Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

PTA 100. Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the professional field of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant in the health care system. Legal and ethical questions are discussed as well as interpersonal communication skills, personality types, and the importance of empathy and respect for all patients. Students are introduced to medical terminology, documentation, and case studies in PT. A semester long service learning project is included to improve active listening skills and personal awareness.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

PTA 104. Clinical Experience I. 2 Credit Hours.

Students will have the opportunity to practice communication, interpersonal, technical and administrative skills acquired in the first year of study in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a licensed clinical instructor for three weeks.
Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 105. Fundamentals of Patient Care for the PTA. 4 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to the basic patient care skills in physical therapy. Treatment procedures include patient positioning, transfer techniques, massage, gait with and without assistive devices, wheelchair management and architectural barriers. Emphasis throughout is on safety, the preparation of the patient physically and psychologically, appropriate PTA/patient interaction, and patient/caregiver teaching. Additional lab hours required.
Prerequisites: PTA 214 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 208. Health Occupation Seminar. 2 Credit Hours.

Health Occupation Seminar is a study of the health care system and the role of PTA within it. Topics include health care organizations, department policies and procedures, evidence based research, professionalism, legal and ethical issues, community resources, documentation, billing, and coding, and application for licensure and work.
Prerequisites: PTA 212 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 211. Physical Agents. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides PTA students with scientific knowledge and clinical application skills required to safely and efficiently provide treatment under the direction of a PT with the following physical agents thermal agents, compression therapies, traction, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, light and sound agents, and electrotherapeutic modalities. Additional lab hours required.
Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 212. Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts I. 7 Credit Hours.

This course covers data collection and intervention techniques used by the PTA under the direction and supervision of the PT in the treatment of arthritis, postural abnormalities, extremity and spinal dysfunctions, abnormal gait, cardiopulmonary conditions, and amputations. The principles and application of prosthetic and orthotic devices will also be included. Additional hours required.
Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 213. Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts II. 2 Credit Hours.

This course includes data collection and treatment intervention techniques performed by the PTA under the direction and supervision of the PT for pediatric and neurological conditions. The role of the PTA in assisting the PT to identify community integration barriers for clients with physical disabilities will also be discussed. Additional lab hours required.
Prerequisites: PTA 212 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 214. Data Collection and Intervention Techniques for the PTA. 4 Credit Hours.

Data Collection and Intervention Techniques for the PTA will introduce vital signs, sterile techniques, dressing changes, emergency procedures, and goniometry. Students will learn muscle testing, gait examination and the cardiovascular response to exercise. Techniques to develop flexibility, strength, power, and endurance will be taught.
Prerequisites: PTA 222 with a grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PTA 222 and Reading Proficiency

PTA 215. Medical Conditions in Rehabilitation. 3 Credit Hours.

Medical Conditions in Rehabilitation is an overview of disease conditions commonly seen for treatment in physical therapy departments.
Prerequisites: BIO 208 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency

PTA 216. Clinical Education IIA. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Education IIA provides students with an opportunity to practice skills acquired in the first and second year of the program in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: PTA 104 with a grade of "S" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 217. Clinical Education IIB. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Education IIB will provide students with an opportunity to practice skills acquired in the first and second year of the program in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor for 6 weeks. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 217 or PTA 203.)
Prerequisites: PTA 104 with a score of "S" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 222. Kinesiology Fundamentals. 3 Credit Hours.

Kinesiology Fundamentals is the study of human movement. It involves applying principles of biomechanics as well as anatomy and physiology of the musculo-skeletal system to functional movement. Emphasis is placed on exercise principles and the analysis of postures and motions typical of physical and occupational therapy practice. (Credit is only allowed for either BIO 209 or PTA 222.)
Prerequisites: BIO 207 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency