Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • PTA 100

  • Introduction to the Physical Therapist Assistant

  • 3
  This course introduces the student to the physical therapy profession. Topics include: the history of physical therapy, pertinent laws of practice, code of conduct, the role of the professional association and regulatory boards, the role of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, definition of the rehabilitation population, communication skills and psycho-social aspect of disabilities, industry trends, death and dying, and grief. Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program
• • PTA 110

  • PTA Interventions I

  • 4
  This course will introduce the student to fundamentals of patient care procedures including body mechanics; bed and chair positioning; bed mobility; transfers; aseptic procedures; burn and wound care; vital signs and their relationship to treatment programs; measurement of assistive devices and ambulation training, wheelchair mobility, and measurement; and introduction to basic principles of therapeutic exercise. Guidelines for documentation of physical therapy treatment will be introduced. Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program
• • PTA 112

  • PTA Interventions II

  • 5
  This course includes the PT intervention skills, knowledge and modalities used for pain relief and nonnalization of soft tissues. This course will emphasize the principles and uses of: hot packs and cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis, aquatics, hydrotherapy, spinal traction, electromagnetic radiations (laser, ultraviolet, diathermy), electrical stimulation (including high/low voltage, interferential and TENS) and biofeedback. Students learn to document treatment parameters appropriate for PT A Intervention II level documentation of patient responses to treatment and interpret professional literature relative to evidence-based practice. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110.
  
• • PTA 113

  • Critical Application Skills I

  • 1
  This course is designed to complement the didactic knowledge that the students are learning throughout the semester in PTA 101, Kinesiology, and Anatomy and Physiology 2. The course will focus on utilizing critical thinking skills to apply the didactic knowledge to patient cases. Participating students will be asked to utilize case studies to assess problems, create solutions, prepare appropriate documentation, and develop a beginning level of understanding of their role within the healthcare system. All PTA students are required to take this course. Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program
• • PTA 115

  • Medical Terminology for the PTA

  • 1
  This course includes an introduction to word parts, building medical terms, instruction in organization of the body, directional terms, abbreviations, and an overview of the different systems in the body. Students will review physical therapy documentation considering medical terminology and medical abbreviations, pathological conditions, short- and long-term goals, and psychosocial factors as they relate to the contemporary practice of physical therapy. Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program
• • PTA 120

  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Function

  • 4
  This course provides the student with a review of the kinesiological function of the musculoskeletal anatomy system. The course presents basic anatomical information as it pertains to the musculoskeletal system, with emphasis on the origin, insertion, nerve innervations, and actions of all major muscle groups. Muscle testing and goniometry measurements for the head, spine, and extremities are included. Therapeutic exercise principles will be addressed in addition to some of the commonly recognized orthopedic conditions. Students are required to document and utilize a plan of care including recognition of applicable PTA skills, identification of need for change, and progression within a plan of care. Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program
• • PTA 125

  • Manual Therapy for the PTA

  • 2
  This course introduces the student to theory and techniques of soft tissue mobilization and therapeutic massage. Specific techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration and friction will be taught. Students will have the opportunity to apply MFR, TgP therapy and active release techniques to address specific musculoskeletal pain issues in Physical Therapy. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110.
• • PTA 210

  • PTA Interventions III

  • 4
  This course will focus on the etiology, pathology, clinical signs, and medical management of those presenting with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary diseases. The course and lab component will cover physical therapy interventions appropriate for cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 115, PTA 112, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 240, PTA 270
• • PTA 213

  • Critical Application Skills II

  • 1
  This course complements the didactic knowledge students are learning throughout the semester in PTA 112, PTA 240, and PTA 125. The course focuses on utilizing critical thinking skills to apply the didactic knowledge to patient cases. Participating students are asked to utilize case studies to assess problems, create solutions, prepare appropriate documentation and develop a deeper level of understanding of their role within the healthcare system. All PTA students are required to take this course. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110.
• • PTA 220

  • PTA Interventions IV

  • 4
  This course for the Physical Therapist Assistant will provide a link between the pathophysiology of neurologic deficits and possible rehabilitation interventions for improving movement outcomes. It introduces the basic structure and function of the nervous system and describes normal motor development, motor control and motor learning. The course will emphasize integrating previously learned and new skills/techniques into the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with neurological issues, amputees, pediatrics, CVA, SCI, and other musculoskeletal disorders. This course includes an integrated clinical education component. Students are assigned a clinical site and are given the opportunity to integrate knowledge they have learned in the class and lab setting into the clinical setting with patients. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 115, PTA 112, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 270
  
• • PTA 224

  • Career Capstone

  • 1
  This course is a culmination of professional topics focused towards professional preparation of the Physical Therapist Assistant Topics include: behavioral considerations, professional habits, resume writing, interviewing skills, and licensure preparation and continuing education. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110, PTA 213, PTA 125, PTA 112, PTA 240, PTA 270, PTA 210, PTA 220, PTA 260
• • PTA 240

  • Pathology for the PTA

  • 3
  This course is designed to review general pathological conditions with a particular emphasis on those conditions commonly encountered in rehabilitation. Pathology, etiology, diagnosis, signs, symptoms and implications for rehabilitation will be covered Prerequisites: PTA I 00, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110.
• • PTA 270

  • Clinical Education I

  • 3
  This is the first of three full-time (40 hours a week) clinical affiliations in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. This is a five week affiliation. Under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor who is a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, students are given the opportunity to integrate knowledge they have learned in the class and laboratory settings into the clinical setting with patients. Students have the opportunity to apply patient care skills and further develop patient/family education, communication and documentation skills. Students and clinical instructors are expected to always work within their scope of practice and practice legally and ethically. Upon completion of the affiliation, students must complete a reflection assignment, reflecting upon the entire first experience, identifying areas of strength and areas that may need improvement during the next affiliation. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 115, PTA 112, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 240
  
• • PTA 280

  • Clinical Education II

  • 3
  This is the second of three full-time clinical affiliations in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. This is a five-week affiliation (40 hours per week). Under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor who is a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, students are given the opportunity to integrate knowledge they learned in the class and laboratory setting into the clinical setting with patients. Students have the opportunity to apply patient care skills and further develop patient/family education, communication, and documentation skills. Students and Clinical Instructors are expected to always work within their scope of practice and practice legally and ethically. It is expected that the student demonstrate sufficient progress from their completion of clinical education one to the completion of clinical education two. Upon completion of the affiliation, students must complete a reflection assignment, reflecting upon the entire first experience, identifying areas of strength and areas that may need improvement during the next affiliation.Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110, PTA 213, PTA 125, PTA 112, PTA 240, PTA 270, PTA 210, PTA 220, PTA 260
• • PTA 290

  • Clinical Education III

  • 4
  This is the third and final, six-week ( 40 hours per week) clinical affiliation in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor who is a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, students are given the opportunity to integrate knowledge they have learned in the class and laboratory setting into the clinical setting with patients. Students have the opportunity to apply patient care skills and further develop patient/family education, communication and documentation skills. Students and Clinical Instructors are expected to always work within their scope of practice and practice legally and ethically. Students are provided the opportunity to meet entry level requirements of a physical therapy assistant during this affiliation. By the completion of this experience, it is expected that the student will be functioning like a new graduate physical therapy assistant. At the completion of this affiliation, students will complete a written reflection assignment on this experience, identifying career and continuing education goals Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110, PTA 213, PTA 125, PTA 112, PTA 240, PTA 270, PTA 210, PTA 220, PTA 260
• • PTA 260

  • Critical Application Skills III

  • 1
  This course complements the didactic knowledge students are learning throughout the semester in PTA 210 and PTA 220. The course focuses on utilizing critical thinking skills to apply the didactic knowledge to moderately complex and complex patient cases. Participating students are asked to utilize case studies to assess problems, create solutions, prepare appropriate documentation and develop a deeper level of understanding of their role within the healthcare system. All PTA students are required to take this course. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 113, PTA 120, PTA 110, PTA 115, PTA 112, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 240, PTA 270