table of contents - roane state community college · 2017-08-15 · table of contents . ... the...

Revised Tuesday, August 15, 2017 PTA Student Handbook

Table of Contents Program Location and Faculty Information ................................................................................................................... 4 Faculty ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Mailing Address ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 RSCC Mission Statement .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Program Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Program Philosophy ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Program Goals ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 Program Objectives: ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Fundamental Classroom Role Relationship Principles .................................................................................................. 6 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) ......................................................................................................... 6 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) ......................................................................................................... 6 APTA Statement on the Direction and Supervision of the Physical Therapist Assistant .............................................. 6 APTA Statement on Procedural Interventions Exclusively Performed By Physical Therapists .................................... 8 APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.................................................................... 8 APTA Statement on Value-Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant ..................................................... 11 Legal Practice .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 PTA Terminal Competencies ...................................................................................................................................... 13 Program Advisory Board ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Job Description: Program Director ............................................................................................................................ 17 Job Description: Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) ................................................................... 18 Public Comment Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Program Policies and Procedures Review ................................................................................................................... 19 Admissions .................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Failure to Complete the Program/Dismissal. ............................................................................................................... 19 Retention and Readmission ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Without Opportunity for Readmission.................................................................. 21 PTA Curriculum Design, Sequence and Clinical Readiness ....................................................................................... 21 PTA Curriculum Plan Designed from the Base Up ..................................................................................................... 23 Americans With Disabilities Act ................................................................................................................................. 24 Academic Honor Code ................................................................................................................................................ 24 Grading Policies .......................................................................................................................................................... 24 Testing Protocol ........................................................................................................................................................... 25 Cheating ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Confidential and Sensitive Information ....................................................................................................................... 25 Student Complaints and Due Process .......................................................................................................................... 26 Class Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Attendance Policy ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 Safety and Security of the Student ............................................................................................................................... 27 Standard Precautions and Basic First Aid .................................................................................................................... 28 Student Participation and Health Status ....................................................................................................................... 29 Smoking and Tobacco Products Use ........................................................................................................................... 29 Alcohol/Drugs ............................................................................................................................................................. 30 Allied Health Sciences/Nursing Drug and Alcohol Policy .......................................................................................... 30 Steps to arrange background check: ............................................................................................................................ 31 Program Information ................................................................................................................................................... 31 Cellular Telephones ..................................................................................................................................................... 34 APTA Membership...................................................................................................................................................... 34 Class Organization ....................................................................................................................................................... 34 Student Representative to PTA Advisory Board ......................................................................................................... 35 Clinical Education ....................................................................................................................................................... 35 Basic Student Requirements for Clinical Education Participation .............................................................................. 35 Clinical Preparation ..................................................................................................................................................... 36 Clinical Selection Process............................................................................................................................................ 37 Conflict of Interest During Clinical Education ........................................................................................................... 37 Clinical Training Guidelines for AHS Students and Faculty During Campus Closures .............................................. 37 Student Responsibility ................................................................................................................................................. 38


Communication With the Student During Clinical Education ..................................................................................... 38 Clinical Performance and Evaluation .......................................................................................................................... 38 Clinical Site Information Forms (CSIF’s) ................................................................................................................... 41 New Clinical Site Protocol .......................................................................................................................................... 41 Clinical Faculty Requirements and Development ....................................................................................................... 41 Communications with Clinical Faculty ....................................................................................................................... 42 Clinic Visits ................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Clinical Contracts ........................................................................................................................................................ 43 Current Clinical Sites ................................................................................................................................................... 43 Clinical Education Review .......................................................................................................................................... 45 Consent to Drug/Alcohol Testing ................................................................................................................................ 46


Program Location and Faculty Information The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is part of the Roane State Community College Health Sciences Division. The classroom and laboratory (D102 and D-103) are housed at the Oak Ridge Campus. Faculty Beth Vowell, PT, MPH, Ed.D, Program Director, Assistant Professor Office: B-128 Office Phone 865-481-2000 ext. 2117 Cell Phone 865-228-0369 (call or text) e-mail [email protected] Emily DeLozier, PTA, MPS, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor Office: B-131 Office Phone 865-481-2008 Cell Phone 865-256-5403 (call or text) e-mail [email protected] Mailing Address Physical Therapist Assistant Program Fax: 865-481-2018 Roane State Community College 701 Briarcliff Avenue Oak Ridge, TN37830

Or Physical Therapist Assistant Program Fax: 865-882-4562 Roane State Community College 276 Patton Lane Harriman, TN37748 Support Staff Mariella Akers Oak Ridge Branch Campus 865-481-2000 X 2007 Vicky Purdy Allied Health Science Secretary, Harriman Harriman Toll Free: 1-800-343-9104. X 4228 865-354-3000 RSCC Website www.roanestate.edu click ‘Student Resources’ RSCC Catalog www.roanestate.edu/catalog PTA PROGRAM Web page www.roanestate.edu/?5956-Physical-Therapist-Assistant This program handbook serves to supplement the current Roane State Community College (RSCC) Catalog. It is the obligation of the college to make students, faculty, and other interested persons aware of the program’s policies. Each student enrolled in the second year of the curriculum will be asked to read the PTA Student Handbook and sign the last page. Students will be given written notification of all major policy changes. Any written policy change should be attached to the handbook to keep it current.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.roanestate.edu/

http://www.roanestate.edu/catalog

http://www.roanestate.edu/?5956-Physical-Therapist-Assistant


RSCC Mission Statement Refer to the current RSCC Catalog. (www.roanestate.edu/catalog/?id=69) Program Mission Statement It is the mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Roane State Community College to provide an appropriate and accessible curriculum as a means for students to become vital members of a physical therapy team. Graduates of Roane State will be given opportunities to reach their full potentials to confidently enter the workforce and provide the highest quality care within the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant under the supervision of a physical therapist. The program strives to instill within the students an awareness of diversity and a desire for lifelong learning in the field of physical therapy. Program Philosophy The purpose of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to prepare students to effectively contribute to the field of physical therapy as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and as part of a healthcare team. Roane State Physical Therapist Assistant Program recognizes that each student has a unique learning style, culture and personal vision. The Roane State faculty aims to provide learning opportunities that are effective for a variety of learning styles and abilities. The curriculum aims to prepare students to recognize the individual needs of each patient as seen in a broad variety of healthcare settings. The Roane State PTA Program philosophy reflects the need for students in the program to be self-directed, highly motivated learners. This terminal program is addressed in a work like atmosphere that guides the student in a respectful but determined fashion so appropriate professional behaviors and academic and clinical successes can be achieved. The faculty believe that student success is achieved by setting high expectations, by making those expectations clear, and by providing frequent opportunities for formal and informal feedback that leads to continual improvement. Program Goals 1. Graduates will possess theoretical knowledge, professional behaviors, and technical skills

necessary to provide quality physical therapy as measured by formal examination, CPI (Clinical Performance Instrument), and successful completion of practical and skill assessments.

2. The program will be responsive to community needs within the scope of the Roane State PTA Program as assessed by advisory committee feedback and employer survey and in keeping with the Mission Statement of the College (see college catalog).

3. The Roane State PTA Program will meet or exceed national standards for physical therapist assistant education as measured by a minimum of 80% first-time pass rate on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).

4. The Roane State PTA Program will provide a variety of learning experiences to develop PTA skills as measured by clinical placement variety (IP/OP versus rural/urban).

5. The Roane State PTA Program will deliver a high quality curriculum served by qualified faculty that meets the needs of the community and prepares students for the workforce (as measured by graduate survey, student survey, and faculty qualifications).

Program Objectives: The PTA Program will: 1. Demonstrate its commitment to institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement of its

programs and services and of student learning by maintaining professional accreditation standards of CAPTE.

2. Demonstrate program effectiveness and preparation for employment through achievement of the following outcomes: A- The Physical Therapist Assistant Technology program will maintain a completion rate of 80% to meet CAPTE minimum attrition thresholds. B- The Physical Therapist Assistant Technology program graduates will pass the NPTE exam at a rate of 90% or better. C-The job placement rate of Physical Therapist Assistant Program graduates will meet or exceed

http://www.roanestate.edu/catalog/?id=69


80%. D-Clinical faculty survey respondents will rate student preparation on all elements at 4 /5 or above.

3. Demonstrate ongoing community involvement and establishment of its presence within the physical therapy community, utilizing feedback and service as a mechanism to make improvements in the program that are consistent with current and conventional physical therapy practice

4. Provide evidence of regular required maintenance and procurement/disposal of laboratory equipment as needed to current industry standards in order to enhance student learning and promote student safety.

5. Support faculty and student attendance in collaborative meetings, engagement in review of literature, and attendance at continuing education as required for maintenance of licensure.

6. Demonstrate that students will be well-prepared with the skills and behaviors to obtain employment as Physical Therapist Assistants.

7. Provide flexible, high quality and technologically current teaching and learning options that include an appropriate and accessible variety of research-verified educational delivery opportunities, in collaboration with supportive services that will guide students to their maximum potential for licensure and employment

Fundamental Classroom Role Relationship Principles The relationships within the classroom will have several dimensions to promote a more dynamic learning experience and transition into the physical therapy profession. In order to be successful academically and clinically, each student must recognize and participate in these various relationships. These include:

1. The traditional teacher and student relationship 2. Interaction between the faculty and students consistent with a physical therapist and physical

therapist assistant relationship. 3. Interaction between the students that will go beyond traditional roles and reflect the

cooperative/collaborative relationship of co-workers.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) The APTA is the national organization that accredits all physical therapy education programs. It establishes position statements on the definition, utilized and ethical standards of the profession. Accreditation RSCC PTA Program is an accredited program. In June 2010, the program was reaccredited for another ten years by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (April 28, 2010-June 30, 2020). www.capteonline.org American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) The APTA is the national organization that accredits all physical therapy education programs. It establishes position statements on the definition, utilized and ethical standards of the profession. RSCC PTA Program is an accredited program. In June 2010, the program was reaccredited for another ten years by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (April 28, 2010-June 30, 2020). www.capteonline.org APTA Statement on the Direction and Supervision of the Physical Therapist Assistant Students of the RSCC PTA program will comply with the following APTA HOD policy statement P06-05-18-26 updated 12-14-2009: Physical therapists have a responsibility to deliver services in ways that protect the public safety and maximize the availability of their services. They do this through direct delivery of services in conjunction with responsible utilization of physical therapist assistants who assist with selected components of

http://www.capteonline.org/

http://www.capteonline.org/


intervention. The physical therapist assistant is the only individual permitted to assist a physical therapist in selected interventions under the direction ad supervision of a physical therapist. Direction and supervision are essential in the provision of quality physical therapy services. The degree of direction and supervision necessary for assuring quality physical therapy services is dependent upon many factors, including the education, experiences, and responsibilities of the parties involved, as well as the organizational structure in which the physical therapy services are provided. Regardless of the setting in which the physical therapy service is provided, the following responsibilities must be borne solely by the physical therapist:

1. Interpretation of referrals when available. 2. Initial examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis. 3. Development or modification of a plan of care which is based on the initial examination or

reexamination and which includes the physical therapy goals and outcomes. 4. Determination of when the expertise and decision-making capability of the physical therapist

requires the physical therapist to personally render physical therapy interventions and when it may be appropriate to utilize the physical therapist assistant. A physical therapist shall determine the most appropriate utilization of the physical therapist assistant that provides for the delivery of service that is safe, effective, and efficient.

5. Reexamination of the patient/client in light of their goals, and revision of the plan of care when indicated.

6. Establishment of the discharge plan and documentation of discharge summary/status. 7. Oversight of all documentation of services rendered to each patient/client.

The physical therapist remains responsible for the physical therapy services provided when the physical therapist’s plan of care involves the physical therapist assistant to assist with selected interventions. Regardless of the setting in which the service is provided, the determination to utilize physical therapist assistants for selected interventions requires the education, expertise, and professional judgment of a physical therapist as described by the Standards of Practice, Guide to Professional Conduct, and Code of Ethics. In determining the appropriate extent of assistance from the physical therapist assistant (PTA), the physical therapist considers: • The PTA’s education, training, experience, and skill level. • Patient client criticality, acuity, stability, and complexity. • The predictability of the consequences. • The setting in which the care is being delivered. • Federal and state statutes. • Liability and risk management concerns • The mission of physical therapy services for the setting. • The needed frequency of reexamination.

Physical Therapist Assistant Definition: The physical therapist assistant is a technically educated health care provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant is a graduate of a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Utilization


The physical therapist is directly responsible for the actions of the physical therapist assistant related to patient/client management. The physical therapist assistant may perform selected physical therapy interventions under the direction and at least general supervision of the physical therapist. In general supervision, the physical therapist is not required to be on-site for direction and supervision, but must be available at least by telecommunications. The ability of the physical therapist assistant to perform the selected interventions as directed shall be assessed on an ongoing basis by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant makes modifications to selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort. The physical therapist assistant must work under the direction and at least general supervision of the physical therapist. In all practice settings, the performance of selected interventions by the physical therapist assistant must be consistent with safe and legal physical therapist practice, and shall be predicated on the following factors: complexity and acuity of the patient’s/client’s needs; proximity and accessibility to the physical therapist; supervision available in the event of emergencies or critical events; and type of setting in which the service is provided. When supervising the physical therapist assistant in any off-site setting, the following requirements must be observed: 1. A physical therapist must be accessible by telecommunications to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating patients/clients. 2. There must be regularly scheduled and documented conferences with the physical therapist assistant regarding patients/clients, the frequency of which is determined by the needs of the patient/client and the needs of the physical therapist assistant. 3. In those situations in which a physical therapist assistant is involved in the care of a patient/client, a supervisory visit by the physical therapist will be made: a. Upon the physical therapist assistant's request for a reexamination, when a change in the plan of care is needed, prior to any planned discharge, and in response to a change in the patient’s/client’s medical status. b. At least once a month, or at a higher frequency when established by the physical therapist, in accordance with the needs of the patient/client. c. A supervisory visit should include: i. An on-site reexamination of the patient/client. ii. On-site review of the plan of care with appropriate revision or termination. iii. Evaluation of need and recommendation for utilization of outside resources. APTA Statement on Procedural Interventions Exclusively Performed By Physical Therapists Students of the RSCC PTA program should be aware of following APTA HOD policy statement P06-00-30-36 updated 12-14-2009: The physical therapist’s scope of practice as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association Guide to Physical Therapist Practice includes interventions performed by physical therapists. These interventions include procedures performed exclusively by physical therapists and selected interventions that can be performed by the physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Interventions that require immediate and continuous examination and evaluation throughout the intervention are performed exclusively by the physical therapist. Such procedural interventions within the scope of the physical therapist practice that are performed exclusively by the physical therapist include, but are not limited to, spinal and peripheral joint mobilization/manipulation, which are components of manual therapy, and sharp selective debridement, which is a component of wound management.

APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant RSCC PTA students will comply with the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant. Failure to do so could result in grade reduction or program dismissal: Preamble


The Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (Standards of Ethical Conduct) delineate the ethical obligations of all physical therapist assistant as determined by the House of Delegates of The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The Standards of Ethical Conduct provide a foundation for conduct to which all physical therapist assistants shall adhere. Fundamental to the Standards of Ethical Conduct is the special obligation of physical therapist assistants to enable patients/clients to achieve greater independence, health and wellness, and enhanced quality of life. No document that delineates ethical standards can address every situation. Physical therapist assistants are encouraged to seek additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Standards of Ethical Conduct may not be definitive. Standard #1: Physical therapist assistants shall respect the inherent dignity, and rights, of all individuals.

1A. Physical therapist assistants shall act in a respectful manner toward each person regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability.

1B. Physical therapist assistants shall recognize their personal biases and shall not discriminate against others in the provision of physical therapy services.

Standard #2: Physical therapist assistants shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients.

2A. Physical therapist assistants shall act in the best interests of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist assistant. 2B. Physical therapist assistants shall provide physical therapy interventions with compassionate and caring behaviors that incorporate the individual and cultural differences of patients/clients.

2C. Physical therapist assistants shall provide patients/clients with information regarding the interventions they provide.

2D. Physical therapist assistants shall protect confidential patient/client information and, in collaboration with the physical therapist, may disclose confidential information to appropriate authorities only when allowed or required by law.

Standard #3: Physical therapist assistants shall make sound decisions in collaboration with the physical therapist and within the boundaries established by laws and regulations

3A. Physical therapist assistants shall make objective decisions in the patient’s/client’s best interest in all practice settings.

3B. Physical therapist assistants shall be guided by information about best practice regarding physical therapy interventions.

3C. Physical therapist assistants shall make decisions based upon their level of competence and consistent with patient/client values.

3D. Physical therapist assistants shall not engage in conflicts of interest that interfere with making sound decisions.


3E. Physical therapist assistants shall provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and shall communicate with the physical therapist when patient/client status requires modifications to the established plan of care.

Standard #4: Physical therapist assistants shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients/clients, families, colleagues, students, other health care providers, employers, payers, and the public.

4A. Physical therapist assistants shall provide truthful, accurate, and relevant information and shall not make misleading representation.

4B. Physical therapist assistants shall not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative or other authority (eg, patients/clients, students, supervisees, research participants, or employees).

4C. Physical therapist assistants shall discourage misconduct by health care professionals and report illegal or unethical acts to the relevant authority, when appropriate.

4D. Physical therapist assistants shall report suspected cases of abuse involving children or vulnerable adults to the supervising physical therapist and the appropriate authority, subject to law.

4E. Physical therapist assistants shall not engage in any sexual relationship with any of their patients/clients, supervisees, or students.

4F. Physical therapist assistants shall not harass anyone verbally, physically, emotionally, or sexually.

Standard #5: Physical therapist assistants shall fulfill their legal and ethical obligations.

5A. Physical therapist assistants shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

5B. Physical therapist assistants shall support the supervisory role of the physical therapist to ensure quality care and promote patient/client safety.

5C. Physical therapist assistants involved in research shall abide by accepted standards governing protection of research participants.

5D. Physical therapist assistants shall encourage colleagues with physical, psychological, or substance-related impairments that may adversely impact their professional responsibilities to seek assistance or counsel.

5E. Physical therapist assistants who have knowledge that a colleague is unable to perform their professional responsibilities with reasonable skill and safety shall report this information to the appropriate authority.

Standard #6: Physical therapist assistants shall enhance their competence through the lifelong acquisition and refinement of knowledge, skills, and abilities. 6A. Physical therapist assistants shall achieve and maintain clinical competence.

6B. Physical therapist assistants shall engage in lifelong learning consistent with changes in their roles and responsibilities and advances in the practice of physical therapy.


6C. Physical therapist assistants shall support practice environments that support career development and lifelong learning.

Standard #7: Physical therapist assistants shall support organization behaviors and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society.

7A. Physical therapist assistants shall promote work environments that support ethical and accountable decision-making.

7B. Physical therapist assistants shall not accept gifts or other considerations that influence or give an appearance of influencing their decisions.

7C. Physical therapist assistants shall fully disclose any financial interest they have in products or services that they recommend to patients/clients.

7D. Physical therapist assistants shall ensure that documentation of their interventions accurately reflects the nature and extent of the services provided.

7E. Physical therapist assistants shall refrain from employment arrangements, or other arrangements, that prevent physical therapist assistants from fulfilling ethical obligations to patients/clients.

Standard #8: Physical therapist assistants shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally.

8A. Physical therapist assistants shall support organizations that meet the health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and underinsured.

8B. Physical therapist assistants shall advocate for people with impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and disabilities in order to promote their participation in community and society.

8C. Physical therapist assistants shall be responsible stewards of health care resources by collaborating with physical therapists in order to avoid overutilization or underutilization of physical therapy services.

8D. Physical therapist assistants shall educate members of the public about the benefits of physical therapy.

APTA Statement on Value-Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant Students of the RSCC PTA program will demonstrate understanding of and behaviors consistent with APTA BOD position statement P01-11-02-02 updated 5-10-2013:

1. Altruism 2. Caring and Compassion 3. Continuing Competence 4. Duty 5. Integrity 6. PT/PTA Collaboration 7. Responsibility 8. Social Responsibility


A complete history of the development and approval of the document is included in the document’s introduction. This document is located on the APTA website (www.apta.org ). Legal Practice During any academic or clinical course, the student’s activities must be in compliance with the Tennessee Physical Therapy Practice Act and Rules including student supervision. Failure to do so could result in grade reduction or program dismissal. http://tennessee.gov/sos/rules/1150/1150-01.pdf From Section 22 of the Physical Therapy Practice Act: Physical therapy aides, other assistive personnel, and clinical students shall at all times perform patient care activities under the on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant as defined in §63-13-103 (11). (d) Physical therapist students and physical therapist assistant students shall at all times be under the supervision of a physical therapist as further set forth in the rules promulgated by the board. (See definition of on-site supervision below) And from Rules Governing Practice of Physical Therapy: A physical therapist assistant shall provide on-site supervision, as defined in part (b) 3. of paragraph (2) of this rule, to physical therapist assistant clinical students at all times and will be in accordance with the APTA guidelines for clinical education which suggest a minimum of one (1) year of licensed clinical experience prior to functioning as a clinical instructor for physical therapist assistant students. Students should also be aware of legal practice of the PTA including supervisory rules. From section 4 of the Tennessee Physical Therapy Practice Act: "Supervision" of the physical therapist assistant means the supervising physical therapist will be readily available to the physical therapist assistant being supervised. When the physical therapist assistant is practicing in an offsite setting, the supervising physical therapist will be immediately accessible by telecommunications; patient conferences will be regularly scheduled and documented and supervisory visits will be made as further outlined in the rules and regulations; and "On-site supervision" means the supervising physical therapist or physical therapist assistant must: (1) Be continuously on-site and present in the department or facility where assistive personnel are performing services; (2) Be immediately available to assist the person being supervised in the services being performed; and (3) Maintain continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment session in which a component of treatment is delegated to assistive personnel. And from Section 2 of the Rules Governing Practice of Physical Therapy: 1. The licensed physical therapist shall perform the initial evaluation of the patient with the development

of a written treatment plan, including therapeutic goals, frequency and time period of services. 2. The licensed physical therapist shall perform and document re-evaluations, assessments, and modifications in the treatment plan at least every thirty (30) days. For patients seen longer than sixty (60) days, the licensed physical therapist shall inspect the actual act of therapy services rendered at least every sixty (60) days. 3. The licensed physical therapist may not supervise a physical therapist assistant that is delivering services at a site further than sixty (60) miles or one (1) hour from the licensed physical therapist. The supervising licensed physical therapist must be available to communicate by telephone or other means whenever the physical therapist assistant is delivering services. 4. The discharge evaluation must be performed and the resulting discharge summary must be written by the licensed physical therapist.

http://www.apta.org/

http://tennessee.gov/sos/rules/1150/1150-01.pdf


5. The licensed physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant shall be equally responsible and accountable for carrying out the provisions of this subparagraph. A physical therapist may concurrently supervise no more than the equivalent of three (3) full-time physical therapist assistants. A physical therapist may concurrently supervise no more than the equivalent of two (2) full-time assistive personnel or physical therapy aides. A physical therapist assistant may concurrently supervise no more than the equivalent of two (2) full-time physical therapy aides. And from Section 12 of the Rules: Each licensee must retain documentation of completion of all continuing competence requirements of this rule for a period of five (5) years from when the requirements were completed. This documentation must be produced for inspection and verification, if requested in writing by the Board during its verification process. PTA Terminal Competencies (From EVALUATIVE CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR THE PREPARATION OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ASSISTANTS—CAPTE) 3.3. Comprehensive Curriculum 3.3.2. The technical education component of the curriculum includes learning experiences to prepare the

entry-level physical therapist assistant to work under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Courses within the curriculum include content designed to prepare program graduates to meet the described performance expectations.

Communication 3.3.2.1. Communicates verbally and non-verbally with the patient, the physical therapist, health care

delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner. Individual and Cultural Differences 3.3.2.2. Recognizes individual and cultural differences and responds appropriately in all aspects of

physical therapy services. Behavior and Conduct 3.3.2.3. Exhibits conduct that reflects a commitment to meet the expectations of members of society

receiving health care services. 3.3.2.4. Exhibits conduct that reflects a commitment to meet the expectations of members of the

profession of physical therapy. 3.3.2.5. Exhibits conduct that reflects practice standards that are legal, ethical and safe. Plan of Care 3.3.2.6. Communicates an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. 3.3.2.7. Demonstrates competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.

Functional Training 1. activities of daily living 2. assistive / adaptive devices 3. body mechanics 4. developmental activities 5. gait and locomotion training 6. prosthetics and orthotics 7. wheelchair management skills Infection Control Procedures 8. isolation techniques


9. sterile technique Manual Therapy Techniques 10. passive range of motion 11. therapeutic massage Physical Agents and Mechanical Agents 12. athermal agents 13. biofeedback 14. compression therapies 15. cryotherapy

16. electrotherapeutic agents 17. hydrotherapy 18. superficial and deep thermal agents 19. traction Therapeutic Exercise 20. aerobic conditioning 21. balance and coordination training 22. breathing exercises and coughing techniques 23. conditioning and reconditioning 24. posture awareness training 25. range of motion exercises 26. stretching exercises 27. strengthening exercises Wound Management 28. application and removal of dressing or agents 29. identification of precautions for dressing removal 3.3.2.8.1.Demonstrates competency in performing components of data collection skills essential for

carrying out the plan of care.

Aerobic Capacity and Endurance 1. measures standard vital signs 2. recognizes and monitors responses to positional changes and activities 3. observes and monitors thoracoabdominal movements and breathing patterns with activity Anthropometrical Characteristics 4. measures height, weight, length and girth Arousal, Mentation and Cognition 5. recognizes changes in the direction and magnitude of patient's state of arousal, mentation and

cognition Assistive, Adaptive, Orthotic, Protective, Supportive, and Prosthetic Devices 6. identifies the individual's and caregiver's ability to care for the device 7. recognizes changes in skin condition while using devices and equipment 8. recognizes safety factors while using the device Gait, Locomotion, and Balance 9. describes the safety, status, and progression of patients while engaged in gait, locomotion,

balance, wheelchair management and mobility Integumentary Integrity 10. recognizes absent or altered sensation 11. recognizes normal and abnormal integumentary changes 12. recognizes activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations,

or that can produce associated skin trauma 13. recognizes viable versus nonviable tissue Joint Integrity and Mobility 14. recognizes normal and abnormal joint movement Muscle Performance


15. measures muscle strength by manual muscle testing 16. observes the presence or absence of muscle mass 17. recognizes normal and abnormal muscle length 18. recognizes changes in muscle tone Neuromotor Development 19. recognizes gross motor milestones 20. recognizes fine motor milestones 21. recognizes righting and equilibrium reactions Pain 22. administers standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales, or visual analog scales for

pain 23. recognizes activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations Posture 24. Describes resting posture in any position 25. Recognizes alignment of trunk and extremities at rest and during activities Range of Motion 26. measures functional range of motion 27. measures range of motion using a goniometer Self-care and Home Management and Community or Work Reintegration 28. inspects the physical environment and measures physical space 29. recognizes safety and barriers in home, community and work environments 30. recognizes level of functional status 31. administers standardized questionnaires to patients and others Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation Examination 32. recognizes cyanosis 33. recognizes activities that aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms 34. describes chest wall expansion and excursion 35. describes cough and sputum characteristics

3.3.2.9. Adjusts interventions within the plan of care established by the physical therapist in response

to patient clinical indications and reports this to the supervising physical therapist. 3.3.2.10. Recognizes when intervention should not be provided due to changes in the patient's status and

reports this to the supervising physical therapist. 3.3.2.11. Reports any changes in the patient's status to the supervising physical therapist. 3.3.2.12. Recognizes when the direction to perform an intervention is beyond that which is appropriate

for a physical therapist assistant and initiates clarification with the physical therapist. 3.3.2.13. Participates in educating patients and caregivers as directed by the supervising physical

therapist. 3.3.2.14. Provides patient-related instruction to patients, family members, and caregivers to achieve

patient outcomes based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. 3.3.2.15. Takes appropriate action in an emergency situation. 3.3.2.16. Completes thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation that follows

guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies.

3.3.2.17. Participates in discharge planning and follow-up as directed by the supervising physical

therapist.


3.3.2.18. Reads and understands the health care literature. Education 3.3.2.19. Under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, instructs other members of the

health care team using established techniques, programs, and instructional materials commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience.

3.3.2.20. Educates others about the role of the physical therapist assistant. Administration 3.3.2.21. Interacts with other members of the health care team in patient-care and non-patient care

activities. 3.3.2.22. Provides accurate and timely information for billing and reimbursement purposes. 3.3.2.23. Describes aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. 3.3.2.24. Participates in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). Social Responsibility 3.3.2.25. Demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of the patients and consumers. 3.3.2.26. Demonstrates an awareness of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including

participation in community and service organizations and activities. Career Development 3.3.2.27. Identifies career development and lifelong learning opportunities. 3.3.2.28. Recognizes the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students. 3.3.3. Clinical Education 3.3.3.1. The clinical education component of the comprehensive curriculum includes organized and sequential experiences coordinated with the didactic component of the curriculum. Clinical education includes integrated experiences and full-time terminal experiences. 3.3.3.2. Clinical experiences selected by the program provide students with appropriate role modeling and an opportunity to interact with individuals with impairments common to the clinical setting. Program Advisory Board Excerpts from Advisory Board Bylaws: I. Mission The mission of the RSCC PTA Program’s Advisory Board is to provide advice, opinions, and ideas to improve program quality in the areas of competitiveness, admissions, curriculum, recruitment, and new graduate employments II. Objectives The objectives of the RSCC PTA Program Advisory Board are to:

A. Review the program’s current status and the previous year’s activities through documents made available by the program director.

1. Current status sources: current RSCC catalog and website, current PTA program handbook, PTA

course syllabi. 2. Previous year’s activities sources: Annual surveys by clinical instructors, employers of

graduates, graduates (on exit, after 1 year), current students, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) reports, board examination results.

3. Supportive sources available upon request. Examples: the normative model for PTA education, CAPTE accreditation standards for PTA programs.


1. Initiate discussion of new ideas/suggestions for program development or changes in the health

care industry that may affect/improve program quality and outcomes. Promote input from different sectors of the population that interact with the physical therapy profession through a diverse membership that may include:

a. Physical therapy professionals b. Other health care professionals c. Health and fitness professionals d. Consumers, members of the general public

2. Provide input, constructive commentary, and /or suggestions for improvements/changes. 3. Serve as an advocate for the program in the healthcare community, to the general public, or with

accrediting agency (CAPTE)

1. Membership: The board will be composed of the following:

a. At-Large Members b. Consumer/Public Members c. Alumni d. Student Representative e. Program Director f. Terms of Service g. Vacancy

2. Officers a. Chair b. Vice-Chair c. Secretary

Job Description: Program Director Allied Health Science Position Summary Title: Program Director Reports to: Dean of Allied Health Sciences Position Summary: The program director performs the duties and responsibilities identified in RSCC Policy Number: PA-24-01, Faculty Job Description. The program director is a faculty member who also has the primary responsibility of ensuring that the mission and education objectives of the College are reflected in the individual program. Job duties and responsibilities specific to the position of Program Director include:

a) Responsible for the program’s master plan of education, including development, implementation, evaluation and revision of plan. Incorporates participation of all faculty members in this process.

b) Coordinate the development, implementation, and revision process for the program’s curriculum design: including but not limited to, course descriptions, course requirements, and evaluation systems. Incorporates participation of all faculty members in this process.

c) Serve on Allied Health Sciences Admissions Committee and assist in the development of policies for student selection.

d) Prepare and maintain the program budget within established parameters as needed. For the program. e) Oversee the evaluation, maintenance, selection, and purchase of educational materials and equipment to

meet the needs of the program. f) Participate in faculty meetings to meet the needs of students and program management. g) Assist in the process of interviewing, selection, and mentoring faculty. h) Implement the process for interviewing, selection, mentoring, and evaluation adjunct faculty who teach

courses within the program, under general supervision from the Dean of Allied Health Sciences. i) Participate in the development of position descriptions for faculty. j) Counsel and advise prospective and current students.


k) Act as a liaison between the program and clinical affiliates/community stakeholders. l) Assist in reviewing affiliation agreements as needed. m) Prepare annual reports for the Dean of Allied Health Sciences, college representatives, and other agencies

as needed. n) Pursue ongoing education in professional practice, instructional delivery, and management to maintain

professional competency. o) Creates a positive environment for learning. p) Attain program goals through general management of financial, physical/material recourses, and human

resources. q) Develop program evaluation to ensure ongoing effectiveness through outcomes assessment of quality

indicators. r) Coordinate and direct the procedures required to achieve and maintain program accreditation including

submission of required fees and documentation, including reports of graduation rates, performance on state or national credentialing examinations, and employment rates; notification of expected or unexpected substantive change(s) within the program, and of any change in institutional accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education; and coordinating of all activities associated with the reaffirmation of accreditation process including preparation of the self-study report, organizing the site visit, and preparing all responses to site visit reports and the accrediting agency’s request for progress reports.

s) Coordinate an Advisory Board or similar group of consultants, consisting of program officials, representatives of the sponsoring institution, and community stakeholders to support the activities of the educational program

t) Assist with the maintenance of all clinical records by periodically meeting with the clinical coordinator, clinical instructors, and/or supervisors.

u) Assume didactic responsibilities and functions within the position description of Instructor as assigned in the classroom, laboratory, or clinic setting.

v) Establish communication and feedback procedures for student concerns. w) Participate in the development and revision of program specific and curricular materials. x) Demonstrate use of evidence based teaching/learning strategies, community service, and institutional

participation.

Qualifications: • Maintain certification or appropriate licensure • Meet the minimum criteria required by the program’s accrediting agency and RSCC for academic preparation

and experience. Last revised 7/2010 Job Description: Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) Allied Health Science Position Summary Title: Clinical Coordinator Reports to: Dean of Allied Health Sciences Position Summary: The clinical coordinator performs the duties and responsibilities identified by RSCC policy Number: PA-24-01, Faculty Job Description. The clinical coordinator supervises educational services in the clinical setting to achieve equity of student clinical experience according to the program’s established standards. Job duties and responsibilities specific to the position of Clinical Coordinator include:

a) Assess and summarize the effectiveness of clinical education components with the assistance of the Program Director as needed.

b) Advise clinical supervisors in performing competence-based clinical evaluations. c) Assist clinical supervisory in maintaining professional competence and improving skills related to student

instruction and clinical education. d) Assist program director in the assessment of program effectiveness and student preparation. e) Assist program director in the revision of policies and procedures. f) Communicate with clinical faculty as needed to meet the need of the student, facility, and program. g) Assist in the orientation of new faculty members and clinical supervisors. h) Visit clinical affiliates as required by the program’s accrediting agency and/or the Dean of Allied Health

Sciences in order to meet student/program needs. Prepare weekly clinical visit reports and submit to the Division Office.


i) Develop new site affiliation agreements and maintain clinical site availability to meet the needs of the program.

j) Insure that clinical affiliation agreements are on file and up to date as required by the accrediting agency. k) Pursue continuing education in professional practice and instructional delivery as needed to maintain

professional competency. l) Integrate clinical education with didactic and laboratory instruction as part of the curriculum to meet the

needs of the student and accreditation goals. m) Meet with clinical staff during site visits to maintain documentation of student’s clinical progress, and

maintain student records. n) Coordinate mastery level testing of students’ clinical performance evaluation. o) Maintain student and clinical records, papers, and reports of student clinical performance to include, but

limited to health records, insurance records, orientation material, criminal background checks, files, and contracts.

p) Coordinate site placement of students to meet program and student needs. q) Assist in the development of curricular educational materials related to clinical education. r) Monitor current trends in the profession, third party payment (medical cost reimbursement), and legal

practices and revise clinical education programming in response to these trends. s) Develop student objectives and evaluation tools for clinical education with the assistance of clinical

instructors as needed. t) Maintain records of clinical education effectiveness to include, but not limited to:

a. Tracking student performance during affiliation such as phone calls, written evaluations, e-mail communication and visits.

b. Documenting clinical faculties and faculty performance through site visits, surveys and student feedback.

u) Establish and implement procedures to respond to student performance deficiencies and concerns. v) Provide adequate preparation for students prior to clinical education.

Qualifications:

• Maintain certification or appropriate licensure. • Meet the minimum criteria required by the program’s accrediting agency and RSCC for academic

preparation and experience. Last revised 2/2008 Public Comment Policy The public comment policy and procedure is located on the PTA webpage, “Community Relations” of the RSCC website. Program Policies and Procedures Review During the summer term, the core faculty will review the policies, procedures, and information contained in the PTA program handbook and make the appropriate revisions. These revisions will also be made in the Clinical Education and Student Handbooks. Before the beginning of the academic year, the dean of AHS will review and approve the current handbook Admissions See current PTA Admissions Information link of the PTA webpage of the RSCC website Failure to Complete the Program/Dismissal. Two events may result in failure to complete the program sequence. 1) Dismissal from the program due to failure of any PTA academic course (PTA 121, 141, 151, 235,

236, 244) OR clinical course (PTA 238, 239, 256, 257): (See course syllabus and Clinical Handbook for pass/failure criteria). If any course is failed prior to the end of the semester, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program and will not be allowed to complete any remaining course work, which is likely to result in a failing grade for all courses. A timely meeting will be scheduled with the program director and core faculty to discuss: a) The events that lead to the failure. b) Develop a consensus on the problems contributing to failure.


c) The student’s future options: applying for readmission to the program or pursuing alternative career planning.

d) For career planning, the student is referred to the RSCC Counseling department for assistance. 2) Medical Withdrawal. If for medical reasons the student cannot continue in the course sequence, the

student should contact the program director to pursue a medical withdrawal from the program. Retention and Readmission Second year (technical) PTA courses must be taken in the sequence they are offered. If this sequence is interrupted for medical reasons or program failure as described above, the student may re-apply per Allied Health Science Readmission Procedures described in the current RSCC Catalog and by the application deadline. Readmission can only be requested for the academic year following the dismissal or medical withdrawal. If the student wishes to pursue program readmission, the student must present a written request to the PTA program director by the application deadline of the academic year following the dismissal/medical withdrawal. Regarding AHS Readmission Policy: (See College catalog) Due to having an admission deadline, providing a written readmission request 30 days prior to enrollment is insufficient to assure a timely readmission. Readmission requests must be submitted by the application deadline of the same academic year, and:

1. Only one readmission to the PTA program will be permitted annually. 2. Readmission is contingent upon the availability of space. 3. Each student may only submit one readmission request to the PTA program.

Readmission after failure of a course: After receipt of the written request from the student:

1. The student must meet with the program director and the core faculty to reaffirm the problems contributing to the failure.

2. The Dean of Allied Health, PTA program director and core faculty must unanimously agree to proceed with the student’s readmission.

3. Students will be notified within 60 days if the readmission request resulted in agreement and readmission.

4. If there is readmission agreement, consensus is required on what the student must do to remediate these problems. This could include, but is not limited to: structured activities to improve reading/writing/studying skills, auditing classes, successful retaking of the related skills tests/practical, additional support/testing and recommendations from the RSCC counseling department.

5. Based on the items listed in “d” above, a performance contract is written that outlines how the above strategies are to be implemented in a timely manner, what are the benchmarks of success, and how documented success is provided. The contract is signed by the student, program director and core faculty.

6. The above items are successfully completed before the PTA program director will present the readmission recommendation to the AHS Admissions Committee, in order to readmit the student in the following academic year.

Readmission after medical withdrawal

If the student wishes to pursue program readmission, the student must contact the PTA program director and present: 5. Proof of medical withdrawal from RSCC must be on file (per RSCC catalogue: Withdrawals &

Honorable Dismissals). 6. Written verification from attending physician that the student is cleared to resume the program. 7. Complete a new physical examination form.


8. The above items ‘a’&‘b’ are successfully completed so that the PTA program director can present the readmission recommendation to the AHS admissions committee, in order to readmit the student in the following academic year.

Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Without Opportunity for Readmission Specific behaviors in the classroom, lab or clinical areas that exhibit a propensity towards violence or extreme ethical misconduct are considered unredeemable and therefore will result in immediate dismissal from the program without opportunity for remediation or readmission. These behaviors include even a single incidence of inappropriate contact of a sexual nature, violent physical contact, outbursts of anger or profanity, arguing or yelling, or forgery of the signature of any academic representative.

PTA Curriculum Design, Sequence and Clinical Readiness The curriculum is designed to produce a PTA that understands their clinical role, demonstrates reliable performance, is self-motivated, has respect for individuality, diversity and cultural differences and internalizes the concept of lifelong learning. The design is a 1+1 curriculum that can be completed in five semesters. The 1st year involves the student completing selected prerequisites that can be taken in a minimally defined sequence and pace. Two of the prerequisite classes, PTAT 102 and PTAT 118, are only offered through distance education. Once all prerequisites are completed, the student is eligible to apply for admission into the 2nd year or technical phase. Admission is competitive and based on a point system. The technical phase of the curriculum is full time and organized in a daily schedule that simulates a typical working day in both its duration and intensity. Courses included in the curriculum and the content of each PTA course have been determined by review of respected resources that include but are not limited to the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Performance Outcomes, the PTA Clinical Performance Instrument, part two of the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice that defines preferred practice patterns, the Federation of State Boards outline of board exam content, American Physical Therapy Association Standards, and the Guide to Conduct and Code of Ethics. The course work is presented in such a way that it requires the students to read, question, discuss, process, and use the material to perform skills, collect data, communicate with the PT and make choices and decisions within the physical therapy plan of care, and monitoring the individual patient’s response to a variety of physical therapy interventions. Faculty-graded laboratory practicals and faculty supervised peer skills checks examine fundamental application techniques and allow students to work on the skills of data collection, organization, observation and fundamental teaching. Written exams challenge the students at various levels of understanding. Demands progressively increase through the course with an increased focus on comprehensive knowledge and problem solving. All courses require cumulative final examinations, which must be passed with a minimum of 70% in order to pass the course. Memorization as a strategy is discouraged and functional learning through relationships, knowledge integration and utilization of a variety of teaching and learning modes is highly encouraged. Documentation skills are introduced in PTA 238 and are applied throughout the curriculum. Treatment documentation is required for all practicals, skills check-offs and mock clinical situations. Minimum performance competency for all practicals and skills checks is required. Every course containing clinical skill acquisition identifies mandatory testing units for practicals/skills checks. Clinical education experiences are first introduced in at a basic level through integrated clinicals at the end of the fall and spring semesters of the technical phase during the second year. These are followed by two full-time entry level clinicals in the summer. Other observational experiences include sessions with specialized community-based practitioners in specialty areas.


Preparation for the clinical setting is provided by the student successfully passing didactic exams, laboratory practicals, laboratory skills checks, unit examinations, cumulative final examinations and meeting the established criteria for the supervised mock clinics. Participation in the clinical setting is conditional on the student meeting all critical benchmarks in the areas of behavior, knowledge and skill, as outlined in the course requirements of all PTA courses.


PTA Curriculum Plan Designed from the Base Up

Highly Competent PTA Understands Role

Reliable Performance & Behaviors Highly Responsible

Self-motivated Service oriented

Respects Individuals & Differences Life Long Learner

PROGRAM VISION OF THE GRADUATING PTA Seminar

Clinical Education II (Entry Level / Full Time) Clinical Education I (Advanced Novice / Full Time)

Clinical Education Clinical Prep II (Intermediate Novice Level / Integrated)

Medical / Surgical Conditions Advanced Procedures II Advanced Procedures I

ADVANCED

Clinical Prep I (Early Novice Level / Integrated) Therapeutic Modalities

Pt Care Skills Kinesiology

BASIC Physical Therapy Content

Medical Terminology Introduction to PT

English Comp I Philosophy, Ethics, Religion

Psychology Probability and Statistics Anatomy & Physiology Foundational Content

I. Cognitive- knowledge thru synthesis

II. Psychomotor- perception thru origination

III. Affective- receiving thru organization

Stages, tasks, practice &

feedback

PTA understands their Role PT supervision

Competitive in Knowledge, Skills and Professional Behaviors

Respects Individuals and Differences Responsible

Life Long Learner

APTA Standards, Guide to Conduct Code of Ethics

CAPTE Performance Outcomes Normative Model

Professionalism in PT: Core Values Guide to Physical Therapy Practice

State of Tennessee / Tennessee Board of Regents Regulations

RSCC Mission / Guidelines Taxonomy of Learning

Motor Learning Principles Mission, Philosophy and Goals

Guiding Documents

PTA Curriculum Plan Designed from the Base Up


Americans With Disabilities Act In accordance with the ADA Guidelines, admission and progression in the PTA Program is not discriminatory on the basis of physical or learning disability. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodation of students with documented disabilities. Students are required to meet Core Performance Standards as listed in the PTA Information Packet. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of the presence of the disability and to follow published guidelines found in the Disability Services section of the current RSCC catalogue and website. Academic Honor Code The PTA Program at Roane State Community College is comprised of students and faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, academic success and clinical competence. Honesty and integrity compose a core value of the program that contributes to patient care. Conditions that facilitate trust and open communications are fundamental to this endeavor. Students are expected to respect the integrity of one another’s work and safeguard intellectual property. Therefore students who participate in or witness violations of the Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty Policy of Roane State Community College have a moral and ethical obligation to report violations to an appropriate faculty member. Examples of a violation include plagiarism, fabrication, deception, lying, stealing, cheating, bigotry or professional misconduct. The intent of this Honor Code is to assure that each student is responsible for his or her own actions and is clearly reminded of his or her good judgment and integrity. Grading Policies General: Each faculty member will distribute and review the course syllabus and grading policy on the first day of each class. Any questions regarding the grading policy should be discussed with the faculty member. Grades for assignments, tests, courses will only be released to the student in a confidential manner. For all courses, the student will be able to view his/her grades online via a personal account. Assignments and tests will be graded and returned within one week. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date. The grade of an assignment will be affected if it is turned in late. See individual course syllabi for details. Course grades can be affected by the student’s attendance. Students must maintain 80% attendance to continue in the program. See ‘attendance policy’ in this handbook. A student must earn a grade of ‘C’ (70%) or better in all courses to remain in the program. See the Allied Health Sciences Division retentions policy in the current RSCC catalogue. Minimum Examination Score: Students are expected to score a minimum of 70% on each exam. Students who score below a 65% on an individual exam will be required to complete focused remediation activities including repeat examinations at the instructor’s discretion. The original test score will be the permanent assigned grade and remediation activities will not add points to the original grade. Students scoring below a 60% will be required to retake the individual test over the same material within one week in an attempt to make 70%. This test may be in a different format that the first test over the same subject matter. A student who scores below a 70% on the retake test will not be allowed to continue in the program. The original test score will be the permanent assigned grade and retake test scores will not add points to the original grade. Minimum Comprehensive Exam Score: Courses PTA 121, 141, 151, 214, 235 and 236 (see course syllabi) require a score of 70% or greater on a comprehensive final exam in order to pass the course. Students who fail the first final examination are provided with an option to re-take the final, which may not be in the same test format as the first final at the instructor’s discretion. If the student fails the final a second time, s/he will receive an “F” for the


course regardless of previous examination scores. Failure of any course results in dismissal from the program, per the Allied Health Science division retention policy in current RSCC catalog. Laboratory Examinations: Students must demonstrate clinically acceptable skills for practicals and skill check-offs. Practicals are skill assessments supervised and scored by faculty. Check-offs are skill assessments facilitated by student peers with faculty supervision. If a practical or skill check-off is failed, a make-up will be scheduled and monitored by a faculty member. If the make-up practical/check off is also failed, a third and final practical/check-off will be scheduled. Two faculty members will be present for this make-up. Failure of this third attempt will result in an ‘F’ for the course, regardless of prior grade status, and dismissal from the program. A pattern of failures (>50% of total practical scheduled for the course will also result in an ‘F’ for the course, regardless of prior grade status and dismissal from the program See Allied Health Science division retention policy in the current RSCC catalogue and syllabi for PTA 121, 141, 151, 235, and 236. Clinical Grading: Grading procedures for clinicals are outlined in the corresponding syllabi. Grading criteria for clinical are based on: timely completion of required hours, timely and satisfactory completion of assignment and forms, written verification of acceptable performance by the clinical faculty. Testing Protocol The following behaviors are expected during testing. Failure to comply with these behaviors will be interpreted as cheating. The student will receive an ‘F’ for the test and possibly for the course. See following section; Cheating. 1. Written tests: No talking to other students. Nothing on desk except pens/pencils or other items

needed to take the test, as determined by the instructor. Only one student at a time may leave the classroom with instructor’s permission.

2. Practical exams: Students are permitted to talk briefly with other students assigned to their

practical exams as helpers or patient before the exam during the preparation period. Clarification of testing scenario and collection of supplies needed for test will be the only items discussed. Following practical completion, discussion of the practical with other students is strictly prohibited with students not yet tested.

3. Online tests and quizzes: No talking between students during online testing. If students are

testing at the same time in the computer center, they may not sit next to each other. Students may not approach another student who is taking an online test

Cheating Cheating, plagiarism, falsification of documents or other academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated. This includes copying or taking photos of exams. Such action can result in a failing grade for the assignment or course. See the ‘Statement of Academic Integrity’ section of the current RSCC catalogue. Confidential and Sensitive Information Students in the program will be exposed to various sources of confidential and sensitive information. This can include but is not limited to information regarding peers, RSCC faculty and staff, clinical faculty and staff and patients. Exchange of this information will be limited to discussion in the classroom with classmates and faculty, and written/online assignments for PTA courses. Each student will respect this information and use it only for the purpose that it was intended. See ‘Standards of Ethical Conduct’ section of this handbook


Student records will be kept in the locked offices of the program director or ACCE. Past graduate folders are maintained for five years and are kept in locked storage lockers in the faculty office area. After five years, these older records are destroyed / shredded. The RSCC policy on securing student records will be followed and can be found at URL address www.roanestate.edu/catalog/?id=214 and www.tbr.edu/policies/default.aspx?id=1514 Individual student meetings are held in the privacy of each faculty’s office. Professional development meetings are scheduled by appointment. Faculty members have an open door policy. Faculty office hours are posted outside their respective offices. The office hours are also on record with the ORBC secretarial staff and the Allied Health Science secretary on the Harriman campus Clinical Education:

Students: During clinical affiliations, the physical therapist assistant student is required to maintain necessary patient confidentiality as defined by the Tennessee Practice Act for Physical Therapy and HIPPA guidelines.

Clinical Faculty: The academic and clinical faculty will maintain confidentiality when discussing specific student matters as outlined by the clinical contract, Tennessee Practice Act/ Rulesand HIPPA. An environment of privacy will be provided for all phone conversations and meetings regarding student performance. Discussion about student performance to other physical therapy staff is only permitted in order to achieve a specific goal for the student’s clinical education experience. It is the clinical faculty’s responsibility to keep the student’s written evaluation documents in a secure area of the clinical facility.

Student Complaints and Due Process Students that have complaints regarding course work/grades should address the problem first with the instructor. The second step would be to speak to the program director or if the complaint involves the program director with the ACCE. If the complaint is still not resolved, the student should contact the Dean of Allied Health Science. If the problem or complaint is still not satisfactorily addressed, a written complaint can be filed with the Dean of Student Services. Refer to the current RSCC Student Handbook under the section ‘Student Complaints’. Also see www.roanestate.edu/catalog/?id=299. Class Schedule The class schedule will be published several weeks in advance of each semester. However, due to circumstances such as guest speakers and field trips, it may be necessary to make schedule modifications. It is understood that students have other time commitments and every effort will be made to take these commitments into consideration. Students are expected to inform the faculty as soon as possible if they must be absent, late or dismissed early. Attendance Policy 1. Attendance- Each student is expected to attend all classes and be present prior to the beginning of

class. Students are expected to stay each day until dismissal. Students that are unable to maintain 80% attendance as calculated on the course site will be dismissed from the program. Students are responsible for monitoring their daily attendance in each class using the D2L/Momentum calculator. The following polices regarding attendance should also be applied: a) Quizzes missed due to absences are rescheduled at the instructor’s discretion. b) Missed tests will be completed the first day the student returns to class. All other missed

work or assignments are the responsibility of the student to make-up. c) In the case of catastrophic illness, jury duty, sudden weather conditions, or military

reserve duty exceptions can be made.


http://www.tbr.edu/policies/default.aspx?id=1514



2. Tardiness- Tardiness is defined as not being in the classroom or lab when the scheduled starting time as per the course syllabus has passed and the Instructor is ready to begin. This includes the beginning of the class day, after breaks and after the lunch period. The Desire to Learn Program deducts 25% of the class day if the student is tardy. The following polices regarding attendance should also be applied: a) Quizzes missed due to absences are rescheduled at the instructor’s discretion. Tests can

be taken upon arrival but the completion time for the test is the same as for everyone else in the class. All other missed work or assignments are the responsibility of the student to make-up.

b) In the case of catastrophic circumstances, motor vehicle accident, sudden weather conditions etc. exceptions can be made.

3. Early Dismissal -Early dismissal is defined as leaving class prior to dismissal. The Desire to Learn Program deducts 25% of the class day if the student leaves class early. The following polices regarding attendance should also be applied: a) Quizzes missed due to absences are rescheduled at the instructor’s discretion. Test can

be taken upon arrival but the completion time for the test is the same as for everyone else in the class. All other missed work or assignments are the responsibility of the student to make-up.

b) In the case of catastrophic circumstances, motor vehicle accident, sudden weather conditions etc. exceptions can be made.

4. Clinical Affiliations-If a student must be absent, late or dismissed early, the same attendance

policy will apply as for scheduled classes as previously described, and in addition: a. The clinical faculty of any subsequent clinical affiliations will be notified of this issue. b. The ACCE tracks the student’s attendance during affiliation through phone contacts with

the clinical faculty. c. If attendance problems persist, it may put the student at risk for not meeting minimum

performance for the clinical. See Handbook sections on Failure of Clinical Affiliation. d. If a student develops unacceptable attendance behaviors (excessive absence, tardiness

and or leaving affiliation early) during a clinical affiliation, it may put the student at risk for not meeting minimum performance for the clinical. See Handbook sections on Failure of Clinical Affiliation.

5. Unexcused absence

An absence must be reported by the student to the instructor before the scheduled starting time of the missed class by phone (leaving a voice mail or text is acceptable). Failure to report an absence before the start time results in an unexcused absence. Any assignments or tests missed during an unexcused absence cannot be made up and will be assigned and ‘F’ grade, ‘0’ points.

Safety and Security of the Student The Oak Ridge Branch Campus building is equipped with a sprinkler system and an emergency alarm system that warns with both flashing lights and sound. Emergency escape routes are posted in each room. The PTA lab has two exits. One is through the south door from the main PTA lab and the other through the laundry room and out through the PTA classroom. The closest exit from the building is the exit just to the left of the PTA lab as you exit the room. This exits into the visitor’s parking lot. The nearest fire alarm is next to the entrance of the main student parking lot. The closest fire extinguisher is out the main PTA lab entrance and to the left. It can be seen from outside the lab door. Severe weather rooms are identified by signs posted outside the entrances of the designated rooms. Inside classroom deadbolts have been installed on all entry doors in case of an intruder crisis situation. Instructions will be sent via intercom to secure the doors from the inside. The PTA classroom has one exit into the hallway.


The PTA lab and classroom are both equipped with a building map, campus telephone and an emergency procedures flip chart. The PTA lab is equipped with a PTA Lab Safety Manual, a basic first aid kit, a hazardous sharps disposal container, an eye wash faucet attachment, hand sanitizer and a CPR guidelines wall chart. Security for the building is available during all hours that the campus is open. Security personnel are on duty during open building hours and security cameras are mounted at each entrance. A security guard can be reached by dialing extension 2020. To call outside the building on the phone at the desk area, first dial “9”, then the number. Students that are practicing beyond 5:00 PM in the PTA lab should be working with at least one partner. This “buddy system” is highly recommended. The security guard will escort a student to their car upon request. If violence erupts on RSCC campus, the student crisis plan is activated. This includes e-mail to all current students. Students can also be updated by cell phone contact if they register for Raider Alert; see RSCC website, Current Students. The student crisis response plan can be viewed on the RSCC website: http://www.roanestate.edu/deanofstudents The safety and security of the student is a concern of the program when they are required to go off the Oak Ridge Branch Campus. Each academic year, the PTA students will participate in at least one off campus laboratory experience, two field trip experiences and four clinical experiences. Prior to these off-campus experiences, the program faculty responsible will review the details and make the students aware of any precautions or contraindications to the particular experience (see Student Participation and Health Status section of this handbook). All students will successfully complete the online Tennessee Placement Orientation Program before they are approved to participate in their first clinical experience. Learning units include: emergency preparedness, confidentiality and compliance, infection control and blood borne pathogens, safety in the health care setting and caring for diverse populations. All sites used for either an off-campus lab or field trips are current clinical education sites with active clinical contracts. These sites have contractually agreed to provide safe and effective training for the PTA students. It is the students’ responsibility to understand the safety and security policies / procedures presented by the on-site instructor. Student concerns with safety and security issues must be reported to both the instructor on site and the academic faculty in a timely manner. These concerns will be addressed by the academic faculty and the facility. Student expectations for off-campus educational experiences are the following:

1. Review and comply with all pre-experience instructions provided by the program faculty

2. Report directly to the educational experience site 3. Inform the on-site instructor of any contraindication/precaution to the activity 4. Identify any concerns regarding safety and security to the on-site instructor 5. Follow all safety and security guidelines presented 6. Do not continue to participate if personal safety concerns present 7. Employ the “buddy system” in unfamiliar environments 8. Report all concerns to a program faculty or ACCE after reporting back to campus Standard Precautions and Basic First Aid RSCC PTA students will comply with Standard Precautions in both the classroom and clinical setting. In the classroom: the student must protect themselves and classmates, faculty from contact with high risk fluids, most commonly: blood, wound drainage, saliva, nasal secretions. Urine and feces are high risk as well. Necessary supplies are available in the first aid kit located in the PTA lab. 1. A sink with soap and an eye wash is available in the lab. 2. Hand sanitizer will be available in the lab as an alternative to hand washing, when appropriate.

http://www.roanestate.edu/deanofstudents


3. All breaks in the skin must be covered with an appropriate dressing; one that covers the area completely and retains the drainage.

4. If a break in the skin occurs during class, the student should immediately clean the wound and cover it. Dressings are available in the first aid kit.

5. If you assist another student with a wound dressing, wear the gloves provided in the first aid kit. 6. If a high risk fluid has gotten on a surface in the lab, clean the area immediately with the available

disinfectant and wear cleaning gloves (found in the drawer to the left of the sink.) 7. ALWAYS wash hands immediately when in contact with high risk fluid and notify the instructor.

Do not use hand sanitizer. 8. A mouth piece for CPR is located in the first aid kit. 9. If a student’s eyes have come in contact with a high risk fluid, flush with eye wash at the sink and

notify the instructor.

The following should be considered standard practice for students participating in lab activities: 1. Cough with mouth covered, immediately dispose of tissue and wash hands. 2. After blowing your nose, immediately dispose of tissue and wash hands. 3. Wash hands before eating, drinking, applying lip balm, rubbing eyes, handling contact lenses. 4. Wash hands before leaving the lab area. 5. Wash your hands before and after completing each hands-on activity in the laboratory Before attending any clinical: All students must successfully complete the learning assignments, skills checks, and quizzes/tests on infection control for PTA 141. All students will successfully complete the online Health Science/Nursing Clinical Education module before they are approved to participate in their first clinical experience. This module includes units on hospital safety (fire, electrical, life/environment and personal safety issues), infection control and national safety goals. Student Participation and Health Status 1. Students must notify the PTA faculty of any existing health condition/s that can affect the

student’s ability to safely and effectively participate in and perform the activities of laboratory class sessions, off campus lab session, field trips or clinical affiliations. This may include (not an all-inclusive list):

Cardiopulmonary: hypertension, asthma Reproductive: pregnancy Musculoskeletal: Rheumatoid Arthritis, acute injury, chronic conditions (of neck, back,

shoulder, knee, etc.) Thermoregulatory: Hypersensitivity to cold Skin Latex sensitivity, other skin allergies Neurological: Seizures Other: Metal implants, body piercings

2. Students must notify the PTA faculty of changes in health that can affect the student’s ability to

safely and effectively participate in and perform the activities of laboratory class sessions or clinical affiliation.

3. Students are responsible for notifying the instructor if they have conditions that are contraindicated for specific procedures being practiced in laboratory class sessions.

Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Per RSCC Policy: Smoking, use of other tobacco products and devices that simulate smoking are prohibited in all college buildings and indoor facilities, campus grounds and walkways, and all areas where non-smokers cannot avoid environmental smoke. Appropriate signage will be posted designating the campus as non-smoking. A small smoking area will be provided for employees and students in


designated areas of the parking lot for the Roane County and Oak Ridge campuses and at designated areas for each satellite location. Alcohol/Drugs All students enrolled in the Roane State Health Science and/or Nursing Programs are subject to all national, state, and local laws and ordinances. In addition, all students must be knowledgeable of and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the RSCC Drug Free Environment Policy (# GA-21-03), and the RSCC Student Code of Conduct (outlined in the RSCC catalog and student handbook). RSCC is in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. These rules and regulations require that students be free from alcohol and drugs at all times. Students who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal from their program of study. Students enrolled in any RSCC Health Science and/or Nursing Program are also subject to the policies, rules, and regulations of the institution in which they are assigned for clinical and/or laboratory experiences. Each student must carefully read and sign the form: “Consent to Drug/Alcohol Testing.” This form will be kept as part of the student’s record. Students who do not sign the consent form will not be eligible for any classroom, clinical, and/or laboratory experiences in any Allied Health Science and/or Nursing program.

Allied Health Sciences/Nursing Drug and Alcohol Policy If a faculty member, clinical instructor, or member of the staff at a clinical facility observes a student exhibiting suspicious behaviors indicative of drug or alcohol consumption which might impair his or her ability to perform in a safe manner in the clinical setting, the faculty or staff member should immediately report the occurrence. The professional(s) observing the student’s behavior must immediately document their observations of the student’s behaviors as well as any incidents observed including interaction with clients and or facility staff. This signed statement should be given to the supervising faculty member, and a copy of the statement will be placed in the student’s record. If the professional observing the student is not a RSCC faculty member, the statement should also include information about the person’s position at the facility. To Report An Occurrence (Reasonable Suspicion): All incidents of reasonable suspicion must be immediately reported to the Dean of Allied Health Sciences and/or the Dean of Student Services. Adjunct faculty and clinical facility personnel may contact the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator to report the incident. The Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator will then be responsible for notifying the Dean of Allied Health Sciences and/or the Dean of Students Services. The reporting of the incident must happen at the time of the incident. All witness statements should be documented. Actions To Be Taken (in accordance with due process for the student): 1. A student cannot be suspended from class/clinical without due process: Therefore, the Dean of

Student Services must talk to the student by phone, immediately after the occurrence, and make the student aware of the specific violation. The professional who determined reasonable suspicion must be present as well. If not present, that professional must fax a written account of the occurrence to the Dean of Student Services. The Dean of Student Services must have this information before talking to the student, so the student can respond to the specific accusation/charge of suspicious behavior. a. If it is the Dean of Student Service’s position that there is reasonable suspicion to believe

the student is in violation, the student can be summarily suspended until the results of the drug or alcohol testing are received. If the results are positive, the Dean of Students will hold a hearing on the merits. If negative, the student will be allowed back to class/clinical.

b. It is appropriate for faculty to alert security or the Oak Ridge Police Department to stand by or be physically present in case a student becomes violent or call the police if


necessary. c. If a student refuses to submit to a drug test, the Dean of Student Services will summarily

suspend the student. A disciplinary hearing will follow. The student’s refusal to submit to drug or alcohol testing will greatly affect his/her probability of return to the program. The student signed a contract to submit to testing when he/she entered the program if reasonable suspicion was established.

2. The student will be directed to the appropriate facility for drug and/or alcohol testing. The student will incur all costs of transportation and testing.

3. The student will be directed to contact a family member for transportation to a testing site if drug testing is not available in the facility where the suspicious behavior has been observed.

4. If necessary, the faculty member or clinical facility staff member may call the police to transport the student. Faculty should not restrain nor transport the student.

5. The student will not be allowed to return to the class/clinical until the Dean of Student Services has met with the student, investigated the incident, received test results, and made a decision based upon test results.

6. Students may review the avenues for appeal outlined in the RSCC Catalog and Student Handbook publications, in the section designated “Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions.”

Steps to arrange background check: In response to the 2004 Human Resource Standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the majority of the major healthcare facilities and agencies that serve as clinical affiliates for RSCC Health Sciences programs will require that all students undergo a background check prior to participating in clinical rotations at their facilities. The background check shall include the following:

1. Name and Social Security number verification; 2. Seven-year multi-county felony and related misdemeanor criminal record 3. Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry Search 4. Tennessee Abuse Registry 5. Employment verification (previous 2), if applicable; 6. FACIS Level 3 includes the following:

1. HHS/OIG list of excluded individuals/entities 2. GSA list of parties excluded from federal programs 3. US Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) 4. List of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)

Program Information No student will be permitted to participate in a clinical rotation at a clinical facility that requires a background check and drug screening until the College has received a satisfactory search result. Failure to submit the required background check and drug screening report by the due date established by the Program Director will result in the student not being assigned to a clinical rotation and dismissal from the program. Arranging for Your Background Check and Drug Screening Each student, at his/her expense, will be responsible for acquiring the background check and drug screening report and authorizing the submission of the results to the College. Students continuously enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program will generally only be required to have one background check and one drug screening, but clinical requires may warrant another screening at student expense. Students who have a gap in enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be required to have an abbreviated background check and drug screening at his/her expense when re-enrollment occurs. Students will be required to have a second fingerprinted background check as part of the Tennessee application for lice ensure as a PTA. STEP 1: What to do if you need a Background Investigation?


Below are step-by-step instructions for accessing Application Station: Student Edition to authorize and pay for a background investigation. 1. Click this link or paste it into your browser: www.ApplicationStation.com 2. Enter the Code:RSCCPTA-DS in the Application Station Code field. 3. Click the "SIGN UP NOW" button to create an account. 4. Follow the instructions on the Application Station web site. Note – please store the username and password created for Application Station in a secure location. This information is needed to enter Application Station in the future which includes obtaining a copy of your background investigation report. If you encounter issues with the Application Station: Student Edition or have questions regarding the site, please contact Truescreen’s Help Desk at 888-276-8518, ext. 2006 or the student screening team at [email protected].

Background Investigations are completed, on average, within 3 to 5 business days. Once completed, you will receive an email from Truescreen, [email protected]. Follow the link in the email to access Application Station: Student Edition to view the report. To access the site use the same username and password created at the time you submitted your background check. Application Station includes instructions for disputing information included in the background check should you feel anything is incorrect. The initial background investigation consists of the search components listed below. All records are searched by primary name and all AKAs, a student’s primary address, and all addresses lived within the past seven years.

• Social Security Number Validation and Verification • County Criminal Records Search – all counties of residence lived in the past 7 years • National Sexual Offender Registry Search • Employment Verification – all employers for the past 7 years • SanctionsBase Search • OIG/EPLS Search

The cost of the Background Investigation is $45.00. Truescreen accepts credit cards and PayPal. Payment is collected within ApplicationStation: Student Edition. STEP 2: What to do if you need a Drug Screen? Below are step-by-step instructions for accessing Application Station: Student Edition to authorize and pay for a drug screen, as well as locate a specimen collection site. Drug screen collection facilities are listed on the final page of Application Station: Student Edition. 1. Click this link or paste it into your browser: www.ApplicationStation.com 2. Enter the Code:RSCCPTA-DS in the Application Station Code field. 3. Click the "SIGN UP NOW" button to create an account. 4. Follow the instructions on the Application Station web site. Note – you can use the same username and password created for the background investigation. Please store the username and password created for Application Station in a secure location. This information is needed to enter Application Station in the future which includes obtaining a copy of your drug screen report. If you encounter issues with the Application Station: Student Edition or have questions regarding the site, please contact Truescreen’s Help Desk at 888-276-8518, ext. 2006 or the student screening team at [email protected].



http://www.applicationstation.com/



If none of the collection sites listed are convenient (within 30 minute drive), please contact Truescreen’s Occupational Health Screening Department (i.e. TriTrack and Scheduling Hotline) for assistance with locating an alternate location; phone number 800-803-7859. If the initial drug screen is reported as positive/non-negative, you will receive a call from Truescreen’s Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO will obtain medical proof as to why you test positive. If you are taking any form of prescription medicine, it is wise to proactively obtain proof from your physician to be provided to the MRO when contacted. This will speed up the process of reporting drug test results. All drug screens conducted for Roane State Community College are 10-panel and tests for:

1. Amphetamines 2. Cocaine Metabolites 3. Marijuana Metabolites 4. Opiates 5. Phencyclidine 6. Barbiturates 7. Benzodiazepines 8. Methadone 9. Propoxyphene 10. Methaqualone

You will receive an email from Truescreen, [email protected], once drug test results are available. Follow the link in the email to access Application Station: Student Edition to view the report. The cost of the Drug Screen is $31.00. Truescreen accepts credit cards and PayPal. Payment is collected within ApplicationStation: Student Edition. STEP 3: Results If you receive a “REVIEW” (red X) or “FAIL” (solid red square) on either the background investigation or drug screen, you should forward the email containing the detailed results from Truescreen to the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator at [email protected] AND to the Dean of the Allied Health Sciences Division at [email protected]. After your student identification information has been removed from the detailed report, it will be forwarded to your prospective clinical site(s) by the Dean of Allied Health Sciences. The clinical site will evaluate the report. If the clinical site rules favorably you will be permitted to attend your assigned clinical practice. All documentation will be included in your file for future reference. If the clinical sites rule unfavorably, you will not be able to participate in clinical rotations. As clinical practice is necessary to successfully complete the Physical Therapist Assistant program requirements, you will be advised to withdraw from the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Report Delivery Manager Report Delivery Manager (RDM) allows students to distribute an electronic copy of your background check and drug screen results to a third party for clinical rotations. RDM can be found in Application Station: Student Edition. Reports are available to students for 36 months. If reports are needed beyond 36 months, students must print a copy to be distributed as needed.

1. Click the link below or paste it into your browser: http://www.applicationstation.com 2. To access the Report Delivery Manager, choose the “If you are returning” option on the left side of the

home page and click “Sign back in.” 3. Enter the username and password created at the time of submitting your background investigation and/or

drug screen. 4. Report Delivery Manager can be found at the bottom of the Welcome Back screen. 5. To authorize a new third party to view a background check, click “Create a New Delivery.”




http://www.applicationstation.com/


6. Read the “Important Notice”, type your name and click “Agree.” 7. Supply the third party’s contact information: Last Name, First Name and Organization. Report Access

Keys are generated, including an ApplicationStation Code and Access PIN. Truescreen recommends that the student contact the third party and provide the ApplicationStation website address, code and PIN to their contact verbally. This method provides the highest level of security. However, the student can also authorize that an e-mail containing this information be sent to the contact at the clinical facility. If you wish to have an email containing the Access Keys to be sent directly to the clinical facility, follow steps 8 and 9.

8. To authorize an e-mail, locate “Other Delivery Options, Option 2” and click “here to send an email.” 9. Provide and confirm the recipient’s e-mail address, and then select either Option 1 or Option 2, which

determines what information is sent to the recipient via e-mail. The system provides confirmation that an e-mail has been sent, along with the ApplicationStation Code and Access PIN for future reference. By my signature, I acknowledge that I have received and read the information provided regarding the background check. I am aware that if I have questions about the material herein, it is my responsibility to seek assistance from any Physical Therapist Assistant program faculty member. Student Name (printed):_____________________________________ Student ID Number: ________________________________________ Student Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _____________________________ Cellular Telephones 1. Students are discouraged from making or receiving phone calls and text messages during class

hours. 2. Students should avoid calling or texting faculty members for routine matters that can be discussed

during the day. Students should be respectful of the after class hours when calling or texting faculty.

3. Students should call a faculty member for items of extreme importance or to discuss an important clinical situation that requires privacy.

4. Cellular phones brought to class must be on a silent mode. In cases of emergency or extenuating circumstance that have been discussed with the instructor prior to the class session, students may be briefly excused from class to address the phone call.

5. AT NO TIME are personal cell phones allowed in patient treatment areas at clinical affiliation site. This poses a safety hazard and is grounds for immediate dismissal from the affiliate.

APTA Membership Students are required to join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as student affiliate members during Fall Semester. The cost for a student membership is $80.00. APTA publications and member-only website information serve as a required textbook for PTA 238, 239. Student members will be encouraged to participate in the APTA on the local, state, and national levels as part of the curriculum or club activities. Class Organization Each PTA class may elect officers if it so chooses. The faculty will be happy to assist a class in its organization, but the initiative must come from the students. A Physical Therapist Assistant Club is registered on campus. Emily Delozier will serve as faculty advisor.


Student Representative to PTA Advisory Board One student will be selected annually to serve on the PTA Advisory Board. Clinical Education An important part of the student’s learning experience is clinical education. Clinical education is accomplished at a variety of facilities throughout the region. The following are policies specifically related to clinical education: Basic Student Requirements for Clinical Education Participation 1. Physical Exams: All students must have a physical exam and have the RSCC Medical History

and Physical Examination Report for Allied Health Science Programs form completed by his/her physician.

2. Immunizations: Students must provide proof of 2 MMR (or titer), Hepatitis B series, (or titer) and current Tetanus (< 10 years). Some clinic sites may also require a flu shot and proof of Varicella immunity/immunization.

3. TB test: The student must have a current TB screening. 4. First Aid and CPR Certification: Certification in First Aid and current certification in infant,

child and adult CPR (one man and two man) is mandatory. 5. Student files for second-year PTA students: These files will be kept in the office of the academic

coordinator of clinical education (ACCE). These files will include the completed RSCC Medical History and Physical Examination Report for Allied Health Science Programs and proof of information per #2-4. All information must be on file by the first day of class, fall semester.

6. Change in Health Status: See ‘Student Participation and Health Status’ section of this handbook. 7. Liability Insurance: Liability Insurance through RSCC is required. The cost is approximately

$15.00 and must be paid during registration for the fall semester. With proof of this payment, the student will be provided with written proof of liability insurance coverage to take to the clinical facility.

8. Health Insurance: It is highly recommended that students carry personal health insurance. Personal health insurance may be required by some agencies prior to the clinical experiences. See Allied Health Science Policies, current RSCC catalogue.

9. Dress Code: The students will comply with the dress code of the clinical facility assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to familiarize him/herself with this policy before going to the facility. Students should dress conservatively and in good taste in order to well represent themselves and RSCC. Closed-toe, low-heel shoes are required. Sandals, jeans, T-shirts and novelty tops are unacceptable.

10. Student Identification: Students must identify themselves as a RSCC PTA student to any patient they are treating during the clinical experience. Photo name tags will be ordered by the ACCE prior to the beginning of the first clinical experience. This name tag must be worn at all times during a clinical affiliation. The name tag identifies the individual as a RSCC PTA student.

11. All PTA students scheduled to participate in a clinical affiliation for PTA 238, 238, 256, 257 must successfully complete the online Tennessee Placement Orientation. This includes taking and passing all quizzes and having a copy of the quiz transcript in the clinical notebook taken to the affiliation. All PTA students must complete the PTA CPI online training course prior to full-time clinical for PTA 256.

12. During any clinical, the student must comply with the following: • The APTA Code of Ethical Conduct for the physical therapist assistant • Tennessee Physical Therapy Practice Act, Rules & Regulations • HIPAA Law

13. Expenses: Travel, housing, meals, and parking expenses are the responsibility of the student. Some facilities have special provisions for these, others do not. The cost of emergency care while at the clinical site is the responsibility of the student. The site personnel will follow the standard emergency policies and procedures defined by the facility.


14. Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen: All PTA students will complete the criminal background check process and drug screen process within 90 days of the first clinical for PTA 238. It will be the student's responsibility to complete the criminal background check, pay the necessary fees, and get the required information to the designated representative of the clinical facility in a timely manner. The clinical facility shall set the eligibility standards to be used in determining which students may participate in a clinical affiliation. See the RSCC PTA program “Student Information and Requirements-Background Checks and Drug Screening” in this handbook. See also the “Health Science/Nursing Drug & Alcohol Policy” outlined in this handbook.

15. Competency Requirements: To participate in any clinical, a student must have successfully completed all prior PTA courses with a minimum ‘C’ grade (See ‘Grading Policy’ section and Allied Health Science Division Retention Policy of current RSCC catalogue). Additionally, a student must have and maintain a ‘C’ grade in all other PTA courses s/he is currently enrolled, in order to participate an integrated clinical (see course syllabi, PTA 238,9)

16. Additional students requirements for clinical education will be outlined in the course syllabi for the clinical ( PTA 238, 239, 256, or 257)

Clinic Schedule & Progression

Two integrated clinicals consisting of the four last Wednesdays of the semester (eight hours/day) PTA 238 Clinical Preparation I Fall PTA 239 Clinical Preparation II Spring Two full-time clinicals in the summer, six weeks each, forty hours/week. PTA 256 Clinical Education I PTA 257 Clinical Education II

The first clinical experience, the integrated clinical of PTA 238 is scheduled at the end of the students’ first semester in the PTA curriculum. At that time the student must demonstrate adequate transition from the academic setting to the clinical setting; clinical practice that is safe and effective (therapeutic & timely) as a beginner/advanced beginner student physical therapist assistant (SPTA) as compared to an entry level PTA. The second clinical experience, the integrated clinical of PTA 239 is scheduled at the end of the students’ second semester of the PTA curriculum. At this point the student must perform at the advanced beginner/intermediate SPTA level. The final two clinical experiences (PTA 256, 257) are each full-time for six weeks long scheduled during the final semester (summer) before graduation. All didactic course work is completed before these clinicals. The student must perform at the advanced-intermediate SPTA level in PTA 256 and demonstrate independent entry-level PTA practice in PTA 257. The students’ summer clinical performance is documented by the Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument (PTA CPI). Clinical Preparation In preparation for clinical practice, the students must participate in 6-10 mock clinic scenarios that are supervised and evaluated by a PTA faculty member in both the fall and spring semester. The student must demonstrate adequate concept and skill development needed for comprehensive patient care. Details are found in the syllabi for PTA 238 and 239. The student will be introduced to the program requirements for all clinical affiliations in PTA 238 and 239 (See syllabi). This will include utilizing and completing the evaluation forms, understanding the students’ responsibilities, implementing effective learning methods, developing effective communication with clinical faculty, and managing problems as they relate to clinical education.


Adequate development in professional behaviors will be monitored and facilitated through meetings with PTA academic faculty (one/semester) and self-efficacy forms (one/semester). Prior to the meeting, the student and faculty member will complete separate evaluations on the student’s professional development. During the meeting, the results will be compared. Recommendations and follow-up will be outlined for areas of concern. A summary of this process will be provided to the clinical faculty of each affiliation on the Student Information form. This form is completed and signed by the student and ACCE. See syllabi for PTA 238 and 239.

Clinical Selection Process The RSCC PTA Program maintains contractual relationships with approximately 110 sites. Sites are both in and out of the service area. These sites encompass a variety of opportunities for learning. Year to year the availability of the sites varies. Therefore, a clinical site availability list is provided to the students to help them in making their selections. Students will be given the opportunity to identify their top three clinical choices for each affiliation by completing the Clinic Choice form. This form also provides the student the opportunity to make the ACCE aware of any information they feel could impact the clinical assignment and identify any conflict of interests (see next section). The priority for placement is given to the type of experience needed to acquire a well-rounded clinical education. For the integrated clinicals (PTA 238 and 239), each student will experience an outpatient setting and inpatient setting. For the full-time summer clinicals (PTA 256 and 257), each student is assigned one in-patient experience and one outpatient experience. One inpatient experience (integrated or fulltime) will be at a skill nursing facility or transitional care center. Some exceptions will apply, such as a pediatric or home health experiences. Conflict of Interest During Clinical Education A student may not be placed at a clinical site where a conflict of interest could affect the grading parity. Conflict of interest situations include, but are not limited to: 1. A family member is an employee of the clinic/the physical therapy department. 2. In some cases, when a family member is an employee of another department of the clinical

facility. 3. The student is currently employed by the clinic or PT department. 4. In some cases when a student was previously employed in another department of the clinical

facility 5. The student has signed an agreement for future employment at the clinic or the PT department. 6. If the student has a previous personal relationship with a clinical instructor or an employee of the

clinic/department that has supervisory responsibility over the CI. 7. A family member or friend owns or contributes financially to the clinic/ healthcare facility. The student must notify the ACCE in writing of any of the above conditions before clinical assignments per the clinic choice form are made or as soon as it develops (for example, signing an employment contract during the school year). The ACCE determines if a conflict of interest exists and adjusts clinical assignments accordingly. If it is determined that a known conflict of interest, as defined above, exists during a clinical affiliation, and without proper ACCE notification by the student, the student will immediately be removed from the clinical, fail the clinical, and be dismissed from the program. Clinical Training Guidelines for AHS Students and Faculty During Campus Closures Inclement Weather: If the College closes any campuses due to inclement weather AHS students will still be allowed to attend clinical training assignments if they are able to get to the facility safely and the program faculty responsible for the clinical training is immediately available. In addition, the clinical facility staff responsible for overseeing the student’s training must agree to have the student at the facility. If a student is unable to get to a clinical safely, they will not be held responsible for missing a clinical training day. Holidays/Weekends/Evenings/Alternate Schedule: While it is normal practice for students and faculty to follow the holiday schedule of the College, there may be times when the student needs to attend a


clinical training assignment in order to meet the program accreditation requirements or make up missed clinical days. There also may be situations where the students need to begin their clinical training assignments prior to the start of an academic semester or have their clinical training assignments conducted during evening or weekend hours. If AHS program faculty choose to use alternate hours/days/holidays, a program official (either Program Director or Clinical/Fieldwork Coordinator) will be immediately available similar to their availability during normal clinical days/times. Use of these alternate days/times is a program decision, allowing for flexibility based on program curriculum and accreditation requirements. Liability Insurance Coverage: AHS students are covered by RSCC sponsored liability insurance as long as the student is enrolled in the proper clinical course and engaged in clinical training appropriate to their student status, without regard to whether or not the college is open. Student Responsibility It is the student’s responsibility, NOT A CHOICE, to report any incidents or ongoing situations that could jeopardize the outcome of the clinical and/or the relationship between the RSCC PTA Program and the clinical site. Failure to report this information could result in grade reduction or program dismissal. Communication With the Student During Clinical Education Academic Faculty: See “Clinical Preparation” and “Clinical Selection Process” sections. During clinicals, the ACCE is available by phone (office, cell) and by e-mail. For the quickest response, the students should use the ACCE’s cell phone number. The academic faculty have an open door policy for second year students. Their office hours are posted outside their offices. PTA 238, 239 (integrated clinicals) are web enhanced classes. For class assignments, the faculty and students communicate weekly using the discussion and e-mail online (Momentum). Mandatory weekly class discussions are also conducted. Clinical folders are turned in weekly with written assignments and forms completed by the student and C.I. regarding student participation and performance. Also see “Clinic Visits, Communication with Clinical Faculty” and “Student Responsibility” sections. A visit to a clinic site may also be initiated by a student contacting the ACCE with a situation/concern. Clinic Faculty: Also see “Clinical Preparation’ and “Confidential and Sensitive Information” sections. Integrated clinicals: The C.I. will meet with the student at the end of day and complete the required forms combined with verbal formative evaluation. Summative formative evaluation with be provided verbally and with completion of required forms and the end of the clinical. Full-time clinicals: Formative evaluation will be provided at least once a week and as documented on selected forms. Summative evaluation will be provided at midterm and final, verbally with the completion of selected forms. These forms are provided by the RSCC PTA program. Both: The student will complete the APTA ‘PTA Student Evaluation: Clinical Experience & Clinical Instruction’ form and the online survey orivuded by the survey link on the course website. Clinical Performance and Evaluation A. Clinical Evaluation

1. The student will be required to meet the minimum clinical competency requirements per the syllabi of PTA 238, 239, 256, and 257.

2. Documentation of student performance by the clinical instructor using the appropriate evaluation tool as designated by the ACCE is mandatory. This process is outlined by the clinical course syllabi mentioned in #1. Additional forms may be used at the individual discretion of the Clinical Site in order to document performance.

3. Using either the PTA CPI (Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument) or Integrated Daily Clinical Report, the student is provided with either a “Pass” or “A” grade; or a


“Failing” or “F” grade at the end of the clinical based on meeting the minimum performance standards. See Course Syllabi of courses listed in #1 for potential point reductions affecting the grade. The ACCE will have the responsibility for determination of the final clinical grade.

B. Identifying Concerns During a Clinical Affiliation

Integrated Clinical: 1. The C.I. will mark the ‘did not meet C.I.’s expectations’ on the ‘Integrated Clinical Daily Report

by The C.I.’ form and describe the circumstances. 2. Specific feedback will be provided to the student in order to assist the student to meet the

minimum performance standards. 3. The ACCE will follow-up with a phone call within five business days to determine if the student

is at risk for not meeting minimum performance standards by the end of the clinical. This may occur either because of one significant incident or because of a pattern of behavior.

4. A Performance Contract as described below may assist the student and the CI in identifying specific weakness that can be rectified prior to the end of the clinical.

5. The ACCE must determine if immediate dismissal is indicated/requested by the clinical instructor or if remediation is appropriate as described below. Fulltime Clinical 1. If concerns are identified prior to the MIDTERM evaluation, these concerns should be

immediately documented in the PTA CPI and discussed with the student in an effort to improve the student’s performance before the MIDTERM evaluation.

2. If concerns are ongoing at the time of the MIDTERM, the C.I. must mark the MIDTERM Significant Concerns Box(s) for the appropriate Performance Criteria AND document the specific incident(s) and behavior(s) that led to the C.I.’s concern in the MIDTERM Comments Section(s) of the PTA CPI. This information must be immediately presented to the student. The ACCE must be contacted within 24 hours of the MIDTERM Evaluation.

3. A Performance Contract as described below may assist the student and the CI in identifying specific weakness that can be rectified prior to the end of the clinical.

4. The ACCE must determine if immediate dismissal is indicated/requested by the clinical instructor or if remediation is necessary as described below.

C. Failure in a Clinical Affiliation; Immediate Dismissal

1. Per the Clinical Affiliation Agreement between RSCC and the clinical facility, Part II, C: "The Affiliate may immediately remove from the premises any student that poses an immediate threat or danger." This includes, but is not limited to:

a. Negligence b. Lying c. Falsifying records d. Patient treatment by a PTA student without onsite supervision by licensed physical

therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant. e. Gross safety errors

2. If the student is dismissed, the student will receive an `F' for the course and is dismissed from the PTA program without an opportunity for remediation of the clinical. See ‘After program dismissal’ section (G) below.

D. Failure in the Clinical Affiliation; Unable to Meet Minimum Standards/Entry Level Performance Integrated Clinical: 1. At the end of the clinical, if the CI determines that the student has not met the minimum performance

standards using the Integrated Clinical Daily Report or other designated evaluation, the ratings on the student evaluation form for that clinical should be marked below passing (see course syllabi) and supporting statements regarding further behaviors and incidents of concern should be documented in the appropriate location.


2. The CI will contact the ACCE immediately. 3. The ACCE must determine if a Failing grade should be assigned. 4. The student will be informed of his/her failing status by the last day of the clinical. The performance

criteria that the student has not met are identified. 5. If a failing grade is assigned, the student will be dismissed from the PTA program unless the ACCE

can determine if remediation is deemed reasonable as described below. 6. See ‘After program dismissal’ section (G) below. Fulltime Clinical: 1. At the end of the clinical, if the CI determines that the student has not met the minimum performance

standards using the CPI, ratings on the student evaluation form for that clinical should be marked below passing (see course syllabi) and supporting statements regarding further behaviors and incidents of concern should be documented in the appropriate location on the VAS and FINAL comments section of the related performance criteria.

2. If the standards have not been met, the CI will contact the ACCE immediately. 3. The ACCE must determine if a Failing grade should be assigned. 4. The student will be informed of his/her failing status by the last day of the clinical. The performance

criteria that the student has not met are identified. 5. If a failing grade is assigned, the student will be dismissed from the PTA program unless the ACCE

can determine if remediation is deemed reasonable as described below. 6. See ‘After program dismissal’ section (G) below.

E. Failure in a Clinical Affiliation; Remediation 1. In some circumstances it may be determined that the student could benefit from remediation by

completing a similar clinical. Because the reasons for clinical failure involve a variety of circumstances including a lack of opportunity for the student to meet the required standards, the necessity/opportunity for remediation will be determined on a case-by case basis by the ACCE. If remediation is indicated, a grade of “I” or “Incomplete” will be assigned for the clinical.

2. When remediation is indicated, a written Performance Contract will be developed as described below. The contract will be created and signed by the ACCE, C.I. and the student before the student begins the clinical remediation.

3. The ACCE will review the events and concerns of the first clinical with the remediating CI in order to develop strategies to facilitate the student’s success.

4. The location of the clinical remediation will be determined by the ACCE and will be based on clinic availability and clinical appropriateness.

5. The clinical remediation will be the same number of total hours as the required original clinical. 6. There may be a delay in scheduling the remediation due to clinic availability; which may have a

significant impact on the student’s academic path. 7. If specific skills or if specific academic areas are determined to be deficient, the ACCE may require

the student to complete assignments or retake practical or written examinations prior to returning to clinic.

8. If the remediation is successful, the student will earn no higher than a ‘C’ grade for the course. 9. If the remediation is unsuccessful, the student will not be eligible for any other attempts at

remediation and a grade of “F” will be assigned.

F. The Performance Contract 1. The Performance Contract at a minimum should include:

a. The areas of unsatisfactory performance/ related performance criteria. b. Additional performance expectations for the student in order to be successful. c. The conditions under which the new expectations will be met

2. The student must continue to meet the basic performance requirements for the course as outlined by the syllabi.

G. After PTA Program Dismissal- See the AHS Division Retention policy in the RSCC catalog and the Retention and Readmission section of the PTA Student Handbook.


Clinical Site Information Forms (CSIF’s) CSIF’s of current clinical sites will be available from the ACCE. It is the CCCE’s responsibility to complete the CSIF when clinical sites are initiated with the RSCC PTA program and to update periodically. The students can view the current CSIF’s online. The students are to review these files in order to assist them in identifying their choices for clinical affiliations. Prior to going to a clinical affiliation, the CSIFs will be available for the student to become familiar with the CSIF of the assigned clinical site. New Clinical Site Protocol The development of new clinical sites will be tracked by the ACCE using the ‘New Clinical Site Form’. 1. Initial contact may be initiated by multiple sources: the ACCE, a student, a clinic themselves. 2. Initial contact information is completed on the form, as collected by the ACCE. The ACCE then

decides if the clinical site is appropriate and to proceed or not. Factors that affect the decision include, but are not limited to: a. Location: likelihood that multiple students will use site over the years b. Size and condition of clinic c. Patient/client demographics: number, variety d. Staff profile: Are PTA’s on staff? If not, have the therapists worked with PTA’s before?

Experience as clinical instructors and consistency in staff coverage are considerations. 3. The ACCE contacts the OTA program fieldwork coordinator regarding any sites that have both

OT and PT staff: a. to determine if the OTA program has a preexisting relationship with the facility b. to determine if the OTA program is also interested in the site for student placement. If

yes, the contract with be a joint OTA/PTA contract. 4. A clinical contract is drawn-up by the AHS Dean if a corporate account; or by the ACCW if the

site is a solo, locally owned facility. 5. A ‘new site’ packet is mailed to the potential new site that includes:

a. a cover letter with instructions, b. information about the RSCC PTA program and specifically the clinical education

program, c. instructions/information that the site needs to review and complete: CSIF and current

clinical schedules. 6. When the contract is signed, an onsite visit is made by the ACCE. 7. If the facility becomes an active clinical site: A file will be created in the ACCE’s office that will

include the contract. The CSIF will be available to the student online. The site will be added to all clinical databases. A current clinical contract status will be recorded in the clinical contract database. See clinical contracts section.

Clinical Faculty Requirements and Development 1. Clinical Faculty will be physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants with current

Tennessee licensure, a minimum of one year experience, and selected by the center coordinator of clinical education (CCCE).

2. Upon completion of the affiliation, the RSCC PTA program will provide written proof of clinical instructing hours for clinical instructors.

3. CLINICAL INSTRUCTING COURSES: A course for clinical instructors will be offered annually.

4. Input on Clinical Faculty development by the Clinical Faculty will be collected yearly on the Clinical Faculty Questionnaire.


5. Students will provide feedback on C.I. effectiveness with the completion of the Student Evaluation of Clinical Experience form and the Comprehensive Student Evaluation of Clinical Experience form.

6. The ACCE will track any trends of undesirable outcomes/feedback/observations regarding a clinical facility or a clinical faculty member. Primary sources will be the ACCE and the student, and in some cases other clinical faculty. Follow-up with the clinical facility may be warranted. Adjustments to student assignments will be made accordingly.

Communications with Clinical Faculty Formal communications with each of the clinical sites occurs in several ways throughout each school year. These communications are the responsibility of the ACCE.

1. THE CLINICAL SCHEDULE for the next calendar year is mailed in March to all

CCCE’s. 2. THE CLINICAL FACULTY QUESTIONNAIRE is mailed to all CCCE’s with the

clinical schedule. It includes sections for the clinical faculty to rate the communication by the ACCE and overall student performance. There is a section on clinical faculty development and an opportunity for additional clinical faculty input. If there is a rating of less than 2/5 in parts I or II, the ACCE will notify the CCCE of the clinical facility to clarify the concerns.

3. NOTIFICATION OF ALL STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS TO A CLINICAL SITE is accomplished with 2 letters to the CCCE. The first is mailed at least two months before the clinical. It includes the clinical dates, the students’ names, and a response form acknowledging the assignment. If this form is not returned by stated deadline, the ACCE will contact the CCCE by phone and/or e-mail to get confirmation. The second letter is mailed one month before the clinical. It contains the clinical syllabus (with requirements), a list of skills/learning units completed, and copies of the forms to be used (except the PTA CPI), clinical visit schedule and methods to contact the ACCE during the clinical.

4. CONTACTING THE ACCE DURING CLINICALS: The CCCE and the C.I.’s will have access to the ACCE’s office number (with voicemail), cell phone number and e-mail per PTA program letter, PTA program webpage, 2nd letter prior to clinical (see #3) and the ACCE’s business card will be given to the C.I. by the student on the first clinic day. During a clinical, the ACCE’s voice mail and e-mail will be checked daily. The cell phone number is the quickest way for the clinical faculty to contact the ACCE.

5. CLINIC VISITS: See clinic visits section 1. COURSE SYLLABI: Clinical syllabi, survey results and other clinic forms are available from

the ACCE upon request. 2. See ‘Clinical Performance and Evaluation’ section. 3. REGARDING SPECIAL PERFORMANCE CONCERNS: The ACCE will contact the clinical

faculty by phone and/or a performance contract for the student will be forwarded before the clinical. See course syllabi, PTA 238,9.

4. Also see “Confidential and Sensitive Information” section. Clinic Visits Visits to a clinical site by the ACCE will occur:

a. When a new site is being developed, See ‘new clinical site protocol’ b. During the full-time clinicals in the summer, about midterm. c. During the full-time clinical, when a C.I. has determined that a student is at risk for

failing. See syllabi for PTA 256, 257. d. At the request of a student or clinical faculty.


During a clinical visit, the ACCE will meet with the clinical faculty and the student individually. Then all interested parties will meet together to develop a consensus of the issues to be addressed, the method of response, and when/how follow-up will occur. Clinical Contracts 1. Copies of the clinical contracts are kept in the ACCE’s office, the Dean of AHS office and the

Vice President for Student Learning/Chief Academic Officer.

2. New Contracts: See ‘New Clinic Site Protocol’ 3. The ACCE maintains a database of clinical contract status. It is the ACCE’s responsibility to

initiate the update of these records.

4. Clinical contract renewal

a. Contract renewal should be initiated at least 60 days prior to the end date of the current contract.

b. Contract renewal will be maintained by the Dean of AHS with ongoing communication between the Dean of AHS and ACCE and the fieldwork coordinator of the Occupation Therapy Assistant Program (OTA), as many of these contracts are shared by the PTA and OTA programs.

c. If the contract is in-state, but out of RSCC service area, the office of the Vice President for Student Learning/Chief Academic Officer, will secure permission to the appropriate service-area college before returning the contracts to the ACCE.

d. When one signed contract is returned to the AHS secretary (the other is kept by the clinic site), copies will be made. One will be retained by the ACCE, one for the Dean of AHS, and one for Vice President for Student Learning/Chief Academic Officer. **

e. A student will not be assigned to a clinical site unless the database identifies a current contract and a copy of the current contract is on file in the ACCE’s office.

f. Periodically, the TBR will update the standard clinical agreement format. This new format is forward to the college’s administration, then to the dean of AHS, and finally to the ACCE for implementation

Current Clinical Sites

1. Advanced Rehabilitation, Crossville, TN 2. Asbury Place, Maryville, TN Functional Pathways 3. Associated Therapeutics, Knoxville, TN 4. Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veteran’s Home, Knoxville, TN Functional Pathways 5. Benchmark PT, various locations 6. Beverly Place Health and Rehab, Knoxville, TN., Functional Pathways 7. Blount Memorial Hospital and Total Rehab Centers, Maryville, Alcoa and Tellico Plains, TN 8. Blount Memorial TCU, Maryville, TN 9. Bradley Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Cleveland TN. 10. Champion Physical Therapy, various locations 11. Clinton Therapy Center, Clinton, TN 12. Contemporary Therapeutic Solutions, Knoxville, TN 13. Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cookeville, TN 14. Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville, TN 15. D1 of Knoxville Physical Therapy Clinic, Knoxville, TN 16. Diversicare of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, TN 17. Drayer Physical Therapy, Knoxville, TN 18. East Tennessee Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Knoxville, TN 19. Foothills Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, Knoxville, TN


20. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 21. Fort Sanders Sevier Nursing Home, Sevierville, TN. 22. Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers, Madisonville, TN 23. Good Samaritan Society, Fairfield Glade, Crossville, TN 24. Grace Rehabilitation, LaFollette and Oneida, TN and in various county schools 25. Harriman Care and Rehabilitation Center, Harriman, TN 26. Holston Health & Rehabilitation Center, Knoxville, TN 27. Huntsville Manor, Huntsville, TN 28. Island Home Park Health and Rehab, Knoxville, TN. 29. Jefferson County Nursing Home, Jefferson City, TN 30. Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Jefferson,City. TN 31. Kindred Nursing and Rehab – Fairpark, Maryville, TN 32. Kindred Nursing and Rehab – Loudon, Loudon, TN 33. Kindred Nursing and Rehab – Northhaven, Knoxville, TN 34. Kindred Transitional Care, Maryville, TN 35. Knox County School System, Knoxville, TN 36. LaFollette Medical Center and LaFollette Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, LaFollette, TN 37. LeConte Medical Center, Sevierville and Seymour,TN 38. LifeCare Centers, Athens, Lousiville, and Wartburg, TN 39. Little Tennessee Valley Educational Cooperative, various school systems 40. Methodist Medical Center and Methodist Therapy Center, Oak Ridge, TN 41. Moffet Rehabilitation & Fitness Center, Spring City, TN 42. NHC, various locations 43. Newport Medical Center, Newport, TN 44. North Knoxville Medical Center, Powell, TN 45. Oneida Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Oneida, Tennessee 46. Ortho Tennessee @ Dowell Springs, Knoxville, TN 47. Ortho Tennessee @ Fort Sanders West, Knoxville, TN 48. Ortho Tennessee @ Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, TN 49. Ortho Tennessee @ Turkey Creek, Knoxville, TN 50. Ortho Tennessee Therapy North, Powell, TN 51. OrthoKnox PLLC, Knoxville, TN 52. Overton County Nursing Home, Livingston, TN 53. Pain Consultants of East Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 54. Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 55. Parkwest Therapy Center at Fort Sanders West, Knoxville, TN 56. Patricia Neal Outpatient Center of Roane Medical Center, Harriman and

Kingston, TN 57. Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, Knoxville, TN 58. Peak Performance Rehabilitation, Jamestown TN 59. Physicians Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 60. Physiotherapy Associates, various locations 61. Picket Care & Rehabilitation Center 62. Pierce Physical Therapy, Oak Ridge, TN 63. Pigeon Forge Care & Rehabilitation Center, Pigeon Forge, TN 64. Select Specialty Medical, Knoxville, Powell, TN 65. Shannondale Health Care Center, Knoxville, TN 66. Signature Healthcare of Fentress County, Jamestown, TN 67. Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Chattanooga, TN 68. South Fork Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Huntsville and Oneida, TN 69. Spring City Care and Rehabilitation, Spring City, TN 70. Standing Stone Care & Rehabilitation, Harriman, TN 71. STAR Physical Therapy, Kingston, TN 72. Starr Regional Rehabilitation Center, Athens and Etowah, TN


73. Sweetwater Hospital, Sweetwater, TN 74. Sweetwater Nursing Center, Sweetwater, TN 75. Tennessee Orthopedics Centers, Knoxville, Lenoir City, & Oak Ridge, TN 76. Tennova PT & Sports Medicine North, Powell, TN 77. The Bridge at Rockwood, Rockwood, TN 78. Therakids Inc, Knoxville, TN 79. Tristate Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, New Tazwell, TN 80. Turkey Creek Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 81. University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 82. West Hills Health & Rehabilitation, Knoxville, TN Functional Pathways 83. Wharton Homes/Upland Village, Crossville, TN Functional Pathways 84. Wyndridge Health & Rehabilitation Center, Crossville, TN

Clinical Education Review Each year in August, the ACCE, will review the clinical education outcomes for the previous school year. First, the ACCE will identify the total number of ‘red flags’. Red flags: 1) any scores of 2 or </5 in Part I or II of the Clinical Faculty Questionnaire, 2) any student with a performance contract during a clinical affiliation (whether or not the student ultimately failed or passed the clinical). For each, red flag, the cause must be identified. Two or more red flags for an academic year require review by the core faculty to determine if a program weakness exists and if a response is needed. Also, the number and causes of red flags must be compared over a three year period. Two or more red flags over a three-year period with similar causes also require review by the core faculty to determine if a program weakness exists and if a response is needed.


Consent to Drug/Alcohol Testing Statement of Acknowledgement of Understanding

Release of Liability I, ___________________________, am enrolled in •the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Roane State Community College. I acknowledge receipt and understand the Health Sciences/Nursing Division policy with regard to drug and alcohol testing, and the potential disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed for violation of such policy. I understand the purpose of this policy is to provide a safe working and learning environment for patients, students, clinical and institutional staff, and property. Accordingly, I understand that prior to participating in the clinical experience, I may be required to undergo drug/alcohol testing of my blood or urine. I further understand that I am also subject to testing based on reasonable suspicion that I am using or am under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I acknowledge and understand the intention to test for drugs and/or alcohol and agree to be bound by this policy. I hereby consent to such testing and understand that refusal to submit to testing or a positive result of the testing may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. If I am a licensed health professional, I understand that the state licensing agency will be contacted if I refuse to submit to testing or if my test result is positive. Full reinstatement of my license would be required for unrestricted return to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. My signature below indicates that:

1.) I consent to drug/alcohol testing as required by clinical agencies or as directed by the office of the Dean of Student Services and Multicultural Affairs.

2.) I authorize the release of all information and records, including test results relating to the screening or testing of my blood/urine specimen, to the office of the Dean of Student Services and Multicultural Affairs, and Dr. Beth Vowell, Program Director and other RSCC officials deemed appropriate.

3.) I understand that I am subject to the terms of the general regulations on student conduct and disciplinary sanctions of the Roane State Allied Health Sciences/Nursing Division Drug and Alcohol Policy.

4.) I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Roane State Community College, and the Tennessee Board of Regents, their officers, employees and agents from any and all actions, claims, demands, damages, or costs arising from such test(s), in connection with, but not limited to, the testing procedure, analysis, the accuracy of the analysis, and the disclosure of the results.

My signature indicates that I have read and understand this consent and release, and that I have signed it voluntarily in consideration of enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. __________________________________ ____________________ Student’s Signature Date __________________________________ ___________________ Program Director’s Signature Date