Physical Therapist Assistant Bachelor’s of Science Physical Therapist Assistant Program Newsletter Volume 1 | Issue 1 Inside This Issue 1 Message from the Program Director 1 BSPTA Student Demographic 2 Discussion Board Tips 2 Student Spotlight Message from the Program Director By Mary Jo Rodriguez PT, MS, BS Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director The landscape of education for physical therapy professionals is changing, with technological teaching methods and online learning on the rise. In addition, many industries, including healthcare, are seeing a growing trend where employers are encouraging and requiring employees to obtain higher level educational degrees. There are many reasons for a PTA to pursue a bachelor degree. Earning a bachelor degree will enhance marketability in a competitive job field. A higher degree will prove valuable for career advancement. Gaining advanced knowledge in patient care, management, and critical thinking skills will contribute to a higher skill set within the profession. PTAs obtaining a higher degree that is specific to their field of work will set themselves apart as a professional demonstrating passion for their field and a commitment to lifelong learning. PMI’s BSPTA program provides PTAs with opportunities, knowledge, and tools to become greater advocates of physical therapy care and proven leaders within the field, while allowing individuals to continue working and building clinical skills. PMI is the leader in advanced education for the PTA. BSPTA Student Demographics   Pima Medical Institute, 40 N. Swan Road, Suite 100-A Tucson, AZ 85711 Phone: 800-477-7462 www.pmi.edu 

Start the Semester Off Right page | 2 Student Spotlight Discussion Board Tips Discussion forums are an essential part of online courses. They are also a valuable learning tool for the exchange of ideas and information, and to share experiences relating course content to real-world application. Many students have a difficult time writing thoughtful responses that promote discussion and student interaction. Here are a few tips to maximize your learning from discussion boards. Ask open-ended questions that allow classmates to reflect on their thoughts and feelings about a topic. Don’t be afraid to disagree or play the “devil’s advocate” but remember to do so respectfully. Don’t just provide your opinion but give reasons why you feel that way about a topic. Think outside the box. Propose a new idea or ask a probing question. Include outside resources relevant to the topic of discussion, and share resources that introduce new, relevant ideas. http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/college-life/tips-for-writing-thoughtful-discussion-responses/ The BSPTA program celebrated their very first group of graduates in February 2015. We thought it appropriate to recognize each of the students from this group. “I have always dreamed of completing my bachelor’s degree. This program is designed to make you really think and dig deeper into physical therapy. The classes challenge your thinking and help you look at information in a different way.” A strong family support system helped Kimber balance stay-at-home mom responsibilities with homework and studies.  She will be returning to the workforce as a strong, well-rounded PTA. Kimber Lockstone Wichita Falls, TX “I chose to pursue this program to further my PTA education, not only for myself but also for my family’s future. I know this degree will make me a stronger job candidate” April’s strong commitment and dedication to her studies helped her to complete the program as planned despite many personal challenges along the way. April Clements Thornton, CO ”I chose the BSPTA program because it is specific to my work as a PTA and introduced new concepts. I had a goal and dream to get my bachelor degree, and it happened! I can now go on to pursue a master’s degree.” Richard, with his perpetual positive attitude, completed the program while working full-time and raising 3 children as a single dad. Start the Semester Off Right Break large projects into smaller ones Write down the due dates Suppose you have to write a paper. Break this big project into a set of smaller ones. Set a due date by which you choose a topic, a due date to complete your research, and a due date for the rough draft. Completing these smaller projects is easier than looking at one big one. Contact the Program Director Mary Jo Rodriguez PT, MS BSPTA Program Director 40 N Swan Road Suite 100-A Tucson, AZ 85711 Phone: 520-838-1450 Email: mrodriguez@pmi.edu For all of your courses, print out the student map and write in the due dates. This will help you keep track of deadlines. Richard Rodriguez Tucson, AZ Brandi O’brien Colorado Springs, CO Back it up! “I was able to work a full time job, a part time job, be a mom and complete the needed assignments. Some days were really tough but the teachers were there to help me out when needed and were really understanding. This program has been great with helping me to advance my career.” Brandi is pursuing a Director of Rehab position with her current company, where she has worked for the past 6 years. Make sure to back up your work. If you use a computer, back it up on an external drive, or a memory stick. Printing out a hard copy may seem old-fashioned, but if you lose your electronic version, you can always scan the printout or make another copy. “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” – Abigail Adams Check the rubrics Check the point breakdown for each assignment before you begin. Find out exactly what you need in order to get an A. Pima Medical Institute, 40 N. Swan Road, Suite 100-A Tucson, AZ 85711 Phone: 800-477-7462 | Web: www.pmi.edu