Physical Therapist Assistant Technology - A.A.S.

Mission Statement

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Kent State University prepares graduates to be employed as physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Graduates will have the critical thinking skills, excellent knowledge base, competent technical skills, and behaviors consistent with expectations of the physical therapy profession and the communities it serves.

Program History

Kent State University at East Liverpool (KSU-EL) was first accredited in 1989 by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) as a Physical Therapist Assistant program. The program was expanded in 1996 to the Ashtabula Campus (KSU-A). The PTA programs on each campus sought and received independent accreditation from 2005 to 2013. In 2009, KSU-A was also accredited to offer the Athletic Trainers Transitions concentration, which provides advanced placement to certified athletic trainers.

In April, 2013, Kent State University received CAPTE approval to re-structure the administration of the Physical Therapist Assistant Technology (PTST) degree programs under one director and with one accreditation for all degree options offered at Kent State. Independently, the three degree options have consistently received the longest accreditation periods possible. In November 2015, all three programs were re-accredited for 10 more years. 

PTA Program Goals

Graduate students who:

1. Earn an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology
2. Pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination
3. Are employed as a licensed physical therapist assistant
4. Provide physical therapy services in a legal, ethical and culturally competent manner

Provide a curriculum that:

1. Is current, relevant and effective
2. Includes a variety of appropriate learning experiences in both the academic and clinical settings
3. Is sequential and cumulative to facilitate student achievement of the curriculum objectives

Retain faculty who:

1. Are qualified to teach their content areas
2. Model and mentor the behavioral expectations of physical therapy practitioners
3. Foster an environment of mutual respect and collaborative learning

Read the PTA Philosophical Statement

Expected Student Outcomes

The Kent State University graduate with a PTA - A.A.S. degree demonstrates the ability to provide physical therapy services in a legal, ethical and culturally competent manner

Provides appropriate and effective physical therapy interventions within the plan of care established by a physical therapist.    

Effectively communicates with others, teaching or instructing when appropriate  

Produces legal and ethical documentation to meet professional expectations and the needs of third party payers.

Ethically manages fiscal and human resources to provide high-quality, efficient and cost-effective PT services.  

Consistently demonstrates the value-based behaviors of a PTA: Altruism, Caring and Compassion, Continuing Competence, Duty, Integrity, PT/PTA Collaboration, Responsibility, and Social Responsibility.

PTA Career Information

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy serves society as a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function. Physical therapy is a profession that is scientifically based, while at the same time highly interpersonal. Optimal physical therapy intervention requires health care providers who demonstrate sensitivity, flexibility, and adaptability. Physical therapist assistants who provide physical therapy interventions must be skilled in technical applications, verbal and non-verbal communication, problem solving, and collaboration. Physical therapy providers are lifelong learners capable of adapting to changes in technology, delivery systems and society.

Physical Therapist Assistant

The physical therapist assistant is an educated and licensed person who, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, assists in the provision of physical therapy interventions. Kent State faculty understand physical therapy services as a combination of art, applied science, and caring interaction.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) currently defines the Physical Therapist Assistant as follows: "The physical therapist assistant is a technically educated health care provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant is a graduate of a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)." APTA HOD 06-00-27  

• Essential Functions and Core Tasks of a PTA
  • PTA students must be able, with reasonable accommodations, to perform these essential functions. Student PTAs who are unable to perform these functions may be unable to complete this program, obtain licensure, or gain employment as a physical therapist assistant
• Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA, American Physical Therapy (downloadable PDF)
• American Physical Therapy Association
• State Licensing Authorities
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Information

Admission Requirements

Admission to technical study in for the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology is limited and selective. All applicants must provide evidence that they meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for a seat in the class. Applicants who fail to provide evidence of having the minimum qualifications will not be considered for admission. Having the minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance into the PTA technical study. All application materials must be submitted prior to the application deadline.  

1. Must be an admitted Kent State University student AND declared in the AAS-PTST major (see your Academic Advisor for instructions on how to change your major).
2. Attendance at an Information Session or meeting with an advisor for the PTA Program is not required but highly recommended. Contact Tiffany Kiphart at tkiphart@kent.edu or set up an appointment Face to Face or TEAMS Video.
3. Submit the online PTA Program Technical Study Application. THIS IS A SEPARATE APPLICATION FROM THE APPLICATION TO THE UNIVERSITY.
4. Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA from the most recent academic experience of 12 credit hours or more.
5. Demonstrate readiness for college level coursework with competence in reading, algebra, and writing.
6. Complete required observation (16 hours total in two different settings) and submit forms. The forms are found in the back of the application information packet.
7. Complete non-critical PTA, Kent Core and related courses as desired to reduce course load during the technical study program.

Information Needed to Complete the Online Application

• Applicant contact information: Name, address, phone, email@kent.edu
• Kent ID Number (9-digit number beginning with 81...)
• High School: School and year graduated, or GED and date received
• Previous colleges: Name, dates attended, cumulative GPA, and degree awarded (if applicable)
• Information from the Observation and Recommendation forms: Facility name and city, total hours, date completed

Application Information

Attend an Information SessionApplication Information Packet  

Selection Process

All complete applications with documentation of the minimum qualifications are evaluated and ranked in the first three (3) selection criteria. Points are assigned based on information acquired in the Kent State University academic record. The top 45 applicants are invited to interview and submit an essay. Seats in the class are offered to the applicants with the highest total points in all 7 criteria. Acceptance to technical study continues until a maximum of 28 students are accepted, or first semester classes begin.

Selection Criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (40 points maximum)
2. College courses completed that are required in the PTA degree (40 points maximum)
3. Course Bonus (5 points maximum)
4. Essential Behaviors (12 points maximum)
5. Observation Experience Recommendation (8 points Maximum)
6. Applicant Assessment (50 points maximum)
7. Essay (10 points maximum)
8. Observation Bonus (5 points maximum)

Applicant Assessment Day

Group assessments of the top 45 most academically qualified applicants are scheduled via kent.edu email notification. Applicants selected for the assessment process will receive an email (user@kent.edu) invitation at least one week prior to assessment day date with instructions to confirm their assessment time. Please check the information packet for the specific cohort you are applying to for information regarding the timeline for your assessment day as it does vary from cohort to cohort and from year to year.

The purpose of the assessment process is to assess the applicant's behaviors and readiness for a rigorous PTA program. Each applicant will complete 2 paper/pencil assessments followed by writing of 2 essay responses. All applicants are un-identified by name during the assessment process. Assessment sessions last for approximately 50 minutes in length and normally include 5-8 applicants with 3-4 faculty or staff members in the assessment room. Following completion of the applicant assessment day, a maximum of 50 points are assigned to the assessment based on the following areas:

• Following Instructions
• Professional Confidence
• Speaking/Body Language Confidence
• Time Management/Arrival Time
• Professional Presentation
• College Readiness
• GRIT
• Penmanship
• Expression/Organization of Thought
• Professional Maturity
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Depth of Knowledge
• Professional Language

After completion of the interview applicants will complete an essay writing which is graded on the following criteria:

• Follows directions (as detailed during the essay writing)
• Organized thoughts and ideas that convey an articulate message
• Excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Interest in the Physical Therapy Profession

Selection Notification Process

All selection notifications are sent to the students Kent State (FlashLine) email address according to the following schedule. Please do not call unless you did not received an email.

Please check the information packet for the specific cohort you are applying to for information regarding the timeline for selection notification as it does vary from cohort to cohort and from year to year.

Applicants not accepted to technical study in a given year may re-apply in a subsequent year. Observation and Recommendation forms are valid and kept in the PTA office for two (2) years after the last observation date. Students not selected are encouraged to meet with a program advisor to review the strength of their application and establish a plan to meet their academic and career goals. 

Transfer Student Policies

Transfer course credit

The Kent State University Transfer Center evaluates the transcripts provided during the Kent State admissions process. All previous coursework is recorded and recognized as "Earned Credit". Any course listed in the Kent State Transfer Credit Guide, or at www.transferology.com, with an equivalent Kent State course is guaranteed to transfer to Kent State University as the course listed. Any student with a previously earned Bachelor's degree automatically receives credit for all Kent Core general studies requirements.

Students may petition a department to re-evaluate any transfer course that does not have an equivalent Kent State course. [Indicated by Kent course numbers with an "X" (Example: PSYC 1X135)]. Petitions may only be submitted after the student is accepted to Kent State University and the Transfer Center has completed the process of evaluating the transcript. Please consult your advisor regarding the process to petition for transfer credit.

Students must monitor the Graduation Planning System (GPS) Audit to confirm that transfer courses are recognized as meeting the graduation requirements of the AAS-PTST degree. Petitions to recognize transfer course credit should be completed during the first semester at Kent State University.

Transfer from another PT or PTA Program

Students who transfer from another physical therapist or physical therapist assistant degree program must apply and be accepted to PTA technical study. Courses previously completed at another institution do not transfer as equivalent to PTST courses at Kent State.

Credit by Exam (CBE) is available by department approval for certain PTST courses in the curriculum. Students requesting department approval for CBE must apply and be accepted to PTA technical study. Consult the Program Director for details.

Transfer between campuses at Kent State University

Students apply and are accepted to PTA technical study at either the Ashtabula campus or the East Liverpool campus. Once admitted to technical study, a student is encouraged to complete the degree at that campus. Students who are in good academic standing have one opportunity to request a transfer to the other campus.

Transfer between health care programs at Kent State University

Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons from a health care program at Kent State University are eligible to apply for acceptance to technical study in another health care program at KSU as long as they meet the admission requirements of the program to which they are transferring to and there is available space in the program.

Students who have been dismissed from a health care program at any campus of Kent State University for other specified reasons may not enroll in another health care program or transfer to another campus within the same health care program. Specified reasons include, but are not limited to: failure to pass a background check screening, falsification of information or documentation, plagiarism, unprofessional behavior, use of drugs or alcohol, breach of confidentiality, threatening or manipulative behavior, failure to maintain professional boundaries with clients, and other behavioral or ethical issues identified at the discretion of the Dean. This does not include dismissals for academic reasons. 

Equal Opportunity

In academic and student programs, it is the policy of this University that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any student or applicant for admission as a student because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or identity as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.  Such policy shall apply to, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: recruiting, admission, access to programs, financial aid, and social, recreational, and health programs.  This policy shall be applicable to all campuses and units of the University.  This policy shall also apply with reference to discrimination on a basis of age insofar as required by law. Inquiries regarding federal regulations and state law may be directed to the Office of Affirmative Action, Wright Hall, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001.

PTA Program Information Sessions:

During an Information Session with the PTA Program Director you can gain valuable information about the admissions process to the program, course transfers from another institution, progress towards completing the PTA degree program, and personal attention to questions you may have regarding admissions and the PTA program overall. At this time the PTA Program at Kent State University Ashtabula and East Liverpool Information Sessions are moving to one-on-one appointments with the Program Director, Tiffany Kiphart.  You can schedule a virtual or face to face appointment by contacting:

• Theresa Hootman at thootma1@kent.edu for an appointment pertaining to the PTA program on the Ashtabula Campus
• Debbie Riggs at driggs@kent.edu for an appointment pertaining to the PTA program on the East Liverpool Campus

Ashtabula Campus Map & Directions

East Liverpool Campus Map & Directions

Important Contacts:

• Academic Coordinator of ClinEd - Ashley Vlasov, avlasov@kent.edu, 440-964-4275 or 330-382-7405
• Program Director - Tiffany Kiphart, tkiphart@kent.edu, 330-382-7525

Clinical Education Manual (PDF)

Supervision and Assessment

• 8 Core Values for the PT/PTA-American Physical Therapy Association (PDF)  Core Values are used to describe the expected actions of a PT and PTA.
• Clinical Education Resources- American Physical Therapy Association
• Ohio Laws and Rules Regulating the Practice of Physical Therapy as of May 2019 (PDF)
• Physical Therapy State Boards and Jurisdiction Information
• Reference Manual for CCCEs-American Physical Therapy Association (PDF)
• Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA American Physical Therapy Association (HOD S06-09-20-18 [Amended HOD S06-00-13-24; HOD 06-91-06-07; Initial HOD 06-82-04-08] [Standard])
• The PT/PTA relationship Four Things to Know by Janet Crozier, American Physical Therapy Association This article describes the expected PT/PTA relationship.  We have provided links within the article to provide you with further information on the topics discussed within the article. Some information is limited to APTA members only.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Please explore the following links for PTA specific resources:

• PTA Career Development: American Physical Therapy Association
• PTA Caucus: American Physical Therapy Association
• PTA Community: Ohio Physical Therapy Association

Generational Differences

Multi generational differences are more and more common in clinical education and in the workplace. Please explore the following links to help understand these differences and how best to bridge the gap.

• Generational Differences in the Workplace: Purdue Global
• Working Across Generations: Paul White January 27, 2019

Writing Goals and Objectives

This section contains information on setting goals and writing objectives.  Kent State University PTA students are required to write goals with their Clinical Instructors weekly during clinical education experiences.   Writing sufficient goals and objectives can be overwhelming and challenging to students and CI's.  The provided resources can assist you through this process.

• Golden Rules of Goal Setting (Mind Tools)
• Goal Setting: Mind Tools 
• Goal Setting in Rehabilitation (PDF)

Learning Styles

As a Clinical Instructor you will have the opportunity to provide clinical education experiences to students who will have varying learning styles.  These resources provide you with the tools to teach and assist with each of the various styles.

• Learning Styles: Understanding Your Learning Preferences Mind Tools

Teaching Styles

Like learning styles, Clinical Instructors are also equipped with varying teaching styles.  As important as it is for a Clinical Instructor to adapt to a students learning style it is also important for Clinical Instructors to develop the ability to vary teaching styles based on the students need.  Please review the resources in this section to increase your knowledge of the varying teaching styles.

• Clinical Teaching Roles, Styles, & Behaviors

Clinical Problem Solving

Clinical Problem Solving can be described as the process a clinician would follow to determine whether modifications need to be made within a patient's plan of care and treatment.  Clinical Problem Solving can also be described as the ability to adapt to patients responses during a treatment while keeping the patient safe.  This skill may include emergency or non-emergency situations.  This can be a difficult skill to assess therefore we have provided you with the following guide. Clinical Problem Solving is not only thought processes of solving a problem but also determining the communication needed, and who to communicate with in any given situation.  

• Problem Solving Algorithm Utilized by PTAs in Patient/Client Intervention (PDF)
• RIPS Model for Ethical Decision Making (PDF): Laura Lee (Dolly) Swisher, PT, PhD; Linda E. Arslanian, PT, DPT, MS; and Carol M. Davis, PT, EdD, FAPTA

Time Management

Time Management is often challenging for a student within the clinical setting and can occasionally affect other aspects of patient treatment and data collection.  Co-workers and colleagues can be affected by poor time management from other members of the team including the student PTA.  The follow information can provide you with time management strategies and tips.

• 10 Common Time Management Mistakes Mind Tools
• Time Management Beat Work Overload. Be More Effective. Achieve More. Mind Tools

Feedback

This section was created to help combine methods of constructive and positive strategies for supplying your student with feedback.  Not only do students require constructive feedback, positive feedback is also very important in their clinical education.  Don't assume because your student is doing well they are aware of that.  A student without positive feedback may demonstrate decreased confidence, which may affect patient care.  Entry level students still require feedback as that is how they continue to learn and grow as PTA's.

• Giving Feedback in Clinical Settings Peter Cantillon, Joan Sargeant
• Giving and Receiving Feedback Gail Zack Anderson

CI as Mentor

• Center for Creative Leadership, Adaptability: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/adaptability-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/
• Entrepreneur, 9 Powerful Ways to Lead by Example: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/285579
• Forbes, 5 Powerful Ways Leaders Practice Patience: https://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2013/06/03/5-powerful-ways-leaders-practice-patience/#31515bd1421a
• Inside Higher Ed, 7 Key Ways to Make Student Mentoring Matter: https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2017/10/27/advice-how-most-effectively-mentor-students-essay

Kent State University offers two different courses designed to meet many of the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) competency requirements for the foreign trained physical therapist seeking licensure in the United States as a physical therapist assistant or physical therapist. These 5-week courses are offered three times per year (one time per semester) on two different campuses. All lecture materials are taught and tested online, however skill competency instruction and testing requires a mandatory on-campus lab day during the final week of the course.

Please note that all foreign trained competency courses at Kent State University have limited available seats. When a course is full, no more students can be placed in the course. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis and no seats are held for any student. The student is responsible to register for the course and must follow the admissions and registration process. These courses are offered every semester and if you are not able to secure a seat in the session of your choice, you are welcome to enroll in the next available session.

Tuition and fees for each 3-credit hour course is approximately $2000. Textbooks are recommended but not required. Travel, meals and lodging to attend the one day lab is an additional cost to enrolled students. Please note that Guest Students are not able to access financial aid to cover the cost of any competency course through Kent State University.  Further inquiries can be sent to Kent State University at Ashtabula Financial Aid office. Kent State University PTA program is not responsible for decisions regarding tuition or residency status.

Official transcripts are available from the Registrar six weeks after the conclusion of the course.

Email Theresa Hootman, Program Secretary or Tiffany Kiphart, PTA Program Director for course information (please provide your full name).