SCCs Physical Therapist Assistant program trains students to provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. Therapists may, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.
Location Offered: Lincoln only
Overview
Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home-health, nursing homes, schools, and sports facilities. Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy, such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
The program admits up to 24 students annually. The technical PTA classes begin in the Winter Quarter. The curriculum sequence begins with general education courses, followed by technical physical therapist assistant education courses. After successful completion of SCC’s program, graduates become eligible to take the national examination and apply for state certification. During clinical education, students will have the opportunity to use classroom knowledge and laboratory skills to provide care to patients in a health care facility under the direction of a clinical instructor. Students will complete three clinical education experiences at pre-approved clinical sites. Some clinical sites are located outside of the Lincoln area. Students are responsible for their own books, fees, travel and lodging during the classes, labs and clinical experiences. Requests for information on the Clinical Education Program, including clinical sites and rules and regulations, should be made to the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Southeast Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.Mission
The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level physical therapist assistants through educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences to deliver quality care.
Job Outlook
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average because of increasing consumer demand for physical therapy services. Job prospects for physical therapist assistants are expected to be very good. Aides should experience keen competition for jobs. The average wage for physical therapist assistants in Nebraska is $18.40 per hour. The Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2008-2009 reports annual earnings between $26,190 and $57,220, with 50 percent of physical therapist assistants earning between $33,840 and $49,010.