2009-2010 Catalog
Physical Therapist Assistant
PTA 110 Basic Care In Physical Therapy
5 Credits
Examines the basic patient care skills for the healthcare practitioner. Enables the student to gain an understanding and demonstrate skills that include positioning, body mechanics, transfers, range of motion, palpation, vital signs, aseptic techniques, bandaging, intermittent venous compression, medical terminology, activities of daily living, wheelchair management, architectural barriers, and gait training.
PREREQUISITES: Admission to PTA program or Instructor’s permission.
PTA 115 Principles and Practices in Physical Therapy
2 Credits
Explores the history of the profession including definition, development and areas of practice. The role of the APTA, the physical therapist assistant and the relationship between the physical therapist, PTA and other health care professionals are investigated. Includes current issues and trends including professionalism, ethics, quality assurance, communications and reimbursement issues such as Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation and commercial insurance.
PTA 120 Modalities In Physical Therapy
5 Credits
Examines the theory and principles of physical therapy modalities. Course includes therapeutic heat and cold, traction, massage and hydrotherapy.
PREREQUISITE: PTA 110.
PTA 124 Rehab Principles Of Medical Management I
2 Credits
Investigates the impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities resulting from a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, the medical management including pharmacology, and its impact on physical therapy rehab principles are discussed. Evidence based practice for musculoskeletal and neurological system diagnosis will be reviewed as they relate to physical therapy rehab.
PTA 131 Professional Communication I
1 Credit
Introduces students to oral and written professional communication in their field. Develops skills in verbal and non-verbal communication, conducting self-critiques and peer reviews, research of professional literature, medical documentation, and professional presentations.
PTA 134 Rehab Principles Of Medical Management II
2 Credits
Investigates the impairments, functional limitations, disabilities and medical management, including pharmacology, of a variety of traumatic, immunological, inflammatory and degenerative processes and their impact on physical therapy rehab principles. Evidence based practice for cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and chronic pain diagnosis, will be reviewed as they relate to physical therapy rehab.
PTA 135 Principles Of Electrical Stimulation
2 credits
Investigates the principles and application of electrical stimulation (ES) modalities currently used in physical therapy practice. Enables the student to understand the electrochemical and physiological effects of electrical stimulation and identify the various forms and applications of ES.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the PTA program.
PTA 140 Clinical Kinesiology
5 credits
Focuses on the science of human motion, theories of biomechanics and muscle/joint structure and function. Emphasizes basic principles of therapeutic exercise and their application to specific body regions. A laboratory experience that includes the application of kinesiology and exercise principles is integrated in the learning experience.
PREREQUISITEs: HPR 117, PTA 176
PTA 141 Professional Communication II
1 credit
Builds on Professional Communications I and develops skills in writing professional documents to patients and other health care professionals, participating effectively in meetings, and medical documentation skills.
PREREQUISITE: PTA 131
PTA 175 The Language Of Physical Therapy
1 credit
This course develops a foundational knowledge of abbreviations, vocabulary and terminology of the Physical Therapy profession and its clinical concepts.
PTA 176 Anatomical Kinesiology Laboratory
2 credits
This course provides hands-on opportunities for practical application of the theoretical principles of Anatomical Kinesiology.
COREQUISITE: HPR 117.
PTA 205 Psychosocial Issues In Health Care
2 credits
Explores the psychosocial aspects of the patient/client and health care practitioner. Investigates recognition of and adjustment for psychological, sociological, educational, cultural, economic and political concerns on the delivery of health care services. Communication skills and social and advocacy responsibilities of the health care practitioner are discussed. Enables the student to develop the skills to meet expectations and needs of members of society receiving health care services.
PTA 230 Orthopedic Assessment And Management Techniques
5 credits
Examines the theory and principles and practices of orthopedic conditions. Includes an understanding of assessment and management techniques pertaining to orthopedic conditions, goniometry, manual muscle testing, gait analysis, and posture analysis.
PREREQUISITE: PTA 120
PTA 240 Neurological Assessment And Management Techniques
5 credits
Examines the theory and principles of physical therapy with an introduction to assessment, management techniques and advanced physical therapy procedures as they relate to neurologic, cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
PREREQUISITE: PTA 230
PTA 278 PTA Seminar
2 credits
Provides a summary of all coursework, internships and prepares the student for transition into the workforce as an entry level PTA. It includes a comprehensive review and mock exam in preparation for the national PTA exam, employment benefits, licensing, state practice act review, professional development, employment opportunities and community service. PREREQUISITES: PTA 230, 280.
PTA 280 PTA Internship I
4 credits
Focuses on an intermediate clinical experience providing hands on patient practicum skills and techniques. Includes continued application of physical therapy procedures of Internship I with the addition of therapeutic exercise, goniometry, manual muscle testing, and motor learning techniques. Students demonstrate professional behavior and communication principles appropriate in the physical therapy setting. A designated clinical Instructor in an acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient, geriatric, or home health setting provides supervision. During the internship, the student presents an in-service on a physical therapy related topic.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of all PTA curriculum or Instructor’s permission.
PTA 281 PTA Internship II
5 credits
Incorporates advanced clinical experience providing hands on patient practicum skills and techniques. Students refine all physical therapy skills in preparation to enter the field as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. This final experience includes independent practice with an assigned caseload under the on-site supervision of a clinical Instructor. The student presents an in-service on a physical therapy related topic.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of all PTA curriculums or Instructor’s permission.
PTA 282 PTA Internship III
1-6 Variable Credits
Incorporates advanced clinical experience providing hands on patient practicum skills and techniques. Students refine all physical therapy skills in preparation to enter the field as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. This final experience includes independent practice with an assigned caseload under the on-site supervision of a clinical Instructor. The student presents an in-service on a physical therapy related topic.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of all PTA curriculum or Instructor's permission.
PTA 285 Independent Study
5 Credits
Meets the individual needs of students. Students engage in intensive study or research under the direction of a qualified Instructor.