Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS.PTA)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled health employee working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health care settings. The professional care given by the PTA focuses on patients of all ages with temporary or permanent functional limitations due to illness, disease or injury. The PTA works closely with patients to restore function, prevent or relieve pain, prevent disability and restore physical coordination, strength and mobility through therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities. Physical therapy is a physically demanding job. Students need to have good general health and the strength, stamina and flexibility necessary to carry out assignments.

Housed at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham, Illinois, the PTA program is a five consecutive semester program which includes classroom, skills laboratory and clinical experience in various healthcare facilities. Once admitted to the program, the student must progress through the courses corresponding to the curriculum model. A "C" grade is required in all PTA program curriculum courses for progression/completion.

The PTA program at Lake Land College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org.) If needing to contact the PTA program directly, please call 217-540-3551 or email mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu.

The PTA program was initially granted accreditation in 1994, and has been granted reaccreditation in 1999, 2008 and 2018. The next reaccreditation site visit is scheduled for 2029. Students who have successfully completed the program will be eligible to sit for the National Board Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.

The PTA program is competitive and selects 24 students for each fall class. PTA application requirements include admission to Lake Land College; completion of the PTA program application form (obtained from the PTA website); completion of the college placement assessment tests (PTA applicants are eligible to take the college placement assessment tests more than twice); and completion of the one (1) Biology prerequisite course (one year high school biology/zoology/A & P, or Lake Land College BIO 050, Basic Anatomy and Physiology; or BIO 100, Bio Science I; or BIO 225, Human Anatomy and Physiology I; or BIO 226, Human Anatomy and Physiology II; or equivalent) with a "C" or better within the past five (5) years. It is the responsibility of students to see that their application file is completed by March 1 for consideration for the fall semester. In addition to tuition and fees, costs for the PTA program include: physical examination and immunization, CPR certification, workbooks, criminal background check, drug testing, clinical attire, transportation to clinical experiences (attempts will be made to keep travel distance no greater than 75 miles one way or 1.5 hours) and the board exam/license fee.

Download the PTA Selection Process Sheet and Checklist from the College website for the complete application procedure.

Interested students should submit the Intent to Enroll form and list their major as Physical Therapist Assistant Track (AAS.PTA.TRK) when selecting a major.

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.

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Clinical Instructors


FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Hours
PTA-080
Fundamentals of PTA I

PTA-080
Fundamentals of PTA I

An introduction to the profession of Physical Therapy and the role of the PTA within the health profession. This course provides basic physical therapy skills including: body mechanics, transfers, bed mobility, gait training, aseptic techniques, and assessment of vital signs.

Course Outline
* +
4.0
PTA-081
PTA Clinical Practicum I

PTA-081
PTA Clinical Practicum I

An in-house laboratory practice of skills and techniques corresponding with Fundamentals of PTA I (PTA080). Students will observe in physical therapy settings.

Course Outline
* +
1.0
PTA-083
Medical Terminology for PTA

PTA-083
Medical Terminology for PTA

This course is designed for PTA students to learn word-building methods, to analyze medical terms by breaking them down into their basic components, PT abbreviations, and pronunciation of medical terminology.

Course Outline
* +
2.0
ENG-119
Composition I Pathway

ENG-119
Composition I Pathway

Students will study the writing process by reading essays illustrating a variety of rhetorical strategies, analyzing texts, and writing, revising, and editing short essays. Course is for students who have assessed into developmental English, receiving supplemental instruction for course completion.

Course Outline
* OR
ENG-120
Composition I

ENG-120
Composition I

Students will study the writing process by reading essays that illustrate a variety of rhetorical strategies, analyzing writing tasks and texts, and writing, revising, and editing short essays.

Course Outline
*
3.0
BIO-225
Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIO-225
Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course employs the regional approach to human structure and function using human cadavers. First of a two course sequence for allied health majors.

Course Outline
*
4.0
PHY-110
Concepts of Physics

PHY-110
Concepts of Physics

Phenomena-oriented course, emphasizing a general understanding of the rules of physics and its connections with culture and society.

Course Outline
4.0

Semester Totals

18.0
Second Semester
PTA-082
Fundamentals of PTA II

PTA-082
Fundamentals of PTA II

This course provides physical therapy skills including the use of therapeutic heat and cold, electrical stimulation, massage techniques, goniometry, wound management and laboratory practice.

Course Outline
* +++
6.0
BIO-226
Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIO-226
Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Continuation of BIO225, Human A & P I. Emphasis on human anatomy and physiology through the regional approach using human cadavers.

Course Outline
*
4.0
PED-244
Kinesiology

PED-244
Kinesiology

The study of functional musculoskeletal anatomy, muscle actions, and the laws of physics used in the performance of human motion.

Course Outline
* +++
4.0
PTA-084
PTA Pathology

PTA-084
PTA Pathology

This course will discuss the etiology, symptoms, risk factors, pathogenesis, and prognosis of specific diseases. Medical practices for treatment of these diseases and illnesses will be discussed along with special implications for the PTA. Pharmacology will also be discussed.

Course Outline
* +++
3.0

Semester Totals

17.0
Summer Term
PTA-085
PTA Clinical Practicum III

PTA-085
PTA Clinical Practicum III

A full time, supervised clinical practice in a physical therapy facility. Students will participate in selected patient care skills and techniques learned in Fundamentals of PTA I (PTA080), Clinical Practicum I (PTA081) and Fundamentals of PTA II (PTA082).

Course Outline
* ++++
2.0
PTA-086
Neurology for the PTA

PTA-086
Neurology for the PTA

This course will focus on the specific neuroscience concepts and principles that support rehabilitation therapy.

Course Outline
* ++++
2.0

Semester Totals

4.0
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Hours
PTA-094
Fundamentals of PTA III

PTA-094
Fundamentals of PTA III

This course is a continuation of the skills and knowledge used by a PTA. Concentration is on muscle testing, length testing, therapeutic exercise and postural analysis.

Course Outline
* +
6.0
PTA-095
Orthopedic Concepts & Appl

PTA-095
Orthopedic Concepts & Appl

The course focuses on different types of tissue healing and orthopedic diagnoses and rehabilitation.

Course Outline
* +
4.0
PTA-097
PTA Clinical Practicum IV

PTA-097
PTA Clinical Practicum IV

Full time, supervised clinical practice experience at a physical therapy facility. Students will participate in selected patient care skills and techniques learned in Fundamentals of PTA III (PTA094) and Orthopedic Concepts and Applications (PTA095) while continuing to progress previously learned skills.

Course Outline
* +
3.0

Semester Totals

13.0
Second Semester
PTA-096
Fundamentals of PTA IV

PTA-096
Fundamentals of PTA IV

This course emphasizes assessment and treatment of specific areas. These areas include: neurological conditions, pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, cardiopulmonary, industrial, and manual therapy.

Course Outline
* +++
5.0
PTA-099
PTA Clinical Practicum V

PTA-099
PTA Clinical Practicum V

Final full time, supervised clinical practicum experience at a physical therapy facility to prepare as an entry level Physical Therapist Assistant. Student will perform selected previously learned skills.

Course Outline
* +++
4.0
PTA-098
PTA Seminar

PTA-098
PTA Seminar

Preparation to enter into the work force as a Physical Therapist Assistant. This course emphasizes liability issues, Medicare guidelines, administration, health insurances, and ethical aspects. Licensure preparation and the exchange of clinical experiences are incorporated.

Course Outline
* +++
2.0
PSY-279
Human Dev/Life Span

PSY-279
Human Dev/Life Span

Study of theories, research methods and findings in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development from conception through death.

Course Outline
3.0

Semester Totals

14.0

Total Program Hours

66.0