LAKE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LAKE CITY, FLORIDA
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM

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The education and training of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a joint venture among physical therapy professionals in the region, area health care facilities, and Lake City Community College.

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a skilled health care provider who works under the supervision of a physical therapist.  The PTA helps to remediate the physical function of patients with impairments of muscles, nerves, joints, and bones.  The PTA also works with patients to promote wound/burn healing, and with patients who suffer from various pain syndromes.  The PTA may administer therapeutic exercises, massage, heat or cold treatments, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, and patient/caregiver education.

The responsibilities of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting of the patient’s treatment responses to the physical therapist.  In addition to direct patient care, the PTA may also perform duties such, equipment preparation, documentation, and participation in the administrative aspects of physical therapy.

The PTA is an integral member of the health care team, assisting the physical therapist in monitoring and modifying the patient’s plan of care within the knowledge and limits of practice.  During the course of physical therapy delivery, the PTA will interact with patients and their families, providing patient education and psychosocial support, while recognizing cultural and socioeconomic differences.  The PTA must enjoy working with people, being able to lift, climb, and kneel to assist patients.

The PTA works in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, sports and orthopedic facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, community health centers schools, pediatric centers, corporate or industrial health centers, and colleges and universities.  Following graduation, the PTA has the option of continuing his/her studies and pursuing the educational requirements necessary to apply to a graduate physical therapy program.  During the PTA program, competency in technical skills of physical therapy is developed through organized classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.  An “Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant” degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program. The graduates of the program may then take a state licensing examination.

Lake City Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia  30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate Degree.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; Telephone number 703-706-3245). Accreditation was granted to the PTA Program until 2010. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Lake City Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Lake City Community College, Physical Therapist Assistant Program parallels the mission of the College by providing an opportunity for area students to acquire superior, yet affordable, education and training necessary for graduation, licensure, and entry into the field of physical therapy as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The Program will prepare students to become competent and sensitive rehabilitation practitioners who by virtue of their diverse clinical training will be receptive to the concept of rural physical therapy practice. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will train students to understand and appreciate the collaborative relationship between the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant, and promote in every clinical setting the principle of patient-centered care. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program also encourages every graduate to pursue life-long learning and access higher educational opportunities.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The philosopy of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to teach, support, and promote patient-centered rehabilitation care.

Related links:

http://www.apta.org

www.apta.org/CAPTE

http://www.fsbpt.org

http://www.doh.state.fl.us

Background screen link:  www.myvci.com/lccc