Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate of Applied Science Louisiana Christian University

The mission of the Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to provide an environment and opportunity in which the three strands of the PTA curriculum are woven into a tapestry representing the PTA career.

The strands of the tapestry are:

Christian Service

The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree program supports the mission of Louisiana Christian University to prepare graduates for Christian service. The program seeks a diverse population of students who will utilize their talents and gifts in their growth as physical therapist assistants who reflect Christ in their work. Program faculty, through various learning experiences provided throughout the curriculum, thrive to cultivate within each student a spirit of altruism and reverence for those entrusted to their care and to serve as a Christian role model/compassionate healthcare provider to the physical therapy profession and community at large.

Competencies

Design and delivery of the program’s curriculum encourages a high standard of scholarship and clinical perfomance reflective of the institution’s mission and heritage of academic excellence. Through facilities of the institution and clinic with emphasis on technology and communication, opportunities are provided for engagement in learning activities in which students acquire knowledge of physical therapy, develop clinical competencies, and gain an understanding of one’s role as a PTA working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Life-long education

Life-long appreciation for and furthering of education within the Physical Therapist Assistant career will inspire a commitment to achievement of advanced knowledge, skills and abilities for excellence in provision of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and will assist in creating, anticipating and responding to an evolving health care system and new responsibilities.

Philosophy

The Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program subscribes to and supports the mission, philosophies, values, and goals of Louisiana Christian University and the accreditation standards established by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The Louisiana Christian University PTA faculty and students recognize the intrinsic value and right to optimal health. These rights and values are embraced in the three fold strands of the PTA curriculum which are: Christian service, competencies relative to a Physical Therapist Assistant Career, and a lifelong commitment to the PTA career. The PTA Program at Louisiana Christian University is committed to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and academic excellence. The stakeholders of the PTA Program believe the PTA Program must provide a variety of didactic and clinical learning experiences which support the acquisition of knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to practice safely and effectively under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in order to become a vital member of the health care team.

Required Prerequisite Requirements (30 Hours)

First Semester:

• BI 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 3 hrs **
• BI 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1 hr **
• HP 203 First Aid/CPR 1 hr
• CC 100 College Connection I 0.5 hr
• EN 101 Composition I 3 hrs
• MA 111 College Algebra 3 hrs
• RL 105 Survey of the Bible 3 hrs
• Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment CR

Total: 15 hrs

Second Semester:

• BI 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 hrs **
• BI 234 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 1 hr **
• CH 131 Chemical Principles for Allied Health / Nursing 3 hrs
• CH 132 Chemical Principles for Allied Health / Nursing Lab 1 hr
• PY 230 Developmental Psychology 3 hrs
• CA 150 Modern Communication 3 hrs
• CS 140 Computers for Allied Health 1 hr
• Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment CR

Total: 15 hrs

Notes(s): ** Courses must be taken within the last 5 years

Technical Education Courses (45 Hours)

First Term (8 weeks):

• PT 201 Introduction to Physical Therapy 2 hrs
• PT 202 Clinical Kinesiology and Anatomy 6 hrs

Total: 8 hrs

Second Term (16 weeks):

• PT 203 Physical Therapy Procedures 3 hrs
• PT 204 PT Interventions for the Orthopedic Client 5 hrs
• PT 205 Principles of Physical Agents and Massage 4 hrs
• PT 206 PTA Clinical Practicum I 2 hrs
• Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment CR

Total: 14 hrs

Third Term (16 weeks):

• PT 207 Clinical Neurorehabilitation and Motor Control 6 hrs
• PT 208 PTA Seminar 3 hrs
• PT 209 Pathology of Cardiovascular and Multisystem Involvement 3 hrs
• PT 210 PTA Clinical Practicum II 4 hrs
• Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment CR

Total 16 hrs

Fourth Term (8 Weeks):

• PT 211 PTA Clinical Practicum III 6 hrs
• PT 212 Transition to the PTA Career 1 hr

Total: 7 hrs

Total Degree Requirement: 75 hrs

The mission and philosophy of the Louisiana Christian University PTA Program are reflected in the following goals:

Upon successful completion of the PTA Program the graduate will:

1. Exhibit effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication necessary to obtain as well as convey information, instruction and/or education to patients, caregivers, other members of the healthcare team, and the community. (Communication)
2. Incorporate technical skills, knowledge of physical therapy theory, and the knowledge of the utilization of fiscal and human resources into a meaningful, effective and accountable treatment process under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. This process facilitates the delivery of cost effective quality patient care and attainment of established treatment goals. (Interventions and Accountability)
3. Demonstrate the ability to adapt to a dynamic health care environment while remaining aware of one’s responsibility and accountability to the patient, Physical Therapy profession, and the community. (Adaptability)
4. Promote awareness of his/her career role development and lifelong learning opportunities through career advancement, degree advancement, and continuing education. (Professonal Role Development)
5. Provide care as a member of the physical therapy profession within the context of a Christian philosophy and standard of ethics in the provision of health care that fosters tolerance for cultural and religious diversity and facilitates ethical choices in professional practices. (Professional Practice)
6. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with members of the healthcare team and others in the profession of physical therapy, to actively promote the profession and contribute to societal well-being. (Collaboration)