Dec 09, 2024  
2024-2025 College Catalog 
    
2024-2025 College Catalog

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.


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HEGIS: 5219.00
PROGRAM CODE: 88328
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Dr. Steven Skinner

DEPARTMENT: ALLIED HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Physical Therapist Assistant AAS degree prepares students with the professional training and hands-on experience for a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The degree provides a balance of general education courses and introduces students to the theory and practice of physical therapy through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. The curriculum aligns with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) criteria and standards to ensure quality in the entry-level preparation of physical therapists assistants and the evolving nature of education, research, and practice characteristics of physical therapy.  Students are eligible for licensure exam(s) after the successful completion of the course of study presented in this degree program.

The curriculum presented here applies to students who started the major in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. If you enrolled as a matriculant prior to that, please see the College Catalog for the year you started the major as a matriculant for the curriculum requirements that apply to you.

Consultation with the Program Advisor is required.

Click here for more information about the Admission and Retention Criteria for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program  


Degree Map:

Degree Map for Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.  

Your Degree Map contains the suggested term-by-term course sequence for your academic path towards graduation. 

To ensure successful and timely completion of your degree, it is recommended that you meet with your academic advisor to discuss your unique map. 

Please note some courses may only be offered once an academic year.

Program Learning Outcomes:


Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant degree program requirements, graduates will:

  1. demonstrate PTA entry-level skills that are applicable to a variety of patient care settings
  2. demonstrate an awareness and commitment to patient dignity as well as social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy
  3. recognize individual and cultural differences and respond appropriately in all aspects of physical therapy services
  4. demonstrate competence in implementing and adjusting selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care
  5. adjust interventions within the plan of care and report this and any changes in patient’s status
  6. recognize when intervention should not be provided due to changes in the patient’s status and respond appropriately
  7. demonstrate competency in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care
  8. recognize when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond that which is appropriate
  9. communicate with the patient, the physical therapist, health care delivery personnel, and others
  10. communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by a physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals
  11. demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ non-verbal behavior as it relates to their reaction to treatment services provided
  12. complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation
  13. demonstrate competency in the use of information technology
  14. participate in administrative functions within a physical therapy service
  15. participate in discharge planning and follow-up as directed by the supervising physical therapist

College Requirements:


English and Math proficient as determined by the CUNY Proficiency Index, unless otherwise exempt, or successful completion of any required developmental course(s).

Civic Engagement Experiences:


One (1) Civic Engagement experience satisfied by Civic Engagement Certified or Civic Engagement Component course or approved outside activity.

Writing Intensive Requirement:


One (1) Writing Intensive Course  in any discipline is required. 

Required Core (4 Courses, 13 Credits):


When Required Core Courses are specified for a category, they are required for the major

Flexible Core (3 Courses, 10 Credits):


When Flexible Core Courses are specified for a category, they are required for the major. Group C and E are satisfied by the courses shown.

C. Creative Expression Designated Course*


E. Scientific World Designated Course*


Electives:


1 credit sufficient to meet required total of 68 credits

Notes:


* This program has a waiver to require particular courses in the Common Core, otherwise more than the minimum credits for the degree may be necessary.

The Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S., is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), an independent part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or phone (703) 684-2782.

Total Credits: 68


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