Header Two

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Mission, Goals and Outcomes

Mission

The mission of the Delgado Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to provide an accredited, Associate degree program of instruction that prepares students to become licensed physical therapist assistants who work under the direction of physical therapists, and are competent, ethical, and responsive to the changing needs of health care and the profession. The PTA Program provides students the opportunity, through classroom, laboratory and clinic-based education, to think critically, use evidence-based practice in delivering health care, and begin the process of lifelong learning relative to physical therapy.

Goals:

The goals of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program are the following:

  1. Graduates will be licensed and competent as entry-level PTAs who work under the supervision of PTs, practice ethically, and are involved professionally in the APTA/LPTA;
  2. Graduates will be critical thinkers who use evidence-based practice to provide interventions within the PT plan of care;
  3. Graduates will be responsive to changing health care needs and the evolving nature of the PT profession through lifelong learning;
  4. Program will maintain quality and relevancy to contemporary PT practice through assessment, faculty development, and community involvement.
  5. Program will maintain CAPTE accreditation through timely submission of required documents and fees.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of the PTA Program students/graduates will be prepared to:

  1. adhere to legal, ethical and professional behaviors while serving as a physical therapist assistant and member of the inter-disciplinary team;
  2. function as a competent health care provider who uses critical thinking and scientific reasoning in making clinical decisions;
  3. communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, PT, other health care delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate and capable manner;
  4. perform appropriate data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care in order to quantify the patient’s status and response to treatment;
  5. implement physical therapy interventions identified in the plan of care as directed by the supervising PT in a safe and effective manner;
  6. complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies;
  7. demonstrate lifelong learning through continuing education, service to the profession, and maintenance of PTA licensure.