Navarro College
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Student Handbook
Fall 2014-2015
Approved by the Navarro College Board of TrusteesWELCOME TO NEW PTA STUDENTS ... 1
PTA FACULTY AND STAFF ... 2
ADA INFORMATION ... 4
ACCREDITATION ... 5
NAVARRO COLLEGE PTA MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY ... 6
CURRICULUM ... 7
NAVARRO COLLEGE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM GOALS/OBJECTIVES ... 11
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ... 16
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS ... 20
ADMISSIONS ... 25
MEDICAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ... 28
LIABILITY INSURANCE ... 28
HEALTHINSURANCE ... 28
INFECTIOUSDISEASE ... 28
STUDENTPHYSICALEXAMINATIONS ... 29
IMMUNIZATIONS ... 29
CPR ... 29
ACCIDENT OR INJURY REPORTING ... 29
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS ... 30
DRUG AND SUBSTANCE USE ... 30
SMOKING ... 31
CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK ... 31
SEXUAL HARASSMENT (PER COLLEGE CATALOG) ... 32
HIV STATEMENT (PER COLLEGE CATALOG) ... 33
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ... 33
FAMILY AND EMPLOYMENT (OUTSIDE OF THE PTA PROGRAM) ... 34
GUIDELINESFORPROFESSIONALCONDUCT ... 35
ATTENDANCE ... 38
GRADING ... 42
TUTORIALSERVICES ... 45
COLLEGE REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ... 47
RETENTION/WITHDRAWALS/DISMISSALS ... 48
TRANSFER STUDENTS ... 50
READMISSION ... 50
STUDENT SERVICES ... 52
STUDENT PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION ... 53
TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION (TPTA) ... 53
AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION (APTA) ... 54
HIGHER EDUCATION POSSIBILITIES ... 54
EMPLOYMENT AFTER GRADUATION ... 55
APPENDICES... 57
STUDENT FILE DATA ... 58
IMMUNIZATIONS ... 59
HEALTH EVALUATION FORM - PARTS I AND II ... 61
STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR A PTA ... 64
ETHICAL BEHAVIOR... 65
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF PTA STUDENTS ... 66
PERFORMANCESTANDARDS:PHYSICAL ... 69
NAVARROCOLLEGEPHYSICALTHERAPISTASSISTANTPROGRAM ... 73
PERFORMANCESTANDARDSSIGNATURESHEET ... 73
PERSONALSTUDENTPORTFOLIO ... 74
USE OF STUDENT WORK, NAME, IMAGE, & RELEASE OF INFORMATION ... 75
STUDENT TRAVEL RELEASE FORM ... 76
DRUG SCREENING ... 77
CRIMINAL HISTORY DECLARATION ... 78
APPLICANT DATA FOR SELF STUDY REPORT ... 79
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT ... 80
WELCOME TO NEW PTA STUDENTS
Navarro College and the faculty of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program would like to welcome you to the program and to the profession of physical therapy. We hope you are embarking on a life-long career, which will be rewarding for you in all ways.
The purpose of this handbook is to share information in which we feel will prepare you to perform at your highest potential while a student in the program. This information will help you understand the physical therapist assistant program goals, the program's operation, the attitudes of the faculty, policies of the program, and our philosophy of physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a profession aimed at helping each individual fully participate in life to his/her full potential. In physical therapy, you will have opportunities to work with people of all ages in various stages of their lives (both in wellness and in altered states of health or independence).
Each of you will bring to the classroom and to clinicals your own personality and personal experiences. You will learn to interweave many components into a therapeutic self, aimed at interacting with your clients to assist them in setting their own goals and motivating them to achieve those goals.
Just as each student and each faculty member is different in his/her experiences, personality,
communication styles, and motivation, so will each of your patients. There is no formula to tell you how to treat all. Physical therapy embraces our individual differences and challenges physical therapy practitioners to be flexible, adaptable, creative, and quick thinking. The concept of critical thinking - or finding the complete picture using pieces of a puzzle from many sources - is an essential part of the Navarro College PTA Program.
We want you to set your goals high and to reach beyond what you have known before. We expect you to see yourself as an emerging professional and to act accordingly with responsibility and ethical behavior.
The Navarro College PTA faculty is dedicated to assisting you in reaching your goal of becoming certified as a physical therapist assistant and to practice in the field of physical therapy. We look forward to the next 24 months of working with you.
Sincerely,
PTA FACULTY AND STAFF
Sarah Austin, PT, MPT
Sarah is the director for the PTA Program and an instructor for the PTA Program on the Midlothian campus of Navarro College. She graduated in 2002 from The University of Oklahoma Physical Therapy program with a Master’s in Physical Therapy. She is also currently enrolled at Texas Tech University, diligently working on her Doctorate of Science degree. She has practiced and continues to practice in a variety of treatment settings, including home health pediatrics, hospital pediatrics, outpatient rehabilitation, and in various school settings. Sarah is involved with supervision of physical therapist assistants on a constant basis. Sarah has also owned a home health company focusing on pediatrics, working side by side with therapists of other disciplines, physicians, nurses and other health care personnel.
Lisa Pittard-Rigsby, PT
Lisa is the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for the PTA Program and an instructor for the PTA Program on the Midlothian campus of Navarro College. She graduated in 1999 from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Physical Therapy program with a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy. She is also currently enrolled at Texas Tech University, diligently working on her Doctorate of Science
degree. She has practiced and continues to practice in home health with focus on geriatrics. Lisa has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including rehabilitation director for a busy orthopedic
outpatient business with 3 satellite facilities, functioned as therapy director for home health agency, and has worked in various acute hospital and inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings. She also has experience in ergonomic design for companies and home modification training, has advised employees and staff in work safety and injury prevention in a local warehouse business. Lisa has also owned a home health contracting company, teaching and directing physical therapist and physical therapist assistants, and supporting disciplines of speech and occupational therapies.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
Sarah Austin, PT, MPT
PTA Program Director; Assistant Professor Office telephone/voicemail: 972-775-7270 Email: [email protected] Lisa Pittard-Rigsby, PT
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Associate Professor Office telephone/voicemail: 972-775-7252
Email: [email protected] Lori Tatsch
Administrative Assistant Health Professions Office telephone/voicemail: 903-875-7581 Email: [email protected] Glenda Terry, M.S., B.S.N., RN
Office telephone/voicemail: 903-875-7585 Email: [email protected]
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Campus Security Telephone: (903) 654-7958
Emergency Services (Fire, Medical, Police)
From a campus phone: 9-911
From a pay phone: 911
Fire Department (Non-Emergency) (972)775-7671
Poison Control: 1-800-764-7661
Police Department (Non-Emergency): (972) 775-3333
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Navarro College Main Campus Waxahachie Campus
3200 W. 7th Ave. 1900 John Arden Drive
Corsicana, TX 75110 Waxahachie, TX 76165
1-800-NAVARRO (972) 937-7612
Midlothian Campus Mexia Campus
899 Mount Zion Road 901 N. MLK Hwy.
Midlothian, TX 76065 Mexia, TX 76667
(972) 775-7200 (254) 562-3848
Admissions and Records (903) 875-7349
Residence Life Office (903) 875-7541
Office of Financial Aid (903) 875-7364
Navarro College Bookstore (903) 875-7388
International Student Services (903) 875-7371
Department of Public Safety (903) 875-7501
Services for Students with Disabilities (903) 875-7377 or (903) 875-7455
Office of Student Relations (903) 875-7343
Personal Counseling (903) 875-7377
Full-time faculty telephones include voicemail, which can be accessed 24 hours a day. Faculty
members will make every attempt to return telephone messages and email messages within 24 hours. Emails or telephone messages sent to faculty on Friday will be answered the following Monday.
TABLE OF CONTENTSEQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Navarro College shall comply with existing federal and state laws and regulations, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL. 88352) and Executive Order 11236 (Revised Order #4), where applicable, with respect to the admission and education of students, with respect to the availability of students loans, grants, scholarships, and job opportunities, with respect to the employment and promotion of teaching and non-teaching personnel, and with respect to the student and faculty activities conducted on
premises owned or occupied by the college. Navarro College shall not discriminate against any person in regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status or veteran’s status. Navarro College adheres to the policies and procedures as prescribed under ADA-504
ADA INFORMATION
Special Populations Students - Navarro College provides, through the Carl Perkins Center, a variety of services for students who are single parents, displaced homemakers, persons with disabilities, students majoring in non-traditional occupations, and limited English-speaking students. Students falling in one or more of these categories should contact the Carl Perkins Career Center for details concerning these services.
Navarro College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. A student requesting accommodation for a disability must meet with the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator each semester. The Center is funded through a federal grant and the level of service depends on funding available. Students must meet specific requirements as defined by the federal government. Navarro College provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
PURPOSE
The PTA Student Handbook provides you with the information concerning policies and procedures of the Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, which will guide your actions during the 2 years you work toward your Associate Degree of Applied Science and national certification as a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant. The PTA Student Handbook is approved by the Navarro College Board of Trustees. The policies and procedures of the PTA Student Handbook are in addition to the Navarro College Catalogue, the Navarro College Student Handbook, and the PTA course syllabi.
SIGNATURE SHEETS
Throughout this manual, you will find policies and procedures, which require your signature. Each page requiring a signature occurs twice; one sheet is in the bound copy for you to keep and one sheet is a loose copy for you to return to the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education in your student portfolio (which is described in this manual).
Students will read and agree to the Navarro College policies and procedures in the Navarro College Catalog, the Navarro College Student Handbook, and the PTA Student Handbook for each year of study.
ACCREDITATION
Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3235; [email protected] is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure
examination, which is required in all states.
Navarro College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE. The program will submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
CONTEXT OF THE INSTITUTION
Navarro College is a public comprehensive two-year community college providing education for a five county service district in rural central Texas. Chartered in Corsicana, Texas (Navarro County) in 1946, the College operates under the policies established by the Texas Higher Educational Coordinating Board (THECB) and under the direction of the Navarro College Board of Trustees with publicly elected members representing the service district.
Annual enrollment in Navarro College has exceeded 10,000 students in courses that are offered during the day, in the evening, on weekends, and online. The College provides a variety of certificate and associate degree educational programs. Degrees include terminal degrees enabling students to enter the work force and transfer degrees for students pursuing higher education. Navarro College has a long history in serving the needs of local businesses and industries by providing technical, educational, or continuing education opportunities to promote employment and personal growth in the citizens of the service area. Navarro College has partnered with Texas A&M University Commerce, Tarleton State University, and the University of North Texas to offer bachelor- and master-level courses on multiple Navarro College campuses.
Navarro College is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds numerous programmatic accreditations as well.
NAVARRO COLLEGE PTA MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The two-year, 72 hour curriculum in physical therapy leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree
(A.A.S. PTA). The program helps prepare the graduate to take the national certification examination
provided by the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Graduates must also meet licensure requirements as mandated by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) or the state in which licensure is sought. The physical therapist assistant curriculum includes on-campus coursework and clinical experiences in traditional and non-traditional physical therapy settings.
PTA PROGRAM MISSION
The PTA program at Navarro College is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning through educational opportunities that empower production of safe and effective practitioners who demonstrate high ethical standards and professionalism, enabling them to be of service to their profession and community in an ever changing and dynamic health care environment.
OUR QUEST:
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers as physical therapist assistant practitioners. We pursue wisdom, truth and knowledge for our students and ourselves.
OUR VISION:
Through visionary leadership, outstanding teaching and high quality service, Navarro College will provide students the technical skills in critical thinking, physical therapy practice and professional responsibility needed to provide the highest quality of care in physical therapy services. Through various learning environments, both clinically and academically, students will develop exemplary skill sets necessary to provide functional outcomes and leadership within their communities and practices while maintaining the ethical standards of the physical therapy profession. The Navarro College PTA program will develop graduates who engage in higher levels of education and employment.
OUR PURPOSE:
The Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant Program seeks to provide culturally diverse pool of physical therapist assistants by serving the students of the Navarro College district. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program encourages students to explore and set goals based on life-long learning regardless of previous educational opportunities. Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant program will assist students in developing personal and professional responsibility, flexibility, and creativity in developing the skills needed to practice as a physical therapist assistant in entry-level practice areas.
PTA PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY:
Navarro College is dedicated to providing students with entry level practice knowledge and skill sets in physical therapy, necessary to improve an individual’s optimum quality of life through health promotion, prevention of disabilities and rehabilitation regardless of the disability. Navarro College seeks to educate students to be compassionate and live out the basic moral principle of “Do No Harm” when interacting with clients, other health care professionals or their communities. The Navarro College PTA program believes in providing lifelong learning experiences to each student regardless of cultural or social background, personal life choices, health status, age or personal challenges. These learning experiences will aide in fostering the development of advanced critical thinkers and practitioners in the field of physical therapy. Navarro College seeks to develop partnerships with the clinical faculty to allow congruence of the program as a whole in developing the entry level graduate. Navarro College also seeks clinical environments that practice evidence based principles and treatment that will enhance the knowledge and professional expectations of the physical therapist assistant student. The Navarro College PTA program believes that, while a physical therapist assistant works under the supervision of a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant is also an extension of a physical therapist and a vital member of a health care team. The Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant program was designed and established to meet the needs of the surrounding underserved rural and urban communities.
CURRICULUM
CURRICULUM DESIGN
Physical therapy is a dynamic profession that emphasizes holistic health and optimal physical function through diagnoses of various movement dysfunctions. The goal of a physical therapist is widespread and includes optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health, prevention and progression of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities and promotion of optimal wellness and fitness. Physical therapists also play important roles in leadership within the healthcare system. Physical therapists typically utilize five elements of care that emphasizes cognitive, psychomotor and affective behaviors when providing services: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention. Physical therapist assistants (PTA) provide physical therapy services under supervision of a physical therapist and may implement a plan of care and interventions under the direction of a physical therapist. Of the five elements listed above, PTAs typically perform most of their duties within the intervention phase and are the only professionals who may provide interventions outside of the physical therapist. PTAs are also involved in leadership roles within the healthcare team, government and within their community. A PTA is held to high standards of ethical and moral conduct, as established by the Standards of ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (see Appendices).
Navarro College’s PTA program is an integrated two-year program, consisting of 5 semesters (including prerequisite course work). The coursework and clinical rotations are structured in an organized sequence to build upon foundational content. The curriculum design of the Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program utilizes a hybrid model, transitioning from a traditional model approach to a case-based model approach in the latter part of the program. The content of the program curriculum is
presented in a logical and structured fashion, ensuring that foundational skills are taught and learned prior to progressing into higher critical thinking tasks. The Navarro College PTA program is designed to integrate student growth through clinical experiences that are appropriate for the student’s knowledge base and skill set, at that time in the curriculum. The integration of clinical coursework begins in the second semester of the PTA program, after students have mastered introductory coursework.
A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education: Version 2007, identifies performance and behavioral expectations that a sound PTA curriculum would demonstrate. These performance and behavioral expectations are also the curricular threads that are woven throughout each level of the Navarro College PTA program. They are introduced and reinforced throughout coursework with increasing complexity. They serve to focus the curriculum coursework to highlight knowledge, skills, and abilities that have been identified as important by the profession, program faculty, Navarro College, and the community. These threads include:
- Intervention - Communication - Education - Resource Management - Career Development - Accountability - Altruism
- Compassion and Caring - Cultural Competence
- Duty
- Integrity
- Social Responsibility
INTERVENTION: Intervention is the primary focus of an entry level physical therapist, and as such, intervention is a major component of the PTA curriculum. The Navarro College PTA curriculum emphasizes intervention strategies from the first foundational classes, until the final class of the program. Intervention strategies are woven into the fabric of the curriculum to develop competent entry level practitioners. Intervention facets include: review of a plan of care, provision of safe and effective interventions, data collection skills, progression of the patient through the plan of care, documentation of the treatment and response in emergency situations.
COMMUNICATION: Communication skills such as active/effective listening/empathetic responding, interview skills and language skills, adapted communication, medical terminology and information technology are an integral component of the PTA curriculum. Communication skills are discussed in the first class of the program and continued throughout the program.
EDUCATION: It is important to be able to educate others of the role of the PTA in the healthcare field. It is also important to properly educate and instruct patients and caregivers on effective intervention strategies and home exercise. Education is a powerful tool that will be taught and interwoven throughout the curriculum. Students and faculty members are strongly encouraged to be active participants and assume leadership roles in local, state, and national associations to promote the profession of physical therapy. Global connections are enhanced between practitioners and other health care professionals by participation in associations and are necessary to remain current in health care trends and practices. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: In the ever changing health care field, resource management is essential to
the PTA profession. As defined in the A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education: Version 2007, “resource management is the effective use and integration of human, fiscal, and systems resources that follows regulatory and legal guidelines”. Understanding the delineation of roles and the utilization of resources and supportive personnel are components of resource management that are discussed throughout the curriculum.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT: The nature of health care and the profession of physical therapy require that practitioners continuously look to the future. As new advances and developments in practice occur, individuals must be able to adapt to these advances by acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to better serve the designated population. Similarly, the program curriculum design is future-oriented in that it addresses the need for and benefit of evidence-based practice and the concept of lifelong learning. Students are exposed to these concepts the first semester and are given the tools, training, and resources to seek and utilize evidence-based resources. These skills are reinforced and improved during subsequent semesters.
Professional behaviors such as ALTRUISM, COMPASSION AND CARING, CULTURAL COMPETENCE, DUTY, INTEGRITY and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY are fundamental to the profession of physical therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association defines many of these behaviors in their Standards of Ethical Behavior for Physical Therapist Assistants. It is imperative that every graduating student from Navarro College Physical Therapist Assistant program possess and strive to enhance these skills. From the beginning of the PTA curriculum, the faculty assists in fostering and molding these behaviors from the students. These behaviors are encouraged, enhanced and challenged on a daily basis. Service learning opportunities are designed to introduce students to these behaviors, including assisting athletes participating in the Special Olympics, reading to Veterans in a local hospital, performing community health screenings in conjunction with a local organization, and participating in a summer camp for children with physical challenges. These opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum. Service-based learning opportunities promote student professional behaviors, enhance a sense of personal responsibility, encourage collaboration within a team, refine communication skills, and develop clinical reasoning skills. Online content is used when possible for the lecture or lab portion of physical therapy courses to allow flexibility for students managing roles outside of the College. Program faculty members seek to develop online and in-class content that presents learning material in a variety of formats (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to meet the needs of adult learners. Experiential learning and service learning opportunities are built into laboratory courses and through events scheduled by the Student Physical Therapy Association.
The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Students must complete all courses outlined in the curriculum. Foundational educational requirements are an integral part of the program and provide the student with a foundation in the areas of humanities/fine arts, communication, computer science, math, social/behavioral science, and composition.
The course descriptions and course outcomes are mandated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). This agency created the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), which lists and describes all courses for PTA curriculums within the State of Texas. Each PTA program selects from the listing courses most appropriate to its curriculum design. In accordance with Navarro College accreditation standards, PTA courses must also contain measureable learning outcomes aimed at preparing the student for the work environment.
Upon program accreditation approval and completion of the PTA curriculum, the students will be awarded an Applied Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant and are eligible to take the Texas State Board Examination for approval as Physical Therapist Assistants.
PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS (A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education: Version 2007)
1.0 Intervention
1.1 Review the plan of care established by the physical therapist prior to initiating patient/client intervention
1.2 Provide safe intervention as directed in the plan of care and supervised by the physical therapist
1.3 Provide effective instruction to the patient/client and others to achieve the goals and outcomes as described in the plan of care.
1.4 Collect data to quantify the patient’s/client’s response to interventions as directed and supervised by the physical therapist.
1.5 Progress the patient/client interventions through the plan of care.
1.6 Complete documentation that follows professional guidelines, health care system, and physical therapy facility policies.
1.7 Respond effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies in the work setting. 2.0 Communication
2.1 Expressively and receptively communicate in a culturally competent manner with physical therapists, patients, family members, caregivers, other health care providers, students, interdisciplinary team members, administrators, payers and consumers.
3.0 Education
3.1 Effectively educate other using teaching methods commensurate with the needs of the learners.
3.2 Educate others about the role of the physical therapist assistant. 4.0 Resource Management (human, fiscal, systems)
4.1 Utilize human and material institution-based resources and services to provide high-qulaity, efficient and cost-effective physical therapy services.
4.2 Comply with facility procedures and payer regulations consistent with the health care delivery system and the practice setting.
5.0 Career Development
5.1 Participate in learning and development activities to ensure continued competence. 5.2 Participate in and respond to self-assessment activities.
5.3 Participate in clinical education. 6.0 Accountability
6.1 Adhere to federal and state legal practice standards and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management.
6.2 Act in a manner consistent with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
6.3 Change behavior in response to understanding the consequences (positive and negative) of the physical therapist assistant’s actions.
7.0 Altruism
7.1 Place patient’s/client’s needs above the physical therapist assistant’s self-interests. 8.0 Compassion and Caring
8.1 Exhibit compassion, caring, and empathy in providing services to patients/clients. 8.2 Promote active involvement of the patient/client in his or her care.
9.0 Cultural Competence
9.1 Identify, respect and act with consideration for the patient’s/client’s differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all physical therapy activities.
10.0 Duty
10.1 Demonstrate behaviors, conduct, actions, attitudes, and values consistent with the roles, responsibilities, and tasks of the physical therapist assistant.
10.2 Support and participate in organizations and efforts that promote physical therapy. 11.0 Integrity
11.1 Demonstrate integrity in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, caregivers, supervising physical therapists, coworkers, other health care providers, students, other consumers, employers, and payers.
12.0 Social Responsibility
12.1 Value and support the physical therapy profession in society. 12.2 Demonstrate citizenship.
NAVARRO COLLEGE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
GOALS/OBJECTIVES
GOALS
In keeping with the quest, vision and purpose of the Navarro College PTA program, graduates will: 1. Demonstrate competence in knowledge, skill sets and behaviors necessary to provide physical
therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist.
2. Achieve an effective transition from student to entry level professional member of the health care team, while practicing in a safe and effective manner.
3. Demonstrate behaviors congruent with the high ethical standards as established by the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
4. Demonstrate success in the PT profession as evidenced by graduating from Navarro College PTA program, passing the national licensure examination and obtaining employment within six months of graduation.
5. Demonstrate a behavior of commitment to lifelong learning experiences within the physical therapy profession and community.
OBJECTIVES
In keeping with the quest, vision and purpose of the Navarro College PTA program, graduates will: Interventions:
1. Demonstrate competency in implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan as established by the supervising physical therapist. (Program Goals 1, 2, 3)
2. Demonstrate appropriate actions, when facing an emergency situation, within the healthcare setting and community. (Goals 1, 2, 3)
3. Exhibit and apply competent entry level data collection skills. (Goals 1, 2)
4. Complete a thorough review of patient’s medical history and the plan of care established by the physical therapist and extract pertinent information when providing interventions within the established plan of care. (Goals 1, 2)
5. Perform appropriate assessments and data collection techniques in assisting the supervising physical therapist and monitoring the patient progress. (Goals 1, 2)
6. Modify interventions within the plan care according to patient tolerance and status changes as communicated to the supervising physical therapist. (Goals 1,2)
7. Demonstrate timely, concise, accurate and legible documentation that is appropriate for billing and reimbursement and that is according to jurisdictional law, practice guidelines, policies, code of ethics and facility policies. (Goals 1, 2)
8. Safely, efficiently and effectively apply interventions as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (Goals 1,2)
9. Appropriately collect data for the supervising therapist for discharge planning. (Goal 1,2,3) 10. Demonstrate knowledge of client conditions across the lifespan and within various treatment
settings. (Goals 1, 2)
11. Appropriately progress the patient intervention through the plan of care.
12. Identify indications, contraindications, precautions, safety considerations, and expected outcomes for interventions.
13. Utilizes physical therapy equipment effectively and ensures equipment safety. Communication:
14. Communicate in a timely manner, through written, verbal and non-verbal means with a supervising physical therapist, health care team members and patients in a way that is understood by that person. (Goals 1,2,3)
15. Appropriately reports changes in patient status and progress to the supervising physical therapist. (Goals 1,2)
Education:
16. Educate others within their community and health care settings about the role of the physical therapist assistant. (Goals 1,2,5)
17. Provide effective instruction on interventions, functional skill, outcomes and injury prevention to both patients and caregivers.
Resource management:
18. Appropriately supervises and utilizes physical therapist aides within the clinical setting as delegated to the aide by the physical therapist, and as governed by state governing practice rules and regulations. (Goals 1,2,3)
19. Utilize resources and physical therapy services that are efficient, high quality and cost effective Career Development:
20. Achieve 90% success rate, as a cohort, on the national license exam. (Goal 4) 21. Achieve 90% employment rate within 6 months of graduation, as a cohort. (Goal 4) 22. Achieve 85% graduation rate, as a cohort. (Goal 4)
23. Participate as a clinical educator helping to educate future PTA students and give back to the physical therapy profession.(Goal 5)
24. Participates in career development as dictated by performance reviews and personal interests to enhance overall skill level and expectations within their practice. (Goal 1,2,5)
25. Enhance skill level through various educational opportunities that develop the abilities and career of the physical therapist assistant. (Goal 5)
26. Recognize and adapt physical therapy practice based on dynamic health care system and based on ongoing clinical research. (Goals 1,2,5)
Accountability:
27. Abide by the policies and procedures and legal standards instituted by employers and associated governing bodies. (Goals 1,2,3)
28. Fulfill physical therapy profession obligations for continuing education. (Goal 5) 29. Respect the confidentiality and privacy of each client. (Goal 3)
Altruism:
30. Recognizes the need for physical therapy services in underserved populations. (Goal 1,2,3) 31. Demonstrates effective time management skills to accommodate patient needs and decrease
personal stress. (Goals 1,2,3) Compassion and Caring:
32. Exhibit personal characteristics such as compassion and empathy when providing physical therapy services to patients. (Goal 3)
Cultural Competence:
33. Recognize individual and cultural differences and demonstrate appropriate responses in delivery of healthcare. (Goals 1, 2, 3)
34. Understands various pathologies and their affect on various genders, ages, cultures and races. (Goals 1,2,3)
Duty:
35. Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of their abilities in their delivery of care, as a physical therapist assistant. (Goals 1, 2, 3)
37. Understands the differences between a physical therapist and physical therapist assistant. (Goals 1,2,3)
Integrity:
38. Respect the rights and dignity of each individual within the health care team. (Goals 2,3) 39. Describe the role and relationship of all members of an interdisciplinary health care team.
(Goals 2,3) Social Responsibility:
40. Participation in advocacy through community and professional organizations. (Goal 5) 41. Demonstrates behaviors that positively represent the profession of physical therapy to their
PREREQUISITES
Lec Hrs
Lab Hrs
Ext Hrs Cont Hrs Credit Hrs
HPRS 1101
Introduction to Healthcare
1
0
0
16
1
BIOL 2401
Anatomy and Physiology 1
3
3
0
96
4
BIOL 2402
Anatomy and Physiology 2
3
3
0
96
4
ENGL 1301
Composition 1
3
1
0
64
3
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
PTHA 1409
Introduction to Physical Therapy
2
4
96
4
PTHA 1413
Functional Anatomy
2
4
96
4
PTHA 1321
Pathophysiology for PTA
3
0
48
3
HPRS 1206
Medical Terminology
1
2
48
2
PSYC 2301
General Psychology
3
0
48
3
MATH 1342
Elementary Statistics
3
0
48
3
Second Semester
PTHA 2409
Therapeutic Exercise
3
4
112
4
PTHA 1431
Physical Agents
3
4
112
4
PTHA 2205
Neurology
2
0
32
2
PTHA 1160
Clinical PTA 1
0
0
4
64
1
PTHA 2201
Essentials of Data Collection
1
4
80
2
PHIL 1301 or 2306Intro to Philosophy or Intro to Ethics
3
0
48
3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
PTHA 2431
Management of Neurological Disorders
3
4
0
112
4
PTHA 2435
Rehabilitation Techniques
3
4
0
112
4
PTHA 1260
Clincial PTA 2
0
0
8
128
2
PSYC 2314
Lifespan Growth and Development
3
0
0
48
3
SPCH Elective Speech Elective
3
0
0
48
3
Second Semester
PTHA 2360
PTA Clinical 3
0
0
16
256
3
PTHA 2361
PTA Clinical 4
0
0
16
256
3
PTHA 2339
Professional Issues
3
0
48
3
51
37
44
2112
72
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FIRST SEMESTER
PTHA 1409 – INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL THERAPY
This course will provide an introduction to the profession of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant. Topics will include: the application of basic patient handling, functional skills for the PTA clinician, communication in PT, and selected data collection techniques. Upon successful
completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: Admission into the PTA program. (2 hours lec/ 4 hours lab/week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe the history, purpose, and scope of physical therapy; identify the
roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant; describe principles and techniques of patient handling and functional skills; demonstrate basic patient handling and functional skills; demonstrate selected data collection techniques; demonstrate communication skills
PTHA 1413 – FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
This course studies the relationship of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems to normal and abnormal movement. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology I and II or equivalent; admission to program. (2 hours lec/4 hours lab/week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Locate the musculoskeletal and neurological structures of the human body;
differentiate between normal and abnormal movement. PTHA 1321 – PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This course studies the pathophysiology of diseases/conditions encountered in physical therapy. Emphasis is on the etiology, pathogenesis, signs/symptoms, and treatments of selected
diseases/conditions; identification of the impact of the pathologies in physical therapy. Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology I and II or equivalent; admission to program. Co-requisites: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413. (3hours lec/0 hours lab/week).
End-of-course Outcomes: Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, signs/symptoms, and treatments of
SECOND SEMESTER
PTHA 2409 – THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
This course explores concepts, principles, and application of techniques related to therapeutic exercise and functional training. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1329. (3 hours lec/4 lab hours/week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe the principles of therapeutic exercise; formulate a rationale for the
implementation of therapeutic exercise; demonstrate techniques therapeutic exercise and functional training; execute patient education; and demonstrate communication skills.
PTHA 1431 – PHYSICAL AGENTS
This course studies biophysical principles, physiological effects, efficacy, and application of physical agents. Upon completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1321. (3 hours lec/4 lab hours, week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe the biophysical principles and efficacy of physical agents; relate
indications, contraindications and precautions to interventions; apply physical agents; demonstrate communication skills
PTHA 2205 – NEUROLOGY
This course studies the relationship of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as it relates to neurological conditions. Upon completion of this course, the student will earn two (2) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1321. (2 lec hours/week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Identify the functions of the neuroanatomical structures; correlate lesions
with clinical signs and symptoms; describe the pathogenesis and prognosis of neurological disorders treated in physical therapy.
PTHA 2201 – ESSENTIALS OF DATA COLLECTION
This course identifies data collection techniques used to assist in patient/client management. Upon completion of this course, the student will earn (2) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1321. (1 lec hours/4 lab hours, week).
End-of-Course Outcomes: Perform data collection techniques; identify changes in data collected.
Report results.
PTHA 1160 – PTA CLINICAL 1
This course is a health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized physical therapy theory, skills, and concepts in various settings. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. The in-class seminar is designed to reinforce topics and experiences that occur on off-campus sites and on-campus during lectures and labs. Upon successful completion of this course,
the student will earn one (1) hour. Prerequisites: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1321 Co-requisites: PTHA 1431, PTHA 2205, PTHA 2409 (0 lec/0 lab/4 ext hours per week)
THIRD SEMESTER
PTHA 2431 – MANAGEMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
This course provides comprehensive rehabilitation techniques of selected neurological disorders. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 2409, PTHA 1431, PTHA 2205, PTHA 2201. (3 lec/4 lab hours/week)
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe management of patients with neurological disorders; demonstrate
rehabilitation techniques for neurological disorders; demonstrate communication skills. PTHA 2435 – REHABILITATION TECHNIQUES
This course provides comprehensive rehabilitation of selected diseases and disorders. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn four (4) hours. Prerequisite: PTHA 2409, PTHA 1431, PTHA 2205, PTHA 2201. (3 lec/4 lab hours/week).
End-of-Course Outcomes: Describe the physical therapy management of patients with selected
diseases and disorders; demonstrate rehabilitation techniques for diseases and disorders; and demonstrate communication skills.
PTHA 1260 – PTA CLINICAL II
This course is a health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized physical therapy theory, skills, and concepts in various settings. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. The in-class seminar is designed to reinforce topics and experiences that occur on off-campus sites and on-campus during lectures and labs. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn two (2) hour. Prerequisites: PTHA 1409, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1321, PTHA 2409, PTHA 1431, PTHA 2205, PTHA 1160 Co-requisites: PTHA 2431, PTHA 2435 (0 lec/0 lab/8 ext hours per week).
FOURTH SEMESTER
PTHA 2360 PTA CLINICAL III
This practicum provides practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student. As outlined in the learning plan, the student will apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. Upon
successful completion of the course, the student will earn three (3) hours. (0 lec/0 lab/ 16 ext hours per week). Prerequisites: PTHA 2431, PTHA 2435, PTHA 1260.
PTHA 2361 PTA CLINICAL IV
This practicum provides practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student. As outlined in the learning plan, the student will apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. Upon
successful completion of the course, the student will earn three (3) hours. (0 lec/0 lab/ 16 ext hours per week). Prerequisites: PTHA 2431, PTHA 2435, PTHA 1260 and PTHA 2360.
PTHA 2339 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
This course discusses professional issues and behaviors related to clinical practice; preparation for transition into the workforce. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will earn three (3) hours. (3 lec hours/week). Prerequisites: PTHA 2431, PTHA 2435, PTHA 1260 .
End-of-Course Outcomes: Prepare for licensure, employment, and professional development; identify
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
The clinical program is designed to be integrated fully into the curriculum design of the program. Learning is a cycle that requires reinforcement of concepts through “hands-on” delivery methods. The clinical program is the link between a concept and its application to practice. Curricular threads are identified each semester for emphasis in each clinical. These threads are interwoven between lectures, laboratories, clinical experiences, and seminars to maximize transfer of learning. Clinical sites are carefully selected based on their ability to address the curricular threads.
Clinical educators are active participants in this process through participation in advisory committee meetings, clinical site visits, opportunities for adjunct teaching and guest lectures, providing electronic feedback via surveys, and through electronic communication, including podcasts, emails and social networking sites. The program actively recruits former students familiar with the curriculum design to serve as clinical educators, encouraging promotion of the profession through clinical education. Navarro College offers clinical rotations in conjunction with and as an enhancement to course content. The clinical experience, coursework and behavioral objectives strive to reflect a sequential orientation and move from concrete to conceptual and from simple to more complex learning activities. The following Clinical Rotations I, II, III and IV are linked with complimentary course work:
COURSES TAKEN PRIOR TO CLINICAL I:
CLASSES: LEARNING ELEMENTS OF CLASSES:
Introduction of Physical Therapy • CPR/Vital Signs/First Aid • History and Current Issues in PT • Body Mechanics/Gait Training • Positioning and Draping • Basic Nursing Care
• Body Mechanics and Patient Transfers • Infection Control
• Professional Ethics • Documentation
• Role of the PTA in Healthcare • Career Development
• Lifelong Learning Skills • Functional Training Skills
• Behavior and Conduct of a healthcare Professional • Individual and Cultural Differences
• Measurements of Pain
• Use of Adaptive and Assistive Devices • Discharge Planning
• Communication
Functional Anatomy • Muscle Performance
• Biomechanics and Planes of Motion • Functional Training
• Therapeutic Exercise • Joint Integrity and Mobility • Posture
• Gait, Locomotion and Mobility • Pain
• Range of Motion • Manual Therapy
Pathophysiology • Wound Management
• Integumentary Integrity
• Arousal, Mentation and Cognition • Anthropometrical Characteristics • Aerobic Capacity and Endurance • Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation
COURSES TAKEN CONCURRENTLY WITH CLINICAL I:
CLASSES: LEARNING ELEMENTS OF CLASSES:
Therapeutic Exercise • Neuromotor Development • Quality Assurance
• Therapeutic Exercises • Manual Therapy Techniques • Social Responsibility
• Ethical Conduct • Plan of Care • Range of Motion • Posture
• Joint Integrity and Mobility • Muscle Performance • Scope of Practice • Integumentary Ingerity
• Arousal, Mentation and Cognition • Education
• Assistive, Adaptive, Orthotic, Protective, Supportive, and Prosthetic Devices
• Anthropomorphical Characteristics • Aerobic Capacity and Endurance • Gait, Locomotion and Balance • Home Exercise Programs • Pain
• Education of Patients under Supervision of PT • Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation Examination • Billing and Reimbursement
Neurology • Neuromotor Development
• Integumentary Integrity
• Arousal, Mentation and Cognition • Anthropomorphical Characteristics
• Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation Examination • Muscle Performance
Physical Agents • Physical Agents and Mechanical Agents • Billing and Reimbursement
• Wound management • Infection Control • Plan of Care • Scope of Practice
• Ethical and Legal practice
• Anthropometrical Characteristics • Muscle Performance
• Integumentary Integrity • Pain
Data Collection • Quality Assurance
• Physical Agents and Mechanical Agents • Billing and Reimbursement
• Functional Activities • Therapeutic Exercises • Infection Control • Wound management • Ethical and Safe Conduct
• Understanding of the Plan of Care as Developed by the PT
• Manual Therapy Techniques • Joint Integrity and Mobility
• Recognizes Changes in Patient Status and Reports to PT
• Gait, Locomotion and Balance • Education of Patients and Others • Muscle Performance
• Competency in performing Data Collection Skills • Participation in Discharge Planning
COURSES TAKEN CONCURRENTLY WITH CLINICAL II:
CLASSES: LEARNING ELEMENTS OF CLASSES:
Management of Neurological
Disorders • Therapeutic Exercise • Functional Training • Neuromotor Development • Manual Therapy Techniques • Legal and Ethical Conduct • Understanding of Plan of Care • Integumentary Integrity
• Education to Patient and Others • Range of Motion
• Muscle Performance
• Assistive, Adaptive, Orthotic, Supportive and Prosthetic devices
• Aerobic Capacity and Endurance • Gait, Locomotion and Balance
Rehabilitation Techniques • Case Studies and Critical Thinking Skills Involving ALL Aspects of Curriculum Taught in Previous Courses
**PROFESSIONAL ISSUES TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH CLINICAL III and IV AS CAPSTONE COURSE**
CLASSES: LEARNING ELEMENTS OF CLASSES:
Professional Issues • Ethics and Conduct • PTA Board Review
• Laws and Regulations regarding PTA • Lifelong Learning Skills
• Advocacy for the PTA Profession • Community Service
• Interaction with Other Members of the Healthcare Team
• Career Development • Role of the PTA • Scope of Practice
ADMISSIONS
Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a separate procedure from admission to Navarro College. Applicants must first meet all admission criteria for Navarro College. Once enrolled in Navarro College, the student may submit an application to the PTA Program, during the application admission time period. It is mandatory for all potential applicants to attend one of the information sessions, which are conducted at various times throughout the year. Applications to the program may be obtained by attending an information session, in-person through the Health Professions Department, or by electronic download from the program webpage. Positions in the program are limited. Admission decisions will be made through a points system. Priority status is determined from the following data:
• Completion of or exemption from Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, • Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) scores,
• Overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Grades in non-physical therapy courses and pre-requisite courses (completed prior to application deadline) on the PTA degree plan,
• Previous health work experience, and
• Completion of prior degree or health certification.
By the deadline of April 1 of each year, all submitted applications will be reviewed for completeness. The completed applications will then be ranked based on the above factors. The highest total point applicant sets the mark for ranking. Applicants will be numbered in descending order based on point total. If two or more applicants tie for total points, GPA will be used as a tiebreaker with the higher GPA ranked higher. Twenty-three (23) students will be selected to the Program. The remaining will be considered
alternates. All applicants not selected will be notified within 30 days of the application deadline.
Students will be notified as to their status in the PTA Program. A correct and current email is very important in the notification process, as this is how students will be informed of their acceptance into the PTA program. The applicant must reply within 48 hours/2 days to assure their position in the program. Students selected for admission into the PTA program will be required to attend a mandatory orientation, date TBD. Additional admission requirements: criminal background history check and CPR certification. The point system is outlined on the following pages.
Navarro College
Applicant Entrance Criteria Worksheet
Applicant’s name: __________________________ Date: ___________________
TOTAL APPLICANT POINTS = _____________
• HOBET score – Adjusted individual score
75% - 100% = 3 50% - 74% = 2 25% - 49% = 1 0% - 25% = 0 Score is multiplied by .20 Applicant’s score:___________________ • GPA – Overall grade point average
GPA 4.0 = 5 GPA 3.5 to 3.9 = 3 GPA 3.0 to 3.4 = 2 GPA 2.0 to 2.9 = 1 GPA <2.0 = 0 Score is multiplied by .20 Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of HPRS 1101 Introduction to Health Professions
With a grade of “A” = 5
With a grade of “B” = 3
With a grade of “C” = 1
Score is multiplied by .10
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of BIOL 2301 Anatomy & Physiology I
With a grade of “A” = 5
With a grade of “B” = 3
With a grade of “C” = 1
Score is multiplied by .10
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of BIOL 2302 Anatomy & Physiology II
With a grade of “A” = 5
With a grade of “B” = 3
With a grade of “C” = 1
Score is multiplied by .10
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of ENGL 1301 Composition I
With a grade of “B” = 3
With a grade of “C” = 1
Score is multiplied by .10
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of core courses and required HPRS courses (does not include BIOL 2301, BIOL 2302, HPRS 1101 or ENGL 1301). Students are allowed 1 point per course (total not to exceed 6 points) Score is multiplied by .10
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Previous healthcare work experience
Yes = 1
No = 0
Score is multiplied by .05
Applicant’s score: ___________________
• Completion of prior college degree
Master’s degree = 3 Bachelor’s degree = 2 Associate’s degree = 1 No prior degree = 0 Score is multiplied by .05 Applicant’s score: ___________________
Summary of selection criteria and weight
HOBET score 20% Core GPA 20% Completion of HPRS 1101 10% Completion of BIOL 2301 10% Completion of BIOL 2302 10% Completion of ENGL 1301 10% Core course completion 10% Previous healthcare work experience 5% Prior college degree 5%
MEDICAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Students enrolled in the PTA Program are required to have personal health insurance prior to the start of clinical courses. Students must provide documentation indicating that they are covered with
“catastrophic or emergency care” and/or a county health card. The students who are accepted into this program will be required to sign a statement of understanding regarding personal health insurance. As well, students will be required to have limited liability insurance and pay a predetermined fee to the Cashier’s office of Navarro College at the start of each fall semester so that Navarro College can secure the limited liability insurance coverage. Students may wish to purchase additional liability insurance.
NOTE: The liability insurance that each student will have does not pay for injuries to the student – only for injuries to the patient. The student is completely responsible for personal medical costs incurred while at clinical sites. If a patient is injured by the student, the limited liability insurance may or may not cover all legal costs.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Faculty and students are required to have health insurance and are responsible for their own individual or family insurance policies. Students enrolled in the PTA Program are encouraged to have personal health insurance prior to the start of clinical courses. Students must provide documentation indicating that they are covered with “catastrophic or emergency care” and/or a county health card. The students who are accepted into this program will be required to sign a statement of understanding regarding personal health insurance.
As well, students will be required to have limited liability insurance and pay a predetermined fee to the Cashier’s office of Navarro College at the start of each fall semester so that Navarro College can secure the limited liability insurance coverage. Students may wish to purchase additional liability insurance.
NOTE: The liability insurance that each student will have does not pay for injuries to the student – only for injuries to the patient. The student is completely responsible for personal medical costs incurred while at clinical sites. If a patient is injured by the student, the limited liability insurance may or may not cover all legal costs.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
While performing PTA responsibilities in the clinical facilities, the student may be exposed to
environmental hazards and infectious diseases including, but not limited to, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and HIV. The student understands and assumes the risks involved in the clinical portion of the PTA Program and agrees to abide by the policies and procedures of each facility regarding exposure to infectious diseases and infection control.
STUDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Each student must undergo a physical health examination by a certified Health Professional once
admitted into the program. Physical examination forms are included in the student handbook. The
physical report will be kept on file in the PTA Program files. Please note, the health examination requires the student to read the “Performance Standards” beforehand, and both the student and the health professional must sign the form indicating the ability to perform as described and/or any limitations which may be present. Failure to provide this completed information to the ACCE will result in non-placement for the Practicum and withdrawal from the Program.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Upon acceptance to the PTA program, the student is to submit required proof of current immunization status along with the signed Immunizations form (found in Application and Student Handbook). All immunizations should be completed prior to the Clinical I. It is recommended that the student have completed 2/3 of the Hepatitis B series prior to application to the program.
The student must complete the Hepatitis B series the semester before the first clinical assignment. A complete Hepatitis B series requires 4-6 months to complete. Student should be aware of the timeline to ensure completion of the series. A student will be dropped from the program if they do not complete the Hepatitis B series.
The responsibility for maintaining current health testing and immunizations, including costs, are the responsibility of the student.
CPR
All students must have current American Heart Association CPR card prior to and throughout all clinical experiences. A copy of such will be kept in the student’s file. Students will not be allowed to attend clinical training until proof of current CPR card is provided.
ACCIDENT OR INJURY REPORTING
If a student is injured while in the classroom setting, the Program Director must be notified immediately. The Program Director will be responsible for completing all necessary documentation, including the Health Professions Occurrence Report, with the assistance of the student and the appropriate instructor.
If a student is injured while in the clinical setting, the Clinical Instructor and the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) must be notified immediately. The ACCE will notify the Program Director and complete all necessary documentation, which may include the Health Professions Occurrence Report, with the assistance of all involved parties.
Navarro College and the clinical instructor facility are not responsible for any claims for expenses that result from an action of a student or patient in the classroom or clinical setting that result in injury to the student.
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
All students will be instructed in blood borne pathogen precautions before entering first Clinical Rotation. With direct patient care, there is an increased risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids of individuals with HIV and hepatitis B and C. Because of this reality, it is imperative to consider all patients as potentially infected with blood borne pathogens. The following precautions are to be followed by all of Navarro College PTA Program faculty and students:
1. Gloves must be worn when touching: a. Blood and body fluids b. Mucous membranes c. Non-intact skin
d. Handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids 2. Gloves shall be changed between patients and hand hygiene carried out.
3. Protective eyewear shall be worn when suctioning or at any time droplets of blood or other body fluids might contaminate the eyes of the caregiver.
4. Needles are not to be recapped after patient use but must be placed in a sharps (puncture resistant) container immediately after use.
5. Needles shall not be purposely bent, broken by hand, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand.
6. Disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items shall be disposed of in the sharps container.
7. Reusable needles and syringes or other sharp items shall be left on the tray without washing and wrapped in plastic for transport to central supply.
8. Clinical affiliation’s policy will be followed by students and faculty regarding ready access to CPR masks.
9. Any break in skin integrity of the caregiver will be covered by an occlusive/ protective covering. 10. Gloves that are punctured or torn while in use shall be removed as soon as possible. Hand
hygiene is to be carried out and new gloves applied to proceed with the task.
11. Laboratory specimens shall be handled with gloves on and labeled appropriately. (Put in plastic bags for transport to the laboratory.)
12. Soiled linens will be put in bags at the bedside and are not to come in contact with the uniform. 13. Gloves shall be used for providing personal care for all patients and while doing any procedure
where contact with blood, or body fluids may be expected (including all times when patient's skin will be punctured i.e. injections).
14. Spills shall be removed with gloved hands and paper towels. Then have housekeeping clean and disinfect the area.
Derived from Victoria College PTA Program Clinical Education Manual
DRUG AND SUBSTANCE USE
Navarro College is a drug-free campus. Any student found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of any illegal drugs or paraphernalia as defined by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention & Control Act of 1970, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary
