Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Health Sciences Division

Program Code: PTAS2

Office: Curtice-Mott Complex CM2313

Phone: (810) 762-0317

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students for entry level practice as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA); provision of physical therapy services under the supervision and direction of the physical therapist (PT). This includes collecting of data and/or patient interventions; making appropriate judgments; modifying interventions within the PT’s established plan of care; participating in discharge planning and follow up care; documenting the care provided; educating and interacting with PT and PTA students, aides, volunteers, patients, families and caregivers, and demonstrating an understanding of the significance and impact of cultural and individual differences. Physical Therapist Assistants contribute to society and the profession through the provision of PT services, teaching and administration.

Accreditation Status

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mott Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); address: 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org ; website: http://www.capteonline.org

1. To be considered in the Pre-PTA Program Pool complete the following four requirements:
   1. Demonstrate College level reading comprehension on the ACCUPLACER placement test within the last 5 years, OR a minimum score of 20 on the reading portion of the ACT within the last 5 years. A satisfactory grade in RDNG 030  or ENGL 100  will also meet this requirement.
   2. Students must demonstrate MATH 130  placement by the MCC Placement Test OR successfully complete MATH 120  or MATH 123   with a 2.0 or higher.
   3. Complete Verification of Physical Therapy Observation Form (*minimum eight hours of observation of physical therapy). Form available in the Health Sciences Office, Advising Office and at the SLBC office.
   4. Submit a PTA Program Supplemental Application Form available in the Health Sciences Office, Advising Office and at the SLBC office.
      
      NOTE: Placement in the Pre-PTA Pool does not guarantee admission into the PTA program (see section below). A maximum of 24 students are admitted to the program each year. Deadline date for receipt of Supplemental Application and Verification of Physical Therapy Obervation is April 15th of each year.
       
2. Those considered Pre-Program students will be accepted into the PTA Program based upon:
   1. Attendance at a mandatory pre-PTA orientation session during the summer prior to start of each fall semester.
   2. Complete with a 2.5 or better OTPT 113 Applied Anatomy  and BIOL 151 .
   3. Ranking based on a value points system with consideration to overall GPA, BIOL 151  grade, OTPT 113  grade, and prior degree status.
   4. If not selected, completion of an application addendum form is required to be considered for admission in the following academic year. No addendums will be accepted afer non-selection for a second academic year.
   5. Deferral of acceptance is limited to a one year deferral.
       
3. Requirements after admission to the PTA Program:

1. Recent Physical Exam

Recent Exam, taken at own expense, should be no longer than 6 months old. Forms can be obtained at orientation or at the Health Science Office.

2.  Criminal Background Investigations & Drug Screens

Michigan law requires criminal background screening for individuals working in most health care settings and facilities. Students in the health sciences programs are affected by this law. Conviction of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) may make a student ineligible to be assigned to a clinical site, making program completion and graduation unattainable.

A criminal background investigation is required to apply for health sciences programs. Informational packets may be obtained from the Division office (CM 2313) or from an advisor.

The packet provides instruction regarding the process to complete and submit the background investigation. Students will not be admitted to any health science program without a clear CBI.

In some cases, clinical sites may require students to complete additional background investigation and submit to drug screening procedures prior to or during the clinical experience. All background investigations and drug screenings are at the student’s expense.

Conviction of a criminal offense may also make graduates of health science program ineligible for state or national licensure/certification at program completion. All applicants for a health profession license in Michigan are required to submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background investigation prior to licensure/certification.

Program coordinators, faculty, advisors, and staff cannot give legal advice to any student regarding potential eligibility/ineligibility based on prior convictions or negative findings on the criminal background investigation. The student should consult an attorney for questions specific to his/her individual case.

3. To progress in the professional program students must have at least a 2.5 in all Occupational Specialty/Related Courses and all General Education required courses: ENGL 101  or ENGL 103 ; ENGL 102  or ENGL 104 ; BIOL 151 , BIOL 152 ; AHLT 113 ; PSYC 281 ; OTPT 100 ; PTA. 102 , PTA. 104 , PTA. 114 , PTA. 202 , PTA. 204 , PTA. 205 , PTA. 208 , PTA. 210 , PTA. 212 , PTA. 270 , PTA. 271 , PTA. 280 , PTA. 290 .

Dual Tract:

Students may have the option of receiving a degree in both OTA and PTA. This may be accomplished in three years if the student:

1. Meets eligibility requirements for both programs
2. Is accepted into both programs
3. Selects which program (OTA or PTA) to complete first within 30 days of admission to the program
4. Meets with OTA and PTA coordinators to discuss scheduling of first year of classes before registering