Physical Therapist Assistant - Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Degree Requirements

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Courses required prior to program entry are included in degree requirements and total credits.

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Human Anatomy and Physiology (1 and/or 2) must have been completed within the past seven years or a request for a waiver is approved. In order to waive the seven-year requirement for lab sciences, a student must demonstrate that other relevant coursework or work experience was completed within the past seven years. See program web page for additional information.

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The Physical Therapist Assistant AAS is a competitive entry program. Although these courses may be taken after program entry, preference will be given to students who have completed all general education courses with high grades prior to submitting a program application.

Degree Plan: Fall Start

The course sequence listed below is strongly recommended in order to complete your program requirements. Many Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites that have been accounted for within this course sequence plan. Please register for your major requirements each semester as shown below using the Student Planning tool in myCWI. Consult your advisor for any questions regarding this plan.

NOTE: General education courses may be completed during any semester the student prefers, including summer semesters, unless they required for program admission.​

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These courses are prerequisites to program entry and can be completed anytime prior to beginning the PTA program. Prerequisite courses are included in the degree requirements and total credits required for graduation.

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BIOL 227 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 227L Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab must have been completed within the past seven years or a request for a waiver is approved. In order to waive the seven-year requirement for lab sciences, a student must demonstrate that other relevant coursework or work experience was completed within the past seven years. See program web page for additional information.

¹

The Physical Therapist Assistant AAS is a competitive entry program. Although these courses may be taken after program entry, preference will be given to students who have completed all general education courses with high grades prior to submitting a program application.

²

BIOL 228 Human Anatomy and Physiology II and BIOL 228L Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab must have been completed within the past seven years or a request for a waiver is approved. In order to waive the seven-year requirement for lab sciences, a student must demonstrate that other relevant coursework or work experience was completed within the past seven years. See program web page for additional information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Within the context of patient care, distinguish between the role of the Physical Therapist and the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, implement safe and effective physical therapy interventions based on the physical therapy plan of care.
• Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, perform entry-level interventions following standards of ethical practice.
• Effectively communicate with other health care providers, patients, and families about selected treatment procedures and functional activities.
• Provide and document patient/client care in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner to all individuals.
• Exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice and uphold the confidentiality of all persons at all times.
• Recognize the necessity for continued learning and invest in opportunities for continued vocational and personal growth through education.
• Provide education to peers, patients/clients, and others through professional organizations, employment, and other avenues of collaboration.