Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA3)  Degree

Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

Selected laboratory exercises reinforcing the topics of BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems. Emphasis is placed on the identification of anatomical structures.

Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

This course introduces students to the profession of physical therapy. Topics include professional responsibilities and core values; legal and ethical responsibilities in physical therapy practice; current trends in physical therapy; communication skills; cultural competency and health disparities and research and evidence-based practice.

This course introduces students to basic patient care skills and administrative tasks in physical therapy. Topics include patient care skills; principles of teaching and learning; documentations skills; and administrative and management tasks.

This course introduces the basic concepts of functional anatomy and the study of human movement. Topics include an overview of kinesiology and the principles of biomechanics; examination of the neuromusculoskeletal system; a review of muscle attachments, actions, and innervations; and instruction in assessment techniques for measuring joint range of motion.

This course introduces the principles and application techniques for various physical therapy interventions. Topics include superficial and deep thermal physical agents; athermal agents and electromagnetic radiation; therapeutic massage techniques; wound care and personal protection; and instruction in assessment techniques for sensory response.

This course provides a survey of injuries and diseases commonly treated by physical therapist assistants. Topics include review of systems; an examination of musculoskeletal system disorders and diseases; examination of general medical disorders and diseases; examination of circulation, respiration, and ventilation; recognition and response procedures for changes in physiologic status; and an overview of pharmacology for pain, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and GI system management.

This course provides instruction in exercises and rehabilitation techniques commonly utilized by physical therapist assistants. Topics include functional mobility and training; rehabilitation techniques for musculoskeletal disorders; gait training and assistive devices; home management, community, and work reintegration; and health promotion, wellness and prevention. Course content will be presented through lectures, discussions, audio-visual materials, case studies, class and/or laboratory projects, small group study activities, interactive labs, library assignments, field trips, guest speakers, and tests. This course is web- enhanced utilizing the Blackboard learning platform.

This course provides continued instruction in the principles and application techniques for various physical therapy interventions. Topics include pain theories and assessment techniques; mechanical physical agents; electrotherapeutic physical agents; and adaptive, protective, and supportive devices.

This course provides students with the opportunity to observe and practice skills learned in the classroom and laboratory at various clinical settings for physical therapy practice. Students will be supervised by a clinical instructor who is either a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant. Topics include preparation of patients, treatment areas, and equipment; vital signs and sensory assessment; wound care and personal protection; transfers, body mechanics, and assistive devices; application of physical agents; goniometric measurements; therapeutic massage; interpersonal and communication skills; principles of teaching and learning; documentation; and modification of interventions within the plan of care. Due to the nature of the clinical education experience, clinical competency skills that are covered in PHTA 2180 and/or 2190 may be addressed in PHTA 2140. Success in the course requires students require no more than 75% assistance with competency skills and no more than 50% assistance with all critical skills (communication, clinical behaviors, safety, accountability, & clinical problem solving).

This course provides continued instruction on diseases and conditions commonly treated by physical therapist assistants with an emphasis on neurological conditions. Topics include a review of neuroanatomy and physiology; examination of neurological disorders and diseases; examination of pediatric disorders and diseases; limb deficiency disorders; and pharmacology for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and cardiac and pulmonary system management.

This course provides continued instruction in exercises and rehabilitation techniques commonly utilized by physical therapist assistants. Topics include rehabilitation of the neurological patient; rehabilitation of the pediatric patient; cardiac rehabilitation and chest physical therapy techniques; prosthetic and orthotic training; and the assessment of arousal, attention, and cognition. Course content will be presented through lectures, discussions, audio-visual materials, case studies, class and/or laboratory projects, small group study activities, interactive labs, library assignments, field trips, guest speakers, and tests. This course is web-enhanced utilizing the Blackboard learning platform.

Continued study of the phenomenon of human motion as initiated in PHTA 1130, Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology I. Topics include: review of muscle attachments actions and innervations; specific manual muscle testing techniques; posture and equilibrium; normal and abnormal gait; and advanced gait training skills and techniques.

This course provides continued opportunity for clinical education under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant in various health care facilities. Topics include therapeutic exercise; interventions for neurological conditions; mechanical and electrotherapeutic physical agents; gait and posture analysis; advanced gait training techniques; manual muscle testing; interventions for limb deficiency disorders; identification of architectural barriers; interpersonal and communication skills; principles of teaching and learning; documentation; and modification of interventions within the plan of care. In addition to clinical skills/knowledge included in PHTA 2140 Clinical Education I, students are expected to demonstrate competency in the skills listed below during Clinical Education II, as well as those required for Clinical Education I. Due to the nature of the clinical education experience, clinical competency skills that are covered in PHTA 2190 and/or 2140 may be addressed in PHTA 2180. Success in the course requires students require no more than 50% assistance with competency skills and no more than 25% assistance with all critical skills (communication, clinical behavior, safety, accountability, and clinical problem solving).

This course provides continued opportunity for clinical education under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant in various health care facilities. Topics include therapeutic exercise; interventions for neurological conditions; mechanical and electrotherapeutic physical agents; gait and posture analysis; advanced gait training techniques; manual muscle testing; interventions for limb deficiency disorders; identification of architectural barriers; interpersonal and communication skills; principles of teaching and learning; documentation; and modification of interventions within the plan of care.

This seminar course prepares students for entry into the field of physical therapy as physical therapist assistants. Topics include review for the licensure examination; presentation of a case study; and overview of career development and commitment to lifelong learning.