Physical Therapist Assistant
FAQ
Are there employment opportunities in this field?
There are job openings. We have many companies contacting the program for potential employment.
How long does it take to complete this program?
The Program takes two years with a summer session starting with the Freshman year.
What is the current salary for a PTA new graduate?
Ranges from $14-$16 per hour (2008).
Does a PTA degree transfer on to a PT degree?
No. While general education classes may transfer, PTA classes do not transfer.
Where can I find relevant information about outcomes of the ICC PTA Program? (graduation, jobs, and licensure rate)
Go to www.apta.org website to the Physical Therapy Education. Check on PTA Programs, go to Illinois, and find Illinois Central College.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program Abilities and Skills Relating to Essential Job Functions
In compliance with the American Disability Act, Illinois Central College and the PTA Program do not discriminate on the basis of disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, student aid, and other college administered programs.
The PTA must have the abilities and skills necessary to provide competent patient care, which include observation, communication, motor ability, intellectual-conceptual abilities, and behavior/social attributes. Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but the PTA should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
The following abilities and skills are necessary in order to perform the duties of a PTA:
Observation: The PTA must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of vision and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell. The PTA must recognize a change in patient status in which the supervising physical therapist must be notified.
Communication: The PTA must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients in order to provide instruction and elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. A PTA must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. The PTA must be able to communicate effectively in oral, written, and electronic forms with patients/clients/consumers, co-workers, all members of the health care team, and other disciplines, while respecting cultural diversity. The PTA must have the ability to read and comprehend clinical textbooks and other education resources, procedures, numbers, and graphs displayed in print, on a video, or computer monitor.
Motor Ability: The PTA should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients including: performing full-body range of motion, handling, moving/transferring of patients; utilizing finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, and independently be mobile repeatedly throughout an 8-hour period; independently walk on all surfaces and stairs, throughout an 8-hour period unaided; frequently move and/or transfer patients and equipment using correct body mechanics; performing bilateral upper extremity activities, including coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement; demonstration of functional visual and auditory acuity with correction and/or accommodations, if needed; tolerating noxious odors, perfume, unsightly wounds and skin conditions; and manipulating common patient care items such as gait belts, blood pressure cuff, and wheelchairs. The PTA must have sufficient motor skills to treat patients in a variety of care settings and to manipulating the equipment necessary. Such actions may require equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
Intellectual-Conceptual Abilities: The abilities include problem solving skills; recognize patient goals from the evaluation; and ability to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions in a timely manner.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: A PTA must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all patient care responsibilities, and the development of appropriate relationships with patients. A PTA must maintain composure when subjected to high stress levels; adapt effectively to environments to ensure patient safety; respond quickly and in an emotionally-controlled manner in emergency situations; retain confidential information, and communicate only such facts as the recipient needs to know. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities necessary for members of the health profession.
If you have concerns about meeting these standards, please make an appointment with the Program Director and/or Associate Dean of Health Careers and Public Services.
Adapted version of document taken from Evaluation Instruments in Nursing, Bower, Line & Denega, National League for Nursing: New York, p. 71, 1988. (Copyrighted material - reprinted by permission of the National League for Nursing).