ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS REQUIRED OF A PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
In order to assure safe and successful advancement through the PTA program, the following mental and physical requirements are considered a minimum for all students and graduates.
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Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively and frequently using appropriate body mechanics for safety of self and patient/client.
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Ability to stand for up to 30 minutes.
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Ability to walk over a variety of surfaces up to 8 hours/day.
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Ability to transfer patients using good body mechanics.
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Ability to read, write, and interpret both written and verbal communication at a level equal to a high school graduate on entry and college graduate at the end of the program.
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Ability to perform complex motor skills necessary to provide therapeutic intervention (exercise, gait, transfers, application of passive modalities etc.) and emergency treatment to patients.
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Ability to communicate in a clear, understandable manner with minimal misinterpretation from the listener.
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Ability to understand, interpret, and react to verbal and written communication received from personal interactions reflective of ethnic, gender, age and socio-economic diversity.
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Ability to cope with stress and a changing educational and working environment, with appropriate behaviors.
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Ability to problem solve and adjust to a changing patient care environment.
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Any physical impairment causing a change in student’s ability to perform the essential functions must be brought to the attention of the chairperson or the ACCE. In the event that accommodations are needed the student will be referred to the Disability Services department.
A student will be required to work with the Disability Services counselors to determine the level of accommodation that might be required to successfully complete both the didactic and clinical portion of the curriculum. A final determination of accommodation is a result of the request from the student, the essential functions required of the student during the program and required passage of the competencies and skills for each laboratory class and clinical experience.
Please refer to the office of Disability Services for further information and clarification (room 10-421)
