Թ

Physical Therapist Assistant

ATU Ozark | Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates classroom theory with clinical lab practice. It is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as Physical Therapist Assistants. The Physical Therapist Assistant is an educated health care provider who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist and assists in the provision of physical therapy. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises through a plan of care developed by the physical therapist that are aimed at improving mobility; relieving pain; or preventing and /or limiting physical disability.

Prior to admission to the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, students must complete a platform of 28 hours which includes general education and medical courses. Students must hold a current CPR for Health Care Providers certification prior to the first day of class. Students must submit an application to the program and meet entrance requirements for acceptance into the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.

Students are advised that the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the PTA Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The PTA Program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the PTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

About the Program

Associates Degree

The Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates classroom theory with clinical lab practice. It is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as physical therapist assistants. The physical therapist assistant is an educated health care provider who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist and assists in the provision of physical therapy. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises through a plan of care developed by the physical therapist that are aimed at improving mobility, relieving pain or preventing and /or limiting physical disability.

Students are advised that the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is strenuous in nature.  Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the PTA Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The PTA Program is intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the PTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

 

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

  • PTA skills laboratory activities on both real and simulated patients
  • Provide physical therapy services for up to 40 hours per week under the supervision of a clinical instructor various healthcare settings during Clinical Experiences
  • Community service projects

 

Skills You Will Learn

  • Professionalism
  • Accountability
  • Documentation
  • Communication
  • Clinical Problem Solving
  • Therapeutic Modalities
  • Data Collection
  • Home and Community Accessibility
  • Balance and Functional Mobility Assessments
  • Intervention Techniques
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Basic Wound Care
  • Transfer Skills and Gait Training
  • Wheelchair Mobility and Measurements

 

Career Options

You could work as a(n):

  • PTA at an extended care facility
  • PTA at an outpatient clinic
  • PTA at a hospital

Alumni of our program work at:

  • Coulter Physical Therapy
  • Holly Street Physical Therapy
  • Johnson Regional Medical Center
  • Ozark Physical Therapy in Clinton, AR

 Credentials that stack with this degree:

  • Certificate of Proficiency in Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Applied Science
  • Bachelor of Professional Studies
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

 

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

 
 

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation



CONTACT

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu


TEAS TEST INFORMATION
 

Upcoming Atu- ozark campus TEAS test dates

*Click the TEAS Test Information button above for more info. TEAS tests will be held in the Health Sciences and Wellness building, room 117.
*Open TEAS tests are available for anyone to take; Closed TEAS tests reserve one spot each for program applicants only.
*Program applicants will receive an email with information regarding the Closed TEAS test after the application deadline.

None scheduled at this time.

How to Create a Student Account for the TEAS Test
How to Register for the TEAS Test

 


 

Program Faculty

Mandy Overbey

Dr. Amanda Overbey PT, DPT
Program Director

Health Sciences and  Wellness Building
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949

(479) 508-3354 ext 6251
aoverbey1@atu.edu

Joey 

Jonathan Brown
Instructor

Health Sciences and Wellness Building
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6250
jbrown87@atu.edu