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2023-2024 Physical Therapist Assistant Program Handbook

Mission

Our mission for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to graduate students who have obtained the knowledge and skills to become employed as licensed physical therapist assistants and become contributing members of the physical therapy profession and healthcare team in diverse settings.

Program Philosophy

The faculty and administrators of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program believe that technical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills are important components of a quality educational experience. In addition, teamwork, ethics, and problem-solving skills are emphasized throughout the educational experience to ensure graduation of competent physical therapist assistants.

Goal Statement

The goal of this program is to provide students with appropriate didactic and clinical experience leading to successful licensure and entry-level employment in the profession of physical therapy.

Customer Satisfaction Policy

Baker College is an institution focused on customer satisfaction. To that end, any concerns or complaints regarding the Physical Therapist Assistant Program can be sent to the attention of the director of the program on the appropriate campus. The director will investigate the complaint, consult with all parties involved, and provide a response as soon as all information has been evaluated. The program director will inform the Dean of Health Sciences of the complaint, investigation, and what actions have been taken.

If resolution cannot be reached at the level of the program director, the problem will follow the chain of command beginning with the Dean of Health Sciences, followed by the Chief Academic Officer/Vice President of Academics of the campus, the President of the campus, and finally the President of the Baker College System.

Program Outcomes

1. Exhibit professional and ethical conduct that reflects expectations of society and other members of the profession, APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct, and APTA Values-Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
2. Using knowledge of scientific practice, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes, performs in a safe manner that minimizes the risk to patient, self, and others.
3. Use inter-professional teamwork to facilitate effective patient outcomes.
4. Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences in all aspects of physical therapy services.
5. Communicate verbally and nonverbally with the patient, caregivers, and other health-care team members in an appropriate and effective manner.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills related to life span and across the continuum of care, as part of assessing patient status in order to implement and/or modify interventions, performed under the supervision of the physical therapist.
7. Performs safe and competent treatment interventions across the lifespan, consistent with the plan of care established by the supervising physical therapist.
8. Complete thorough and accurate documentation and billing in a timely manner consistent with legal and ethical standards.
9. Perform self-assessment to identify individual learning needs and implement plans for lifelong learning and career development, including, participating in public activities that promote health and wellness.
10. Prepare to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE).

Effective: Fall 2024

Baker College Mission and Vision

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

College of Health Science - Student Learning Outcomes

General Student Learning Outcomes

2017-2018 (UG17 - Auburn Hills)

2017-2018 (UG17 - Allen Park, Flint, Muskegon)

2018-2019 (UG18 - Auburn Hills)

2018-2019 (UG18 - Allen Park, Flint, Muskegon)

2019-2020 (UG19)

2020-2021 (UG20)

2021-2022 (UG21)

2022-2023 (UG22)

2023-2024 (UG23)

 Health Forms:  Baker College Health Information Form

For more information about Professional Program Application (formerly LEA), visit baker.edu/PPA.

Visit the Baker College Research Guide page for library research resources for this program.

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