The Physical Therapist Assistant program at SIUC is designed to prepare the individual to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist. These services are specified in the plan of care developed by the physical therapist and may include preparing the patient, treatment area, and/or equipment, implementing the treatment program, and modifying the treatment program as outlined in the plan of care.

Due to a variety of circumstances, including standards for accreditation, limitations of facilities/internship sites, and faculty-student ratio, enrollment in the program is limited. In order to be considered for admission to the program, a physical therapist assistant application must be completed. The application packet will be sent to a prospective student following admission to the University. Students should initiate the application process in September for admission into the program for the following fall.

Physical therapist assistant students have the opportunity to apply for scholarship awards from the Elk's Club and numerous college and university organizations. These awards are based upon scholarly achievement and the active support of the professional association. Many scholarships are available from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Counseling for financial assistance may be obtained at the Office of Financial Aid, Woody Hall, (618) 453-4334. For further information, visit their World Wide Web site at: http://www.siu.edu/~fac/

Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities through membership in the student organization, Southern Illinois Physical Therapist Assistants. Students also have the opportunity to join the American Physical Therapy Association and to attend district and state meetings.

Physical therapist assistants are employed in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, out-patient clinics, public schools, and extended care facilities. They are also employed in industrial settings, home health agencies, and sports medicine clinics.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program assists graduates in finding employment through maintaining a job file, providing addresses to potential employers, and working with the Career Planning and Placement Office.

Human Anatomy
Psychology
Medical Terminology
Physiology/Lab
*Physical Agents I
*Introduction to Physical Therapy

Third Semester (Fall)

Computing for Business or approved science elective
Physiological Basis of Human Movement
*Therapeutic Exercise I
*Pathology
*Physical Agents II

Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice and Procedures. Students will be able to describe the historical background, professional, ethical, and legal aspects of physical therapy practice. They will be able to describe the relationship of physical therapy to total health care. They will explain and demonstrate basic skills such as sterile technique, wound care, and vital signs monitoring. They will be able to perform massage techniques to selected patients.

Physical Agents I. Students will be able to demonstrate and explain procedures used in the safe application of superficial and deep heat, cryotherapy, radiant energy, paraffin, and hydrotherapy.

Physical Rehabilitative Techniques. Students will be able to demonstrate and explain rehabilitative procedures such as bed positioning, range of motion exercises, transfer activities, gait training, chest physical therapy, goniometry, and will understand the concepts of total rehabilitation.

Pathology. Students will be able to describe the fundamental basis of disease including inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases, orthopedic conditions and repair of bone and soft tissue injuries. Emphasis will be placed on those conditions treated through physical therapy procedures.

Physical Therapist Assistant, Practicum I. Students will be able to carry out routine physical therapy procedures with selected patients. They will be able to demonstrate skills in massage, hydrotherapy, range of motion therapeutic exercises, activities of daily living, and the safe application of heat, cold, and radiant energy. Students will also be able to assist in maintaining records and equipment.

Physical Therapy Science. Students will be able to describe selected medical and surgical conditions from the standpoint of etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and physical therapy treatment.

Therapeutic Exercise I. Students will be able to perform basic exercises for individual muscles or muscle groups, including postural exercises, manual muscle testing, and gait analysis, training and balance. Students will learn to select exercises for specific results; i.e., increasing strength, coordination, endurance, flexibility, and balance.

Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise II B. Students will be able to administer therapeutic exercise techniques for specific clinical orthopedic conditions through demonstrations and supervised application of exercise for selected patients. Students will understand and safely apply the principles of advanced therapeutic exercise techniques such as PNF, peripheral joint mobilization and muscle balancing.

Physical Agents II. Students will be able to demonstrate procedures used in the safe application of electrical currents, including electrical muscle stimulation and electrotherapy for pain and healing functions; and other modalities including pelvic traction, cervical traction and intermittent compression. The student will be able to describe the physiological effects, indications and contraindications for each physical agent covered.

Physical Therapist Assistant, Practicum II. Students will be able to perform the skills acquired in Practicum I as well as more complex physical therapy assisting procedures with selected patients. They will be able to demonstrate skills in therapeutic exercise and safe application of physical agents. They will be able to assist in maintaining records and develop a cooperative spirit with other members of the department.

Clinical Internship. Students will be able to apply previously learned theories and techniques of patient care through closely supervised practicum experience in two separate physical therapy facilities. a) First six week internship. b) Second six week internship.

Clinical Seminar. Students will be able to discuss with the program director or program faculty, patient care and problems encountered during internships. They will have the opportunity to evaluate their educational experience at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and their clinical internship experience.