Physical Therapy is a field of healthcare that utilizes the application of physical agents, therapeutic exercise, and activities in the treatment and restoration of human bodily function. The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students to provide direct patient care, utilizing physical therapy treatments in a variety of department settings under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the state licensure examination.

Harcum College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program. PTA students can be accepted into the College in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. PTA course sequencing begins only in the Fall for the full time/day program.  PTA Course sequencing begins in January for the part time/evening program.   (See below for the necessary pre-requisites to the part time/evening division.)

Application Requirements

Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is dependent upon meeting the following entrance requirements:

· Completed Harcum College application

· Official copy of high school transcript

· Official copies of all college transcripts, if applicable

 · Completion of Algebra I and II, Geometry, Biology (with lab) with earned grades of C or higher.

· Minimum combined SAT score of 900 and minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with a college degree are not required to submit SAT scores.

·  A written essay describing how the applicant would define physical therapy, how the applicant decided to become a physical therapist assistant, and how the applicant sees her/himself practicing in the field of physical therapy in the future.

·  TOEFL scores (for students for whom English is a second language)

·  It is recommended that applicants complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer or work experience in a physical therapy department.

·  All application documents must by submitted to the Admissions Office. The Admissions Committee will only review completed application files.

·  It is recommended that the student meet with the Program Director of the PTA program prior to entering the program (complete an interview).

Program Requirements are as follows:

·  A maximum of 30 credits of general education coursework may be transferred from another institution.

·  No prior PTA courses will be accepted from another institution (exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis per PTA policy and procedure).

·  Prior to or during the student's first semester, a child abuse clearance and criminal history background check must be completed successfully (both should show a clear record). Clearances must be completed in order to proceed to PTA 101 and clinical affiliations. Students may be unable to complete requirements for graduation and/or obtain a license to practice based on results of these background checks.

·  Accepted students must demonstrate math proficiency and complete the college placement examination in English and reading above the developmental level. Students without the prerequisites are required to complete preparatory coursework before admission to the program.

·  Once accepted to the program, students are required to have a physical examination, chest x-ray, PPD test, hepatitis B vaccine, proof of current CPR certification and proof of medical insurance.

·  Students must complete 20 hours of community service throughout the duration of the program.

·  PTA students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 throughout the program.

·  PTA students must earn a grade of C or higher in BIO 103, BIO 104, AHS 101 and all PTA courses.

·  Failure (grade of C- or lower) of any two Physical Therapist Assistant courses will result in dismissal from the program.

·  Students must take all PTA courses in the sequence offered.

Student/Client Relationship

All PTA students will participate in a clinical partnership prior to the start of their affiliations. This student/client clinical partnership will introduce the PTA students to the exploration of physical therapy practice and the integration of professional behaviors in a structured healthcare facility. It will allow the students to begin to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision making skills during their academic coursework.

Clinical Experiences

Students participate in three clinical affiliations which are assigned by the Clinical Coordinator of Education, as follows: PTA 150 for four weeks at the end of the junior year and PTA 250 and 251 for eight weeks each at the end of the senior year. Grading for all clinical affiliations is on a pass/fail basis. Clinical affiliations PTA 250 and 251 must be completed within 18 months of completion of the didactic coursework.
The clinical sites include acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, sports medicine facilities, and other medical facilities. A clinical instructor from the clinical site's physical therapy staff supervises all clinical affiliations. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the clinical sites. The clinical affiliations are full-time (40 hours per week) and follow the facilities' business hours. Students must successfully complete each affiliation prior to continuation in the PTA program.

Program Accreditation and Outcomes

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits this program. Although many of these courses may be transferred for college credit, the Physical Therapist Assistant program is not intended to prepare students to enter a masters-level or doctorate-level physical therapy program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national board examination for the physical therapist assistant. To obtain the most recent data on graduate outcomes, contact the PTA Program Director or access this data online at www.apta.org (access the Education heading, then enter PTA programs in PA).

Course Sequence

Summer Session*