The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist (PT) in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising PT. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of the PT, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others. The Blackhawk Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy. The program was granted full accreditation in 2003 for 9 years.
PTA’s work in a broad range of settings. Employment opportunities for PTA’s are located in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing, sub acute, and long-term care facilities, home health agencies, schools, hospice, industrial health clinics, community health centers, fitness centers and sports training facilities, and colleges and universities.
According to American Physical Therapy Association member 2009 survey, the median income for entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistant in the Midwest is $43,000. PTAs who were employed in the southern region of the nation earned the highest median salary. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average yearly salary for PTA’s at $46,300 in 2008. Blackhawk Graduate Surveys indicate that the starting wages for entry-level Blackhawk Physical Therapist Assistant graduates is approximately $20-$24 per hour and rising. Wages for experienced Physical Therapist Assistants are more.
The need for PTA’s continues to grow. The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states “Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow much faster that the average through the year 2016.” In fact it is among the twenty-fastest-growing careers. Over the long run the demand for PTA’s will continue to raise due to the number of individuals with disabilities, the rapid growing elderly population, and the large baby boom generation entering prime age for needing increased health care.
Program Description
The two-year, afternoon, early evening program begins in June each year and continues for six semesters (4 regular and 2 summers). The regular fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks, and the summer’s are 6 weeks. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree, which are conferred in May. The program employs eight faculty members who are all practicing clinicians; four PT;s and four PTA’s. The total cost of tuition and fees for five semesters is approximately $7000. Average semester textbook and supply cost is $200. State licensure is required for the PTA in Wisconsin. Blackhawk graduates traditionally score higher on the national examination when compared to students testing from all other accredited schools. A Caregiver Background Check is required for the clinical portion of the program. Persons with previous felony convictions are not eligible for licensure or credentialing. The PTA program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Clinical Experiences
There are three clinical courses required in the PTA program. The first course is in the spring, or second semester of the first year, and is one day per week. The second course is in the fall, or first semester of the second year, and is two days per week. The final experience is in the second semester of the second year and is a full-time experience for eight weeks. Clinical education sites are located within a 90-mile radius of the school. These clinical experiences encompass a variety of settings. The program aims to expose each student to as many physical therapy services as possible, providing a well-rounded clinical education.
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Admissions and Enrollment
Applications are submitted to the Office of Admissions. Students will be program ready after submitting the following: completion of application and processing fee; evidence of high school graduation, G.E.D or H.S.E.D.; transcripts reflecting high school or college chemistry with grade “C” or above; and COMPASS with scores of 70 in math, 85 in reading, and 78 in writing or ACT composite of 18 in math, 19 in reading, and 18 in writing or SAT of 900 in math and reading, taken within past three years. Students must also take the HOBET preadmission test. Students must complete Oral and Written Communications with grade of “C” prior to petitioning the program for admission. Students must also take Anatomy/Physiology, Physics and College Mathematics with grade of B prior to petitioning the program for admission. Final admission into the PTA program requires a certified physical examination, updated immunizations, current CPR certification, and a clean Caregiver Background Check. The PTA program generally admits 18 first year students each fall. Admissions include 4 from Waukesha Technical College, 2 from Rock Valley and the remainder from Blackhawk Technical College.
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
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Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and the health care team.
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Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards.
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Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal ethical manner.
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Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
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Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and adjust a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
- Perform technically competent data collection under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
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Perform technically competent interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
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Educate patients, families and other health care providers.
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Integrate components of administrative, operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings.
- Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentials and lifelong learning.