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are several important factors for you to consider when you are determining
your future career directions. To be successful in the PTA classroom
and in your job following graduation, you should be able to meet all of
the following expectations:
1. Attend class approximately 10-21 hours per
week, including lecture, lab, and clinic
2. Complete all assignments on time
3. Participate in classroom discussions
4. Perform or instruct others in the following procedures (learned in
class) in a timely manner: transfers, gait training, physical agents,
activities of daily living, therapeutic exercises or activities, data
collection procedures
5. Use sound judgment and safety precautions; exposure to blood-borne
pathogens and/or infectious disease may occur as part of the educational
experience. Students are trained in safety/infection control and are
expected to follow these guidelines to avoid contracting or transmitting
disease.
6. Meet class standards for successful course completion
7. Use critical thinking when making decisions
8. Follow standards stated in PTA Student Policy and Procedure Handbook
9. Address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the
appropriate time
10. Maintain classroom work area, equipment, supplies, personal
appearance and hygiene conducive to professional setting as appropriate
11. Behave in a competent, professional manner
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Physical requirements for the PTA Program
include the need to occasionally, frequently, or continually:
1. Sit 1-4 hours per day with lecture blocks up
to 3 hours
2. Stand 1-6 hours with lab time blocks up to 3 hours
3. Walk/travel 20 minutes to/from class
4. Lift up to 60 pounds
5. Push/pull up to 50 pounds of force exerted at waist level
6. Squat or stoop
7. Use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to assess physiological status
of an individual
8. Demonstrate good standing and unsupported sitting balance
9. Demonstrate good finger dexterity
10. Coordinate verbal and manual instructions
11. Communicate effectively with a variety of people through written and
verbal methods
12. Use hands repetitively
13. Shift weight in sitting or standing
14. Use a firm grasp
15. Reach above shoulder level
16. Kneel, kneel-stand, and half kneel
17. Use equipment that emits electrical, ultrasonic, and thermal energy
18. Physically move and transfer patients
Students who have concerns about the ability to perform any of these
functions should contact the PTA Program Director at (218) 733-7632.
Students are also encouraged to observe patient treatments in the on-campus
physical therapy clinic to see first-hand the physical requirements of a
physical therapist assistant. Individuals with disabilities may request
reasonable accommodations or information by calling (218) 733-7650.
Students interested in the
program are encouraged to observe physical therapy treatments in the Lake
Superior College Physical Therapy Clinic (or other clinic) to see
personally the physical requirements of work as a PTA. For
more information, call Brenda Martin, PT Clinic Manager, at (218)
733-5920.
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