PTA Physical Therapist Asst (PTA)

This course presents to the students a basic study of common scientific concepts related to the provision of physical therapy. Content includes the study of different tissues and their response to stress, injury, inflammation, their resultant healing and recovery, and the related clinical stages of rehabilitation. Basic neurological structures relating to motor control, sensory feedback, and pain are also presented.

This course presents an overview of topics, traits, and practices that promote and maintain personal health and wellness. Content includes, but is not limited to, foundations of health and wellness, physical fitness and wellness, mental and emotional wellness, and social wellness.

This course provides an introduction to the field of health care, basic standards of health care management, medical terminology and abbreviations, and patient care skills. Instruction and laboratory practice includes data collection and interventions for individuals having selected conditions, vital signs, infection control procedures, body mechanics, patient positioning and draping, transfer techniques, gait training using selected assistive devices, and other selected patient care topics.

An overview of the history of physical therapy and its professional association. Topics include: foundational values and ethics of the profession, roles and responsibilities of the PT and the PTA within the patient care model, program expectations regarding student professionalism in the classroom and during clinical performance, and issues relating to patient confidentiality, diversity, and respect. An introduction to clinical documentation will be presented.

This course provides a review of the structure and function of articulations. It also introduces biomechanical principles related to human motion and locomotion, including articulations, gait analysis, regional, and neuromuscular relationships. Students will study and apply various biomechanical and kinesiological principles during lab activities.

The student is introduced to the field of physical therapy, basic standards of practice, current professional issues and interactions with patients and other health professionals. The student is instructed in monitoring vital signs, infection control procedures, principles of body mechanics, patient positioning and draping, transfer techniques, range of motion, girth measurements, therapeutic massage and selected conditions and treatments. Laboratory activities, written assignments, and competencies are required components of this course.

This course will focus on development of the professional clinical skills including critical thinking and clinical decision-making. The students will apply didactic concepts learned in prior coursework to clinical situations.

This course presents a systems-based overview of human illnesses, conditions, and pathologies commonly seen in physical therapy. This course will emphasize the resultant alterations in physiology, signs and symptoms, and the impact on function as related to physical therapy practice.

This course will present a comprehensive study of principles of biophysical agents used in physical therapy. Content includes the rationale, effects, adverse effects, contraindications, precautions, application, and documentation of such agents. Laboratory activities, written assignments, and lab testing are required components of this course. Students may perform selected therapeutic interventions with patients or other students under direct PT/PTA supervision as part of the laboratory components of this course. A study of selected impairments, functional limitations, and interventions associated with orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, integumentary conditions, and pulmonary conditions are also included.

Introduction to basic structure and function of central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems as they relate to rehabilitation, normal neurologic developmental sequence, and milestones. Presents selected impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, data collection and therapeutic interventions related to neurologic pathologies.

This course provides an introduction to data collection and documentation skills associated with patient care. Topics include, but are not limited to: medical history taking for common medical concerns, arousal, mentation, and cognition, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, thoracoabdominal movement and breathing patterns, integumentary integrity and sensation, goniometry, joint play, muscle testing and tone, posture, alignment and balance, gait, and environmental analysis. This course also includes hands-on practice of data collection techniques.

This course presents the impairments, disabilities, functional limitations, data collection and therapeutic interventions of selected orthopedic, integumentary, rheumatological and cardiovascular conditions. Also included is study of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the selected conditions. Laboratory activities, written assignments and competencies are required components of this course. Students will perform selected data collection and interventions as a part of this course.

This course presents the impairments, disabilities, functional limitations, data collection and therapeutic interventions of selected cardiovascular, integumentary, neurological, developmental, and traumatic conditions. Also included is study of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the selected conditions. Laboratory activities, written assignments and competencies are required components of this course. Students will perform selected data collection and interventions as a part of this course.

An in-depth study of the musculoskeletal system with particular attention paid to the movement of joints, motions of the spine and extremities, as well as prime movers involved in these motions. Application of the knowledge of human anatomy with emphasis on biomechanics and functions relative to the neuromusculo-skeletal system. Motion of the human body is studied as a basis for therapeutic exercise and function.

Presentation of topics related to clinical practice to include ethics and professional development.

Presentation of diverse clinical issues and approaches to patient management.

Clinical experience in various physical therapy departments under direct supervision.

This course provides an introduction to impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, data collection and therapeutic interventions related to selected integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urological conditions. Management and practice of complex medical conditions affecting patients in physical therapy will also be covered.

Clinical experience in various physical therapy departments under direct supervision.

Clinical experience in various physical therapy departments under direct supervision.