PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
ASSISTANT ACADEMY
College credits earned: 15.0
Why College Credit in High School?
… Find your passion
… Get a head start
… Experience college-level expectations
with rock star teachers
… Earn free college credit
… Why not!
Experience
The Physical Therapy Assistant/Occupational
Therapy Assistant (PTA/OTA) academy provides an
introduction to PTA/OTA careers.
The curriculum combines a strong arts and sciences
background with professional courses.
Outcome
Students will learn what it takes to be a successful PTA/
OTA in the 21st century.
Career Focus
Physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy
assistants work closely with physical therapists and
occupational therapists to provide services to people of
all ages.
Determine if you are ready for a career in the PTA/OTA
field, build professional networking relationships.
The Kirkwood PTA/OTA Academy can lead students to college
certificates, diplomas, associates, bachelors and graduate degrees.
Job opportunities include school systems, hospitals, nursing
homes, rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics.
Iowa Average Salaries in Education Careers
Occupational Therapy Assistant: $47,550
Physical Therapist Assistant: $43,590.
More info can be found at: www.bls.gov
College credit courses included in this academy experience:
HSC-115 Medical Terminology
4 college credits
A comprehensive study of medical terminology as the language
of medicine. Analyzes words by dividing them into component
parts. Relates the medical terms to the structure and functional
pathology of diseases and current medical procedures.
Emphasizes word usage, abbreviations, pronunciation and
spelling.
HSC-205 Explorations of Healthcare Careers 3 college credits
Explores all aspects of health care and careers in the field.
Focuses on understanding basic wellness, and growth and
development of the human being. Includes field trips to an
emergency room at a local hospital, a surgical center, a free
health care clinic, a dental clinic, an outpatient OT/PT/speech
center, administrative offices at a nursing home and a laboratory.
Covers the past, present and future of health care.
OTA-100 Foundations of Occupational
Therapy
3 college credits
Introduces the philosophical, ethical and theoretical concepts
of the current practice of occupational therapy. Provides an
overview of the role of the OTR and COTA in the processes of
patient evaluation, treatment planning, implementation and
discharge. Presents note writing and goal development.
PTA-101 Introduction to PTA 2 college credits
Overviews the physical therapy profession, the education
and eventual role of the PTA, and the national organization
APTA. Explores emotional reactions to disability and considers
communication strategies for patients, family members and
other health care workers. Discusses the patient care process and
treatment of diverse populations. Includes concepts of self and
peer assessment, and goal setting.
SPC-101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
3 college credits
Studies basic communication theory and practice including
communication process, interpersonal relationships, small group
interaction and public speaking.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE - LINN COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER 1
Physical Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Assistant Academy
Need to Know...
• Student textbooks are provided.
• Students are required to have a current physical (sports
physicals are accepted) and student immunization records
on file with the Kirkwood Community College campus
nurse by December 31 of the year they are enrolled. Per state
requirements, all health care facilities are requiring criminal
background checks, including students in a clinical setting.
More information will be shared at the required orientation.
Program Details
• In most program locations, students will meet Monday-Friday
for 1.5 hours for the entire school year.
• Check with your guidance counselor to see if the OTA/PTA
Academy is at a location near you.
How to Get Started
• Talk to your parents and your guidance counselor.
• Go to www.kirkwood.edu/apply and click on Earn College
Credit in High School.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE - LINN COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER 2