This is intended to integrate classroom and clinical experiences. The course facilitates the transition of the PTA student to the PTA professional. Elements of professionalism are discussed including integrity in practice, advocacy, core and value-based behaviors, ethical principles and reasoning, and professional relationships with other health care professionals, the public, supervisors, PT's and clinical instructors. The course prepares the student PTA for a career in physical therapy including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, educational opportunities, and continuing education. The course also offers preparation for the NPTE.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT)
- Self-Assessment
- Job Placement and Interviewing
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing
- Communication
- Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Relationship
- Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant
- Health Care Professional Roles
- Reimbursement
- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Physical Therapy Services
- Laws and State Practice Act for Michigan
- Continuing Education and Career Development
- Licensure Exam Preparation
- Identify the role of PTA's in the future of health care.
- Compose a cover letter.
- Write a formal resume.
- Write a job description for a Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Identify characteristics of a good job interview.
- Explain the role of various persons in a typical physical therapy setting.
- Analyze current reimbursement issues in physical therapy.
- Discuss basic principles of management in a physical therapy setting, including policies and procedures, meetings, budget, and quality assurance.
- Complete two pre-licensure practice tests in preparation of the national PTA licensure exam.
- Understand the State practice act for Michigan.
- Identify cases of fraud, waste, and abuse in the utilization of and payment for physical therapy services.
- Identify career development opportunities and create a career plan for the next five years.
- Review APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the PTA and complete VBB self-assessment.
- Identify effective communication skills and describe how these skills are essential in the healthcare setting.
- Completion of licensure examination preparation course.
See note on course fees. The course has been adapted to align with accreditation requirements. The added credit is to incorporate the time that will be required for the National Exam review prep course. The course is 14 hours of instruction to prepare students for the PTA Licensure Exam.
Assessment and Requirements
The assessment standards will consist of discussions, group activities, quizzes, written assignments, completion of two PEAT exams, and participation in NPTE review course.
Students must pass this course with a "C" or better to remain in the PTA program. They must complete all assignments as listed above in order to pass this course. Instructors (or their designee) reserve the right to require students to provide picture identification for test taking, graded papers or projects, or other appropriate purposes.
To be determined by program faculty.