Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)
The Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant is aimed at developing entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants to work under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist in a safe, ethical and legal manner.
The Program directs students to knowledge of intervention strategies for individuals whose functional capacity is limited or at risk of being limited due to an illness, injury, or disability. The graduate will work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in institutions such as: general and specialized hospitals, rehabilitation and home care centers, private clinics, specialized centers, schools and companies.
To obtain a permanent license in Puerto Rico, the graduate must pass a revalidation exam offered by the Physical Therapy Examining Board of Puerto Rico. To practice the profession in another jurisdiction, you must be governed by its provisions. The concentration requirements must be passed with a minimum grade of C, with the exception of the Final Clinical Practice (PHTH 2924) with a minimum grade of B.
The Ponce Campus is authorized to offer this Program.
Program goals
The goals will be achieved through the following objectives:
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Prepare physical therapist assistants who demonstrate entry-level competencies to provide physical therapy intervention services.
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Develop physical therapist assistants who exhibit safe, legal and ethical conduct.
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Promote continuous learning as a health professional in program learners.
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Demonstrate the application of skills and concepts acquired in the program by successfully passing the professional revalidation exam.
Profile of the graduate's competencies
Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will meet the following competencies.
Knowledge
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Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and concepts of physical therapy.
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Apply knowledge of basic and necessary skills during physical therapy intervention.
Skills
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Apply the treatment plan developed by the physical therapist effectively and safely.
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Demonstrate mastery of Physical Therapist Assistant competencies to fulfill the roles and functions of contemporary practice.
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Demonstrate data collection skills of patient progress and treatment plan with necessary modifications.
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Respond appropriately to emergency situations in the clinical setting.
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Participate in the education of patients, families and other members of the health team.
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Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, family members and the health team.
Attitudes
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Interact effectively with patients and healthcare professionals reflecting the roles and responsibilities of a Physical Therapy Assistant.
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Identify opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
Admission Requirements
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Comply with admission standards established in the General Catalog of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.
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Submit a negative criminal record certificate.
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Provide an updated health certificate issued by the Department of Health or authorized doctor.
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Provide a Certificate of Immunization against Hepatitis B and the vaccines that are required by the practice center.
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Have a minimum average of 2.25 from high school or its equivalent.
Retention Requirements
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Comply with the standard of satisfactory academic progress established in the current General Catalog of the University.
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Pass all concentration courses with a minimum grade of C, with the exception of the Final Practice (PHTH 2924) with a minimum grade of B.
Graduation Requirements
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Pass all concentration courses with a minimum grade of C, with the exception of the Final Practice (PHTH 2924) with a minimum grade of B.
Requirements of the Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
| General Education Requirements |
24 credits |
| Major Requirements |
46 credits |
| Total |
70 credits |
General Education Requirements - 24 credits
Major Requirements - 46 credits