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Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Health Sciences and Wellness


Physical Therapist Assistant Department


PTA 010—Clinical Applications for the PTA


1 lect., 1 unit

(Fall)


This course is designed to assist the student in understanding the concepts presented in first semester Physical Therapist Assistant courses. Discussion, demonstrations, worksheets, and small group activities are used to reinforce the information provided in Intro to Physical Therapy, Medical Conditions for the PTA and PTA I.

Corequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 103, PTA 105

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 111, ENG 101

*not applicable to associate degrees or certificate programs

PTA 012—Kinesiology Support Module


lab, 1 unit

(Spring)


This course is designed to assist the student in understanding the concepts presented in Kinesiology (PTA 104). Discussion, demonstrations, worksheets, and small group activities are used to reinforce the information provided in Kinesiology.

Prerequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 103, PTA 105

Corequisite:

PTA 102, PTA 104, PED 224

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 112, ENG 102

*not applicable to associate degrees or certificate programs

PTA 101—Physical Therapist Assisting 1


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Fall)


This is the first in a sequence of four procedures courses. Topics include: universal precautions, infection control, basic first aid and safety procedures, monitoring of vital signs, basic wounds care and bandaging techniques, proper body mechanics, patient positioning and transfers, spinal cord injuries, amputees, CVA, and gait training. [R-1]

Corequisite:

PTA 103, PTA 105

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 111, ENG 101

PTA 102—Physical Therapist Assisting 2


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Spring)


In this second course in the sequence of four procedures courses, the basic principles of massage and application of modalities are emphasized; practice of specific skills includes various techniques of massage, hot and cold packs, paraffin, whirlpool, contrast baths, ultrasound, diathermy, electrical stimulation, ultraviolet, infrared and cold laser therapy. Principles and procedures related to the Hubbard tank, therapeutic pool, intermittent compression, spinal traction and wound healing are also presented. An overview of pharmacology as it relates to rehab completes the course. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 103, PTA 105

Corequisite:

PTA 104, PED 224

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 112, ENG 102

PTA 103—Introduction to Physical Therapy


2 lect., 2 cr.

(Fall)


An introductory course to Physical Therapy which covers the history, scope of practice, role of the PT and PTA, preferred practice relationship between the PT & PTA, role of other health care providers, communication skills, documentation, ethical and legal principles, structure and organization of health care systems, and cultural diversity. [R-1]

Corequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 105

Pre/Corequisite:

ENG 101, BIO 111

PTA 104—Kinesiology


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Spring)


A study of basic human motion, including biomechanics, emphasizing the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems with particular emphasis on joint structure, movements, and muscle position in relationship to the joint. Course will also include the analysis of normal and pathological gait patterns. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 103, PTA 105

Corequisite:

PTA 102, PED 224

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 112, ENG 102

PTA 105—Medical Conditions for the Physical Therapist Assistant


3 lect., 3 cr.

(Fall)


This course serves to describe specific systems pathology across the life span, including medical/surgical management, as they relate to the field of Physical Therapy. [R-1]

Corequisite:

PTA 101, PTA 103

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 111, ENG 101

PTA 201—Physical Therapist Assisting 3


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Fall)


In this third course in the sequence of four procedures courses, the principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise are presented. Students study specific neurological, orthopedic, medical, and surgical conditions, and their PT management. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 102, PTA 104, PED 224

Corequisite:

PTA 205, PTA 207

Pre/Corequisite:

PED 202, PSY 111

PTA 202—Physical Therapist Assisting 4


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Spring)


This course is the final course in a series of four procedures courses in which the student defines, discusses, and demonstrates advanced Physical Therapy treatment techniques. Topics include: joint mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, lumbar stabilization, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary rehab, head trauma rehab, amputee rehab, women's health issues, and geriatric rehab. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 201, PTA 205, PTA 207

Corequisite:

PTA 206, PTA 208

Pre/Corequisite:

PSY 220

PTA 205—Clinical Education 1


16 lab, 3 cr.

(Fall)


Students spend two full days per week in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The actual hours will be determined by the facility and may include evening hours. This assignment is designed to allow students to observe, assist, and acquire skills in application of all procedures studied. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 102, PTA 104, PED 224

Corequisite:

PTA 201, PTA 207

Pre/Corequisite:

PED 202, PSY 111

PTA 206—Clinical Education 2


16 lab, 3 cr.

(Spring)


Students spend two full days per week in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The actual hours will be determined by the facility and may include evening hours. This assignment is designed to allow students to observe, assist, and acquire skills in application of all procedures studied. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 201, PTA 205, PTA 207

Corequisite:

PTA 202, PTA 208

Pre/Corequisite:

PSY 220

PTA 207—Test and Measurement for the PTA


3 lect., 3 lab, 4 cr.

(Fall)


The principles and techniques of appropriate assessment, test, and measurement skills to assist a supervising physical therapist in monitoring and modifying the plan of care within the limits of practice are presented. Major topics include: ROM, MMT, balance, coordination, sensation, posture, pain and ADL assessment. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

PTA 102, PTA 104, PED 224

Corequisite:

PTA 201, PTA 205

Pre/Corequisite:

PED 202, PSY 111

PTA 208—Contemporary Practice for the PTA


3 lect., 3 cr.

(Spring)


This course is a culminating course to explore current concepts and trends in Physical Therapy. Legal, fiscal, administrative, professional, and ethical issues are explored as they relate to the Physical Therapist Assistant. This course places heavy emphasis on self-directed learning and classroom participation through the use of the Internet, case scenarios, classroom discussion, and independent assignments.

Prerequisite:

PTA 201, PTA 205, PTA 207

Corequisite:

PTA 202, PTA 206

Pre/Corequisite:

PSY 220

PTA 220—Clinical Education 3


16 lab, 3 cr.

(Summer I/Summer II)


Students spend six weeks full time working in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. This externship provides a comprehensive clinical experience which allows the student to apply all skills acquired to date. The actual hours will be determined by the facility and may include evening hours. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

Completion of course series PTA 101 through PTA 208