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PTA 100
This course presents physical principles associated with physical therapy. Course content will serve as a foundation for principles revisited in Kinesiology, Orthopedics and Modalities. Special attention is given to topics with direct application for physical therapist assistants. These topics include: motion, force, levers, friction, sound waves, light and electricity. (1 credit)
PTA 103
This course covers communication strategies and skills essential in today’s health care environment. Emphasis is placed on medical terminology, professionalism, communication and documentation in the medical record. (1 credit)
PTA 101/104
This course presents a general orientation to the profession of physical therapy (PT) and the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) as part of the treatment team. The course includes the historical background, professional ethics and development of the profession of PT. Documentation and medical terminology introduced earlier will be revisited. The student will gain an appreciation of psychosocial issues and cultural diversity in health care, as well as the physical and mechanical principles relative to body function. Laboratory instruction includes application techniques for the following interventions and data collection skills: vital signs, basic first aid, massage, muscle testing, assessments and measurements, postural evaluation and training, body mechanics, transfer and ambulation training with assistive devices. Emphasis will be on interventions of particular significance to the PTA. (4 lecture credits, 1 lab credit)
PTA 200/204
This course focuses on the study of human motion, including principles of body mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement. Strong emphasis is placed on movement analysis and knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy. A laboratory component is included, in which students will participate in hands on activities including palpation, postural assessment, gait analysis and movement analysis under normal conditions. (3 lecture credits, 1 lab credit)
PTA 205
This course examines the medical, surgical and multi-system conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy. The disease process, abnormal physiology, diagnostic procedures and medical interventions associated with these clinical conditions will be presented. Emphasis will be on conditions of particular significance to the PTA. (3 credits)
PTA 207
This course provides a sound knowledge base of common orthopedic disorders and disease processes seen in physical therapy practice. The scientific rationale for physical therapy procedures and modalities used in the management of orthopedic injuries will be emphasized. (4 credits)
PTA 206/216
In this course students will learn theory and application of various physical agents utilized in physical therapy treatments. Emphasis during lecture and laboratory activities will prepare the student with the knowledge of indications, contraindications, special precautions and implementation of modalities such as: superficial heat and cold, hydrotherapy, traction, short wave diathermy, ultrasound, infrared, ultraviolet, external compression and electrical stimulation currents. (4 lecture credits, 1 lab credit)
PTA 208/218
This course examines the anatomy and physiology of exercise and the principles and application of exercise for patients with pathological conditions. Development of exercise programs to correct specific postural abnormalities, muscle weaknesses and joint limitations are emphasized. (3 lecture credits, 1 lab credit)
PTA 211
The first clinical rotation is a closely supervised internship experience. A minimum of 160 hours will be completed at a facility emphasizing general medical and orthopedic diagnoses. The experience is structured to provide the student with the opportunity to develop their skills in direct patient care under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The student will begin to integrate their knowledge and skill from the classroom/lab to the health care setting. (4 credits)
PTA 209
This course will cover numerous specialty areas including vascular disorders, amputations, prosthetics, orthotics, burns, and cardiopulmonary diagnoses. Students will learn specific intervention strategies and data collection skills associated with rehabilitation. This course follows a four week integrated clinical rotation. (4 credits)
PTA 210
This course will cover specialty areas specific to neurological dysfunction. Areas of discussion include pediatrics, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, Guillain Barre, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Students will learn intervention strategies and data collection skills associated with rehabilitation specific to neurological diagnoses. (4 credits)
PTA 212
In the second clinical affiliation, the student will continue to gain exposure to physical therapy practice under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. A minimum of 240 hours will be completed in any type of physical therapy setting. This experience is structured to provide the student with the opportunity to refine their skills in direct patient care and to demonstrate competency in the management of patients with more complex problems. (4 credits)
PTA 213
This course is the third and final clinical affiliation. A minimum of 240 hours will be completed in any type of physical therapy setting. The student will continue to gain exposure to physical therapy practice under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This experience is structured to provide the student with the opportunity to further refine their skills in direct patient care, develop advanced skills, and to move toward entry level performance. The student will be challenged in problem solving and critical thinking. (4 credits)
PTA 214
This seminar consists of a week long session following the PTA clinical rotations. The seminar provides a forum for the discussion of professional issues in physical therapy and health care. Emphasis is placed on preparation for the National Physical Therapy Examination, as well as continued preparation for employment. (0 credits) |
