The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students to work under the direction of a physical therapist in a hospital, clinic, rehabilitation unit, sports-medicine facility, nursing home, extended care facility or pediatric facility.
Your main responsibility as a physical therapist assistant will be to work with patients to restore motion, strengthen muscles, improve circulation, relieve pain, correct deformities and restore physical independence. This involves the use of physical agents such as light, heat, water, cold, sound and electricity. Patient mobility is improved by strengthening, balance/coordination exercises, and gait and transfer training activities.
The program at St. Philip's includes lecture and laboratory courses in physical therapy science and procedures, and clinical education courses conducted in settings where physical therapy is provided. Through the labs you will be exposed to skills such as electrotherapy, thermal agents, therapeutic exercises, exercise equipment, rehabilitation and functional treatment.
***Announcement
The PTA Program will have three “Information Sessions” this semester. Any prospective student is welcome to attend. During these sessions, a PTA Program instructor will present information about the program, the application and selection process, and the profession.
Date
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February 6, 2013
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February 19, 2013
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March 7, 2013
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Day
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Wednesday
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Tuesday
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Thursday
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Time
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4:30-5:30pm
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4:30-5:30pm
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4:30-5:30pm
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Place
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CHP 310
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CHP 310
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CHP310
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For further information on the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, please select a topic of interest from the list below.
Program Topics
Professional Organizations & Sites of Interest
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program maintains close ties with the professional organizations that represent physical therapy:
- American Physical Therapy Association;
This is a national professional organization that represents nearly 70,000 members, and works to foster advancement in physical therapy practice, research, and education. The mission of the APTA is to further the profession's role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunction and to enhance the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public.
- Texas Physical Therapy Association
This is a state component of the APTA that represents the physical therapy profession in Texas.
- Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
This is the legal authority on standards of physical therapy practice in Texas. It acts as a public guardian. It is also the licensing authority for the state of Texas.
- PTA Student Handbook
This handbook contains information for students in the program.
- PTA MACS Instruction
This site will give you instructions for using the newest version of the PTA MACS.
- Clinical Instructor Handbook
This handbook contains information for clinical instructors.
Faculty & Staff
Mary Hays, PTA, Instructor
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
Phone: (210) 486-2429
A.A.S. Los Angeles Pierce College
B.S.O.E. Wayland Baptist University
Clinical experience in out-patient and adult rehabilitation and home health care
Laura Miele, PTA, Assistant Professor
Phone: (210) 486-2443
A.A.S. Kapi' olani Community College
B.S.O.E. Wayland Baptist University
M.E. Wayland Baptist University
Clinical experience in out-patient rehabilitation and management.
Donna Stetz, PT, Assistant Professor, Program Director
Phone: (210) 486-2051
B.A. Incarnate Word College
B.S. UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
M.A. Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
M.S. Texas A&M University
Clinical experience in acute care and out-patient rehabilitation