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    Revision Date: August 2013

    Physical

    Therapist

    AssistantProgram

    2013

    To2015

    NewStudent

    Orientation

    Manual

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    Welcome

    Welcome to the profession of physical therapy and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

    program. Awaiting you is an exciting, creative and rewarding career, with many different types

    of employment opportunities.

    The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at El Paso Community College is accredited by the

    Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax

    Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected];

    website:http://www.capteonline.org.

    The program currently employs two full time faculty;

    Professor Debra Tomacelli-Brock, PT, MS Instructional Coordinator,

    Assistant Professor Michele H. Biernacki PTA, Coordinator of Clinical Education,

    The Program counselors are

    Veronica Fulton 831-4608 and Argelia Duarte 831-4040

    The curricular design includes four long semesters and one summer session in 18 months of full

    time day classes which are sequentially organized courses. Course offerings are available for

    students upon formal admission into the program from the Office of Specialized Admissions.

    Prior to formal admissions students should be taking all of the general education courses listed

    in the degree plan, AND work on the requirements for Specialized admissions.

    Included in this comprehensive program, are educational components which meet or exceed theminimum competencies outlined in the APTA Minimum PTA Competencies document. Most

    courses are taught between 7 AM and 5 P M however there are several part-time instructors

    some of whom teach at night or on the weekends. The final semester includes a course on

    professional development and licensure preparation (PTHA 2239) and a final full-time clinical

    experience (PTHA 2267).

    At the end of the program, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination

    (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants in order to work as a PTA. There are new rules about

    the exam. The website for the exam iswww.FSBPT.ORG.

    To learn more about the profession of Physical Therapy visit the student section of theAmerican

    Physical Therapy Associationatwww.apta.org.

    The programs website can be found by typing PTAPin the search engine located on the

    EPCC.EDU home page.

    http://www.capteonline.org/http://www.capteonline.org/http://www.capteonline.org/http://c/Users/mhollywo/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/94XYOOSG/www.FSBPT.ORGhttp://c/Users/mhollywo/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/94XYOOSG/www.FSBPT.ORGhttp://c/Users/mhollywo/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/94XYOOSG/www.FSBPT.ORGhttp://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=54511http://c/Users/mhollywo/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/94XYOOSG/www.FSBPT.ORGhttp://www.capteonline.org/
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    Working in a Health Profession

    Working in health care is regulated by many agencies; accreditation agencies, regulatory

    agencies and professional associations. Both accreditation and regulatory agencies dictate

    policies and procedures which guide the everyday activities of delivering and managing

    healthcare delivery to a patient. Background check, drug screen and current immunizations arerequired of all students and employees.

    The Physical Therapist Assistant, works under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist, and

    is a valuable member of the physical therapy department. Your contribution to the physical

    therapy team, regardless of the work setting, will directly reflect your technical skill, your ability

    to work as a team member, your ability to develop and nurture positive interpersonal

    relationships, your ability to apply the theories of rehabilitation to your patients, and your ability

    to efficiently implement an evidence based treatment plan developed by your supervisingphysical therapist.

    Your education as a physical therapist assistant is your life long responsibility. It does not end at

    graduation. The State of Texas, like many states requires you to be licensed prior to working, and

    also requires annual or biennial re-licensure. Re-licensure currently involves evidence of 1)

    attendance in 20 hours of continuing competence approved by the Physical Therapy Licensing

    Board each biennium 2) continued ethical and legal practice as stated in the Texas Physical

    Therapy Practice Act 3) successful completion of a biennial jurisprudence exam which

    accompanies your re-licensure application and 4) a biennial relicensing fee. Details about re-

    licensure can be found athttp://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/

    What is Physical Therapy?

    Physical Therapy is a health care profession concerned with: 1) the prevention of pain,

    movement impairments and disability, 2) the restoration of function secondary to injury and 3)

    the improvement of function secondary to congenital defects in adults and children. The Physical

    Therapist accomplishes these goals through the use of evaluation, evidenced based interventions

    and patient/community education. Disabilities and impairments, whether acquired or congenital,

    are treated by Physical Therapist Assistants under the supervision of a licensed Physical

    Therapist. They include: sport injuries, spinal injuries, cancer, orthopedic disorders, pain, burns,

    wounds, arthritis, and disorders of the nervous system, cardio-vascular systems, respiratory

    system, nutritional/digestive systems, and metabolic system which cause a large variety of

    physical impairments.

    http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/
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    The Physical Therapist Assistant

    A career as a Physical Therapist Assistant provides rewarding and challenging opportunities for

    the person who is interested in helping others to maintain or regain their physical mobility. ThePhysical Therapist Assistant is a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a

    physical therapist providing interventions which are written in the plan of care in the medical

    record. The PTA is an important member of the physical rehabilitation team. Other members of

    the team include: physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physicians,

    nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other medical specialists.

    In the state of Texas, as in many other states in the U.S.A., the law states that the PTA is

    supervised by and must report to a Physical Therapist. You may not work under or be

    supervised or report to any other health care professionals, such as doctors, chiropractors,

    nurses, occupational therapists or athletic trainers.

    The Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant

    Educator: In this role, you will teach the patient and the family members how to carry out a

    home exercise program designed by the physical therapist. You will assist/instruct patients on

    how to use mobility equipment. You will give in-services to your peers or to the community on

    treatment procedures. You may be assigned the duties of a clinical instructor for physical

    therapist assistant students, after a few years of experience. You may teach in a Physical

    Therapist Assistant Program.

    Clinician: In the clinician role, and under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, you will find

    yourself delivering patient exercise programs, fabricating adaptive equipment, implementing

    exercise programs, performing wound care, conducting therapeutic pool programs, or utilizing

    high-tech computer programmed exercise machines. You will find yourself documenting patient-

    related activities in the medical chart, and sharing patient information with the physical therapist

    and other members of the health care team. You will find yourself working with therapeutic

    equipment such as hot-packs, cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, isokinetic, neuro-

    rehabilitation and cardiovascular rehabilitation equipment.

    Manager: In the management role, you will find yourself responsible for evaluating the

    performance of physical therapy aides, writing department manuals, and participating in the

    selection and ordering of equipment for the physical therapy department.

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    Employment Opportunities for the Physical Therapist Assistant

    Graduates of the PTA program enjoy 100% employability upon passing the national licensing

    exam. Many graduates are offered jobs in their last semester of the program. There are

    numerous and varied employment opportunities available in El Paso, Las Cruces, and

    communities across Texas, New Mexico and in every state. The most popular opportunities existin hospitals, however, other work environments may include: out-patient clinics, physical

    therapist owned private practices, rehabilitation centers, school systems, home health settings,

    medical supply sales and wellness centers.

    Employment opportunities are posted on the Texas Physical Therapy Association web site, on

    the inside door of the PTA lab, through the colleges career center, and e-mailed to graduates of

    the PTA program. The college also has a Career Center where additional posting can be found.

    Salaries in the Field of Physical Therapy

    Salaries are highly competitive with Nursing and other high demand health care providers. Sign-

    on bonuses are common locally and nationally. You can find national salary statistics at

    http://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm.Local salaries vary depending on the work environment,

    benefits paid, experience and additional credentialing. Baseline salaries for a new graduate, full

    time staff PTA in an acute hospital is approximately $45,000, based on a local salary survey in

    2012.

    Highlights Of The Program

    18 month program Transportability of course work to any Texas PTA program Courses which transfer to UTEP Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education through

    2016

    Full time students are eligible for financial aid Enrolled students are eligible for selected scholarships Students must meet specialized admissions requirements to be eligible for program

    admission

    Program taught by experienced instructors Home to the only Texas Community College level faculty practice pro bono clinic A course designed to train physical therapy aides for the workforce. This course (PTHA

    1409: Introduction to Physical Therapy) can be taken without program admission

    http://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm
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    Gaining Admission and Staying in the Program

    General information that every student needs to knowabout gaining information to a health

    occupations course can be found in the online catalog. To gain admission to the program, and to

    stay in the program, the student is advised to meet regularly with the program counselors, Ms.

    Veronica Fulton ([email protected]), 831-4608, or Ms Argelia Duarte ([email protected])831-4040, whose offices are on the Rio Grande Campus, Student Services, Room D302, 103

    Montana Street. The counselors will then discuss with you the general requirements necessary to

    be ready for successful ranking by the deadline. Ranking from the applicant pool is in early June

    for fall admission. To be eligible for the applicant pool, you must first:

    Attend a Health careers Orientation Session. Pay a one-time Health Occupations admissions fee. Complete the Accuplacer exam with a score at or above the programs cut-off score. Complete mandatory courses with specified minimum grades.

    Complete pre-admission program requirements.

    While in the program students need to stay in touch with the program counselor especially if

    there are financial issues, or issues related to progression within the program such as failing

    grades, or needing to take a semester off. Students who are having personal problems at home, or

    academic issues related to study skills and test taking should address these issues with both the

    counselor and the program coordinator at the earliest possible time.

    International Students

    All international students should remain in contact with Ms. Medrano from the International

    Student Office (831-3302).

    Transfer Students

    Students transferring from another institution should follow the admissions criteria to include

    sending official high school and college transcripts to the Admissions Department. Students

    transferring from UTEPs kinesiology or PTprogram may be able to matriculate into theprogram with advanced standing. These students will need to meet with the program coordinator.

    Students transferring from higher education instructions should contact the program coordinator

    for more information regarding syllabi from their transferring institution.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    Information about Program Re-entry

    All students wishing to transfer or re-enter into the PTA program must meet all specialized and

    program admission requirements in place at the time of application.

    Students who are currently enrolled in another PTA program should contact any healthoccupations counselor on the Rio Grande campus (915-831-4636). These counselors can assist

    you with the admissions requirements to El Paso Community College and transcript evaluation.

    Texas PTA programs enjoy common course numbering, and common content, making the

    transfer process even easier.

    Students who are coming from the military with physical therapist assistant training should

    contact the Department of Admission, Evaluation Office (831-3124) for further information on

    the process of advanced standing admissions.

    Students who have graduated from a PTA program and who are wishing to go on to a four year

    institution for a physical therapy degree should speak with an EPCC health occupation

    counselor. Physical therapist assistant course work usually does not transfer to any entry-level

    program for Physical Therapy anywhere in the United States. However there are transition

    programs for licensed PTAs who want to become PTs. Additional information on these schools

    can be found on the web site of the American Physical Therapy Association (www.APTA.org)

    under Education.

    Courses in the degree plan offered at EPCC are easily transferable within Texas via the common

    course numbering system at both the community college level and the university level.

    Program Specifics

    1. Courses in the degree plan that transfer to UTEP: ENGL 1301 Expository English Composition ENGL 2341 Introduction to Literature SPCH 1315 Fundamentals of Effective Speech PSYC 1301 Introduction to Psychology Math 1314 Pre-calculus/College Algebra and Geometry

    2. Courses completed and required by the June ranking date:

    BIOL 2101 ( 3 year maximum), (B or better required) BIOL 2402 (3 year maximum), (B or better required) PTHA 1409 Introduction to Physical Therapy (B or better required) HPRS 1206 Medical Terminology (B or better required)

    http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/
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    2. Pre-Program specific requirements are detailed in the most current version of thePrograms Information Guide, which need to be completed at least two weeks prior to

    the June ranking deadline. This document can be found online at www.EPCC.edu ( type

    PTAP in the search engine).

    Must file a degree plan with designated Health Counselor Background Check will be completed by each student prior to enrollment in clinical

    courses. The student will not be able to go to the clinical areas/health care facilities

    until cleared. For further information, pleaseask a Health Counselor or call the Program

    Coordinator. Web site:http://www.elpasoex.com. You will receive a letter from the

    Dean, Health Career & Technical Education, Math and Science division after the

    background check is reviewed. ***NOTE: A background check must be repeated

    at students expense if the student is not enrolled in a health-related program forone or more semesters. ***

    Current CPR Certification at the Professional Level (American Heart Association-Healthcare Provider). Must include AED.

    HIPAA Training (online athttp://www.epcc.edu/hipaa/Pages/default.aspx). Immunizations and/or TitersThe following must be completed:oCompleted Hepatitis B vaccination series of 3 or Titer (can take 4-6 months to

    complete)/if a student has started the Hepatitis B series by ranking deadline (June 1),

    he/she may be cleared for ranking or registration with the understanding that the series

    must be completed in a timely manner prior to starting clinical courses. Documentation of

    starting the series must be on file.

    oTuberculosis Screening and/or testing (completed)(done annually),or chest x-raysand questionnaire (annual).

    o2 doses - Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccinations MMR) (completed) or Titer.o2 doses-Varicella Vaccination (completed) or Titer.oTetanus /Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus/Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)(completed).oInfluenza is required (or completed declination form)(NOTE: If declined, will have to

    wear a mask in clinical)(done annually).

    oMeningitis or booster (Starting Spring 2012, new and returning EPCC studentsunder the age of 30 must provide proof of an initial meningitis immunization orbooster to Admissions and Registration Department at any campus. The meningitis

    immunization must be administered at least 10 days before the start of the semester

    and must have been administered within the last five years). Visit the link of the

    Admission and Registration EPCC web page for additional information

    (http://www.epcc.edu/Registration/Pages/default.aspx ). Provide a copy of the

    meningitis documentation to your program coordinator.

    http://www.elpasoex.com/http://www.elpasoex.com/http://www.elpasoex.com/http://www.epcc.edu/hipaa/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/hipaa/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/hipaa/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/Registration/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/Registration/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/Registration/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/Registration/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/hipaa/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.elpasoex.com/
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    In 2013, immunization verification by titer is required for the following:o Meningitiso Varicellao Hepatitiso Measles, Mumps and Rebella

    A completed current Physical Exam(http://www.epcc.edu/InstructionalPrograms/Documents/ReportHealthEvaluation.pdf

    ) by a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Physicians Assistant licensed in the United

    States.

    Physical Technical Standard form (completed). Program Orientation.

    Program Specific Material should be turned in as soon as completed to: Debra Tomacelli-

    Brock, Faculty Coordinator, RG Campus,RM H-148, telephone # (915) 831-4172; or to Frances Maldonado RG Campus, RM A-224,

    telephone # (915) 831-4225.

    Note: Students enrolled in PTHA 1409 assemble a pre-program admissions portfolio which

    includes most of the items listed above and the following:

    Completed Demographics form

    http://www.epcc.edu/InstructionalPrograms/Documents/ReportHealthEvaluation.pdfhttp://www.epcc.edu/InstructionalPrograms/Documents/ReportHealthEvaluation.pdfhttp://www.epcc.edu/InstructionalPrograms/Documents/ReportHealthEvaluation.pdfhttp://www.epcc.edu/InstructionalPrograms/Documents/ReportHealthEvaluation.pdf
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    Graduating from the PTA Program and State Licensure

    The PTA program at EPCC is an integrated education program. Information about admission,

    tuition, financial aid, graduation and the degree plan can all be found in the on-line college

    catalogue atWWW.EPCC.EDU

    Successful graduation from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program requires a 1) minimum of a

    C in each PTAP course (except PTHA 1409 which is a B or better), 2) a minimum of a 2.5

    in the degree plan and 3) successful completion of a computerized on-line mock exam at the

    end of the program in the last didactic course. The minimum passing grade for progression in the

    PTA program is a grade of 80 in any course in the degree plan which has a PTHA prefix.

    Upon graduation a letter will be sent to the Texas state licensing board confirming your

    graduation from the program.Once the State has received this letter and your completed

    application packet, including all required fees, you may sit for the computerized National

    Physical Therapist Assistant licensing examination in any state. You may take this exam locally,

    and indicate the state in which you wish to be licensed. The state exam is approximately 200

    computerized questions, and takes about 4 hours. To sit for the licensing exam in Texas you must

    meet at a minimum the following criteria:

    Graduate from a PTA program accredited by the Commission on theAccreditation of Physical Therapy Education (www.apta.org)

    Report a variety of criminal offenses to the licensing jurisdiction ( see applicationform for Texas PTA license :http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us

    Report alcohol or drug abuse, malpractice claims or mental incompetency to thelicensing jurisdiction ( see application form for Texas PTA license :http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us

    Complete an online jurisprudence exam.The four fixed date testing for the licensure exam can be found at: www.fsbpt.org

    http://www.epcc.edu/http://www.epcc.edu/http://www.epcc.edu/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.apta.org/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.fsbpt.org/http://www.fsbpt.org/http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/http://www.apta.org/http://www.epcc.edu/
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    Program Philosophy

    The vision of the El Paso Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program and itscurriculum evolves from the needs of the: El Paso community of Physical Therapists andPhysical Therapist Assistants; the Standards of Accreditation set forth by the Commission onAccreditation of Physical Therapy Education; the requirements for academic programs set forthby the Texas State Higher Education Coordinating Board; the Normative Model for PhysicalTherapist Assistant Education; and the community colleges commitment to provide programswhich meet the growing and changing demand for rehabilitative health care within the multi-cultural society of El Paso.

    The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant program is to provide educational opportunitiesand experiences which will graduate a student who can successfully become licensed in the stateof Texas and meet the entry-level work force skills and competencies as established a variety ofexternal and internal entities. The outcome statements of the Physical Therapist Assistantprogram are as follows:

    1. Program faculty will demonstrate competency in the areas of curriculum which theyteach through documented continued competency. (CAPTE 1.3.3.1 and 1.3.3.2), (Collegemissions/goals: Provide Quality Education

    2. The program will provide a clinical training program which adequately supports andenhances the didactic work of the student. (CAPTE 4.1.6).

    3. Faculty will contribute to the quality of student and faculty life on campus throughcommittee participation and service learning.

    4. The program will have a budget which will adequately provide for the instructional andadministrative needs of the program.

    5. The program will have sufficient faculty and equipment to provide quality instruction tostudents.

    6. The program will appraise compliance of the program against accreditation criteria of theCommission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education and the Texas HigherEducation Board.

    7. The PTA program will graduate students who can meet minimum THECB and CAPTEcriteria for graduation and pass rates.

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    Student Learning Outcomes Include:

    1. Students will demonstrate the behaviors, values, and attitudes of the profession ofphysical therapy and the standards of ethical and legal practice in accordance with statelaw and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Ethical Conduct for thePhysical Therapist Assistant.

    2. Students will be able to discuss and defend the principles, practices, indications andcontraindications of physical therapy interventions through the use of evidence basedresearch.

    3. The student will demonstrate entry level competency in data collection, patientinstruction, and application of physical therapy interventions as dictated by the plan ofcare.

    4. The student will document patient progress in medical record, adhering to professional,legal and ethical guidelines.

    5. Students will demonstrate respectful, culturally competent and compassionate written andverbal communications during the delivery and documentation of physical therapyinterventions.

    6. Students will participate in community service, leadership and career planning inpreparations for employment and continuing competency for the first 2 years aftergraduation.

    7. Students will demonstrate ongoing achievement of clinical and theoretical knowledge inpreparation for the licensing exam.

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    Important People Involved in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

    Dean of Health OccupationsDr. Paula Mitchell 831-4026, Rm 240 RG Division SecretaryRoberta Rodriguez 831-4026, Rm 240 RG PTAP CounselorsVeronica Fulton831-4608 , or Argelia Duarte 831-4040, Rm

    250 RG in Student Services Building [email protected] [email protected] PTAP Discipline CoordinatorDebra Tomacelli-Brock PT, MS 831-4172, Rm H

    147 RG [email protected] PTAP Clinical Coordinator, Michele H. Biernacki, PTA Rm H-148,

    [email protected]

    Succeeding in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

    What entities influence our curricular content?

    Designing courses is not just selecting a textbook, writing course objectives and giving exams.In a program where passing a state licensing exam is the culmination of years of work for astudent, it is critical that the student enter our program with essential academic skills, and basicknowledge that will lay a solid foundation for the course work they will receive in the PhysicalTherapist Assistant Program. It is equally critical that the faculty of the program teach contentthat is current and used in clinical practice and evaluate student knowledge and skills at a level ofexcellence expected by external accrediting agencies, and the health care system.

    What does the student need to know before enrolling in PTHA courses?

    A) A solid foundation in English grammar and research paper writingB) Oral communication and interpersonal communication skillsC) Solid foundation in math (college algebra) and science (anatomy and physiology)D) A foundation in the social sciences.E) How to study, take notes, take exams, think critically, problem solve independentlyF) Read college level booksG) Stress management and test taking skills

    What external entities is the program responsible to?

    1) CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education); this entityaccredits this program. Without it, you cannot sit for any state PTA licensing exam.

    2) Texas State Higher Education Coordinating Board: without a status of at least goodstanding, we would lose our accreditation from CAPTE.

    3) SACs (Southern Association of Colleges): this entity accredits the college. Without itour program would lose its accreditation from CAPTE and the Coordinating Board.

    4) The community of PTs and PTAs in the greater El Paso area. Without the abovethreethings, they cannot or will not hire you.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    Thus the program has standards that it must achieve, maintain and strive for in order thatit maintains its status of accreditation. And, the student has many standards that he/she mustachieve in order to graduate from this program, which qualifies him/her to sit for the statelicensing exam. If you pass the exam, you are then eligible to work as a PTA.

    The quality of a persons life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence,regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. Vince Lombardi

    This program is designed not so much to teach you Physical Therapy as it is to teach you aboutphysical therapy, to help you understand how physical therapy effects the life of your patients,to help you understand how the body systems work together, and to help you make gooddecisions when applying physical therapy interventions to your patients. The essence of thisprogram is to develop your commitment to excellence as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

    Learning Format

    The primary emphasis of learning in this program is student directed learning and is yourresponsibility. That means that the responsibility of learning the material presented in class isthe studentsnotthe instructors. The instructors will provide you with basic information.However, it is the responsibility of the student to organize the material in a manner which isuseful. Often times the student will need to read supplementary information from text books orjournal articles, search the Internet for additional information or spend extra time in labpracticing technical skills. The library is a useful resource in physical therapy education. Acomputer and computer skills are recommended tools for you to accomplish these activities.While the library at the Rio Grande and Valle Verde campuses have computers with Internetaccess, only the Rio Grande libraryhas the Physical Therapy resources on the book shelves.

    Critical thinking is the key to solving a patients movement problem. In class you will be askedto solve your patients problems. Often times it will require using a multitude of strategies.Among those useful strategies are, group work, library work, group discussions, and reviewingthe literature.

    Group work is a popular method of exploring possible answers to patient problems. Frequentlyyou will find that this methodology is employed in the clinical setting and that there are no rightor wrong answers. That is frequently true of questions asked in the classroom setting too. That isnot to say that any answer is correct, but rather that some responses better answer the questionsthan others. Your participation in class and group discussions is essential to your success insolving patient problems. Join in the class discussions. Contribute to the success of your group.Ask questions and offer your opinions and ideas. If you do not understand, ask for moreclarification. You have freedom to respectfully disagree with the instructor The instructors willhave the same freedom to request that you substantiate your answer if it is different than ours andprovide documented proof.

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    Exams, quizzes, projects and research papers follow a similar format, and require criticalthinking and problem solving skills. The quizzes are designed to help you monitor your learning,and carry a format similar to the exams: patient problems in essay or multiple choice formats.The projects and research papers are designed to help you familiarize yourself with the currentresearch information that is on the Internet and in the journals. The class presentations are

    frequent and are designed to give you practice teaching, and defending your rationale for yourfact-based information in front of your classmates prior to going into the clinical setting, whereyou will have to do a similar activity in front of strangers.

    Journals

    Journals are required each semester. These journals are a mechanism by which you can reflect onchanges you are experiencing about your learning and communicate your classroom experiencewith the instructor.

    Student Conduct

    As students enrolled in EPCC, you are expected to abide by the policies and procedures outlinedin the Student Code of Conduct,which can be found online on the college website and in thecurrent college catalog. As students enrolled in the PTA Program you are expected to abide tothe policies and procedures of the PTA program and the behaviors outlined in the APTAGuideto Ethical Conduct for the PTA. Infraction of college, division or program policies may result inyour dismissal from the PTA Program and/or college.

    Miscellaneous but Important

    Program faculty frequently use e-mail as the preferred method of communication to update youon assignments, last minute changes affecting you the next day, forwarding job opportunities, e-mailing you course syllabi, homework, etc. Although every student is assigned a college e-mailaccount, we recognize that not all students will use it. Please keep your preferred e-mailcurrentwith the program coordinator, who will forward it to all faculty.

    Technology that you need:

    1) You will need printer paper. Plan on buying a ream or two to get you through eachsemester.

    2) Consider learning PowerPoint as you will need it in this program. And you will needtravel drives to save your work to.

    3) We use Microsoft Word as the only acceptable word processing programs.4) Access to the Internet either at home, or though the college resources.5) Internet literacy, by as we communicate email.6) Technology savvy as we use Blackboard for our hybrid courses.

    Big Sister/Brother program

    http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Core_Documents1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=25853
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    You will be assigned a big sister/brother who can answer those questions that only anupper classman can answer. Please use this valuable resource; they can be your mentors, guideyou and save you a lot of wasted time. As part of the New Student Orientation Process, you willbe asked to provide your demographic information so it can be shared with your classmates.

    Some Success Strategies

    Know your learning style auditory learner visual learner kinesthetic/psychomotor learnerKnow your study style group study individual study

    Learn how to manage your time use a personal planner

    Learn how to manage your stress stick to an exercise program make time for your family/friends dont procrastinate on school homework, readings and projects

    Come to class preparedto discuss the material and participate in lab. Be sure to read ahead, usethe study questions at the end of the chapter; write in the lab guides, and use the online resourcesof your text books.

    Dress code

    Students are expected to come appropriately dressed to lab. Students not prepared for lab will begiven paper gowns. There are dress codes for clinic and for lab.Each student is required todress in the PTAP clinic uniform as assigned by the clinic coordinator. The clinic uniformconsists of khaki or black dress slacks, an official program selected shirt embroidered with theprogram name, non-skid dress shoes and a college approved name tag. While this clinic uniformis the official clinic uniform some affiliation sites may require a modification to meet their dresscode policy. Details and requirements for these items will be shared with you prior to your firstclinical course.

    Lab dress includes black loose fitting shorts with an elastic waist, and an EPCC T- shirt.Modifications to the lab attire may occur and students will be notified in advance.

    Examinations of Didactic and Clinical Skills.

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    Periodically you will be examined both on written exams, and on practical exams. Practicalexaminations can include both paper and real patients. Students may be asked to role play ascenario when no real patients are available. Providing information about scenarios during orafter the exam is a form of cheating and is cause for academic probation and disciplinary action.Students are referred to the EPCC student Code of Conduct for further information.

    Both the written and practical examinations test your knowledge of the following:

    a. Basic science and clinical theory (the rationale for why you do a treatment a certain way)

    b. Physical therapy interventions (your ability to perform the intervention correctly andsafely)

    Each lab course contains a specific list of skills which each student must master toprogress to the next course, and into the next clinical course. These skills are part of the

    course syllabus. The minimum pass rate on the skills check-off sheets is an 80%.Students failing a skills check-off will be required to retake the skill check-off until theymaster the skill. Students may not progress to the practical exam until they have met theskills competencies.

    c. Patient interaction (your ability to demonstrate appropriate therapeutic communicationsskills and professional ethics.)

    d. Documentation (Your ability to document what you did with the patient.)

    e. The ethical and legal standards of safe physical therapy practice and sound judgment.

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    *Generic Abilities

    Generic abilities are behaviors that we expect you to develop while in the PTA Program. Theseabilities provide a foundation for successful interpersonal interaction, learning and clinicalperformance. These behaviors will be assessed at various times during your PTAP course work,

    and can be found in such places as Skill Check-off Sheets, Practical exams, and the PTAMACS the clinical skills mastery book.

    Generic Ability Definition

    1. Commitment to Learning The ability to self-assess, self-correct, and self-direct; To identifyneeds and sources of learning; and to continually seek newknowledge and understanding.

    2. Interpersonal Skills The ability to interact effectively with patients, families,colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and the community andto deal effectively with culture and ethnic diversity issues.

    3. Communication Skills The ability to communicate effectively (i.e., speaking, body

    language, reading, writing, listening) for varied audience andpurposes.

    4. Effective Use of Time andResources

    The ability to obtain the maximum benefit from a minimuminvestment of time and resources.

    5. Use of Constructive Feedback The ability to identify sources of and seek out feedback and toeffectively use and provide feedback for improving personalinteraction.

    6. Problem Solving The ability to recognize and define problems, analyze data,develop and implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes.

    7. Professionalism The ability to exhibit appropriate professional conduct and torepresent the profession effectively.

    8. Responsibility The ability to fulfill commitments and to be accountable for actionsand outcomes.

    9. Critical Thinking The ability to question logically; to identify, generate, and evaluateelements or logical argument; to recognize and differentiate facts,illusions, assumption, and hidden assumption; and to distinguishthe relevant from the irrelevant.

    10. Stress Management The ability to identify sources of stress and to develop affectivecoping behaviors.

    ** Developed by the Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison May etal; Journal of Physical Therapy Education; 9:1, Spring 1995

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    Real time in PTAP classes based on 2013 degree plan

    Semester contact hrs per week

    (PTAP classes only)

    Comments

    First Fall 224 The easiest of the semesters, but planon an extra 10 hours to practice aweek with a partner, on campus.

    First Spring 464 Extremely difficulty, add anadditional 12 hours a week forpractice with partner in the classroom

    First summer 320 Car will be necessary

    Second Fall 400 Extremely difficult, add an extra 16-18 hours for practice with a partner

    Second Spring 320 Car will be necessary. Most stressfulsemester, must pass mock exam tograduate.

    Courses Recommended To Complete Prior to Entering the PTAP Program

    All general education courses listed in the degree plan

    Courses Required To Complete Prior to Ranking for the PTAP Program

    BIOL 2401Anatomy and Physiology IBIOL 2402Anatomy and Physiology II (used as a tie breaker)HRRS 1206Essentials of Medical TerminologyPTHA 1409Introduction to Physical Therapy

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    Estimated Annual Expenses for Students Enrolled in the Physical Therapist AssistantProgram: $11,695.48-$11,775.48

    Textbooks: The textbook list is published on the EPCC website. $250.00/semester

    Equipment:*

    First Hand Evaluation Kit ( APTA members) orequivalent $80.00

    12 Plastic Goniometer $20.00

    Lab Uniform 50.00

    Clinic Uniform (2 pants) $60.00

    (2 shirts) $40.00

    Shoes for Clinic $60.00

    Name tag $6.00Physical Therapy Guide to Clinical Practice ( includedwith APTA Membership) $90.00

    On line Mock exams

    $ 90.00+

    Graduation Expenses*

    Graduation Application Fee $0.00Cap and Gown $25- $30

    Licensure Examination Expenses*

    Prep Course Tuition $150.00

    Licensure Application $105.00

    Temporary License Fee $40.00

    Licensure Exam Fee $550.00

    Passport Photo Fee $8.00

    * Prices are subject to change

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    Financial Assistance

    Texas Alliance of Physical Therapist Assistant Educators

    Contact: PTAP Program coordinator

    Type: ScholarshipAmount: variesPays for: Licensure feesQualifications: Final semester of the Physical Therapist Assistant program,

    Member of APTADeadline: February 1

    American Physical Therapy Association: Minority Scholarship Award for Academic

    Excellence

    Contact: APTA Dept. of Minority /International AffairsType: ScholarshipAmount: Minimum of $750.00Pays for: unspecifiedQualifications: Final year of Physical Therapist Assistant program, Member of

    APTADeadline: December 1

    Las Palmas Medical Center West Auxiliary

    Contact: Counseling departmentType: ScholarshipAmount: variablePays for: unspecifiedQualifications: unspecifiedDeadline: none specified

    Texas Physical Therapy Association: George Scofield Student Award

    Contact: PTAP Program coordinatorType: ScholarshipAmount: $150.00Qualifications: Final year of Physical Therapist Assistant programPays for: Licensure feesDeadline: June 1

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    Texas Physical Therapy Association: Dennis Cole Award

    Contact: PTAP Program coordinatorType: ScholarshipAmount: $250.00

    Qualifications: Final year of Physical Therapist Assistant program, StudentAffiliate Member of APTAPays for: unspecifiedDeadline: June 1

    El Paso Community College: Financial Aid Office

    Contact: EPCC Financial Aid OfficeType: ScholarshipAmount: variableQualifications: Community and EPCC involvement

    Pays for: tuition and books, miscellaneousDeadline: variable

    Project Arriba www.projectarriba.org

    Greater El Paso District Physical Therapy Association

    Contact: District chairType: ScholarshipAmount: variableQualifications: community involvement with Greater El Paso District Physical

    Therapy AssociationPays for: tuition and books, miscellaneousDeadline: early spring

    http://www.projectarriba.org/http://www.projectarriba.org/http://www.projectarriba.org/
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    Entrance Exams

    The Accuplacer Exam: this is an entrance exam required of all EPCC students. To qualify

    for admissions into the PTA program you must have the following minimum scores on

    your ACCUPLACER Exam:

    Minimum

    EPCC

    Cumulative

    GPA

    Minimum

    Math

    Test

    Score

    PACC

    Minimum

    Reading

    Test

    Score

    Minimum

    Writing

    Test

    Score

    Required courses

    with a minimum

    grade of:

    2.5 51 82 6 BIOS 2401 BBIOS 2402 BPTHA 1409 B

    General Program Policies

    The following is partial list of program procedures or guidelines which effect students enrolled

    in the PTA program.

    I. Immunization Exemptions

    In accordance with El Paso Community College Procedure 7.01.03.10 (Immunization,Tuberculosis Testing and Physical Examination Requirements for Health Career andNursing Students) Section II Exemptions:

    A. Medical Contraindications:The student must present a written statement from a physician, licensed to practice in theUnited States, that the immunizations would be injurious to the health and well-being ofthe applicant, any member of the applicants family or household, and/or the applicants

    unborn child.

    B. Religious ConflictsThe student must present a sworn affidavit signed by the applicant, or if a minor, by theapplicants parent or guardian, stating that the immunizations conflict with the tenets andpractice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the applicant is anadherent or member. This exemption does not apply in times of an emergency orepidemic declared by the commissioner of Health.

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    C. Allergy to the Influenza vaccine or declination of the Influenza vaccine will requirethe use of a mask during clinic in accordance to affiliate policy. Some affiliates maynot allow a student into the facility without this immunization.

    II. Grading policy ( revised 2013)All PTHA courses use the same grading scale:

    95-100 = A89-94 = B83-88 = C77-82 = D76 and below = F

    III.

    Practical Exam policy

    A practical exam is an exam in which the student demonstrates specific technical skills.Although the form of each practical varies depending on the course, the typical exam willhave a real person, and the student is expected to demonstrate specific skills. Students areexpected to demonstrate minimum competency on this exam. A repeat practical exam,may be offered at the discretion of the instructor, to a student who cannot demonstratetechnical competency on skills. However the maximum passing grade the student willearn on the retake exam is an 83%. The practical exam policy of each instructor is statedin the Instructors Requirements Syllabus Part 1.

    IV. Written Exam policyIf a student must miss an exam, he/she must notify the instructor prior to the exam.Failure to notify the instructor in advance that a student will be absent for the exam, forany reason, will result in a grade of "0" for that exam. Make-up exams may be given atthe discretion of the instructor. The make-up exam must be taken within during the timeframe stipulated by the instructor. Failure to take any make-up exam will result in agrade of "0." Students who fail a unit exam will be redirected back to the particular unitor units for additional reading and homework assignments. Students may not bringanything into the testing area other than a #2 pencil. Books, coats, book-bags, back-packs are to be placed neatly away from the testing area. Students should take care of anypersonal needs prior to the beginning of the examination. No beepers, cell phones, orother forms of communication devices are allowed in the testing area during anexamination. Course Instructors are required to turn in all written exams to the PTAPProgram Coordinator.

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    b. Use of Human subjects/ simulators; Students may be asked to simulate the roleof the patient in the program. Additionally outside persons may be in theclassroom in which they would be simulating or performing in the role of thepatient.

    c.

    Sharing personal information: It is expected that students will share at a minimumtheir names , telephone numbers and college email accounts in order to facilitatecommunication between faculty, clinical instructors and students, forprogrammatic and PTA club activities. It is the policy of the program, to not sharestudents personal information with sources outside of the college.

    IX. Pre-testing for Substance Abuse:Substance abuse testing is required for student enrollment in selected health relatedcourses/programs. This requirement is mandated by external agencies. Failure to submitto substance abuse testing will result in denial of admission or enrollment, and placementin clinical rotations.

    X. GrievancesThe college has a Student Grievance Procedure. Students are referred to the college website for

    that procedure. Students with grievances related to a PTA course, should start with thecourse instructor. If no agreement can be reached, the Program coordinator would be thenext person to voice your grievance to, followed by the Dean then the VP of Instruction.

    XI. Code of ConductThe college has a code of conduct, which is published in a variety of media, and can be

    found on the collegesweb site. Each student is expected to adhere to this Code ofConduct. In addition, the Physical Therapy profession has a published code of conduct.

    The code of conduct is available on-line at the following website:

    http://www.epcc.edu/VPStudentServices/Pages/StudentRightsResponsibilities.aspx

    XII. HIPPAStudents and faculty are expected to comply with the HIPPA policies of the college andaffiliates with which the college conducts business. Students and faculty are to completethe HIPPA online training, annually, and during the first week of their communications

    course.

    http://www.epcc.edu/VPStudentServices/Pages/StudentRightsResponsibilities.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/VPStudentServices/Pages/StudentRightsResponsibilities.aspxhttp://www.epcc.edu/VPStudentServices/Pages/StudentRightsResponsibilities.aspx
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    XII.

    Receipt of PTA program Manual

    I,___________________________ acknowledge, that I have read this manual, and understand

    its contents, and have had an opportunity to ask questions. I understand that program procedures

    and guidelines may be changedat the discretion of the Program Coordinator, and that I will be

    notified in advance of such a change. By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have received a

    copy of this manual at an orientation session, or have downloaded it from the internet.

    _______________________________________ _________________

    Printed Signature Date

    _______________________________________

    Written signature