Program Mission, Philosophy, and Goals

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares graduates to become licensed physical therapist assistants. The program is committed to upholding the American Physical Therapy Association's Code of Ethics and is guided by those principles in the educational process.

Program Philosophy and Purpose

The purpose of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to prepare graduates to become licensed physical therapist assistants. The program is committed to providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes didactic, laboratory courses, and clinical experiences. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop entry-level skills and gain a broad background in the theoretical aspects of the profession.

Program Details

• Program Outcome Statistics
• PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet
• Estimated Undergraduate Budget

Program Goals

1. The Program will accept students for admission that have the best chance of success in the Program and the profession.
2. The Program will provide educational experiences, including a comprehensive curriculum with current professional standards, to produce graduates with the skills required by the profession.
3. The Program will provide a diversity of clinical and classroom experiences that support the development of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills relevant to the physical therapist assistant profession and to produce quality graduates and physical therapist assistant professionals.
4. The Program will produce entry-level physical therapist assistant graduates that are sought-after by employers.
5. Program faculty will continually strive to improve teaching quality through participation in professional continuing education related to current advancements in physical therapy practice to their teaching topics.
6. Program faculty will benefit from University course offerings to develop/advance program curriculum delivery methods or advance academic credentials.
7. Program faculty are encouraged to maintain involvement in professional organizations.
8. Program faculty will model volunteerism and community service.

Program Student Learning Outcomes/Objectives

1. Program graduates will demonstrate an overall pass rate on the National Licensure Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant of 85% over 2 years.
2. Current physical therapist assistant students and Program graduates will indicate overall satisfaction with the quality of education and learning experiences in the Program.
3. Students will demonstrate a progression of clinical competency by achieving at a minimum the standard established for each part-time and full-time clinical affiliation using the Clinical Performance Instrument including a minimum rating of entry-level on all skills during the final clinical rotation.
4. Program graduates will demonstrate an employment rate of 90% within 1 year of graduation averaged over 2 years.
5. Program graduates will demonstrate competency in all psychomotor skills required at entry-level for the physical therapist assistant.
6. Program graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients, patient's family/caregivers, peers, and other healthcare workers using both verbal and written communication required at entry-level for the physical therapist assistant.
7. Program graduates will demonstrate competency in affective skills required at entry-level for the physical therapist assistant.
8. Program graduates will demonstrate the knowledge (cognitive domain) required at entry-level for the physical therapist assistant.
9. Program students and graduates will conduct themselves in an ethical and legal manner consistent with the profession.

Southern Illinois University

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Overview:

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and off-campus options. SIU is known for its commitment to access and opportunity, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

SIU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in outdoor adventures, explore the university's 3,000 acres of hills and forests, and engage in various recreational activities. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Salukis competing in NCAA Division I athletics.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

SIU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of their residency.

Small Class Sizes:

The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and smaller class sizes.

Diverse Academic Programs:

SIU offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

Research Opportunities:

SIU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Strong Alumni Network:

SIU has a large and active alumni network, offering support and connections to students after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A variety of undergraduate majors are available, including engineering, business, education, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Online Programs:

SIU offers a variety of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world.

Off-Campus Programs:

SIU offers off-campus programs at various locations, providing students with opportunities to study and learn in different environments.

Simmons Law School:

SIU's law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

School of Medicine:

SIU's medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

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Other:

SIU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.