Exploration of the physical therapy profession from inception to modern day practice and the role of the physical therapist assistant as a member of the healthcare team. Components of professional practice, including communication, ethics, documentation, reimbursement, use of professional literature, and service-learning are studied. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of human movement, including the joint mechanics and muscle performance necessary for functional movements. Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems as well as common pathologies are discussed to understand their impact on an individual’s ability to create purposeful movement for both simple and complex motions. Musculoskeletal control of human gait as well as phases of gait are explored in normal and abnormal conditions. Spring Only.
4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab
Theory and application of commonly used physical therapy procedures, including universal precautions, vital sign monitoring, patient positioning, and functional training and mobility activities that are an integral part of physical therapy clinical practice. Emphasis on safe application of techniques and accurate documentation of interventions. Spring Only.
4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab
Overview of diseases and conditions that affect individuals throughout their lifespan and may impact their ability to maintain mobility and independence. Topics covered include diseases that affect the major body systems as well as other special topics of relating to physical therapy. Summer Only.
2 Credits: 2 Lecture
Prerequisites:
BIO125
An integrated clinical experience to occur in an acute care, outpatient, or a long-term care setting with the opportunity to observe clinical treatment and apply skills and knowledge gained during the first and second technical semesters of the PTA program. Practical experience encounters allow students to integrate and apply knowledge and skills with diverse patients of varied ages and conditions. All activities are performed in the presence of a licensed physical therapist. Designed to provide a minimum of 120 clinical education hours Fall Only.
2 Credits: 0 Lecture, 6 Clinical
Theory and application of therapeutic exercise for conditions that affect an individual's ability to move independently and without pain. Topics include those related to muscle performance, tests and measures of performance, cardiopulmonary endurance, balance, neuromuscular control, mobility, stability and health promotion. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab
Introduction to the use of various physical agents in physical therapy, including thermal modalities, electrical modalities, and mechanical therapies, for safe and effective treatment of various patient conditions. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab
Study of the anatomy of the nervous system, physiology of nerve transmission, and fetal development of the nervous system provides an understanding of pathological conditions that affect individuals and result in the need for physical therapy. Common medical testing and physical therapy assessment and treatment is discussed for application to the neurological population. The role of the physical therapist assistant in treatment interventions is emphasized. Fall Only.
4 Credits: 3 Lecture, 3 Lab
Preparation in professional topics, including interpretation of The Standards of Ethical Conduct and the APTA Core Values to solve ethical dilemmas, practice management, identification of career opportunities, resume-writing, interview practice, and licensure examination preparation. Coursework includes service and leadership with an emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and advocacy for the physical therapy profession. Spring Only.
2 Credits: 2 Lecture
Study builds upon previously learned foundational patient care techniques to include advanced wheelchair mobility and fitting as well as the application of orthotics, splints, and braces. Advanced topics also include wound care, edema management, soft tissue mobilization, aquatic therapy, and home assessment. Emphasis on the role of the PTA in the episode of care, interprofessional collaboration, and discharge planning. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab
Exploration of rehabilitation management for patients with acquired and congenital conditions of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, integumentary, and lymphatic systems. Study includes rehabilitation of the complex medical patient, with an emphasis on pain and pain experiences, psychosocial aspects, and mental health. Spring Only.
4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab
Examination of advanced principles and exercise application in the treatment of orthopedic and sports-related injuries and conditions. Coverage includes concepts and hands-on skills necessary to promote healing through selected therapeutic interventions for diverse patients across the lifespan. Emphasis on pre- and post-surgical interventions for orthopedic injuries to bones and joints as well as non-surgical interventions for specific conditions and sports-related injuries. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab
A minimum of seven weeks of full-time clinical education experience in acute care, outpatient, long-term care, or specialty setting to allow students to integrate and apply knowledge and skills with diverse patients of varied ages and conditions. All activities are performed in the presence of a licensed physical therapist. Completion of all coursework of the PTA curriculum, current CPI certification, and approval of the department are required prior to enrollment in this course. Grading evaluated as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. NOTE: Student is responsible for room, board, and all transportation to and from the clinical site. Designed to provide a minimum of 280 clinical education hours. Summer Only.
3 Credits: 0 Lecture, 9 Clinical
Corequisites:
PTA275
A minimum of seven weeks of full-time clinical education experience in acute care, outpatient, long-term care, or specialty setting to follow successful completion of Level 2A Clinical Experience. This is the final supervised clinical experience for students and should be completed in a setting not previously utilized for clinical education. Practical experience encounters allow students to integrate and apply knowledge and skills with diverse patients of varied ages and conditions. All activities are performed in the presence of a licensed physical therapist. Completion of all coursework of the PTA curriculum, Level 2A Clinical Experience, current CPI certification, and approval of the department are required prior to beginning this course. Grading evaluated as
Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. NOTE: Student is responsible for room, board, and all transportation to and from the clinical site. Designed to provide a minimum of 280 clinical education hours. Summer Only.
3 Credits: 0 Lecture, 9 Clinical
Corequisites:
PTA270