entry-level and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience essential for healthcare education. Accordingly, students are rotated throughout our affiliated clinical facilities while completing the Physical Therapist Assistant program. PTAsmustcompleteatwo(2)yearassociatedegreeandarelicensed,certified,orregisteredinmoststates.* *Source: American Physical Therapy Association. Graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program allows the graduate to be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs and the California Law Exam (CLE). After successfully passing these exams, the student will be licensed to practice in California. Please see the Accreditation, Approval, Recognition, Membership section for information about Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ PTA programaccreditation. ThePhysical Therapist Assistant Program is an Associate of Science Degree program. A.S. in PTA Program Goals ● The program will offer a sequential, integrated technical curriculum that reflects contemporary Physical Therapist Assistant practice. ● The program will prepare graduates to provide physical therapy interventions in various settings within the PTA scope of practice and under a physical therapist’s supervision. ● The program will prepare graduates to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with California State Law and Practice Acts and the professional standards of practice. ● The program will employ faculty who demonstrate current knowledge in their teaching areas and are committedtoprofessionalstandardsofexcellence. ● The program will prepare graduates to utilize self-assessment and awareness in communication, skills, knowledge, and behaviors with patients/clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other healthcare teammembers. A.S. in PTA Philosophy ● Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are valued members of today’s healthcare team. ● Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants must understand their respective roles and respect them best to meet the patient’s/client’s needs. ● Students will benefit from a curriculum that supports multiple learning styles, is varied in educational experiences, and is structured to provide interaction between faculty and students. ● Students will benefit from a curriculum that recognizes, fosters understanding, and embraces diversity. ● Students will benefit from a curriculum reacting to Physical Therapy knowledge and technology changes. ● Tobesuccessful asaPhysicalTherapistAssistantandmeettheprofession’sneeds,thestudentmust understandlearningasalifelongactivity. ● Clinical experience in various settings is vital for the student to acquire entry-level skills as a Physical Therapist Assistant. ● Physical Therapist Assistant students are adult learners. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts expects themtotakeresponsibilityforlearning, professional behavior, respect for others, and preparedness. ● FacultymembersarepositiverolemodelsintheprofessionofPhysicalTherapy. ● Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not discriminate against students based on race, color, 199