Physical Therapist Assistant - Associate in Applied Science

Students must possess the following abilities or be able to perform the skills using compensatory techniques and/or adaptive devices. These essentials abilities include:

Physical Skills:

• The ability to safely bend, twist, and lift to assist a patient moving from one surface to another.
• The ability to apply manual resistance to a patient’s arm, leg or trunk during exercise.
• The ability to perform chest compressions necessary for CPR.
• The coordination, balance, and strength to safely guard and protect a patient negotiating stairs with an assistive device.
• The ability to crouch, kneel, reach, push/pull, and crawl to perform exercises with patients.
• The ability to climb when instructing or assisting a patient on the stairs.
• The agility to move quickly to ensure patient safety.
• The physical capacity to work a 40 hour week during clinical affiliations.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to safely grasp and manipulate small objects and dials.
• The ability to identify color changes on the skin.
• The ability to visually observe and assess a patient 10 feet away.
• The visual acuity to set and read scales, dials and digital displays on equipment, and to read from the medical record.
• The ability to respond quickly to a visual or auditory timer.
• The ability to respond quickly to a patient call button (visual or auditory).
• The ability to hear heart and lung sounds.
• The ability to hear and respond to monitors, calls for assistance, timers, and verbal directions.
• The ability to detect odors such as equipment burning, smoke, spills, environmental hazards, and pathophysiological conditions.
• The ability to feel pulse, muscle tone, and bony landmarks.
• The ability to hold and use a writing instrument for documentation.

Cognitive/Behavioral Skills

• The ability to collect and integrate data about patients to problem solve safely and effectively as a PTA student.
• The ability to handle the emotional stress of working with patients in need of compassionate health care.
• The ability to read and comprehend patient information.
• The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• The ability to interact effectively with patients, families, supervisors, and co-workers regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
• The ability to maintain personal hygiene consistent with the close personal contact associated with patient care.
• To abide by the policies and procedures of CCRI, as detailed in the CCRI Student Handbook, and policies of the Rehabilitative Health Department and PTA Program.
• To render assistance to individuals of all cultures from across the lifespan without prejudice.
• To comprehend and effectively communicate in the English language (orally and in writing), using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
• The ability to portray professional behavior in all areas, including professional presentation, academic and professional responsibility, ethics, and commitment to learning.

• What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program like at CCRI?
• How can I prepare myself for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program?
• What is the process for application to the program?
• If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?
• Where can I get more information about the program?

What is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program like at CCRI?

General education courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program can be taken on any CCRI campus. The PTA program courses are offered during that day on the Newport County Campus. Clinical Education experiences are scheduled during the day and typically run from Monday – Friday.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a 2 year program that integrates classroom preparation and clinical practice. General education courses such as English Composition, Oral Communication, Anatomy, Physiology, Introduction to College Math, General Psychology, and Developmental Psychology enhance the Physical Therapist Assistant Program core courses. Core courses include laboratory sessions to learn and practice the hands on skills required to be a Physical Therapist Assistant. The faculty helps students to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to provide physical therapy services. The students have 3 clinical education experiences in various physical therapy settings to utilize skills in the clinic that were learned in the classroom, while being mentored by a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

As you consider choosing a program to prepare you for a lifelong career as a Physical Therapist Assistant, consider how CCRI can provide you with a superior educational experience.

• The CCRI Physical Therapist Assistant Program was established in 1991, and was the first PTA program in the state of Rhode Island. Our well established and refined curriculum provides a logical learning sequence and facilitates the development of hands-on and clinical reasoning skills required for successful practice in a variety of Physical Therapy settings.
• CCRI’s PTA Program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education since 1993.
• As a state school, CCRI provides you with an affordable, high quality education for just over $13,000; thousands of dollars less than private schools.
• The CCRI Physical Therapist Assistant program is proud of its 100% pass rate on the national board examination since 2005.
• Our experienced faculty hold advanced degrees in the field of Physical Therapy, and hold offices in the PTA Consortium of New England, as well as the RI Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Program faculty are dedicated to student success, and committed to excellence in preparing students for lifelong careers as a Physical Therapist Assistants.
• CCRI provides a strong network of support services for students such as supplemental classroom instruction and peer tutoring outside the classroom.

How can I prepare myself for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program?

Interested students should enroll in a math and science curriculum, including math and biology. Students should consider completing the online RHAB 1100: Foundational Kinesiology, and RHAB 1010: Medical Terminology courses at CCRI in preparation for success in the PTA curriculum. High school students can take these online courses during their senior year. All students will need good reading and communication skills to prepare them to take English Composition I at the college level.

What is the process for application to the program?

All students wishing to apply to the PTA program must complete all prerequisite courses with a “B-” or better and must have a GPA of at least 2.7. Applications are accepted in February only following completion of the preadmission requirements.

If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?

Applicants are rank ordered for acceptance through the performance based application process. For the best chance of acceptance, prospective students should attempt to complete their preadmission requirements in time to apply during the February application period.

Where can I get more information about the program?

• CCRI Web Page: www.ccri.edu/alliedrehabhealth/rehabhealth/
• Call Deborah Watson at the Newport campus (401) 851-1637 or email [email protected].
• If more specific information is needed, contact Craig Simpson, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director at [email protected].