Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

PTA 103. Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting. 4 Credits.

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to Basic Patient Care Skills: Preparation for Patient Care, Aseptic Techniques, Turning & Positioning, Wheelchairs, Vital Signs & Anthropometrics, Transfer Activities, Gait Training with Ambulatory Assistive Devices, and Introduction to Documentation, the Medical Record and Clinical Communication. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, MAT 092 or MAT 096, RDG 098 or placement; BIO 152 or BIO 203 and BIO 204, Enrollment in PTA; Corequisites: PTA 120. Fall.

PTA 104. Applied Anatomy And Kinesiology. 4 Credits.

Identification and detailed palpation of the bones and muscles of the human skeleton will be correlated with joint and muscle function. Introductory concepts concerning tissue organization, basic biomechanics, and the nervous system will be studied. Basic concepts of musculoskeletal structure and function will be applied to a more complex analysis of human movement and skill. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or BIO 203 and BIO 204 with a C+ or better. Fall.

PTA 111. Clinical Orthopedics for the PTA. 7 Credits.

This course covers the intervention strategies that are applicable to an orthopedic patient that are part of entry-level practice as a PTA. Normal and pathomechanics of the neuromusculoskeletal systems are covered in detail via regional analysis of the major articulations of the extremities and spine. Etiology and physical therapy management of clinical dysfunctions commonly encountered in a general orthopedic patient population will be studied. Normal and pathological gait will be analyzed. This course also presents the theory and application of traditional therapeutic exercise including ROM, stretching, resistive exercise, balance and coordination and cardiovascular/aerobic activity. Evidence-based practice guidelines regarding traditional exercise suggestions for selected musculoskeletal diagnoses and home exercise program instruction will also be covered. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisite: PTA 103, PTA 104, PTA 120. Spring.

PTA 112. Therapeutic Modalities. 4 Credits.

This course is designed to present the physiological basis, clinical application and specific techniques of administration for the following modalities: infrared heating and cooling, ultraviolet light, deep heating, intermittent compression, mechanical traction, electrical stimulation for analgesia, muscle contraction and specialized currents, iontophoreseis, biofeedback, and LASER. Emphasis will be placed on the indications and precautions and contraindications of each to assure patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisite: PTA 111, PTA 121, PTA 134, PTA 139. Fall.

PTA 113. Advanced Rehabilitation Techniques. 4 Credits.

This course presents an advanced view of rehabilitation. Specific patient populations and techniques associated with the treatment of these populations will be addressed. Topics include but will not be limited to pathological gait, cardiac rehabilitation, advanced soft tissue approaches to the spine and extremities, an introduction to extremity joint mobilization, aquatics, geriatrics and, amputees and prosthetics, CPT and Integumentary Care. A problem based oriented approach using specific case studies representing targeted patient population will be utilized. An evidence-based practice research project is required. Students will also complete an evidence-based practice research project which will include both a written and oral presentation that satisfies the MWCC institutional outcomes for competency in reading, writing, speaking and computer literacy. The theory and clinical application of chest physical therapy techniques will also be presented and practiced in this course. This course also covers data collection, the diseases and conditions that impact effective treatment, and interventions specific to the entry-level practice of Integumentary care as a PTA, including, but not limited to burns and wounds. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisite: PTA 121. Fall.

PTA 114. Neurophysiological Techniques. 4 Credits.

This course presents the theoretical framework of neurodevelopmental and neurophysiological approaches to therapeutic exercise. Normal movement, motor development, and motor learning are emphasized. Sensorimotor dysfunctions, characteristic limitations, and abnormal motor movements are discussed. The basic approaches to neurophysiological techniques and their rationale are included. These traditional approaches will be compared to contemporary theories of motor development, motor learning, and motor control. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisite: PTA 111, PTA 121, PTA 134, PTA 139. Fall.

PTA 116. Clinical Practicum I. 6 Credits.

Clinical Practicum I is the third clinical experience in a physical therapy setting. The purpose of this intermediate experience is to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and/or licensed physical therapist assistant. The emphasis of this experience is to integrate previously learned and practiced PTA skills, therapeutic modalities, advanced therapeutic techniques, and neurophysiological techniques into an established physical therapy program. Typical practice settings may include acute care hospitals, private practice, sports developmental centers, skilled nursing centers, geriatrics, pediatrics, VNA, inpatient rehabilitation centers, VA hospitals, and psychiatric centers. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 114, PTA 121. Spring.

PTA 118. Clinical Management And Healthcare Issues. 1 Credit.

Key non-patient care-related topics are presented concerning issues of importance to the physical therapist assistant. Course topics include PTA licensure, job search (cover letter, resume writing, and interviewing), the ADA, insurance regulations, supervision/delegation issues for the PTA, quality assurance, and risk management. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: PTA 112, PTA 113, PTA 114. Spring.

PTA 119. Clinical Practicum II. 6 Credits.

This course is the fourth clinical experience in a physical therapy setting. The purpose of this final experience is to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and/or licensed physical therapist assistant. The emphasis of this experience is to integrate previously learned and practiced PTA skills, special topics, and clinical management and health care issues into the delivery of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment program. Typical practice settings may include acute care hospitals, private practice, sports developmental centers, skilled nursing centers, geriatrics, pediatrics, VNA, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, VA hospitals, and psychiatric centers. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: PTA 116. Spring.

PTA 120. Integrated Clinical Experience I. 2 Credits.

This integrated clinical experience (ICE) provides students the opportunity for clinical observations and to enhance skill acquisition of the techniques learned in PTA 103 and PTA 104. The students will be exposed to early patient interaction, physical therapy professionals, and other healthcare professionals. Classroom activities will require student self-reflection on clinical and professional skills. Additional classroom topics include an introduction to Evidenced-Based PT Practice, Ethics and Professionalism, PTA Licensure, Cultural Sensitivity, the APTA and Stress Management. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PTA; RDG 098, MAT 092 or MAT 096, ENG 098, FYE 101, or placement; Corequisites: PTA 103, PTA 104. Fall.

PTA 121. Integrated Clinical Experience II. 1 Credit.

This integrated clinical experience (ICE) provides students the opportunity for clinical observations and to enhance skill acquisition of the techniques learned in PTA 111 and PTA 139. The students will be exposed to early patient interaction, physical therapy professionals, and other healthcare professionals. Classroom activities will require student self-reflection on clinical and professional skills. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PTA; BIO 152, PTA 103, PTA 104, PTA 120. Corequisites: PTA 111, PTA 139. Spring.

PTA 134. Clinical Assessments. 3 Credits.

This course covers the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in collecting subjective data and performing tests and measures to collect objective data to entry-level competency. Data that is collected utilizing the assessment skills covered in this course will support the rationale for rehabilitative techniques, modalities and therapeutic exercises that will be employed in current companion and subsequent courses in the curriculum. Data collection from direct examination may include, but not be limited to; Patient Communication & Subjective Data Collection, Goniometry and Manual Muscle Testing, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Examination, Global Observation, Mental Function, and Components of Mobility & Function, Integumentary Examination, Functional Outcomes & Assessments, Ergonomics & Workstation Analysis, ADA Environment & Architectural Barriers, Neuromuscular Examination, and Integumentary Examination. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: PTA 103, PTA 104, PTA 120. Spring.

PTA 139. Human Disease And Pathology. 4 Credits.

This course will cover the etiology, natural course, and termination of disease in order to assist the student in understanding the cause and effect relationship between disease and disability. Emphasis will be placed on the most common diseases and disabilities which the student will likely encounter in the practice of physical therapy and/or massage therapy. Adherence to the attendance policy and completion of this course with a final grade of C+ (77%) or better must be achieved in order to advance in the PTA program. Prerequisites: BIO 152 or BIO 203 and BIO 204 (or corequisite). Spring.