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Program Information

Pre-Physical Therapy Program Information

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1100 Introduction to Physical Therapy 2 credit hours Overview of the physical therapy profession within the health care delivery system from a historical, philosophical and organizational context. Explores the physical therapy frame of reference in various practice and treatment areas. Personal and professional qualities of the health care provider, professional ethics, and the psychological aspects of treatment are discussed. Prerequisite:Consent of instructor is required. (2 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1107 PTA Pathophysiology 2 credit hours Pathophysiology includes he study of diseases and disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice. An overview of ethiology, manifestations and treatment of significant diseases with emphasis on musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiopulmonary systems. Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1109 Basic Health Care Skills and Principles of Soft Tissue Techniques 3 credit hours Instruction in basic health care skills used in physical therapy including practice in wheelchair management, body mechanics, transfers, gait training, first aid skills. Study and practical application of basic massage techniques and their variations. Includes identification of anatomical structures, therapeutic intervention using soft tissue manipulation, stretches, joint range of motion, postural drainage, and chest physical therapy techniques. Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1110 PTA Documentation 1.5 credit hours Observation, interviewing and medical note-writing techniques. Subject matter to include various assessment, treatment plan, progress note, and discharge summary formats. Emphasis on writing style, reimbursement guidelines and legal aspects of note writing. Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program or consent of instructor (1.5 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1111 PTA Kinesiology I 2 credit hours The study of human movement utilizing principles of biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy and neuromuscular physiology. Analysis of human movement performed through the application of biomechanical principles including but not limited to force, resistance, osteokinematics, arthrokinematics and planes of motion. Emphasis on basic biomechanics, the articular system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint. Prerequisites: Admission to PTA program or consent of instructor. (2 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1112 PTA Kinesiology II 3 credit hours Continuation of application of biomechanical principles and analysis of human movement. Explores in detail the relationship of these principles to the elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, lower extremity, head, neck, trunk, and to gait and posture. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 1111 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1114 PTA Total Patient Care 1 credit hour Discussion of topics related to the physical therapy profession, including psycho-emotional aspects of caring for the patient, psycho-social problems of the ill and disabled, aging, medical ethics and professional ethics. Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program or consent of instructor (1 lecture hour)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1201 PTA Therapeutic Modalities 4 credit hours Therapeutic intervention utilizing physical agents including heat, cold, light, sound, water, electricity and electromagnetic waves in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases and injuries. Introduction to wound care, burn care and infection control. Emphasis on the application and the safe appropriate use of treatment modalities. Prerequisite: Physical Therapist Assistant 1109 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1202 PTA Therapeutic Exercise 2 credit hours Continuation of therapeutic exercise for all ages, including stretching exercise. Emphasis is on the development of exercise programs for correction of postural dysfunction and gait abnormalities including the use of orthotic devices relevant to mobility and daily function. Focus on therapeutic intervention for the patient following an amputation, including the use of prosthetic devices relevant to mobility and daily function. Assessment and intervention of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) issues are also emphasized. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 1211 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor (1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1211 PTA Therapeutic Assessment and Basic Intervention 4 credit hours Therapeutic exercise including basic principles of exercise and basic evaluation skills pertaining to joint and muscle function. Emphasis is on the development of exercise programs for correction of specific conditions, muscle weakness and joint limitations as well as goniometric and manual muscle testing assessment. Prerequisite: Physical Therapist Assistant 1109 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1221 PTA Clinical Practicum I 1 credit hour Provides initial opportunity to implement a variety of physical therapy treatment plans. Students will be oriented to the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) and will have their initial supervised contact with clients having physical dysfunction. Prerequisite: Physical Therapist Assistant 1201 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor (.5 lecture hour, 4.5 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1840 Independent Study 1 to 4 credit hours Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, objectives, topical outline and methods of evaluation in coordination with and approved by the instructor. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (1 to 4 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2203 PTA Neuromuscular and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 3 credit hours Continuation of physical therapy techniques used in the assessment and intervention of patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other neurological disorders. Also includes rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 1202 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2204 PTA Special Patient Populations 2 credit hours Overview of physical therapy for special patient populations including but not limited to pediatrics, geriatrics, bariatrics, lymphedema, women’s health and incontinence. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 2203 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2212 PTA Advanced Orthopedic Rehabilitation 4 credit hours Continuation of the study of therapeutic exercise. Focus is on principles and application of progressive-resistive exercise, upper and lower extremity joint mobilization, and exercise progression. Emphasis is on orthopedic disorders and appropriate therapeutic intervention. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 1202 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2214 PTA Professional Issues 1 credit hour Discussion of topics related to the physical therapy (PT) profession, including Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS), pharmacology, cultural diversity, research, licensure, and other legal and ethical aspects that influence current Physical Therapist Assistant practice. Discussion also focuses on current trends in physical therapy practice. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 2203 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or consent of instructor (1 lecture hour)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2222 PTA Clinical Practicum II 1.5 credit hours Provides initial opportunity to implement a variety of physical therapy treatment plans. Students will be oriented to the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) and will have their initial supervised contact with clients having physical dysfunction. This course can only be taken on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: Physical Therapist Assistant 1221 with a grade of “S” or better or consent of instructor (.5 lecture hour, 8 clinical hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2223 PTA Clinical Practicum III 2.5 credit hours Clinical experience which provides students with opportunities to further improve their intervention skills, reinforce their intervention techniques, and reinforce concepts of proper body mechanics, therapist safety, and client safety. Further improve communication skills including documentation of goals, intervention plans and patient progress. This course can only be taken on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisites: Physical Therapist Assistant 2222 with a grade of “S” or consent of instructor (.5 lecture hour, 16 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2224 PTA Clinical Practicum IV 3 credit hours Conclusion of supervised clinical experiences with opportunity to build upon knowledge and skills developed in prior clinical experiences. Focus is on entry level competencies in providing comprehensive and consecutive interventions within the larger framework of departmental operations. This course can only be taken on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: Physical Therapist Assistant 2223 with a grade of “S” or consent of instructor (.5 lecture hour, 20 lab hours)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2860 Internship (Career & Technical Education) 1 to 4 credit hours Course requires participation in Career and Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the Associate Dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2865 Internship - Advanced (Career & Tech Education) 1 to 4 credit hours Continuation of Internship (Career and Technical Education). Course requires participation in Career & Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the Associate Dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

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