Physical Therapist Assistant

• Mission
• Philosophy
• Outcomes
• Goals

Mission

The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is to assist in meeting the healthcare needs of this region by preparing competent, knowledgeable and caring individuals as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants who administer physical therapy interventions in a legal, safe and effective manner under the direction of a physical therapist.

Philosophy

Physical therapy is a health profession with the primary purpose of promoting optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at CVTC believes that we must:

• Prepare graduates to enter the profession of physical therapy and assist physical therapist assistants in the provision of physical therapy services in a safe, effective, ethical and legal manner to persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Encourage and support students to be lifelong learners including encouragement of continuing education, professional literature, and networking as part of their professional life.
• Expose students to the diverse field of physical therapy by including experiences in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, schools, clinics, and home care.
• Develop students’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly.
• Have faculty and staff that are strongly committed to providing all students with a stimulating and comprehensive learning experience.
• Follow Statewide curriculum which was developed in response to current and future workforce needs and is a means to assist facility to coordinate the academic program and clinical education.
• Identify that learning is the responsibility of the student, and this process is facilitated by the College.
• Delineate the role of the physical therapist assistant from that of the physical therapist within the Wisconsin State Practice Act and guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Embody the core values of CVTC in all interactions with students, faculty, patients, and the general public.

Outcomes

• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and the health care team 
• Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards 
• Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner 
• Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services 
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and adjust a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a Physical therapist
• Perform technically competent data collection under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist 
• Perform technically competent physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
• Educate patients, families and other health providers 
• Integrate components of administrative, operational, and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings 
• Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentialing, and lifelong learning 
   

Goals

• Develop the highest level of professional education by maintaining compliance with all criteria set forth by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Acquire and maintain state-of-the art equipment and technology to appropriately train students in current physical therapy practices
• Graduate competent entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants that are able to pass the National Licensing Exam