About the PTA Program
Mission and Vision
The department exists to educate and develop students to become exceptionally proficient and compassionate health care providers who strive to grow personally and professionally while learning, leading and serving.
The Department will become regionally recognized as the center for physical therapy education, producing life long learners, exceptional practitioners and leaders who serve the community.
Goals
The Associate of Science for the Physical Therapist Assistant is designed to:
- Prepare students for entry-level practice as physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
- Provide the health care community with skilled physical therapy practitioners who are able to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.
- Provide a learning environment that recognizes individual differences and promotes caring behaviors.
- Promote critical thinking skills to effectively address patient care problems and to adapt to the rapidly changing challenges of health care.
- Provide students with a strong educational foundation for personal and professional growth.
Objectives
At the completion of the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assisting, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe and effective physical therapy patient skills under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
- Integrate related concepts and theories of the physical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities with physical therapy knowledge and practice.
- Utilize critical thinking skills in the delivery of physical therapy services.
- Uphold the standards of ethical conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant in all areas of practice as identified by the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Value caring and respect for the individual needs of each person.
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Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life-long learning.
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at The University of Saint Francis is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: (702) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.