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Physical Therapist Assistant
Program description: Occupational therapy
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work closely with physical therapists (PTs) to provide services to people with physical disabilities. Patient treatments may include exercise, functional activities, gait training, massage, electrical stimulation, hot/cold packs, traction and ultrasound.
Entry Time: Fall
Duties: The PT performs an initial patient examination and identifies problems and goals, then outlines a plan of care. The PTA assists the PT by carrying out all or part of the plan of care, monitoring the patient’s progress and documenting the care.
Education: Students have two short-term and two long-term clinical internships that allow them to gain hands-on experience with a variety of patients. Clinic sites are located across Iowa and in neighboring states. This program has mandatory background checks for clinic participation.
Accreditation: The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). CAPTE may be contacted at the Commision on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, Department of Accreditation, American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Telephone: 703-706-3245. Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE.
PTA graduates qualify to take the licensure exam given by the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy. Licensure is granted by the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. Most states, including Iowa, require a license to practice as a PTA.
Annual continuing education hours are required to maintain a license.
For more information contact:
Maggie Thomas, P.T., M.A.
221 Linn Hall
319-398-5566
maggie.thomas@kirkwood.edu |
