Onondaga Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Where the Jobs Will Be: Fastest Growing Jobs Home Health AidesHome Health Aides Network Systems & Data CommunicationsNetwork Systems & Data Communications Medical AssistantsMedical Assistants Physician AssistantsPhysician Assistants Computer ApplicationsComputer Applications 46% growth from (much faster than average)46% growth from (much faster than average) Physical Therapist Assistants Dental Hygienists Computer Systems Software engineers Dental Assistants Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Occupational Handbook

Two year program, A.A.S. 62 credits total62 credits total Five semestersFive semesters Daytime programDaytime program PTA courses must be taken in sequencePTA courses must be taken in sequence

Prerequisites for Admission High School Diploma/GEDHigh School Diploma/GED 2 years HS Math or place into MAT 114 at OCC2 years HS Math or place into MAT 114 at OCC 2 years HS/College Science, including Biology2 years HS/College Science, including Biology Grade of C+ or better in above (HS is 77)Grade of C+ or better in above (HS is 77)

Prerequisites for Admission GPA of 2.6 or higher most recent college experience (77 in HS)GPA of 2.6 or higher most recent college experience (77 in HS) Placement test demonstrate competency through MAT 087, into MAT 114, & into ENG 103 & RDG 153Placement test demonstrate competency through MAT 087, into MAT 114, & into ENG 103 & RDG 153

Essential Skills for PTA Communication SkillsCommunication Skills Conceptual & Analytical SkillsConceptual & Analytical Skills Social SkillsSocial Skills Physical StrengthPhysical Strength Bilateral & Unilateral DexterityBilateral & Unilateral Dexterity BalanceBalance Observational & Sensory SkillsObservational & Sensory Skills

Definition of a PTA “An educated individual who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist”“An educated individual who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist” (American Physical Therapy Association)

What does a PTA do? Help with transfers and ambulationHelp with transfers and ambulation Assistive device trainingAssistive device training Therapeutic Exercise and stretchingTherapeutic Exercise and stretching Uses Electrical & thermal modalitiesUses Electrical & thermal modalities MassageMassage WhirlpoolWhirlpool Relieve Pain Promote Healing Restore Function Maximize Independence Education Preventive Medicine

Multiple Settings: Acute Care

Outpatient Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Geriatrics

Home Care

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

Specialization

Work Hardening

Study Skills Work less than 20 hours per week.Work less than 20 hours per week. Plan on three hours of study for each hour of class.Plan on three hours of study for each hour of class. Take advantage of opportunities offered at OCCTake advantage of opportunities offered at OCC Attendance is mandatory Have a back up babysitter You may need to take courses over the summer Some people like to get corequisites done before starting.

What if the program is full this fall? Try to get some co- requisites out of the way to lighten your load:Try to get some co- requisites out of the way to lighten your load: Bio 171, 172, PSY 103/218, ENG 103/104Bio 171, 172, PSY 103/218, ENG 103/104 Bio 121 if you are weak in science, or it has been awhileBio 121 if you are weak in science, or it has been awhile How might this affect financial aide or living in the dorms?