PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT – STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES OBJECTIVES

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At the end of the program, the graduate will:

• Define the scope of practice for PTs and PTAs.
• Describe basic concepts related to the healthcare delivery system, including the role of other healthcare providers and facilities.
• Identify principles of levels of authority and responsibility.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of blood-borne diseases, including AIDS.
• Demonstrate knowledge of disease processes and health conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy practice.
• Describe the anatomical structure, function, and dysfunction of the human body related to the practice of physical therapy.
• Assist the physical therapist with patient data collection.
• Assist the physical therapist with therapeutic procedural interventions.
• Interpret and apply a physical therapist’s plan of care.
• Demonstrate use of assistive/supportive devices and specialized equipment.
• Demonstrate competent patient progression within the physical therapist’s plan of care.
• Demonstrate competency in appropriate documentation of physical therapy treatment.
• Demonstrate ethical and legal practice as a physical therapist assistant.
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients, families, and other healthcare staff.
• Demonstrate cultural competency in verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Respond to patient’s needs as reflected in the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Teach other health care providers, patients, and families to perform selected treatment procedures and functional activities.
• Identify and respond to barriers to a patient’s participation in their life role.
• Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and career development.