• Specific PTA Technology Admission Requirements
• PTA Technology Admission, Retention, Graduation and Employment Data
• Program Goals and Objectives
• Critical Demands of the Physical Therapist Assistant and Student Physical Therapist Assistant
• Informational Links:
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Ohio Physical Therapy Association
  • Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to rehabilitate ill or injured persons to the highest possible level of independent living. They also help to educate patients and other people about measures they can take to prevent disability from occurring or becoming worse.

Physical therapist assistants help therapists in testing patients to determine the extent of their capabilities. After the therapist sets goals and plans the treatment program for the patient, assistants may be assigned to perform selected treatments, using a variety of specialized equipment, various forms of heat, cold, light and electricity. Assistants may help patients perform therapeutic exercises to strengthen, stretch or relax muscles, promote circulation or enhance coordination.

Physical therapist assistants help patients learn correct walking procedures and perform everyday activities such as dressing, getting in and out of bed and chairs, using artificial limbs, braces and splints and standing properly. They also teach patients and family members about exercises or other activities to continue at home.

Assistants are responsible for reporting patient reactions to treatment and making suggestions for modifying treatment to their supervising therapist. They also help with documentation of patient progress, perform certain clerical duties and help give on-the-job training to non-licensed personnel working in the physical therapy department.

Upon successful completion of all didactic, laboratory and clinical requirements of the program, graduates become eligible to apply to take licensure examinations. The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainers Board must approve all applicants prior to obtaining licensure in the State of Ohio. Graduates must pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Examination and the National Physical Therapy Examination to be eligible to be licensed in Ohio. Licensure is mandatory prior to being able to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Ohio.

Prospective students in the physical therapist assistant technology (PTAT) must meet specific eligibility criteria as outlined in program prerequisite requirements.

The physical therapist assistant technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Any persons convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor (regardless of the state or country in which the conviction occurred) or abuse alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that it impairs professional competency may be denied acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Technology Program at Stark State College of Technology, may be refused acceptance of placement by clinical sites (which could prevent graduation from the program) or may be refused licensure as a physical therapist assistant. Such persons are advised to contact the Program Coordinator of the Physical Therapist Assistant Technology program and the Executive Director of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board.