Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Program Offered Only at the Shelby-Hoover Campus 

Dr. Vanessa LeBlanc, PT, DPT, Acting Program Director
General Studies Bldg. 316F
(205) 983-5995 • vleblanc@jeffersonstate.edu

Cindy Elliott, PTA, AAS, BS, MS Instructor/Advisor 
General Studies Building, room 316A
(205) 983-5270 • cwelliott@jeffersonstate.edu

Leslie Naugher, PTA, AAS, BS, MS Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education 
General Studies Building, room 316E
(205) 983-5996 • lnaugher@jeffersonstate.edu

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health care provider who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA performs duties and carries out treatment plans as directed by the physical therapist. Duties of the PTA are varied and include but are not limited to the application of physical modalities, exercise programs, gait training, functional activities, and patient education. Work in physical therapy includes physical activity such as bending, lifting patients, and prolonged standing and walking. Physical therapist assistants utilize various rehabilitative techniques to help patients whose abilities have been impaired by an accident, injury, illness, disease or other health-related conditions that limit movement and functional abilities. Employment settings include acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, nursing homes, home health and sports medicine clinics. The Physical Therapist Assistant is an important member of the dynamic rehabilitation team and will assist occupational therapists and assistants, nurses, speech pathologists, and physicians.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a two-year course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The Program requires one year of prerequisite general education coursework and one year of core PTA coursework. The prerequisite courses include ENG 101, BIO 201, BIO 202, PSY 200, PSY 210, MTH 100 or higher-level MTH elective, Humanities elective, SPH 106 or 107, and OAD 211 Medical Terminology. These courses may be taken over a longer period of time but must be completed prior to taking PTA major courses. This is a pre-admit program and requires a specific application process for admission into the professional phase of the program. Once admitted, a student will have the option to follow an On-Campus track or a Hybrid track. The On-Campus classes are all enhanced and/or supported by the College’s course-management system. The Hybrid track conducts lecture courses via the College’s course-management system but cannot be completed entirely online. The Hybrid-track requires students to be at the Shelby-Hoover Campus for all laboratory sessions. Online lecture courses may also require students to visit instructional sites for various requirements or to complete exams, quizzes, and/or clinicals.

The time commitment required for completion of PTA lecture and laboratory courses is generally 25-40 hours per week. Full-time clinical practicums (40 hours per week) are required of all students and are integrated throughout the program.

The PTA Program prepares graduates for work as physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and is not designed to lead toward a physical therapist degree. General education classes may transfer to a four-year institution, but PTA courses generally will not transfer.

The PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education/APTA, 3030 Potomac Ave Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305 (703) 684- 2782; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org Graduation from an accredited program is a requirement for eligibility for licensure in most states. Students should contact a PTA advisor regarding particular state licensure requirements. Applicants for licensure as a licensed PTA in Alabama who have been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or violating any state or federal narcotic law should contact the State of Alabama Board of Physical Therapy at (334) 242-4064 or (888) 726-9743 before seeking admission to the PTA Program.

Admission Procedures/Requirements

PUBLISHED GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. UPDATED INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON THE JEFFERSON STATE WEBSITE AS AVAILABLE AT https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/programs/physical-therapist-assistant. 

Students admitted to the PTA Program begin PTA courses in the summer term. Class size for both tracks is limited and qualified students are ranked for admission based on a point system that consists of the following items that are on file at the time of the PTA application deadline of January 15: their GPA in the required general education courses that are within the PTA curriculum, BIO 201, BIO 202, ENG 101, PSY 200, PSY 210, Medical Terminology, MTH 100 or higher-level MTH elective, SPH Elective, Humanities and Fine Arts Elective; ACT scores that are submitted or proof of having earned a bachelor’s or higher degree; the variety of experiences that are associated with documented observation hours in a physical therapy setting; grades for coursework in BIO 201, BIO 202, and MTH 100 or higher-level MTH elective; and completion of the general education requirements for BIO 201, BIO 202, ENG 101, PSY 200, PSY 210, MTH 100 or higher-level MTH elective, OAD 211 Medical Terminology, SPH elective, and Humanities/Fine Arts elective prior to the PTA application deadline. Students will also participate in an applicant assessment as part of the admission process.

Students meeting portions of the required general education coursework at the time of the PTA application deadline may be accepted “conditionally” with a requirement that they fulfill the remaining PTA general education requirements with a grade of “C” or better before the start of the PTA program. Students meeting the eligibility criteria are admitted in order of their rank scores. In order to be considered for Summer Term (May) admission to the PTA program, the student must complete the following by the appropriate deadlines:

1. Complete the application for general college admission by the application deadline. The general application is online at www.jeffersonstate.edu.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended to Enrollment Services by the application deadline.
3. Request a transcript evaluation prior to submitting a program application and by the application deadline.
4. Submit a completed “Application for PTA Program Admission” to GSB 316 on the Shelby-Hoover Campus (application is available online at www.jeffersonstate.edu/pta). Applications are due in GSB 316 no later than 4:00 pm on January 15th. The completed application packet must include: Signed documentation by a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant of 40 hours experience in a physical therapy setting that is completed before the application deadline. It is required that at least 8 of the 40 hours consist of exposure to an acute care (hospital based), inpatient rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facility setting.
5. Currently possess and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above on all college credit from all institutions. Eligible students may request implementation of the college Academic Bankruptcy policy or the Allied Health-Related Programs Academic Forfeit policy. Consult the appropriate pages of the Catalog and Student Handbook for information on these policies.
6. Complete all required PTA general education courses with grade of “C” or better and currently possess and maintain a GPA of 2.50 or above for required PTA general education courses.
7. All applicants must provide proof of achieving a composite score of 21 or higher and a Science subscore of 19 or higher on the ACT examination within three (3) year prior to the deadline or have proof of earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. No exceptions. Scores or the transcript stating the degree must be included with the application and on file with enrollment services by the deadline. Information regarding dates for the ACT is available by contacting Jefferson State Community College’s Testing Services at Lurleen B. Wallace Hall 322, 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, AL 35215, (205) 856-7896, testing@jeffersonstate.edu.
8. Students are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of health, including freedom from chemical dependency and communicable diseases. Students must be able to fully participate in the approved program of classroom studies and campus and clinical laboratory learning experiences and responsibilities. Medical examination forms indicating a satisfactory level of health must be submitted as required. Students must test negative for drugs and alcohol during screenings conducted in the program. Random drug and alcohol screening may be conducted during clinical experiences.
9. Technical standards checklist: The physical therapy profession is considered to be moderately physically demanding. In the interest of student and patient safety, applicants possessing certain limitations may be requested to demonstrate abilities to perform clinical procedures and skills prior to or after admission to the PTA program. Students should be able to demonstrate abilities to perform procedures and skills safely, effectively, and without potential endangerment to self, other students, faculty, patients or other health care workers. Medical examination records and/or statements from physicians or other appropriate medical professionals may be required to assist in evaluating a student’s ability to fully participate in the learning activities and responsibilities of the PTA program. If a student is unable to demonstrate abilities to perform procedures or skills safely, effectively, and without potential endangerment, the student may be denied admission or progression in the program. The Program Director will make the final determination regarding an applicant’s eligibility for participation in program activities.
   
   Technical performance standards and criteria for the Physical Therapist Assistant program are stated below. Applicants must call or schedule an appointment with the program coordinator to discuss accommodation possibilities. 
   
   Technical performance standards and criteria for the Physical Therapist Assistant include, but are not limited to:
   1. Cognitive and critical thinking abilities sufficient to:
      1. Make clinical judgments.
      2. Comprehend new knowledge and apply it in PTA practice.
      3. Analyze situations and identify cause-effect relationships.
      4. Organize, problem-solve and make appropriate decisions.
      5. Meet competency requirements of the state regulation/licensure agency for physical therapy.
      6. Compute mathematical problems.
      7. Operate a computer.
   2. Interpersonal abilities to:
      1. Interact purposefully and effectively with others.
      2. Establish rapport with patients, caregivers, and others.
      3. Interchange ideas in a group.
      4. Perceive emotions displayed by others.
      5. Convey sensitivity, respect, tact, and a mentally healthy attitude in interpersonal relationships.
   3. Communication abilities to:
      1. Convey thoughts in verbal and written form in the English language so that others understand them.
      2. Understand printed materials, classroom lectures, instructional, medical or other directives and patient questions/responses presented in the English language. iii. Appropriately use the language of medicine and health care in verbal and written communications.
      3. Teach a concept, test for understanding, and interpret feedback.
      4. Discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate non-verbal communication in 
         patients and others.
   4. Physical mobility to:
      1. Maintain balance in any position.
      2. Move from room to room and/or maneuver in small places.
      3. Extend hands and arms in any direction.
      4. Move hands/arms and feet/legs coordinately with each other.
      5. Achieve certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the professional rescuer level.
   5. Strength (gross motor skills) and endurance to:
      1. Stand and walk for 6 hours or more in a clinical setting.
      2. Position, lift and transfer patients without injury to patient, self or others.
      3. Push or pull heavy objects, such as an occupied hospital bed, without injury to patient, self, or others.
   6. Fine motor skills and eye/hand coordination to:
      1. Manipulate objects without extraneous motions, tremors or jerking.
      2. Write the English language legibly, using correct grammar and syntax.
   7. Auditory acuity to:
      1. Communicate effectively with others.
      2. Monitor and assess patient status (hear weak cries of infants and weak calls for help).
      3. Hear high and low frequency sounds, such as telephones, monitor alarms, emergency signals.
   8. Visual acuity to:
      1. Monitor and assess patient status.
      2. Discern the full spectrum of colors and distinguish color changes.
      3. Accurately read numbers and letters in fine print, such as would appear on therapy or monitoring equipment in varying levels of light (daylight to very dim light).
      4. Read for long periods of time.
      5. Read cursive writing, such as would be found in patients’ charts.
      6. Detect changes in the environment.
   9. Tactile acuity and sense of smell to:
      1. Discern tremors or vibrations in various body areas.
      2. Palpate and count pulses.
      3. Discern physical characteristics (skeletal landmarks and/or changes in body tissues) through touch.
      4. Smell body and environmental odors, such as infected wounds or burning electrical equipment.
10. Applicants for licensure as a Licensed PTA who may have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude should contact the State of Alabama Board of Physical Therapy, phone (334) 242-4064 or (888) 726-9743, prior to applying to the PTA Program.
11. A background screen is required prior to assignment for clinical experiences. The cost of this screen must be paid by the student. Upon admission to the PTA Program and by the dates specified by the PTA program, students must:
    1. Provide evidence of current in force hospital/health insurance. Neither the college nor affiliated clinical agencies provide health care for students. Payment of insurance premiums and health care costs is the responsibility of the student.
    2. Purchase student uniforms as specified in the PTA Student Handbook;
    3. Pay required annual premiums for student liability insurance;
    4. Submit annual medical examination forms demonstrating a satisfactory level of health, which includes freedom from and immunity to certain communicable diseases and freedom from chemical dependency.
    5. Provide proof of current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level, which includes one-rescuer, two-rescuer, infant, child, and airway obstruction.

Transfer Students 

Students wishing to transfer should call or write the program director for information on program admission requirements. In order to be a transfer student, the student must be admitted to the program. Students must complete at least 25% of the required PTA courses at Jefferson State to earn an associate degree. 

Progression 

Students are referred to the “Program’s Progression Guidelines” as published in the PTA Student Handbook and additional information on the Allied Health-Related Programs published in the “Admission to the College” section of the College Catalog and Student Handbook. 

All students admitted to the PTA Program are responsible for information contained in the Handbook. Letter grades for all PTA courses are assigned according to the following system:

A: Excellent (90-100) 
B: Good (80-89) 
C: Average (75-79) 
D: Poor (60-74) 
F: Failure (below 60) 
W: Withdrawal
WP: Withdrawal Passing 
X: Incomplete

No rounding of test scores is done (ex. 78.6 is 78.6). Only the final grade is rounded: 0.5 or higher is raised to the next whole number. 

In order to successfully progress through and complete the PTA program successfully, the student must fulfill all of the following:

1. Progress through all general education courses in the PTA curriculum in a sequence approved by the PTA faculty.
2. Progress through all required PTA courses in the curriculum, including prerequisites and corequisites, in the sequence specified by the PTA faculty.
3. Attain grades of “C” or above in each of the required PTA and required general education courses in the curriculum without repeated withdrawals, audits, or failures.
4. Maintain a grade point average of 2.00 or above (4.00 scale) on all college credit and on Jefferson State credit.
5. Maintain current health/hospitalization insurance and student liability insurance.
6. Submit completed medical forms by the required date.
7. Maintain a satisfactory level of health, including freedom from chemical dependency.
8. Maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the health care provider level.
9. Refrain from conduct that violates the College’s Academic Honesty Code, the Code of Student Conduct, and the Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy.
10. Refrain from conduct that violates the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA, the Alabama Physical Therapy Practice Act, or which leads to a major breach in safety, confidentiality, legality, or accountability.
11. Comply with all progression requirements in order to graduate. PTA students who fail to comply with the above listed requirements may be “out of progression” (temporary suspension) or dismissed from the PTA Program. Students whose progress through the technical phase of the PTA Program is temporarily interrupted for any reason or who withdraw from a PTA course are “out of progression.”

In order to be readmitted, out of progression students must have their eligibility for readmission evaluated by Program faculty. Readmission is based upon space available, academic record, health status, successful completion of required courses, and compliance with college and professional codes of conduct. Any changes in the curriculum or program policies and procedures are applicable to any student who is readmitted. Validation of skills and/or previously acquired knowledge necessary to successfully complete clinical practicums may be required by testing or repeated course work. Students who remain out of progression longer than twelve months are not eligible for readmission, but in certain instances may apply as a new student. 

Students who fail a PTA course (make a grade of “D”, “F”, or uncleared “I”) may repeat the course once only in an effort to attain a grade of “C” upon readmission or as a new student. Students who fail a PTA course the second time or who fail two separate PTA courses are permanently dismissed from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Students may also be dismissed for other behaviors that violate practice standards, codes of conduct, policies, professional/legal rules or regulations, ethical principles, or any acts that are considered a breach of safety, confidentiality, legality or accountability. 

Off-Campus Clinical/Lab Experiences

In addition to academic courses and lab experiences on campus, PTA students are required to participate in clinical practicums and lab experiences off campus at health care facilities. The practicums are full-time (40 hours per week) and include approximately 18 weeks of clinical experience under the supervision of clinical instructors in a variety of physical therapy settings. Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging for clinical education and off-campus experiences.