Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

Our PTA program is the only one in New Hampshire and Vermont!   Our graduates consistently perform above the national average and are employed within six months of graduation.  We offer a friendly, student-centered environment.

This Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at River Valley 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: accreditation@apta.org ; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (603) 542-7744 extension 5419 or email lclute@ccsnh.edu.

Cost to Attend (PDF)
Program Public Disclosure Information (PDF)

Career Options

There are a variety of job settings for the PTA including hospitals, out-patient PT clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health and pediatrics.

Related Degrees  

• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Massage Therapy

Program Goals

Upon employment, graduates shall:

• consistently demonstrate and implement appropriate role utilization of the physical therapist assistant in the application of established treatment interventions as directed by the primary physical therapist.
• consistently demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences in accordance with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA in an effort to assure safe and proper conduct for all interactions within the profession.
• consistently demonstrate the Standards of Practice for PTAs in an effort to assure safe and proper conduct for all interactions within the profession.
• consistently demonstrate competence, critical thinking and skill in the timely implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan as developed by their supervising physical therapist(s)
• consistently demonstrate competence while regularly reporting to, and communicating with, supervising physical therapists regarding patient progress and treatment modifications in accordance with changes in patient status.
• consistently demonstrate competence in data collection procedures, integrating the findings of such procedures to the patient’s plan of care.
• consistently demonstrate professional behavior during interactions and teaching with healthcare professionals, patients, and their families while providing the desired psycho-social support among diverse populations.
• consistently perform effective and accurate written and verbal communication skills in documenting the relevant aspects of patient care, including patient response and progress.
• integrate information obtained from professional literature review into clinical practice as evidenced-based practitioners of physical therapy.
• practice as entry-level physical therapist assistants who exhibit continued growth as professionals throughout their careers.

Program Outcomes

Graduate students who can pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant exam and find employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

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 ; Website.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call program director Laurie Clute at 603.542.7744 extension 5419.