Physical Therapist Aide - Certificate
This program has been submitted to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for accreditation review. If approved, it will be available to students. This program has been submitted to the Department of Education for review of financial aid eligibility.
Certificate
Faculty Advisers
Kristin Kjensrud: 503-491-7464 | Room AC2768 | Kristin.Kjensrud@mhcc.edu
Program Description
The profession of physical therapy addresses movement and mobility challenges affecting individuals from all populations across the lifespan who are recovering from injury or illness.
The Physical Therapist Aide Certificate prepares learners for entry-level employment as a physical therapist aide and satisfies all pre-program requirements for entry to the Mt. Hood Community College Physical Therapist Assistant AAS degree program. It is designed for people who wish to begin work in the field of physical therapy quickly and meet requirements for future education and career advancement.
Physical therapist aides (PT Aides) work under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to perform delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations including:
- Providing assistance to a licensed clinician during patient care, patient transport, direction and monitoring of an established exercise plan, and assisting with the performance of therapeutic modalities as prescribed and appropriate.
- Maintenance of a clean, safe patient treatment area, including set-up of clinic spaces, cleaning equipment, and performing laundry and stocking duties
- Assist staff with reception and clerical duties as needed.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Aide Certificate, the learner will:
- Use numerical information and quantitative reasoning skills to solve real-world problems.
- Demonstrate effective oral, non-verbal, and written communication strategies appropriate to the healthcare workplace.
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, cognitive development, medical terminology, and discipline-specific concepts during the performance of treatment and non-treatment related tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician.
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems in the health care setting.
- Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for others' cultural practices and views.
- Collaborate effectively as a member of the health care team.
- Practice ethical behavior in academic and professional settings.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PA101 | Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers | 2 |
| BI231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online) | 4 |
| MO111 | Medical Terminology (Course offered online) | 4 |
| HE262 | Basic Life Support (Course offered online) | 1 |
| Health / Physical Education | 1 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| PA102 | Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications | 1 |
| PA111 | Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation | 1 |
| BI232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online) | 4 |
| PSY201Z | Introduction to Psychology I (Course offered online) | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I (Course offered online) | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| PA103 | Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice | 2 |
| BI233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III (Course offered online) | 4 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (Course offered online) (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4-6 |
| Credits | 10-12 | |
| Total Credits | 36-38 | |
PA101 Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers
Credits 2Fall
Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Aide program.
This course is designed to introduce the profession of physical therapy. Foundational concepts will be discussed including the scope of physical therapy practice, career opportunities within the profession, and an introduction to fundamental physical therapy practices including infection control techniques, universal precautions, body mechanics, and safety procedures. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.
PA102 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications
Credit 1Winter
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, or higher placement, and PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: WR121Z, PA111, PSY201, and BI232.
This course is designed to develop effective communication skills appropriate to the physical therapy workplace, including writing skills necessary for medical documentation. Learners will deepen their understanding of professional values, characteristics of effective healthcare teams, and will explore culture differences and biases which may influence interactions with others.
PA103 Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice
Credits 2Spring
Registration Requirement: PA102, PA111, BI232, and WR121Z; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: MTH058 and BI233.
This course is designed to provide foundational context in preparation for entry to the physical therapy profession. Practical concepts include introductory kinesiology, introduction to durable medical equipment, effective set up of physical modalities, and essential elements of equitable practices in healthcare. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their past and concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.
PA111 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation
Credit 1Winter
Registration Requirement: PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: PA102, WR121Z, PSY201, and BI232.
This course is designed to provide the clinical expertise necessary to work as a Physical Therapist Aide. This is a 30-hour clinical education experience in conjunction with a local physical therapy practice. The learner will spend time at a clinical site in the community working under direct supervision of a licensed clinician to learn, practice, and demonstrate competency in the Physical Therapist Aide position.