<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Once you have enrolled in ECPI University's campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program, you will have the opportunity to learn how to rehabilitate patients suffering from medical or surgical conditions through classroom instruction, lab projects, and clinical experiences. You could learn how to evaluate strength and range of motion, apply therapeutic exercise techniques, operate therapeutic equipment, and apply basic patient care skills. You will also have the chance to study disease processes and the role of physical therapy in the care of inflammation, infections, neurological conditions, age-related conditions, pulmonary diseases, and injuries. Other intended topics include kinesiology, muscular and skeletal systems, intervention methods, physical therapist roles, and anatomy and physiology. In the program's four-part internship, you will have the chance to express clinical competencies and your understanding of material covered throughout the curriculum as you assist in the care of patients in an actual clinical setting. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You should have earned your high school diploma or GED before applying to ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program. It could be helpful to have a strong academic background in the physical sciences and possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You will be required to complete 73 credits to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from ECPI University. A total of 50 credits will be taken in the core curriculum, 20 credits in arts and sciences courses, and three credits in self-integration courses. You could earn this degree in as few as 18 months. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>PTA 101</td><td> Professional Issues for the Physical Therapist Assistant</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 105</td><td> Musculoskeletal</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 111</td><td> Introduction to Physical Therapy</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 120</td><td> Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 135</td><td> Rehabilitation I Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 136</td><td> Rehabilitation II Therapeutic Modalities</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 138</td><td> Rehabilitation IV Devices</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 139</td><td> Rehabilitation III Therapeutic Exercise</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 145</td><td> Medical and Surgical Conditions I</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 146</td><td> Medical and Surgical Conditions II</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 147</td><td> Medical and Surgical Conditions III</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 205</td><td> Neurological Rehabilitation</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 210</td><td> Motor Development and Aging</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 250</td><td> Clinical Internship I</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 251</td><td> Clinical Internship II</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 252</td><td> Clinical Internship III</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 253</td><td> Clinical Internship IV</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 270</td><td> Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Review</td></tr> <tr><td>PTA 280</td><td> Dimensions of Physical Therapy</td></tr> </table><p><u>Arts and Sciences Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>BIO 111</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology</td></tr> <tr><td>BIO 111L</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology Lab</td></tr> <tr><td>BIO 116</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology</td></tr> <tr><td>BIO 116L</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology Lab</td></tr> <tr><td>ENG 110</td><td> English Composition</td></tr> <tr><td>HUM 205</td><td> Culture and Diversity</td></tr> <tr><td>MTH 120</td><td> College Mathematics</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 105</td><td> Introduction to Psychology</td></tr> </table><p><u>Self-Integration and Computer Literacy</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>COR 191</td><td> Career Orientation</td></tr> <tr><td>CSA 128</td><td> Computer Applications I</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After completing ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program and obtaining any required licensure or certification, you could apply to entry-level positions in a variety of professional settings. You might work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, community health centers, or nursing homes. You could assist licensed physical therapists in developing patient care programs, assisting patients with exercises, administering ultrasound or other therapies, or monitoring therapeutic equipment. </p> <h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>In many cases, the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant would be sufficient for pursuing employment in this field. However, career advancement beyond the assistant level could require further education. If this is your professional goal, then you might consider entering a bachelor's degree program after earning this associate's degree. Examples of degrees you could seek include: </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science</li></ul>