Physical Therapist Assistant

The PTA Program at Mendocino College is a commuter-friendly, hybrid design with theory classes ONLINE and lab classes on campus two consecutive days per week in the fall and spring semesters.

The educational pathway includes one semester of prerequisites and four semesters of degree-specific classes combined with general education classes.

PTA graduates earn an Associate of Science degree in PTA and qualify to take the national licensure exam.

This year ONLY - Applications are accepted from Aug. 15, 2024 through May 15, 2025 with the next cohort beginning the PTA Program in August 2025. 

(Previously the program began in January, however the start date has been moved to August of each year.)

Up to 24 students are accepted based on a lottery drawing of qualified applicants.

For more information email PTA@mendocino.edu.

PTA PODCAST!

Image

Jessica Huckabay is a former student who created a podcast to help answer questions about how to access physical therapy. Click the link above to access the Spotify podcast. It is highly informative for those new to and interested in physical therapy, and those who are assisting others get access to care. Enjoy, and thank you Jessica for putting this resource out there!

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Mostly ONLINE commuter-friendly, hybrid program! 

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). Physical Therapy is a dynamic profession full of variety, activity and human interaction. PTs and PTAs are movement experts who help to relieve pain, prevent disability and restore the basic movements that we take for granted every day by improving balance, posture, strength, flexibility and so much more.

PTAs are an integral part of the healthcare team and work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more.

Please refer to the American Physical Therapy Association for more information about the profession.

http://www.apta.org/PTACareers/Overview/

To view the pre-requisite courses for the PTA Program visit the Curriculum tab above. 

Click here to view the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Essential Functions

Click here to view the PTA Clinical Education Handbook 

Click here to view the PTA Student Handbook 

About the Mendocino College PTA Program

Mendocino College is excited to be underway with the new, mostly ONLINE commuter-friendly, hybrid PTA program. The hybrid design means theory courses are offered online and laboratory courses are offered on the Ukiah campus. 

The PTA program is a five-semester program with students earning an Associates of Science degree in PTA and eligibility to take the National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure upon completion.

What makes this program commuter-friendly is that students only have to be on campus in Ukiah two consecutive days per week for laboratory courses with an optional Wednesday open lab.

Please click on the "Admissions" tab above for more information regarding the application process and to access the online application beginning Aug. 15.

Here's a short video overview of the Program:

PTA Program 2-year Outcome Data

Accreditation status

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mendocino College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 707-467-1057 or email PTA@mendocino.edu.

Comments and Concerns

Complaints regarding the program or the program graduates should be first addressed to the PTA Program Director, Sara Bogner, MS PT. Sara Bogner's email address is sbogner@mendocino.edu and her phone number is (707) 467-1062. Unresolved complaints or complaints about the Program Director should be directed to Christy Smith, Dean of Career Education. Christy Smith’s e-mail address is csmith@mendocino.edu and his phone number is (707) 468-3131. No retaliation will occur by either the program or the college due to a complaint being filed.  All complaints will be documented, including the projected outcome, and kept on file at the program facility. Complaints regarding accreditation of this program should be addressed to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This Commission is located at 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085. ​

Mission Statement

The Mendocino College Physical Therapist Assistant Program provides a comprehensive educational experience to prepare a diverse student population to practice as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. High quality and innovative instruction and individual attention in an inclusive and accessible learning environment enables students to achieve their educational goals. Graduates will serve the community by providing competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare in contemporary physical therapy practice while understanding the value of evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. 

Here's a short video that help define our Mission:

Program Goals

Goal 1. Prepares graduates for positions as competent, entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Goal 2. Program faculty will provide an inclusive and accessible learning environment and a curriculum consistent with contemporary physical therapy practice, and feedback from program stakeholders.

Goal 3. Promote the importance of continuing personal and professional development through life-long learning opportunities and membership in professional organizations.

Goal 4. PTA Program graduates will appropriately express effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills in a culturally competent manner with patients, family members and other healthcare providers.

Here is a short video further defining the goals of the PTA Program:

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:

Objective 1. Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, and competent manner.

Objective 2. Demonstrate the ability to promote optimal outcomes for patients by competently performing assessment techniques and treatment interventions from within the physical therapist’s plan of care.

Objective 3. Recognize the relationship between concepts learned from liberal arts and basic science coursework and physical therapy knowledge and skills.

Objective 4. Demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication in a culturally competent manner with patients and their families, colleagues, and other healthcare providers.

Objective 5. Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning.

Program Description

The Mendocino College PTA Program is five semesters in length and includes both general education and program-specific requirements. There is a pre-requisite semester followed by four semesters of program coursework. GE courses are also completed within the five semesters, if not completed prior to entering the program. The PTA Program is a hybrid format with theory courses taken online and lab courses two consecutive days each week during the spring and fall semesters.

In addition to regular coursework, students are required to participate in two full-time, eight-week clinical education practicums at the end of semesters three and four. The clinical experiences take place at selected healthcare facilities in Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Napa, and Humboldt counties, and other locations as needed. Students are required to travel (using their own transportation) to any of these areas to complete the clinical education portion of the program.

The following is an example of the course sequence to complete the requirements for an Associates of Science in Physical Therapist Assisting.

General Education and Institutional requirement courses listed in the example may be completed prior to entering the program, and in different semesters.

Some Institutional Requirements may be fulfilled through specific courses that can double count in different areas. See the Mendocino College Course Catalog for a list of classes that meet these requirements.

*All students must meet with a Mendocino College academic counselor in preparation for applying to the PTA Program.

 Required Prerequisites

Semester One 

Semester Two

Semester Three

Semester Four

Required Pre-Requisite Courses

BIO 230 – Human Anatomy (GE Area 5)

This course will cover an introduction to human cytology and cellular organization, fundamental tissues and organ systems, and appropriate laboratory study of basic human anatomy.

BIO 231 – Human Physiology (GE Area 5)

This course will cover the study of human organ systems and the associated physiological principles with appropriate practical experimentation in the laboratory.

KIN 200 – Introduction to Kinesiology

This course will introduce the historical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and scientific foundations of the Kinesiology field. The course will also include an overview of careers, fields of study and requirements in Kinesiology and allied health disciplines. Issues, challenges, and current/future trends will also be addressed.

PTA 100 – Introduction to Physical Therapy 

This course will introduce students to careers related to the field of physical therapy. It will outline job descriptions, educational background, labor market and practice settings for the different jobs related to physical therapy.

ENG 200 – College Composition (GE Area 1A)

This course will fulfill the requirements of the first semester of freshman composition at the university level. All sections are both writing and reading intensive. Topics covered include thesis development and support, writing essays in various rhetorical modes, close reading, and completion of a thorough, properly cited research paper.

Required Semester 1 Courses

(** Does not include any necessary GE courses)

PTA 101 – Physical Therapy Practice for the PTA

This course will introduce the students to the profession of Physical Therapist Assistant by covering the history, laws and ethics of the profession. Introduction to professional/medical documentation and quality assurance issues will be presented. Students will also study communication techniques, interpersonal relationships and psychosocial considerations in healthcare.

PTA 102 – Pathology

This course will introduce the pathophysiology of all major organ systems of the body. The etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and interventions related to common diseases and disorders seen in the physical therapy setting will be covered.

PTA 103 – Patient Care Skills Theory

The course will introduce students to the theory of basic patient care skills performed by the Physical Therapist Assistant including positioning, monitoring vital signs, infection control techniques, transfer training and gait training. Students will also be introduced to the assessment and treatment processes of the Physical Therapist Assistant.

PTA 103L – Patient Care Skills Lab

This course will provide practical training in basic care skills performed by the Physical Therapist Assistant including position, monitoring vital signs, infection control techniques, transfer training and gait training. Students will also begin assessment and intervention techniques for the Physical Therapist Assistant  in this laboratory course.

PTA 104 – Clinical Kinesiology Theory

This course will cover kinesiology and anatomy of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Emphasis will be on musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology including arthrokinematics, static and dynamic movement systems and associated clinical applications. Principles of goniometry and manual muscle testing will also be introduced.

PTA 104L – Clinical Kinesiology Lab

This course will consist of the laboratory component of PTA 104 Clinical Kinesiology. Students will apply kinesiology and biomechanics principles of PTA 104 Clinical Kinesiology in a practical setting. Assessment of joint range of motion, muscle strength, posture and gait will be performed. Surface palpation skills will also be developed in this laboratory course.

Required Semester 2 Courses

(** Does not include any necessary GE courses)

PTA 105 – Therapeutic Exercise Theory

This course will cover the use of exercise as a preventative and rehabilitative modality for the treatment of pathological conditions. Emphasis is placed on the physiologic effects of exercise as well as the design and application of exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, posture and balance. This course will also address exercise specific to cardiac rehabilitation, aquatic physical therapy and work hardening.

PTA 105L – Therapeutic Exercise Lab

This course will provide the practical training for the use of exercise as a preventative and rehabilitative modality for the treatment of pathological conditions. It is the laboratory component of PTA 105 Therapeutic Exercise Theory and will allow for application of concepts taught in that course. Therapeutic exercise principles will be illustrated through practice for strength, flexibility, posture and balance. More specific programs of therapeutic exercise for cardiac rehabilitation, aquatic therapy and work hardening will also be covered.

PTA 106 – Therapeutic Agents Theory

This course will cover the use of physical agents in the treatment of common conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. Various thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic agents will be presented with corresponding indications and contraindications. Evidence based rationale for use of physical agents will also be addressed.

PTA 106L – Therapeutic Agents Lab

This course will instruct students in the safe and effective use of physical agents in the treatment of common conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. Students will learn correct set up and application of thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic agents. This course is the laboratory course that corresponds with PTA 106 Physical Agents Theory.

PTA 120 – Clinical Development

This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe patient treatment on campus performed by faculty. Students will observe treatment during scheduled class time on campus as well as develop professional skills for clinical education experiences during semesters 3 and 4. This course will also familiarize students with the Clinical Performance Instrument to prepare them for future clinical education experiences in the program.  

Required Semester 3 Courses

(** Does not include any necessary GE courses)

PTA 107 – Orthopedic Management Theory

This course will focus on dysfunction, disease and trauma of the musculoskeletal system. Concepts of tissue healing, signs and symptoms of orthopedic dysfunctions, surgical interventions and physical therapy interventions will be addressed. Students will be expected to integrate knowledge and skills from previous PTA coursework to the orthopedic patient.

PTA 107L – Orthopedic Management Lab

This course will provide the practical training for assessment and treatment of the orthopedic conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. It is the laboratory component of PTA 107 Orthopedic Management and will focus on application of concepts taught in that course. Treatment strategies for disorders of the spine, upper extremity and lower extremity will be covered. Students will be expected to integrate knowledge and skills from previous PTA coursework and apply it to the orthopedic patient.

PTA 108 - Neurology and Development Theory

This course will cover basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with a focus on human growth and development from birth to the aged adult. It will cover the physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes with aging and their impact on functional movement. The process of motor development through motor control and motor learning will be addressed and applied to treatment of neurologic conditions through the lifespan.

PTA 108L – Neurology and Development Lab

This course will provide the practical training for the assessment and treatment of normal and abnormal neurodevelopment. It is the laboratory component of PTA 108 Neurology and Development and will focus on neurodevelopmental treatment techniques for pediatric patients. Fundamentals of treatment for neurological conditions in the adult and general treatment strategies related to geriatric patients will also be covered.

PTA 121 – Clinical Practicum 1

This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe and participate in patient care as directed by a clinical instructor. Students will be placed in a clinical setting for a full time (40 hrs/wk), eight-week clinical experience where they will apply knowledge and skills learned in semesters one, two and three of the PTA Program. Students will provide care as directed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for uncomplicated and complicated patients with the degree of supervision and guidance based on the patient and the environment. Students are expected to be operating at an intermediate level by the end of this clinical experience.

Required Semester 4 Courses

(** Does not include any necessary GE courses)

PTA 109 – Neurologic Management Theory

This course will cover physical therapy interventions for common neurologic conditions. Additionally, assessment, medical management, environmental barriers, adaptive equipment, psychosocial issues and effective interdisciplinary management will also be covered as it applies to the patient with a neurologic condition. Students will apply neuroanatomy and developmental concepts learned in PTA 108 Neurology and Development to the adult patient with a neurologic condition.

PTA 109L – Neurologic Management Lab

This course will cover the practical training for the assessment and treatment of common neurologic conditions by the physical therapist assistant. It is the laboratory component of PTA 109 Neurologic Management Theory and will apply principles of patient management taught in that course. It will incorporate treatment principles and progression from previous courses through the use of case studies.

PTA 110 – Advanced Procedures Theory

This course will cover physical therapy care for unique patient populations including patients with respiratory dysfunction, women’s health patients, oncology patients, amputees, patients with vestibular dysfunction, chronic pain patients and those with complex multi-system pathology. Topics include diagnoses, medical and physical therapy interventions, special considerations and equipment needs for these patient populations.

PTA 110L – Advanced Procedures Lab

This course will provide the practical training for physical therapy care for unique patient populations including patients with respiratory dysfunction, women’s health patients, oncology patients, amputees, patients with vestibular dysfunction, patients with chronic pain and those with complex multi-system pathology. This is the laboratory portion of PTA 110 Advanced Procedures Theory. The focus of this course will be the application of concepts and interventions to patient treatment scenarios.

PTA 111 – Professional Integration

This course will cover issues related to practice management and encourage problem solving skills to integrate all knowledge and skills learned throughout the PTA Program. The course will be discussion based and focus on learning through case studies. This course will also prepare students for licensure as a PTA and include a comprehensive exam covering all information taught in the PTA Program.

PTA 122 – Clinical Practicum 2

This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe and participate in patient care as directed by a clinical instructor. Students will be placed in a clinical setting for a full time (40 hrs/wk), eight-week clinical experience where they will apply knowledge and skills learned in semesters one through four of the PTA Program. Students will provide care as directed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for uncomplicated and complicated patients with the degree of supervision and guidance based on the patient and the environment. Students are expected to provide patient care and fulfill the role of the physical therapist assistant at entry level by the end of this clinical experience. 

Required General Education Courses

See list of possible courses in the Mendocino College Catalog.

Some institutional requirements may be fulfilled through specific courses that can double count in different areas. See the Mendocino College Course Catalog for a list of classes that meet these requirements.

**All students are required to meet with a Mendocino College academic counselor to create an education plan and review graduation requirements.

• Studies in Culture (Institutional requirement) – Some courses can double count in GE Area B, or Area C, or Area D)

• Wellness (Institutional requirement) – Some courses can double count in GE Area A, or Area B)

• Mathematics Competency (Institutional requirement)

• Reading and Written Expression (Institutional requirement)

  (Fulfilled by prerequisite course ENG 200 – College Composition) 

• Natural Sciences (GE AREA A)

  (Fulfilled by prerequisite courses BIO 230 and BIO 231)

• American Institutions (GE Area B1)

• Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE Area B2)

• Humanities (GE Area C)

• English Composition (GE Area D1)

  (Fulfilled by prerequisite course ENG 200 – College Composition) 

• Communications and Analytical Thinking (GE Area D2)

PTA Program Admissions Policy

Mendocino College (MC) will accept 24 students into the PTA program each year. Prospective student information materials are available on the college website or in person from the MC office of Admissions and Records and from PTA program faculty.

The PTA Program abides by all MC policies and procedures related to admissions, including but not limited to due process and non-discrimination.

Admissions criteria for the PTA Program are as follows:

• Admission to Mendocino College
• Completion of PTA Program Application. The application will be available online August 15.
• Completion of the four pre-requisite courses with a grade of “C” or better
• Submission of college transcripts verifying successful completion of pre-requisite coursework. Mendocino College transcripts must be requested through the Office of Admissions and Records with the following form: https://www.mendocino.edu/sites/default/files/docs/admissions/mendocino_college_request_for_official_transcript_rev_20180205.pdf

Please indicate the transcript should be delivered to the Mendocino College PTA Program Specialist Aura Weis at PTA@mendocino.edu. There is no fee associated with this request.

PTA Program Admission Procedures

1.    This year ONLY - Applications are accepted from Aug. 15, 2024 through May 15, 2025 with the next cohort beginning the PTA Program in August 2025. 

(*Note: Previously the program began in January each year, however the start date has been moved to August of each year.)

2.    Admission to the program will be based on the results of a random, computer-generated lottery system. All qualified applicants will be included in the lottery and 24 selected for admission. Maximum acceptance for each class is 24 students to prevent over enrollment.

3.    If the class of 24 is filled, a wait list of 5-10 students will be maintained.

4.    Emails will be sent to students admitted into the PTA Program by June 1st. Students will be required to notify the PTA Program by June 8th to confirm their intention to begin the program in August.

5.   Emails will also be sent to those on the wait list with their alternate number. Alternates will be required to respond to the PTA Program to confirm and maintain their position on the wait list.

*NOTE: If you are not accepted into the program, you may reapply the next year and receive TWO entries into the lottery.

Procedures that are and will be used to recruit students to the program are consistent with procedures used for general recruiting at MC. The college and program strive to recruit a diverse patient population through outreach to high schools in the district, informational booths at community events, program brochures, advertisement through the internet, local newspapers, and radio.

After Acceptance and Prior to Enrollment:

1. Health Clearance - Applicants must present evidence of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks required of a Physical Therapist Assistant. Before the first day of the spring semester in August, students must complete a physical exam and all immunizations requested, which may include an annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. (Some clinical sites may accept vaccine waivers.)

Technical Standards/Essential Functions are provided as a link on the PTA web page (Click here to view the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Essential Functions). Students are expected to be able to perform all Technical Standards/Essential Functions throughout the program.

2. Criminal Background Check - Clinical placements are a mandatory component of the curriculum and will require clearance of a criminal background check. Students who do not clear agency requirements are not eligible for clinical placement and will, consequently, be ineligible to continue in the program. A clear background check must be completed prior to the first day of the fall semester in August.

3. Drug Screen - A drug screen is required prior to beginning the program, prior to the first clinical education experience and may be required prior to any clinical education experience depending upon the clinical site requirements. Based on the policies of clinical sites, students cannot participate in the program with cannabis in their system. This includes the use of medical marijuana regardless of having a medical marijuana card.

4. CPR for Healthcare Provider - You must present a valid CPR card for Healthcare Provider offered through the American Heart Association prior to the beginning of the second semester in the program. Card must be valid throughout the duration of the program.

5. Malpractice Insurance - PTA students are required to obtain malpractice insurance prior to the end of the second semester.

**Failure to present the required documents detailed above by the deadlines stated may result in reversal of acceptance or administrative dismissal from the program.

Transfer Policy

A student may transfer from a professional physical therapy program or another PTA Program provided that the student meets the following criteria: 

1.  The Mendocino College and PTA Program application and registration procedures are completed.

2.  All Mendocino College courses must be taken in their entirety even if students have successfully completed units of the course in another PT or PTA Program with the exception of courses taken in the Shasta College PTA Program. Courses completed while enrolled in the PTA Program at Shasta College will be transferable to the Mendocino College PTA Program following review by the Mendocino College PTA Program Director.

3.  A plan to introduce a student from a PT program to the PTA role will be developed by the PTA Program faculty and the student. This plan may include self-study, or an on-site visit with a PTA in the community. 

Statement of Nondiscrimination

The District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities.

The District, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Superintendent/President shall establish administrative procedures that ensure all members of the college community can present complaints regarding alleged violations of this policy and have their complaints heard in accordance with the Title 5 regulations and those of other agencies that administer state and federal laws regarding nondiscrimination.

No District funds shall ever be used for membership, or for any participation involving financial payment or contribution on behalf of the District or any individual employed by or associated with it, to any private organization whose membership practices are discriminatory on the basis of national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or because of his/her association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

PTA Program Fees 2023*

In-state tuition fees are $46 per unit and out-of-state tuition fees are $341/unit. All costs listed below are estimates and subject to change. You may download the 2022-2023 Financial Fact Sheet here.

*Most textbooks are available to borrow from the MC library.                                                                       

*Cost estimates do not include student living expenses or any costs associated with travel or housing during required clinical practicum courses.

Please contact the Mendocino College Financial Aid office for questions regarding financial aid resources at 707-467-3110 or financialaid@mendocino.edu.

Scholarships and Grants:

The grant is open to undergraduate students of all disciplinary backgrounds interested in collecting physiological data in their research. The awardee will be given tools, software, and funding ( a total value of $2000 USD) to help collect digital biomarkers such as heart rate and sleep.

https://www.labfront.com/grant