Performance Standards
Essential Functions:
Health Science programs require specific essential mental and physical functions, which must be possessed to be successful students. In general, all health programs require:
Visual acuity corrected to 20/20 and visual field perception to provide a safe environment for patients and coworkers.
Hearing acuity corrected to no greater than a 40 db hearing loss at 1000 and 2000 Hz.
Manual dexterity in fingering and grasping activities and the ability to perform repetitive fine motor actions.
Gross motor ability to reach, stoop, kneel, stand, walk, and sit.
Strength to lift at least 25 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. occasionally.
Verbal and written communication skills adequate to exchange ideas, detailed information and instructions to others accurately through spoken or written word.
Each health program has requirements specific to success in that program and profession. Some may be more strenuous than the general functions provided here. The following guidelines are recommended as essential functions necessary for entry-level students involved in the field of Physical Therapy as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The approximate frequency of daily occurrence is also indicated.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver a minimum of 50 pounds independently. (frequently)
• Must be able to assist in the maneuvering of up to 400 pounds. (occasionally)
• Must walk, stand, kneel, stoop, and lift. (consistently)
• Must be able to verbally communicate intent and instructions to others. (consistently)
• Must be able to communicate and document in written form. (consistently)
• Must be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of controlling emergency situations. (occasionally)
• Must possess sufficient fine motor coordination, including grasping and fingering, for small object manipulation. (frequently)
• Must have sufficient cardiac, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal endurance. (consistently)
• Must perceive the nature of sounds with no less than a 40dB loss at 1,000 HZ and 2,000 HZ with or without correction. Must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discrimination in sounds, such as auscultation of lung/heart sounds. (consistently)
• Must be capable of touching or being touched by another person or object. (consistently)
• Must be able to maintain biomechanical integrity among body parts to safely execute a push/pull, lift, transfer or sustain sitting and/or standing posture. (frequently)
• Must be able to use righting and equilibrium reactions to maintain balance during functional activities. (consistently)
• Must demonstrate topographic orientation. (consistently)
• Must demonstrate skill in multiple cognitive tasks including, but not limited to, critical thinking, generalization, attending, problem solving, recognition and sequencing. (consistently)
• Must demonstrate an awareness of others through the use of interpersonal skills, both verbally and non-verbally, including the recognition of gestures, facial expressions, voice quality and tone, questioning to clarify impressions and interacting in a manner that conveys respect and builds rapport. (consistently)
• Must possess coping skills, including the ability to recognize and manage stress and stress-related factors, accept constructive criticism, talk in front of groups of varying sizes, and use effective time management strategies. (consistently)
• Must be able to recognize, accept and follow the Standards of Ethical Conduct of the American Physical Therapy Association. (consistently)
• Must be able to identify and promote a positive self-concept within self and others and be able to identify, maintain and balance societal functions or roles. (consistently)
• Must demonstrate self-control through modifying personal behaviors in response to feedback from environmental demands, constraints, personal aspirations, and feedback from others and to exhibit socially appropriate conduct that incorporates manners, personal space, eye contact, gestures, active listening, self-expression and cultural awareness. (consistently)
These Essential Functions are also available in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator’s Office (256-352-8052). It is the responsibility of the student to review the standards and, if required, meet with the ADA Coordinator to discuss them.
Clinical Requirements:
Immunizations: The administration and faculty of WSCC are committed to the health and welfare of students enrolled in allied health and nursing programs. Therefore, various immunization and medical requirements will be required following admission to the program.
Insurance: All PTA Program courses require students to carry accident and malpractice insurance, which is available through the College. Even though health insurance is not required by the PTA program, it can be required by the clinical agency. If a student does not have valid proof of health insurance, his/ her clinical placement may be limited.
Background Checks: Clinical background checks are required for all students enrolled in the PTA Program. The cost of these checks is the responsibility of the student. Refusal of a background check or failure to successfully complete the background check will result in program dismissal. Full guidelines on the Background Check process are available from the College's website.
Travel: Students are required to travel to clinical sites, which may entail two (2) hours or more of driving. Housing, travel, parking, and meal expenses while at clinicals are the responsibility of the student.
Reporting of Infectious Disease: The Alabama Infected Health Care Worker Management Act (Public Law 201-141) mandates that any health care worker who performs invasive procedures and who is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B (HBV) virus shall notify the State Health Officer, or his designee, of the infection. All Health Science Division students are required to follow this policy.
Policy on Drug and Alcohol Testing of Students Enrolled in Health Professional Programs: Wallace State Community College supports the concept of a Drug Free Workplace (as defined by Public Law 100-690) and prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance on any property owned, leased or controlled by the college or during any activity conducted, sponsored, authorized by or on behalf of Wallace State Community College. The college prohibits any form of on-campus (or campus affiliated) use and/or possession of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverage, which is in direct violation of local, state and federal law by students. Students found to be involved in any of these activities are subject to disciplinary action. Education of Health Profession Students at Wallace State Community College requires collaboration between the College and clinical agencies. Education of these students cannot be complete without a quality clinical education component.
The College shares an obligation with the clinical agency to protect the agency’s patients to the extent reasonably possible from harm due to students who are under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while in the clinical agency. The College wishes to ensure that the health and safety of students and patients are not compromised and that clinical affiliation agreements exist to provide students with quality clinical education experiences. Therefore, it is the policy of Wallace State Community College-Hanceville that students enrolling in health profession programs submit to drug testing. This testing can be announced or unannounced and will occur upon admission, for cause, or at random intervals. This policy only authorizes drug testing of students who voluntarily choose to enroll in health professional programs at the college. Any student enrolling in a health professional program will be required to submit to such testing. Educational programs and/or information will be provided to students enrolled in health professional programs to prevent drug abuse and to promote the personal well-being of the student. Full guidelines on the drug testing procedure are available from the College’s web site.
Ethical Standards:
The PTA Program also adheres to the American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards for Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant as the expected minimal behaviors necessary for a Student Physical Therapist Assistant. Those standards are as follows:
Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant
This Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapist assistants in interpreting the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (Standards) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The Guide provides guidelines by which physical therapist assistants may determine the propriety of their conduct. It is also intended to guide the development of physical therapist assistant students. The Standards and Guide apply to all physical therapist assistants. These guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change and as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Ethics and Judicial Committee of the Association.
Interpreting Standards
The interpretations expressed in this Guide reflect the opinions, decisions, and advice of the Ethics and Judicial Committee. These interpretations are intended to guide a physical therapist assistant in applying general ethical principles to specific situations. They should not be considered inclusive of all situations that a physical therapist assistant may encounter.
STANDARD 1: A physical therapist assistant shall respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and shall provide compassionate care.
1.1 Attitude of a physical therapist assistantA. A physical therapist assistant shall recognize, respect and respond to individual and cultural difference with compassion and sensitivity.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall be guided at all times by concern for the physical and psychological welfare of patients/clients.
C. A physical therapist assistant shall not harass, abuse, or discriminate against others.
STANDARD 2: A physical therapist assistant shall act in a trustworthy manner towards patients/clients.
2.1 Trustworthiness
A. The physical therapist assistant shall always place the patients/clients interest(s) above those of the physical therapist assistant. Working in the patient’s/client’s best interest requires sensitivity to the patient’s/client’s vulnerability and an effective working relationship between the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall not exploit any aspect of the physical therapist assistant – patient/client relationship.
C. A physical therapist assistant shall clearly identify him/herself as a physical therapist assistant to patients/clients.
D. A physical therapist assistant shall conduct him/herself in a manner that supports the physical therapist – patient/client relationship.
E. A physical therapist assistant shall not engage in any sexual relationship or activity, whether consensual or nonconsensual, with any patient/client entrusted to his/her care.
F. A physical therapist assistant shall not invite, accept, or offer gifts or other considerations that affect or give an appearance of affecting his/her provision of physical therapy interventions. See Section 6.3
2.2 Exploitation of Patients
A physical therapist assistant shall not participate in any arrangements in which patients/clients are exploited. Such arrangements include situations where referring sources enhance their personal incomes by referring to or recommending physical therapy services.
2.3 Truthfulness
A. A physical therapist assistant shall not make statements that he/she knows or should know are false, deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading.
B. Although it cannot be considered unethical for a physical therapist assistant to own or have a financial interest in the production, sale, or distribution of products/services, he/she must act in accordance with law and make full disclosure of his/her interest to patients/clients.
2.4 Confidential Information
A. Information relating to the patient/client is confidential and shall not be communicated to a third party not involved in that patient’s/client’s care without the prior consent of the patient/client, subject to applicable law.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall refer all requests for release of confidential information to the supervising physical therapist.
STANDARD 3: A physical therapist assistant shall provide selected physical therapy interventions only under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.
3.1 Supervisory Relationship
A. A physical therapist assistant shall provide interventions only under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall provide only those interventions that have been selected by the physical therapist.
C. A physical therapist assistant shall not provide any interventions that are outside his/her education, training, experience, or skill, and shall notify the responsible physical therapist of his/her inability to carry out the intervention. See Sections 5.1 and 6.1B
D. A physical therapist assistant may modify specific interventions within the plan of care established by the physical therapist in response to changes in the patient’s/client’s status.
E. A physical therapist assistant shall not perform examinations and evaluations, determine diagnoses and prognoses, or establish or change a plan of care.
F. Consistent with the physical therapist assistant’s education, training, knowledge, and experience, he/she may respond to the patient’s/client’s inquiries regarding interventions that are within the established plan of care.
G. A physical therapist assistant shall have regular and ongoing communication with the physical therapist regarding the patient’s/client’s status.
STANDARD 4: A physical therapist assistant shall comply with laws and regulations governing physical therapy.
4.1 Supervision
A physical therapist assistant shall know and comply with applicable law. Regardless of the content of any law, a physical therapist assistant shall provide services only under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.
4.2 Representation
A physical therapist assistant shall not hold him/herself out as a physical therapist.
STANDARD 5: A physical therapist assistant shall achieve and maintain competence in the provision of selected physical therapy interventions.
5.1 Competence
A physical therapist assistant shall provide interventions consistent with his/her level of education, training, experience, and skill. See Sections 3.1C and 6.1 B
5.2 Self-assessment
A physical therapist assistant shall engage in self-assessment in order to maintain competence.
5.3 Development
A physical therapist assistant shall participate in educational activities that enhance his/her basic knowledge and skills.
STANDARD 6: A physical therapist assistant shall make judgments that are commensurate with their educational and legal qualifications as a physical therapist assistant.
6.1 Patient Safety
A. A physical therapist assistant shall discontinue immediately any interventions(s) that, in his/her judgment, may be harmful to the patient/client and shall discuss his/her concerns with the physical therapist.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall not provide any interventions that are outside his/her education, training, experience, or skill and shall notify the responsible physical therapist of his/her inability to carry out the intervention. See Sections 3.1C and 5.1.
C. A physical therapist assistant shall not perform interventions while his/her ability to do so safely is impaired.
6.2 Judgments of Patient/Client Status
If in the judgment of the physical therapist assistant, there is a change in the patient/client status he/she shall report this to the responsible physical therapist. See Section 3.1.
6.3 Gifts and Other Considerations
A physical therapist assistant shall not invite, accept, or offer gifts, monetary incentives or other consideration that affect or give an appearance of affecting his/her provision of physical therapy interventions. See Section 2.1F.
STANDARD 7: A physical therapist assistant shall protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts.
7.1 Consumer Protection
A physical therapist assistant shall report any conduct that appears to be unethical or illegal.
7.2 Organizational Employment
A. A physical therapist assistant shall inform his/her employer(s) and/or appropriate physical therapist of any employer practice that causes him or her to be in conflict with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
B. A physical therapist assistant shall not engage in any activity that puts him or her in conflict with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, regardless of directives from a physical therapist or employer.
Issued by Ethics and Judicial Committee
American Physical Therapy Association
October 1981
Last Amended February 2004
