Course Descriptions

PTA 100 Introduction to Physical Therapy (1) F. Introduction to physical therapy and to the role of the physical therapist assistant, including function of the PTA and of the health care team, history of medical care and physical therapy, legal and ethical standards, and communication. Lab course. Prerequisites: Admission into the physical therapist assistant program. Taken concurrently with PTA 110.

PTA 110 Patient Care Skills (3) F. Introduction to basic clinical skills, progressing from bedside management to community mobility. Lab course. Prerequisites: Admission into the PTA program and concurrent enrollment in PTA 100.

PTA 120 Modalities (3) Sp. Clinical modalities and procedures, including assessment of the skin, assessment and treatment of pain, thermal modalities, electrical modalities, hydrotherapy, and sterile techniques. Soft tissue treatments for edema, wounds, burns, and peripheral vascular disease. Health and safety issues, including universal (standard) precautions, electrical and hospital safety, and emergency procedures. Prerequisite: PTA 110. Taken concurrently with PTA 140 and PTA 160.

PTA 140 Measurements and Procedures (3) Sp. Clinical modalities and procedures, including range of motion, stretching, strength testing, and resistive exercise. Assessment issues in physical therapy, including functional assessment, architectural barriers, therapeutic exercise, gait, and effective therapy planning. Review and continuation of physical therapy documentation. Prerequisite: PTA 110. Taken concurrently with PTA 120 and PTA 160.

PTA 160 Clinical Kinesiology (3) Sp. The study of the muscular forces acting on anatomical structures to create movement, including normal and pathological biomechanics. Prerequisite: PTA 110. Taken concurrently with PTA 120 and PTA 140.

PTA 185 Clinical Education I (3) Su. First of three practicums in a physical therapy setting. Areas of emphasis include PTA relationships with patients and staff, clinic organization, beginning awareness of patient disorders, initial application of physical therapy techniques, and introduction to documentation. Three weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice. Prerequisites: Completion of PTA 120, PTA 140, and PTA 160.

PTA 200 Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy (1) Su. Psychosocial issues in health care. Prerequisite: PTA 120 and 140.

PTA 240 Diseases and Dysfunctions (3) F. Diseases and dysfunction encountered in physical therapy, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, genitourinary, and prenatal systems and arthritic and cancerous conditions. Prerequisite: PTA 120 and 140. Taken concurrently with PTA 255.

PTA 255 Clinical Orthopedics (4) F. The musculoskeletal system and normal biomechanics. Description, causes, symptoms, tests and physical therapy intervention in pathology. Emphasis on therapeutic exercise. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: PTA 120 and 140. Taken concurrently with PTA 240.

PTA 260 Clinical Neurology (4) Sp. Neuroanatomy and how damage to this body system is managed by physical therapy intervention. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: PTA 255 and concurrent enrollment in PTA 280 and 285.

PTA 280 Clinical Rehabilitation (3) Sp. Physical therapy rehabilitation principles for amputations, total hip and knee surgery, with emphasis on therapeutic exercise. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in rehabilitation. Physical therapy interventions with chronic illness, the elderly, and dying patients. Pharmacology in physical therapy. One hour lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: PTA 255 and concurrent enrollment in PTA 260, 270, and 285.

PTA 285 Clinical Education II (5) Sp. Second of three clinical practicums. Application of physical therapy procedures, appropriate professional behavior and communication. Participation in physical therapy clinic activities in addition to patient care. Six weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice plus preparation in academic setting. Prerequisites: PTA 260, PTA 270, and PTA 280.

PTA 290 Clinical Education III (5) Su. Third of three clinical practicums. Physical therapy principles and practice with emphasis on achievement of integration, application, communication, and participation at levels consistent with a beginning PTA practitioner. Six weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice. Prerequisite: PTA 260, PTA 270, and PTA 280.

PTA 295 Clinical Seminar (1) Su. Review and evaluation of clinical affiliation experiences, board exam preparation, resume writing and interview skills. Prerequisite: PTA 260 and PTA 280.