Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Physical Therapist Assistant
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351080601	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	74 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as physical therapist assistants.

The content includes but is not limited to the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education/American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 684-2782.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 74 credit hours.

Regulated Programs

The graduate of this program is prepared to make an application to the Florida Physical Therapist Assistant licensing examination which is given by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Physical Therapy Practice.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Describe anatomical structure, function and dysfunction of the human body related to the practice of physical therapy.
13.0	Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice as a physical therapist assistant.
14.0	Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care as established by a physical therapist.  
15.0	Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist.  
16.0	Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests, measures, and outcome (before, during and after interventions).   
17.0	Participate in the health care environment as a member of a patient/client -centered interprofessional collaborative team.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Physical Therapist Assistant
CIP Number:		1351080601 
Program Length: 	74 credit hours	

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
12.0	Describe anatomical structure, function and dysfunction of the human body related to the practice of physical therapy.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Label the following topographic terms: 
•	Medial
•	lateral
•	proximal
•	distal
•	superior
•	inferior
•	anterior
•	posterior
•	midline
•	right and left
•	bilateral	
12.02	Describe the life support chain and recognize the differences between Aerobic and Anaerobic metabolism.	
12.03	Identify and describe the anatomical structures and functions as related to physical therapy interventions, their possible adverse effects or complications, and effects of therapy on the other systems of the following: 
•	Circulatory/Cardiovascular system 
•	Endocrine and metabolic system 
•	Gastrointestinal/Digestive system
•	Genital and Reproductive system
•	Hematologic system
•	Hepatic and Biliary system
•	Immune System
•	Integumentary system
•	Lymphatic System 
•	Musculoskeletal System 
•	Nervous System 
•	Respiratory System
•	Renal and Urologic systems	
12.04	Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply foundational knowledge of medical/surgical conditions that supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation across the lifespan.	
13.0	Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice as a physical therapist assistant.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Act in a manner that is consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.	
13.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the laws and regulations governing the profession of physical therapy in Florida Statute and other laws and regulations including but not limited to ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, and Patients’ Bill of Rights.  	
13.03	Practice under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT).	
13.04	Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Core Values for the Physical Therapist Assistant.	
13.05	Demonstrate awareness of the patient/client's need for dignity and independence.	
13.06	Recognize and appropriately respond to patient/client expressions of discomfort, spoken or unspoken (body language).	
13.07	Demonstrate sensitivity to the patient/client’s emotional response. 	
13.08	Recognize own reaction to the patient/client's illness or disability and understand how that may affect treatment outcome.	
13.09	Recognize patient/client's and family's reactions to illness and disability.	
13.10	Demonstrate sensitivity to individual, cultural, religious and socio-economic differences in people.	
13.11	Identify scope of responsibility of the physical therapist assistant as it relates to patient/client care, departmental function, the physical therapist, and the unlicensed personnel and understand the roles of other healthcare providers.	
13.12	Determine tasks and duties that are beyond the scope of practice for the physical therapist assistant.	
13.13	Communicate information effectively to the patient, appropriate caregiver, and healthcare delivery personnel. 	
13.14	Utilize equipment and resources efficiently and effectively in the delivery of healthcare.	
13.15	Manage time effectively.	
13.16	Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management.	
13.17	Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations.	
13.18	Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to payment for physical therapy and other health care services.	
13.19	Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values.  	
13.20	Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist.	
13.21	Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance.	
13.22	Identify and integrate appropriate evidence-based resources to support clinical decision making for progress of the patient/client within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.	
13.23	Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership.	
13.24	Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities, including the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students.  	
14.0	Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care as established by a physical therapist.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Contribute to the discharge planning related to the plan of care.	
14.02	Review patient/client medical record and plan of care and identify pertinent information related to the patient/clients’ diagnosis.	
14.03	Collaborate with patient/clients, caregivers, other appropriate healthcare personnel, and family to obtain current information and report relevant information to the supervising PT.	
14.04	Identify indications, precautions, and contradictions for each treatment/procedure and apply appropriate interventions.	
14.05	Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist and other appropriate healthcare personnel. 	
14.06	Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes.	
14.07	Determine a baseline physiological state.	
14.08	Recognize changes in a baseline physiological state.	
14.09	Determine significance of change in physiological state.	
14.10	Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient's/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations.	
14.11	Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications and report relevant information to the supervising Physical Therapist.	
15.0	Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Administer activities of daily living and functional training to patients/clients.	
15.02	Perform gait training and postural training techniques.	
15.03	Perform acceptable portions of manual therapy treatments.	
15.04	Perform balance and coordination activities.	
15.05	Perform developmental activities.	
15.06	Appropriately implement therapeutic exercise programs. 	
15.07	Apply external bandages, dressings and support devices.	
15.08	Perform acceptable portions of wound management.	
15.09	Measure and properly fit assistive devices.	
15.10	Perform gait training/locomotion training in household and community environments with appropriate assistive device(s) or wheelchair.	
15.11	Describe the therapeutic benefits of exercise.	
15.12	Define orthotics and prosthetic devices and state the importance of proper fit and checking skin integrity.	
15.13	 Describe upper and lower extremity prosthetics in terms of types of amputations. 	
15.14	Identify common problems in orthotic and prosthetic management and apply decision making skills in dealing effectively with them.	
15.15	Instruct patient, client or care giver in orthotic and prosthetic management and assist patient/client in problem solving techniques.  	
15.16	Perform airway clearance techniques and instruct patient/client in proper coughing and breathing exercises.	
15.17	Describe action required to remediate barriers based on the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist.	
15.18	Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient/client, caregiver or healthcare personnel. 	
15.19	Demonstrate appropriate use of medical terminology and layman’s terms.	
15.20	Define and describe the importance of the following terms: 
•	disinfect 
•	sterilize
•	germicide
•	vaccinate
•	immunize
•	antiseptic
•	septic	
15.21	Demonstrate appropriate isolation, sterile techniques, and disinfection of equipment. 	
15.22	State the therapeutic temperature range for modalities in which temperature is a guideline for application.	
15.23	Identify physiological effects of heat vs. cold applications.	
15.24	Demonstrate appropriate therapeutic use of biophysical agents including biofeedback, electrotherapeutic agents, compression therapies, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, superficial and deep thermal agents, traction, and light therapies.	
16.0	Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests, measures, and outcome measures (before, during, and after interventions).   The student will be able to:	
16.01	Recognize and describe normal and abnormal motor behavior.	
16.02	 Detect and describe normal and abnormal joint movement.	
16.03	Perform appropriate measurement and assessment techniques within the knowledge and limits of practice to assist the supervising Physical Therapist in monitoring and modifying the plan of care.	
16.04	Recognize gait deviations and compensatory strategies.	
16.05	 Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care such as standard vital signs, perceived exertion scales, anthropometrical characteristics and mental functions.	
16.06	Perform goniometric measurement.	
16.07	Identify which environmental factors are potential architectural barriers.	
16.08	Determine which architectural barriers will impact a patient/client’s functional level including the use of ambulatory/mobility equipment. 	
16.09	Document all aspects of treatment using correct format, content and terminology.	
16.10	Appropriately recognize and monitor responses to positional changes and activities (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, response to exercise).	
16.11	Identify the individual’s and caregiver’s ability to care for the assistive equipment, prosthetics and orthotics; recognize changes in skin condition and safety factors while using devices and equipment.	
16.12	Determine the safety, status, and progression of patients while engaged in gait, locomotion, balance, wheelchair management and mobility.	
16.13	Detect absent or altered sensation; normal and abnormal integumentary changes; activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations, or that can produce associated skin trauma; and recognize viable versus nonviable tissue.	
16.14	Measure muscle strength by manual muscle testing; observe the presence or absence of muscle mass; recognize normal and abnormal muscle length, and changes in muscle tone.	
16.15	Administer standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales, or visual analog scales for pain; recognize activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations.	
16.16	Determine normal and abnormal alignment of trunk and extremities at rest and during activities.	
16.17	Detect signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, and activities that aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms; describe thoracoabdominal movements and breathing patterns with activity, and cough and sputum characteristics.	
16.18	Respond efficiently and effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting.	
17.0	Participate in the health care environment as a member of a patient/client -centered interprofessional collaborative team.  The student will be able to: 	
17.01	Prepare patient/clients and treatment areas and ensures equipment is in proper working order.	
17.02	Clean and check operation of wheelchairs, assistive devices, treatment tables, electrical equipment, etc.	
17.03	Demonstrate how to properly operate patient/client equipment.	
17.04	Instruct in safety considerations for equipment and on indications, precautions, and contraindications of a specific physical therapy intervention.	
17.05	Implement appropriate patient/client safety considerations related to the plan of care.	
17.06	Describe disciplines within the healthcare system and identify the roles of each discipline related to patient/client interventions. 	
17.07	Describe the categories of healthcare agencies.	
17.08	Recognize current issues, problems, and trends affecting the delivery of healthcare.	
17.09	Accurately and ethically charge for services provided. 	
17.10	Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance).	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Laboratory work is structured so that students begin with basic patient care skills, progress to basic physical therapy skills and then to more advanced physical therapy application and techniques.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The Health Careers Core must be taken by all students (secondary, postsecondary adult and postsecondary vocational) planning to complete any Health Occupations program.  Once successfully completed, the core does not need to be repeated at any instructional level.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

The cooperative method of instruction is not appropriate for this program.

The CORE should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the co-curricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.