Physical Therapy Assistant

Focuses on the essential study of the body and associated terminology with a view toward the structure and function of the body parts, organs, and systems and their relationship to the whole body. 45 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab if required.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1211

Accompanies the lecture course and if required, it is to be taken concurrently. Students will perform minimal dissections and explorations of main anatomical structures using models and virtual explorations to reinforce the material presented in the lecture. This course focuses on the structure and function of the body parts, organs, and systems and their relation to the body as a whole. 45 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab if required. Click here for access to the Student Learning Outcomes for this course.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1210

Focuses on the physiology of the body system on a cellular level and their relationship to the whole body. 45 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab if required.

Prerequisite(s):
BIO 1210, BIO 1211

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1221

Accompanies the lecture course and if required, is to be taken concurrently. Students will perform dissections to reinforce the material presented in the lecture. This course focuses on the physiology of the body systems on a cellular level and their relationship to the body as a whole. 45 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab if required.

Prerequisite(s):
BIO 1210, BIO 1211

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1220

Examines general disease mechanisms with an emphasis on the disease processes within each body system.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1220

Students will develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills in the context of personal, professional, digital, and academic environments, with emphasis on analysis. This course will enable students to examine, develop, and employ the writing process while focusing on audience, invention, rhetorical context, language, style, purpose, written communication strategies, and digital demands.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
None

Students will extend and apply concepts introduced in Composition and Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Literacy, through the development of written arguments and oral presentations for a variety of academic and professional audiences.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1010, MTH 1010

Corequisite(s):
None

Provides students with a foundation for college success, as well as the exploration of various health professions and tools for career planning. Emphasizes concepts of professionalism, health care ethics, and confidentiality as well as an introduction to electronic health records (EHR) and relevant medical terminology.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
None

This course introduces skills in reasoning, critical thinking, and quantitative literacy. Students will develop the ability to reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of contexts and real-world situations. Students will develop the analytical skills necessary to ask questions and define problems; develop and apply quantitative models; and interpret data in order to evaluate arguments supported by quantitative evidence.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
None

The course provides a foundation for understanding human relationships and transferring that knowledge to personal/professional applications. Topics include basic dynamics of human relationships; awareness of self; the effect of environment on thoughts and behavior; the importance of intercultural competence; ethics and social responsibility; as well as building skills that will improve individual and team functions.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1010, MTH 1010

Corequisite(s):
COM 1020

Covers the application of basic physics principles and advanced human anatomy as it pertains to the study of human movement. Emphasizes biomechanics, arthrokinematics, palpation, functional anatomy, and therapeutic principles. 45 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab required.

Prerequisite(s):
BIO 1210, BIO 1211

Corequisite(s):
BIO 1220, BIO 1221, HSC 2710L

Provides an in-depth study to analyze the unique physical therapy challenges of the geriatric and acute care patient populations. Topics covered in detail include infection control, burn and open wound management, pharmacological effects on mobility, multiple trauma, circulatory assistive devices, postsurgical management, and orthopedic and neurological conditions common to the acute care environment. 30 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Explores the utilization of problem-oriented medical records in the rehabilitation setting. Introduces medical documentation for rehabilitation professionals. Examines EHR systems and their role in health care. Includes electronic medical records, SOAP note writing, and chart reviews. 15 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Examines the levels of independence along the mobility spectrum addressing safety, positioning, and guarding techniques for each level. Bed mobility, wheelchair utilization, assistive device training, and transfers, using proper body mechanics are learned. Normal gait patterns are studied and deviations are reviewed. The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with methods to optimize patient mobility. 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2110L

Focuses on the neuroanatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems as it relates to normal motor control and sensory integration. The neurological foundations of therapeutic exercise principles are introduced. Explores the clinical manifestations of lesions to the central nervous system. 30 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Focuses on pediatric motor development and infant reflexes as they relate to therapeutic interventions. Human development is covered from birth to death in all domains. Emphasis is placed on gross motor and neuromuscular developmental milestones and physical changes across lifespan. 30 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Focuses on an advanced investigation of specific orthopedic, neurological, rheumatological, and medical conditions. Emphasis on therapeutic management of common conditions encountered in a therapy setting. 30 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Begins the student's experience with patient assessment and data collection. Assessment techniques of goniometry, muscle strength and muscle length testing using standardized methods are learned in lecture and laboratory experiences. Advanced patient assessment of the neurological system including pain assessment, sensory and reflex testing, assessment of dermatomes/myotomes and neural tension testing techniques. 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2310L, PTA 2410, PTA 2410L

Examines the management of patients in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation setting. Includes aerobic conditioning, bronchial hygiene and chest physical therapy interventions, and selected cardiopulmonary interventions. 30 hours of lecture and 15 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2350L

Covers biomechanical principles as applied to the human body. Exercise physiology in rehabilitation, tissue regeneration, and basic isotonic, isometric, and isokinetic exercise are learned. Students will also be instructed in methodology of basic fitness testing and basic terminology and techniques of extremity manual therapy. Joint assessment and a problem-solving approach to therapeutic exercise prescription are utilized. Joints of the extremities and the truck are systematically reviewed by analyzing pathological conditions and orthopedic management. 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2310, PTA 2310L , PTA 2410L

Focus on advanced therapeutic exercise and manual interventions for orthopedic conditions. Reviews basic terminology and techniques of extremity manual therapy. Joint assessment and a problem-solving approach to therapeutic exercise prescription are utilized. Emphasizes muscle stretching, joint mobilizations and other manual therapy techniques. Management of common spinal conditions including assessment, treatment interventions, specialty approaches and manual therapy techniques. Mechanical spinal traction and advanced exercise selection and progression for spinal care will be covered. 15 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2450L

Focuses on professionalism, the role of the interdisciplinary health-care team, effective communication skills, and patient interviewing techniques. Also described in detail are the critical nature of self-assessment, recognition of stressors, and utilization of appropriate coping mechanisms. Presents an overview of the organizational structure in a physical therapy department and orientation to management/supervisory styles. Also described in detail are operational issues affecting the PTA in today's healthcare arena, including documentation guidelines, billing and insurance issues, and total quality improvement. This course will also orient students to the clinical experience process. 15 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Explores pathological conditions and neurological management interventions encountered in physical therapy. Review of clinical neuroanatomy and developmental sequencing as it relates to treatment of patients with neurological impairments at various stages of healing. Common neurological pathologies and their clinical manifestations are discussed. Laboratory participation and the case study approach to patient care decision making is emphasized. 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2550L

Explores pathological conditions and neurological management interventions encountered in pediatric physical therapy. Review of clinical neuroanatomy and developmental sequencing as it relates to treatment of pediatric patients with neurological impairments at various stages of healing. Common pediatric neurological pathologies and their clinical manifestations are discussed. Laboratory participation and the case study approach to patient care decision making is emphasized. 30 hours of lecture are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2550, PTA 2550L

Focuses on basic orthotics and prosthetics principles including components, upper and lower extremity devices, common gait deviations and interventions, assessment and management of the amputee. 15 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Provides a two-week full-time, unpaid, practical, work experience at a clinical setting, performing under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Clinical experience time is integrated with ongoing academic coursework to facilitate the transition from classroom to clinic. Clinical competencies, as expected of a developing clinician, will be assessed by the student's clinical instructor. Students are expected to complete assignments as outlined in syllabus. 10 hours of direct instruction/student work and 80 clinical contact hours are required.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None

Provides an eight-week full-time, unpaid, practical; learning experience at a clinical setting, performing under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. In-services may be required by the clinical site. Clinical competencies will be assessed by the student's clinical instructor. 15 hours of direct instruction/ student work and 320 clinical contact hours are required. Students must achieve 80% or better in all coursework and 80% or better on all evaluations to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite(s):
PTA 2710

Corequisite(s):
None

Provides an eight-week full-time, unpaid, practical; work experience at a clinical setting, performing under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. In-services may be required by the clinical site. Clinical competencies will be assessed by the student's clinical instructor. A greater emphasis on independence, professional confidence, and competent decision making will be expected in this final clinical experience. 15 hours of direct instruction/student work and 320 clinical contact hours are required. Students must achieve 80% or better in all coursework and 80% or better on all evaluations to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite(s):
PTA 2720

Corequisite(s):
None

Explores basic mechanical and electromagnetic physical principles as they relate to physical therapy interventions, including fluid mechanics and particle dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, radiation, Ohm's Law and the Law of Conservation of Energy. Includes theory, principles of application, and development of technical skills with a variety of physical agent interventions. Thermal agents, sound agents, circulatory assistive devices, and electrotherapy agents are presented with basic competencies evaluated in laboratory experiences. Functional anatomy and basic patient handling skills are reviewed. 15 hours of lecture and 30 hours of lab are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
PTA 2750L

Allows students, in this physical therapy advanced specialty seminar, to focus on such topics as aquatic rehabilitation, women's health, vestibular rehabilitation, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema management. Assessment and treatment of common diagnoses in these groups are addressed. Other topics may be presented based on community resources and guest presenters. 15 hours of direct instruction are required. Must complete with a B- or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into the program

Corequisite(s):
None