Mar 29, 2024  
2021 - 2022 Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physical Therapist Assistant - Health Fitness Specialist AAS/AAS


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Program Code: DE.30576

A dual associate degree is available in the Health Fitness Specialist and Physical Therapist Assistant Programs. Generally the requirements are completed simultaneously; however, the Health Fitness Specialist courses normally will be completed prior to beginning your Physical Therapist Assistant clinical sequence. Your diploma will list both Associate in Applied Science Degrees.

You will need to earn the required number of credits for your Associate in Applied Science Degree plus 24 credits from the courses below for the Associate in Applied Science Degree Health Fitness Specialist Dual Degree.

If you have earned a degree previously, you may not use courses from that degree to satisfy the requirements of a Dual Degree. It is possible that your previous degree may have included one or more of the required Health Fitness Specialist courses. You do not have to retake such classes, but must replace them from the list of approved Health Fitness Specialist courses under the dual degree to complete the additional 24 credits by instruction at Delta College.

Fall First Year:


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13.5


Total Semester Credits: 13.5


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Credits: 101


Notations



  1. In addition to completing all the courses for an approved applied science program (see above), you must complete a minimum of 24 credits by instruction at Delta College.
  2. If a student has already earned credit in one or more of the required courses, the student will select other courses from the list of electives to total 24 credits.
  3. Credits required for a dual degree vary according to the chosen curricula.
  4. Students must complete the Validation Application and receive a "Semester and Year of Validation" to be eligible to enter the PTA program. It is recommended that this application be submitted during the final semester of pre-requisite courses. Validation is a process that allows the Registrar's Office to review and confirm that the student has completed pre-requisite courses and requirements of this program.  Approximately 20 students are accepted for PTA courses each Fall semester.
  5. Validation requirements: 1) completion of prerequisite courses ENG 111, LW 220W, PSY 101W or PSY 211W with a “C” (2.0) minimum grade and completion of BIO 140W or BIO 152W and BIO 153W or BIO 240 and BIO 241 with a “B” (3.0) minimum grade; 2) completion of BIO 140W or BIO 152W and BIO 153W or BIO 240 and BIO 241 within the past ten years. If this time period is exceeded, an approved biology course must be taken to refresh this content. Please see the program coordinator to determine which course(s) must be taken; 3) completion of observation hours.
  6.  An observation series is required prior to validation. Students must observe, at a minimum, two different PTs and/or PTAs performing their skills in two different clinical practice sites for a minimum of 40 total hours. These observations must be documented using the PTA Observation Form which is available on the PTA program portal site and in the Counseling Office. The form must be stamped at the Registrar’s office at the time the validation application is turned in.
  7. The following courses are required for graduation and completion is strongly recommended prior to starting the clinical course sequence:  COM 114WENG 112 or ENG 113, an approved LWA course, LWT 251, POL 103W (or approved substitution), and all health fitness program courses.  These courses must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better.
  8. It is acceptable to take HSC 105 prior to starting the PTA clinicals course sequence. Students who choose this option should be aware that they will not be at full-time status in the first Fall semester of PTA program. This course must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better.

  9. Graduates of the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center’s PT/OT/Sports Medicine program should contact the PTA program coordinator to discuss waiving the applicable validation requirements.
  10. It is recommended that students meet with the PTA program coordinator prior to validation to disclose any previous conviction, felony, misdemeanor, and/or traffic violation involving controlled substances.  All students are required to complete a Criminal Background Check following clinical entry registration.  Clinical sites may restrict students with a criminal record from being placed at the facility which could prohibit course completion and progression in the PTA program.  Students should be aware that a felony/misdemeanor conviction may constitute grounds for ineligibility to sit for the PTA licensure examination and/or obtain PTA licensure in the state of Michigan.  Questions regarding PTA state licensure can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense.
  11. Once validated, students must waitlist themselves each year during the Special Clinical Registration Period to be eligible to begin the program and to remain validated.  Failure to complete the waitlist process annually will result in removal from the validation list.  See the validation page on the portal for more information and dates.
  12. Following entry to the program via special clinical registration, students are required to complete health requirements including but not limited to 1) physical exam with completion of physical form, 2) current American Heart Association CPR certification for the healthcare provider/professional rescuer certification, 3) a successful ten (10) panel drug screen by the approved agency, 4) an annual TB skin test, 5) immunization records including MMR, Td/Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B or signed waiver, 6) an annual flu shot.  These requirements will be discussed at the required orientation along with submission instructions via an electronic storage and clinical placement system.  All certifications and immunizations must be up-to-date and remain current throughout the program.
  13. Students who anticipate pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree are recommended to take the following courses: BIO 152W and BIO 153WPSY 211W, and ENG 112. If a student does not intend to transfer, ENG 113 is preferred.
  14. Physical Therapist Assistant courses are offered day and evening hours and there may also be occasional weekend courses that are mandatory.  Clinical courses must be taken in the sequence shown.
  15. In addition to tuition, fees, and textbook costs, students should plan for the following expenses: the fees for the NSCA and ACE examinations, immunizations and CPR certification to meet health requirements, background check, drug screen, ACEMAPP registration, and appropriate lab and clinic attire.  Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical sites and paying possible parking fees.  Program costs are published in the PTA Program Student Handbook.  Students are responsible for paying the cost of any medical care that might be necessary if they are injured or become ill as a result of clinical practice activities.  The College does not provide insurance coverage for such situations.
  16. Current CPR certification is required for LWT 240  and LWT 242  . Current CPR certification must be in place and maintained by the start of these courses. American Heart Association is preferred, and this can be achieved in LWT 170  or HSC 140 .
  17. You will be required to take the National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer Exam while taking LWT 240  Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer. You are responsible for the fees for this examination.
  18. You will be required to take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam while taking LWT 242  Group Fitness Instructor. You are responsible for the fees for this examination.
  19. Students must achieve a minimum “C” (2.0) grade in each Physical Therapist Assistant course to be eligible to continue in the program.

  20. Clinical hospital assignments may be outside the local area. Students must be prepared to commute up to two hours for at least one rotation.
  21. Students who have a first course failure or withdrawal within the second or subsequent semester of their clinical program may be eligible to complete a request for reentry.  Reentry guidelines are published in the PTA Student Handbook.

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