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 110. 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, PTA 222, or PTA 110.)
Prerequisites: BIO 207 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 120. Applied Science of the Movement System. 3 Credit Hours.

Applied Science of the Movement System is a study of the integration of the structure and function of the integumentary, endocrine, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiac, respiratory, hematologic, lymphatic, sensory, and gastrointestinal systems as they relate to human movement.
Prerequisites: Concurrent or prior enrollment in BIO 208 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 130. Data Collection and Intervention Techniques for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 4 Credit Hours.

Data Collection and Intervention Techniques for the Physical Therapist Assistant introduces vital signs, sterile techniques, dressing changes, emergency procedures, and goniometry. Students learn muscle testing, gait examination, and the cardiovascular response to exercise. Techniques to develop flexibility, strength, power, and endurance are also introduced. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 214 or PTA 130.)
Prerequisites: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PTA 222 or PTA 110 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 140. Fundamentals of Patient Care for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 4 Credit Hours.

Fundamentals of Patient Care for the Physical Therapist Assistant 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 physical therapist assistant/patient interaction, and patient/caregiver teaching. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 105 or PTA 140.)
Prerequisites: PTA 214 or PTA 130 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 150. Medical Conditions in Rehabilitation. 3 Credit Hours.

Medical Conditions in Rehabilitation provides an overview of disease conditions commonly encountered for treatment in physical therapy departments. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 215 or PTA 150.)
Prerequisites: BIO 208 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 200. Clinical Education I. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Education I provides students with 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 36 hours a week for 5 weeks. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 104 or PTA 200.)
Prerequisites: PTA 105 or PTA 140 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 206. Physical Agents. 3 Credit Hours.

Physical Agents provides physical therapist assistant students with scientific knowledge and clinical application skills required to safely and efficiently provide treatment under the direction of a physical therapist with the following physical and thermal agents. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 211 or PTA 206.)
Prerequisites: PTA 105 or PTA 140 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 220. Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts I. 7 Credit Hours.

Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts I covers data collection and intervention techniques used by the physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist 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. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 212 or PTA 220.)
Prerequisites: PTA 105 or PTA 140 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 230. Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts II. 3 Credit Hours.

Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation Concepts II includes data collection and treatment intervention techniques performed by the physical therapist assistant (PTA) for pediatric and neurological conditions. The role of the physical therapist assistant in assisting the physical therapist to identify community integration barriers for clients with physical disabilities will also be discussed. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 213 or PTA 230.)
Prerequisites: PTA 212 or PTA 220 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 240. Health Occupation Seminar. 2 Credit Hours.

Health Occupation Seminar is a study of the health care system and the role of physical therapist assistants within it. Topics include health care organizations, therapy department policies and procedures, evidence-based research, professionalism, legal and ethical issues, community resources, documentation, billing and coding, and application for licensure and employment. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 208 or PTA 240.)
Prerequisites: PTA 212 or PTA 220 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 250. Clinical Education II. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Education II provides students with an opportunity to practice skills acquired in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor for 36 hours a week for 6 weeks. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 216 or PTA 250.)
Prerequisites: PTA 104 or PTA 200 with a grade of "S" and Reading Proficiency

PTA 260. Clinical Education III. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Education III 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 36 hours a week for 6 weeks. (Credit is only allowed for either PTA 217 or PTA 203 or PTA 260.)
Prerequisites: PTA 104 or PTA 200 with a grade of "S" and Reading Proficiency