Physical Therapist Assistant: A.A.S.

Program Mission

The purpose of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Broome Community College is to educate individuals to function in the role of Physical Therapist Assistant as defined by the State of New York and according to the guidelines of the American Physical Therapy Association. Critical thinking, problem solving, diversity, lifelong learning and community responsibility are the program cornerstones. Serving the PT profession is the foundation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Communication: Utilize proper verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
Cultural competency: Adjust behavior appropriately out of respect for individual and cultural differences with each patient/client and health care provider in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
Professional behavior: Display professional and ethical behavior.
Plan of care/intervention: 1). Provide basic, safe, patient care and comfort; 2). Integrate knowledge and skills gained in biology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology, physics, pathology, and pathophysiology and apply them to PT interventions; 3). Perform Physical Therapy Interventions and data collection, with excellence, according to the Scope of practice of the Physical Therapist Assistant, as directed in the plan of care, under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
Education: Demonstrate teaching and learning in physical therapy practice.
Administration: Participate in administration activities including: professional interaction with the health care team members; provision of accurate and timely documentation for billing and reimbursement; participate in quality assurance activities; and discuss organizational planning and operation of the PT department.
Social responsibility: Discuss the Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care.
Career development: Recognize that life-long learning is a continuum and identify life-long learning opportunities.
Outcome measurement: Through observation, data collection, communication and problem solving, participate in determining patient/client progress toward a specific outcome as established in the plan of care by the Physical Therapist.
Critical thinking/problem solving: Select appropriate patient/client interventions within the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist.

SUNY Broome’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program graduated its first class in 1989. The PTA program prepares students to carry out a planned patient care program under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) in a variety of healthcare settings.

Interventions provided by a PTA include: exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; the use of heat, cold, electricity, sound and water to relieve pain and stimulate muscle activity; instruction in activities of daily living; and the use of assistive devices such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs.

A significant part of this program includes on-site clinical experiences in which the student practices physical therapy skills under the supervision of a PTA or PT. Upon successful completion of the PTA curriculum, students graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree. They are then eligible to take a National Licensing Examination and apply for certification as a physical therapist assistant.

Program Notes

As a PTA you will be part of the PT profession. Service to the community is a large part of your commitment to the profession. To prepare you for this commitment, you will be expected to perform a minimum number of volunteer clinical hours prior to enrollment in PTA courses. These hours will be considered service learning hours. While providing service to the community through volunteering, you are asked to keep a journal of your experience and learning opportunities.

Reflect in your journal on various conditions and illnesses you observe, how hospital personnel interact, how PT provides a service to the public, what the role of the PTA is, how important is communication, what is the hospital clinic's mission. How do they achieve this mission? As a volunteer, how did you help them meet their mission, etc.? You must maintain confidentiality in all of your entries.

If you have already worked in such a facility you may have this requirement waived but you will need to discuss it with the Chairperson of the program first for this determination. If you cannot complete the hours prior to class you may request a waiver for extended time from the program chairperson. Waivers will only be granted for extraordinary circumstances.

Outcome Measures

The following are some program outcome measures for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

Graduation rate (2019 – 2020): 87.4%
Licensure examination pass rate (average of 2018-2019): 79.45%
(Note: due to the pandemic, there is no pass rate for 2020)
- 2017
  - Ultimate pass Rate - 81.8%
- 2018
  - First time Test Takers – 77.8%
  - Ultimate pass Rate – 88.9%
- 2019
  - First time Test Takers - 55%
  - Ultimate pass Rate - 70%
Employment Rate (2019): 100%

Course Requirements

Contact Information

New Students:

Contact Admissions +1 (607) 778-5001, admissions@sunybroome.edu

Current Students:

Denise Abrams, D.P.T
+1 (607) 778-5261
abramsdm@sunybroome.edu
Decker Health Science Center, Room 217

Transfer Opportunities

This program is not designed as a transfer program to an upper-division Physical Therapy program leading to the master's degree or doctorate program. However, students can CONTINUE their education, earn a bachelors degree and then apply to an upper division PT program. SUNY Broome Community College has an articulation agreement with Excelsior College to assist the student in bridging the gap to a bachelor's degree. If you would like to discuss options for continuing in the career of physical therapy, please contact the department chairperson.