTN-203 Intro to Clinical Skills: This course is divided into two parts: classroom learning and clinical experience. Classroom learning provides the student physical therapist assistant an introduction to and hands-on experience in preparation for future clinical experiences. Topics include: infection control, use of library resources, writing abstracts and case studies, approaches to patient education, hydrotherapy, wounds, burns, therapeutic exercise and aquatics. The clinical component requires that a current CPR certification be possessed by the student before enrolling in this course. (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-202.  *The clinical component is a 4 full-time week clinical practice experience.

35-PTTN-204 PT Assessments: The student will learn how to measure joint range of motion and how to perform manual muscle testing. Normal range of motion and kinesiology are emphasized. (6 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-203.

35-PTTN-205 Therapeutic Exercise: In-depth study of therapeutic exercise with emphasis on related anatomy, kinesiology, and neurological principles. (6 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-204.

35-PTTN-211 PTA Sports Medicine: PT Seminar I will cover treatment, care, rehabilitation and prevention of sports and common orthopaedic injuries. These concepts will be presented through the use of lecture, discussion, demonstration, laboratory and visual media. (1 credit hour)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-212 PTA Pediatric/Geriatric Seminar: Study of the special needs of the pediatric patient, the permanently disabled, and the geriatric patient with emphasis on functions related to activities of daily living. (1 credit hour)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-213 Physical Therapy Seminar III: Course occurs during the Spring quarter of the technical core year, review of content in preparation for the licensing exam occurs and information on preparing for employment is reviewed. (1 credit hour)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-205.

35-PTTN-273 PT Functional Anatomy: In-depth study of human anatomy with emphasis on muscles, ligaments, the peripheral neurological and vascular systems, and joint movement. Important kinesiological concepts are covered and correlated to the respective anatomy. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-274 Applied Neuroanatomy: This course will cover the basic functional anatomy of the human nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of the major component s of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This information will enable the student to explain and understand the basis of several nervous system diseases and dysfunctions. Additionally, treatment techniques for the neurologically involved client will be reviewed and discussed. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-275 Clinical Medicine for Physical Therapy: A study of various human diseases and pathological processes with an emphasis on how these diseases are manifested clinically and how they might effect the course and outcome of physical therapy treatment. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-277 PTA Problems - Applications: Student will perform various exercise and rehabilitative programs in a clinical setting under the supervision of a PT. Students must have a current CPR certification in order to take this course. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all Technical Core winter quarter courses.

35-PTTN-281 PTA Problems -  Modalities: Student will apply simple and complex modality treatments in a clinical setting under the supervision of a PT. Students must have a current CPR certification in order to take this course. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all technical core winter courses.

35-PTTN-283 PTA Problems - Therapeutic Exercises: Student will develop and carry out exercise programs for patients in a clinical setting under the supervision of a PT. Students must have a current CPR certification in order to take this course. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all Technical Core winter quarter courses.

35-PTTN-285 Cardiopulmonary Function: Study of the relationship among the heart, lungs, and circulatory systems. Disease processes, cardiac rehabilitation, physical fitness, exercise, and wellness are studied.
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework. (3 credit hours)

35-PTTN-287 Physical Rehabilitation: This course will cover rehabilitation concepts and the special needs of the rehabilitation patient. Collaboration with other health care professionals using a team approach is emphasized. The rehabilitation of patients with stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations and total joint replacement will be included. Specific treatment approaches will be offered. Lab time and patient interaction will be provided. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all previous Technical Core coursework.

35-PTTN-289 Clinical Integration: This course combines knowledge of the various aspects of muscle physiology and the mechanical principles of human movement with a study of human kinesiology and those injuries and diseases which limit normal function and movement. The course will be disease oriented with common neuromuscular, muscular and skeletal dysfunctions and their implications for the PTA emphasized. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in 35-PTTN-203.

35-PTTN-294 Human Behavior in Health and Sickness for Health Related Professions: This course will discuss the various aspects of human behavior in response to illness. Emphasis will be on understanding normal versus abnormal reactions to illness, and therefore being able to apply the most effective therapy regimen. The course will consist of lectures, case studies, and observation of psychiatric evaluations. This course is available to all majors. (2 credit hours)

35-PTTN-298 Clinical Internship: Student will prepare and perform PT treatments in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students must have a current CPR certification in order to take this course. (6 credit hours)
Prerequisite: C or better in all Technical Core winter quarter courses.

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