2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
    Apr 25, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Physical Therapist Assistant

  
  • PTA 110 - Fundamentals of Physical Therapist Assisting

    3 CR
    This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals in physical therapist assisting. It incorporates traditional approaches to therapeutic exercise and techniques of rehabilitation, including units on positioning, wheelchair management, ambulation and transfers. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on safe performance of skills through the understanding, as well as the application, of good body mechanics. Units on vital signs, basic aseptic techniques, and general topics such as legal and ethical considerations in physical therapy are included. Medical terminology is learned, practiced, and assessed throughout the semester. Students visit local physical therapy settings for observational experiences at which time the role of the physical therapist assistant is emphasized. Criminal background check and CPR certification must be current anytime the student is in the clinical setting. Satisfactory completion of this course required for continuation into the second semester of the PTA Program. Lab Fee

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 112 - Kinesiology 1

    2 CR
    This course provides an in-depth study of the skeletal system as it pertains to physical therapy. Emphasis is on the application of skeletal anatomy, including joints and their structures, providing a foundation for an understanding of human movement and posture. Learning and practicing palpation skills of bony landmarks prepares the student for applying the theory and technique of goniometry (joint measurement). Additional units include passive range of motion, testing, and charting skills. Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills. Satisfactory completion of this course required for continuation into the second semester of the PTA Program. Lab Fee

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 114 - Physical Therapy Modalities

    4 CR
    In this course students learn and practice theory, principles and technical skills of selected physical therapy modalities. Units include hydrotherapy; radiant, thermal and electrotherapy modalities; intermittent and sequential compression; and application of sterile techniques and bandaging. Students learn the foundations of aquatic therapies and take part in an aquatic lab session at a local clinical facility. Documentation skills are practiced and assessed throughout the semester. Students will prepare and present an analysis of a research article to their peers using presentation software. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: (1) Take PTA 110  and ENGL 151  with at least a grade of C or P (AND) (2) Take BIOL 201  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 116 - Kinesiology 2

    3 CR
    This course will provide an in-depth study of the anatomy of the neuromuscular and respiratory systems as it relates to physical therapy. Emphasis is on the application of anatomy to an understanding of normal and abnormal human movement in exercise, locomotion, and other motor skills of daily living. Theory and techniques of manual muscle testing, stretching, and respiratory physical therapy techniques are topics included during the semester. Students take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 112  and BIOL 201  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 117 - Pathology 1

    1 CR
    This course provides study of the pathological conditions resulting from disease or injury to selected systems of the body, focusing on the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and immune systems. Each unit will emphasize the signs and symptoms, as well as the physical therapy measures commonly employed in the treatment of these conditions. Lab Fee

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 118 - Pathology 2

    1 CR
    This course is a continuation of PTA 117 - Pathology 1 . Emphasis will be placed on the study of pathological conditions, focusing on the cardiovascular and integumentary system, resulting from disease and/or injury. Signs and symptoms, as well as therapeutic measures related to physical therapy, will be a major focus. Course includes discussion of wellness and implementation of a personal wellness plan. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 117  and BIOL 202  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 119 - Orthopedics

    3 CR
    In this course principles and techniques of basic therapeutic exercise and related treatments for the individual with orthopedic conditions are emphasized. Course covers signs and symptoms, surgical interventions, treatment regimen, and implications for rehabilitation topics. Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 116  and BIOL 202  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 120 - Neurological Concepts

    1 CR
    This in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system includes the central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. Units on theory and treatment techniques of coordination, motor control, and neuromuscular re-education emphasize the application of anatomy into function. Students in classroom laboratory supervised practice sessions apply the concepts learned.

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 114  and PTA 116  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 121 - Functional Techniques

    2 CR
    This course teaches the application of principles and basic treatment techniques for rehabilitation as they relate to functional skills. Students learn and practice techniques for performing and teaching skills in ambulation and activities of daily living, and participate in a community wheelchair experience to assist in the understanding of architectural barriers and accessibility. Additional topics include units on industrial rehabilitation and wheelchair maintenance, as well as limited clinical observation in local physical therapy facilities. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 114  and PTA 116  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 122 - Pediatrics

    1 CR
    This course incorporates the study of reflex and child development as it sets the foundation for healthy adult movement patterns. Discussion will include various theory and treatment principles, including sensory integration, as they relate to pediatric physical therapy. Common pediatric diagnoses will be studied with emphasis on signs and symptoms, treatment regimen, and implementation strategies for rehabilitation. Students will travel to a local school to observe the pediatric physical therapy setting.

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 116  and PTA 117  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 218 - Focused Neurology

    3 CR
    This course introduces more advanced techniques of therapeutic exercise with emphasis on applications for patients with neurological disabilities. Course lecture component includes discussion of related neuropathology. The course also provides instruction on specific physical therapy techniques used with individuals who have spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. The student will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 116  and PTA 120  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 219 - Advanced Intervention Techniques

    3 CR
    This course introduces the student to many advanced treatment interventions utilized in a variety of physical therapy settings. The course includes units of study on exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics. Basic and advanced soft tissue mobilization theory and techniques will be presented. The students will be introduced to select manual therapy techniques employed in the clinic. The students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills.

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 118  and PTA 121  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 220 - Concepts in Physical Therapist Assisting

    2 CR
    This course is an introduction to the methods of referral, reporting, recording and record keeping in the clinical situation. The role of the physical therapy administrator and issues surrounding reimbursement are discussed. Students will be introduced to special equipment and procedures used in the hospital setting with special emphasis on the critical/intensive care unit. Applications of first aid in the physical therapy field are discussed. Students have an opportunity to discuss the clinical experiences in which they are participating (PTA 221 ), particularly with emphasis on the physical therapist assistant interactions with staff and patients. Assignments involve considerable review, research, and writing related to clinical experiences.

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 118  and PTA 119  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 221 - Clinical Experience

    1 CR
    Note: CPR certification must be current whenever the student is in the clinical setting. Weekly sessions will be spent in area health settings where the student will have an opportunity to apply in the clinical setting those skills developed in earlier course work. Treatment and patient care will be carried out under the supervision of qualified physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants. Emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting patients’ response to treatment. An ongoing journal of student clinical experiences is required. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take EMT 110 , PTA 118 , PTA 121 , and PTA 122  with at least a grade of C.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 223 - Seminar in Physical Therapist Assisting

    2 CR
    A course designed to foster integration of concepts and skills from previous courses with those gained in the clinical setting including a forum for discussion of clinical experiences. The course includes units on employability skills; communication; geriatrics; cultural diversity and its effects on health care; and the relationship of law, the code of ethics for the profession and standards of practice to the role of the physical therapist assistant. Current trends and issues in physical therapy are discussed along with the role of the professional organization for physical therapy. Assignments include considerable review, research and writing related to clinical experiences and evidenced based practice with emphasis on the psychological and sociological aspects of illness and injury. A cumulative final exam covering the Physical Therapist Assistant program content is included. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 218 , PTA 219 , PTA 220 , and PTA 221  with at least a grade of C or P.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 227 - Coordinated Clinical Experience 1

    3.75 CR
    Note: criminal background check and CPR certification must be current anytime the student is in the clinical setting. Weekly sessions will be spent in area health settings where the student will have an opportunity to apply in the clinical setting the skills developed in earlier course work. Treatment and patient care will be carried out under the supervisor of qualified physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants. Emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting patients’ response to treatment. An ongoing journal of student clinical experience is required. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 218 , PTA 219 , PTA 220 , and PTA 221  with at least a grade of C or P.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 228 - Coordinated Clinical Experience 2

    3 CR
    Note: criminal background check and CPR certification must be current anytime the student is in the clinical setting. Weekly sessions will be spent in area health settings where the student will have an opportunity to apply in the clinical setting the skills developed in earlier course work. Treatment and patient care will be carried out under the supervisor of qualified physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants. Emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting patients’ response to treatment. An ongoing journal of student clinical experience is required. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 227  with at least a grade of P.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
  
  • PTA 229 - Clinical Exploration

    2.5 CR
    Note: criminal background check and CPR certification must be current anytime the student is in the clinical setting. Weekly sessions will be spent in area health settings where the student will have an opportunity to apply in the clinical setting the skills developed in earlier course work. Treatment and patient care will be carried out under the supervision of qualified physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants. Emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting patients’ response to treatment. An ongoing journal of student clinical experience is required. Lab Fee

    Prerequisites & Requisites: Take PTA 227  and PTA 228  with at least a grade of P.

    Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.