MISSION

The Lake Superior College Physical Therapist Assistant Program provides high quality, evidence-based didactic and clinical education to meet the diverse needs of students and employers in a dynamic health care community. Education is provided through interactive classroom learning, an on-site physical therapy clinic, and community clinical experiences that represent all aspects of physical therapy. Graduates will demonstrate commitment to excellence in practice and dedication to the profession, professional growth, and life-long learning.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that learning is best accomplished by doing. Therefore, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program combines lecture and demonstration with student participation, practice, and discussion.

We believe that optimal learning takes place when students accept responsibility for their own learning. Therefore, we emphasize active student participation in the learning process.

We believe that knowledge, skills, and attitudes do not rest with academics alone. Therefore, we emphasize personal growth and interpersonal skills development to prepare the student for successful employment.

OUTCOMES

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be able to:

• 1) Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner.
• 2) Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist.
• 3) Communicate regularly with supervising physical therapists about the patient’s progress and the need for adjustments to be made by the physical therapist in treatment procedures in accordance with changes in patient status.
• 4) Perform appropriate data collection techniques within the knowledge and limits of practice to assist supervising physical therapists in monitoring and modifying the plan of care.
• 5) Interact with patients and families in a manner which provides the desired psychosocial support including the recognition of cultural and socioeconomic differences.
• 6) Participate in the teaching of other health care providers, patients and families.
• 7) Document relevant aspects of patient treatment.
• Participate in discharge planning and follow-up care.
• 9) Demonstrate effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication with patients and their families, colleagues, health care providers, and the public.
• 10) Demonstrate an understanding of levels of authority and responsibility; planning, time management, supervisory process, performance evaluations, policies and procedures; fiscal considerations for physical therapy providers and consumers; continuous quality improvement; and evidence-based practice.
• 11) Demonstrate professional behaviors required for success in the field of physical therapy.
• 12) Identify career development and life-long learning opportunities