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, edema assessment and management, 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 normalization of soft tissues. This course will emphasize the principles and uses of: hot packs, cryotherapy, paraffin, therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis, aquatics, hydrotherapy (whirlpool and contrast baths), spinal traction, electromagnetic radiations (laser, ultraviolet, diathermy), electrical stimulation (including high volt, functional estim, interferential, TENS, iontophoresis and biofeedback), intermittent compression and CPM. Students learn to document treatment parameters appropriate for PTA Intervention II level documentation of patient responses to treatment and interpret professional literature relative to evidence-based practice Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 240.
  
• • PTA 113

  • Critical Application Skills I

  • 1
  This course complements the didactic knowledge students are learning throughout the semester in PTA 110, PTA 240, and PTA 100. 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 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, abbreviation and an overview of the different systems of 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 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. PTA students will learn how to perform muscle testing and goniometry measurements for the head, spine and extremities. Therapeutic exercise principals 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: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 240.
• • PTA 125

  • Manual Therapy for the PTA

  • 2
  This course introduces the student to theory and techniques of soft tissue mobilization and therapeutic massage. Students will be able to apply and build on knowledge of human anatomy and kinesiology for soft tissue mobilization techniques. Specific techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, shaking, friction, J-stroking, strumming, myofascial release, trigger point release will be taught to address specific musculoskeletal pain issues in Physical Therapy for clinical application. Prerequisites: PTA 100, PTA 110, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 240.
• • 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 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, 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 125, and PTA 120. 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 110, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 240.
• • PTA 220

  • PTA Interventions IV

  • 5
  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 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 240, 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 110, PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, PTA 125, PTA 240, PTA 270, PTA 210, PTA 213, PTA 220, PTA 260, PTA 270, PTA 280, PTA 290.
• • 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: Admissions into the PTA program.
• • 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 110, PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, PTA 125, PTA 213, PTA 240, PTA 270.
• • 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 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, 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 demonstrates 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 110, PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, PTA 125, PTA 210, PTA 213, PTA 220, PTA 240, PTA 260, PTA 270.
• • 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 110, PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 115, PTA 120, PTA 125, PTA 210, PTA 213, PTA 220, PTA 240, PTA 260, PTA 270, PTA 280.
• • BIO 131

  • Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab

  • 4
  This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to the systemic level. Topics include: anatomical terminology, molecules, cells, basic histology, and organs. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems are also studied. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with “C” or better.
• • BIO 132

  • Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab

  • 4
  This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body including the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Prerequisite: BIO 131 with “C” or better.
• • CSI 101

  • Introduction to Computers

  • 3
  This course introduces the student to the theory, structure, and application of computers. Topics include word processing, spread sheeting, presentation, and database management (software).
• • ENG 101

  • English Composition I

  • 3
  A required course for all students who have demonstrated acceptable writing proficiency as measured by a standard test or satisfactory completion of ENG 090. This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course.
• • ENG 102

  • English Composition II

  • 3
  A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.
• • HIS 101

  • United States History I

  • 3
  This survey course traces the history of American development from pre-Columbian exploration and the Colonial era through the Civil War. Emphasis is given to the main lines of American development from the coming of the pre-Columbian explorers to the end of the Civil War. Special emphasis is given to constitutional developments in this period including the evolution of the British colonial charters, state constitutions, and the federal constitution. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • MAT 107

  • Statistics

  • 3
  Introduces the student to the fundamentals of mathematical statistics. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability, sampling distributions, problems with normal and t-distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Students will be required to complete homework assignments using a web-based computer program. Prerequisite: Beginning Algebra MAT 097 or Equivalent or Permission of Instructor.
  
• • PSY 216

  • Growth & Development

  • 3
  This course explores human growth and development across the lifespan, from how the fetus develops a preference for familiar voices, to the adolescent identity crisis, to the development of wisdom in late adulthood. The course is organized around major developmental periods in the lifespan. Contributions of significant developmental theorists are highlighted. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.