This course meets on select Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 pm.
This course provides the opportunity for student discussion, sharing of clinical experiences and student presentations related to their clinical experiences. As the final preparation before entering the profession, topics will include: board exam review, licensure, job skills, practitioner roles, determining areas of clinical interest and legal and ethical issues.
PHTA 2145, PHTA 2156, and PHTA 2185 - Must be completed prior to taking this course.
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Communication
Faculty Contact Information
Weeks 1-2 & 9-10
Monday 10:30-12:30 pm
Wednesday 11:30-12:30 pm
Weeks 3-8 & 11-16
Monday 10:30-11:30 pm
Tuesday 12:00-1:00 pm
Thursday 9:00-10:00 am
Faculty are also available by appointment.
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Course Outcome Goal 1A: Communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team and involved parties. (7D7)
- Course Outcome Goal 3B: Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). (7D29)
- Course Outcome Goal 4A: Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and safety. (7D1, 7D2, 7D3)
- Course Outcome Goal 5A: Identify ways to maintain clinical and professional competence that sustain career development and lifelong learning to fulfill the Physical Therapist Assistant's roles and responsibilities, including the role of clinical education of the physical therapist assistant students. (7D14)
- Course Outcome Goal 6A: Participate in professional and community organizations and the available opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. (7D13)
- Course Outcome Goal 6B: Promote health and wellness by modeling a healthy lifestyle and participating in activities that encourage the public to adopt healthy behaviors, optimize mobility, and improve fitness.
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Job Interview
- Professional Portfolio
- Licensure Exam Preparation
- Inservice Presentations
Textbook(s)/Resources
Various handouts, articles, and materials will be made available to students throughout the course as appropriate, either in hard copy or online.
Required Equipment/Tools/Materials
- Portfolio folder
- Computer/internet access
Evaluation Methods of Assessment
| Attendance/ Class Participation | X | Individual Projects and Presentations | X |
| Case Study/Scenarios | X | Practical Demonstration | |
| Exams/Tests | X | Written Assignments | X |
| Group Projects and Presentations | X | Quizzes | |
| Papers | Other | X |
Points Distribution: See Canvas for gradebook and detailed assignment descriptions.
Grading Standard
Please refer to the PTA Student Guidebook for PTA program grading standards.
A final grade of 75% or higher is mandatory for continuation in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
- The following standardized grading scale will apply to all PTA core (suffix PHTA) courses:
93 – 100% A
84 – 92% B
75 – 83% C passing
66 - 74% D
Below 66% F
As pertains to grades, the following are expectations of all PTA students to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress:
- Earn a minimum grade of “C” for each PTA core course after exams/tests, practical exams and all other graded activities are averaged together. See remediation policy in your student guidebook
Health Careers
Dean, Brad Wood; 815-802-8815; M107; bwood@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8800
Additional Course Information:
**Comprehensive Written Exam (PEAT): Students who do not successfully complete and pass a comprehensive written final exam will receive a letter grade of “F” for PHTA 2201.
-Special note: It is prohibited for students enrolled in the PTA program to purchase student versions of exams from FSBPT (PEAT), Score Builders (Online Advantage), or O’Sullivan until authorized to do so by the PTA Program Director.
Guest speakers are an invaluable part of this course, bringing unique insights, expertise, and real-world perspectives that enrich your learning experience. To ensure a respectful and engaging environment:
- Full Attention Required: Students must actively listen and give their full attention to the guest speaker. This includes being present—actively engaging with the material, maintaining eye contact, and being attentive throughout the session.
- No Electronic Devices: To minimize distractions and demonstrate respect, all cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away during the guest speaker's presentation. Exceptions may be made that require the use of such devices.
- Participation and Professionalism: Students are encouraged to participate by asking thoughtful questions at appropriate times and engaging in the discussion when invited by the speaker. Professionalism is always expected.
Course Policies
The policies and procedures of this course will follow policies and standards outlined in the College Catalog as well as the PTA Student Guidebook. All work should reflect the student’s efforts. Group collaboration is encouraged; however, each student must demonstrate personal competence and individual expression in all work submitted to be graded.
Classroom/Online Behavior: Please refer to the Student Guidebook for Professional Behavior Expectations
Topical Outline
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Job Interview
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Portfolio
- Licensure Exam Preparation
- Professional Pathways
- In-service Presentations
Tentative Course Calendar:
| Class/Date | TOPIC | READINGS/ASSIGNMENTS |
Week 1 1/13 | -Professional Pathways Lecture *Guest: Dave Diers, Program Director of the Governors State University PT program: 12:30-1:00 pm -NPTE Lecture -Performance Appraisals and Professional Development Plan -ED-PT form | PRE-CLASS Assignment: Complete: 1) Professional Behaviors Self-Assessment 2) Physical Therapist Assistant Performance Appraisal (additional details on Canvas)
|
| January 19th | January PEAT Exam | Computer Lab: W110 |
Week 2 1/20 | Preparing for the job interview and new career – The Resume, Cover letter, Professional Portfolio -Guest Lecture- KCC Coordinator of Career Services- 12:00-1:30 pm | -Prepare and bring a rough draft of your resume to class Resume Writing- Resume and Cover Letter are due March 6th or prior to your mock interview-this assignment relates to your mock interview -Study Plan and Professional Development Plan, both are due on January 23th
-Employer Research Project is due March 6th or prior to your scheduled mock interview. -Schedule your Mock Interview with your assigned company between March 6th and March 27th, 2026 (this can always be completed earlier too at the request of your assigned leader.) |
Week 3-8 CPII | Individualized Study Plan | Scorebuilders Basecamp |
Spring Break March 9-13
| ||
Week 9 3/17 | Preparing for the job interview and new career – The Elevator speech, Interview Guest Lecturers- Bryan Hack (physical therapy manager)- 12:30 pm Tiffany Eck (ATI Physical Therapy) 2:45-3:30 | -Listen to Mel Robbins podcast prior to class -Make sure you have a plan to complete your mock interview by March 28th -Make sure to look at and complete all of the steps in the graduation checklist. |
Week 10 3/24 | Mock Interviews (scheduled with your interviewer)
March PEAT Exam: 12:00-4:30 pm |
Computer Lab: L372 |
Week 11-16 CPIII | Individualized Study Plan | Scorebuilders Basecamp |
Finals Week Monday 5/11 *Class time: 11:00-2:00 pm | Preparing for Graduation, Licensure, and Beyond – come prepared to register online for licensure exam (only if you need assistance.) In-service Presentations- you will choose one of your in-service presentations from Clinical II or III to present during class. -Post your topic and presentation/handout to the discussion board prior to class |
July NPTE: Bring a credit card to pay for NPTE if registering in class with assistance.
-Complete Graduating Student Information
-Professional Portfolio due May 11th -Social Responsibility Log Due May 11th |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.