Mission and Goals

Mission statement

The physical therapist assistant program at Malcolm X College, a contemporary institution, offers an innovative and career-focused education to students of diverse backgrounds.  The program aspires to equip learners with the competencies to become licensed physical therapist assistants committed to excellence and caring in clinical practice and inspired to respond to the needs of a dynamic society.

Student/Graduate Goal

Students/Graduates will:

  • Goal 1. Be competent entry-level physical therapist assistants providing quality care under the supervision of a physical therapist.
  • Goal 2:  Be employed in a variety of clinical settings to meet the workforce needs of the community in which they live.
  • Goal 3:  Engage in lifelong learning opportunities.
  • Goal 4:  Display professionally transparent behaviors congruent with the Value Based Behaviors of the PTA.

Faculty Goals

Faculty will: 

  • Goal 1:  Promote and reflect professionalism in all interactions.
  • Goal 2:  Promote evidence based and best practice in physical therapy through their teaching and classroom activities.
  • Goal 3:  Engage in lifelong learning and professional development activities.

Program Goals

The PTA Program will:

  • Goal 1:  Deliver an innovative entry-level education reflective of current health care needs and CAPTE standards.
  • Goal 2:  Engage in meaningful public outreach promoting the field of physical therapy and social awareness for the health and well-being of the community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the physical therapist assistant program students/graduates will:   

  1. Develop knowledge and clinical skills congruent with that of an entry-level therapist.
  2. Demonstrate critical reasoning skills to progress, modify, or regress physical therapy interventions within the scope of practice of the PTA. 
  3. Integrate evidence based and best practice to make clinical decisions.
  4. Respond appropriately to maintain patient safety in all situations.
  5. Design career development plans to maintain contemporary practice and state licensure.
  6. Demonstrate respect for self and others of diverse backgrounds.
  7. Utilize effective and non-judgmental written and verbal and non-verbal communication in interactions with patients, caregivers, peers, colleagues, and the community.
  8. Demonstrate ethical behavior in adherence to all appropriate laws, policies, and procedures including scope of practice of the PTA.
  9. Enhance the health and well-being of their community through commitment to social awareness and advocacy for primary and secondary disease prevention.

​​