Goals
- Provide students with learning experiences that reflect prevailing practices in physical therapy.
- Maximize the resources of Morton College to provide students with a didactic and clinical educational foundation that enable graduates to be successful on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Promote the importance of professional growth and life-long learning to the continued professional development of the physical therapist assistant.
- Provide learning experiences that prepare the graduate to secure an entry-level position as a licensed physical therapist assistant who practices within the legal and ethical framework of physical therapy while under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Ensure that both program quality and curricular content are responsive to the needs of our students and the communities served by the Morton College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, with ongoing assessment to determine achievement of program goals, learning outcomes, NPTE success rate, job placement and graduate and employer satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), state and federal guidelines for physical therapist assistant education.
- Educate the citizens of the surrounding communities about the role of the physical therapist assistant in health care and other information relevant to the profession of physical therapy.
Cara Bonick, PTA, M.Ed.
Director of Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program, the graduate will be able to participate as an effective member of the health care team by:
- Carrying out technical aspects of clinical work within a plan of care established by a physical therapist, in a safe, ethical and competent manner that reflects entry-level performance skills.
- Communicating and interacting with patient/client, family members, caregivers, other members of the community and members of a multidisciplinary health care team in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
- Demonstrating the ability to respond appropriately during patient/client emergencies and untoward events.
- Competently performing data collection to measure a patient/clientβs response to treatment interventions and complete timely, accurate and legal documentation of patient care.
- Utilizing critical thinking skills and problem-solving to progress, modify and/or withhold interventions based on patient status as determined through observation, data collection and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrating actions, approaches and values consistent with the expected roles, responsibilities and duties of a licensed physical therapist assistant practicing under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist.
- Assuming responsibility for professional judgment and ethics.
- Recognizing the need for continued personal and professional growth to ensure competence in current practices of physical therapy.
- Demonstrating achievement of the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science Degree as determined by Morton College.
- Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for licensure in their chosen state.