Physical Therapy (PTA)

PTA 110. Introduction to Physical Therapy. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course introduces the field of physical therapy including the history and standards of practice for the physical therapist assistant and basic treatment techniques. Emphasis is placed on ethical and legal considerations, universal precautions, vital signs, documentation, basic patient preparation and treatment skills, and architectural barrier screening. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the role of the physical therapist assistant and demonstrate competence in basic techniques of patient care.

PTA 125. Gross & Functional Anatomy. 5.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0

This course provides an in-depth, clinically oriented survey of gross and functional anatomy. Emphasis is placed on musculoskeletal and nervous systems and clinical biomechanics, including goniometry, basic manual muscle testing, and components of normal gait. Upon completion, students should be able to identify specific anatomical structures and describe, observe, and measure musculoskeletal posture and function.

PTA 135. Pathology. 4.0 Credits. Class-4.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course introduces principles of pathology, processes of and normal responses to injury and disease, and changes related to aging. Emphasis is placed on conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss basic pathological processes and identify etiology, signs, symptoms, complications, treatment options, and prognoses of specific orthopedic conditions.

PTA 145. Therapeutic Procedures. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0

This course provides a detailed study of specific treatment procedures and the physiological principles and techniques involved. Emphasis is placed on the correct application of superficial heat and cold, massage and soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, diathermy, traction, and electrical stimulation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the application of these modalities and explain the indications, contraindications, effects, and precautions for each.

PTA 165. PTA Clinical I. 3.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides the opportunity to gain clinical experience and apply academic skills and knowledge to patient care. Emphasis is placed on performing patient care skills, observation and measurement, and professional and patient interaction. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

PTA 185. PTA Clinical II. 3.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides the opportunity to gain clinical experience and apply academic skills and knowledge to patient care. Emphasis is placed on performing patient care skills, observation and measurement, and professional and patient interaction. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

PTA 212. Health Care/Resources. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides an overview of various aspects of health care delivery systems and the interrelationships of health care team members. Topics include health agencies and their functions, health care team member roles, management, and other health care issues. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the functions of health organizations and team members and aspects of health care affecting physical therapy delivery.

PTA 215. Therapeutic Exercise. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course introduces basic concepts of strengthening, endurance, and flexibility exercise and balance, gait, and posture training. Emphasis is placed on applying techniques to the treatment of orthopedic conditions. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and effectively execute basic exercise programs and balance, gait, and posture training.

PTA 222. Professional Interactions. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course is designed to assist in the development of effective interpersonal skills in the physical therapist assistant setting. Topics include reactions to disability, the grieving process, methods of communication, motivation, health promotion, disease prevention, and aging. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and demonstrate methods for achieving effective interaction with patients, families, the public, and other health care providers.

PTA 225. Introduction to Rehabilitation. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course covers cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary conditions, as well as causes and treatment of amputations. Emphasis is placed upon pathological processes as well as comprehensive treatment of the various conditions studied. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss etiology, signs, symptoms, complications, and prognoses of various conditions and implement components of a comprehensive treatment program.

PTA 235. Neurological Rehab. 5.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0

This course covers neurological and neuromuscular conditions experienced throughout the life span. Topics include the pathology of selected conditions and the methods and rationales of various treatment approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss etiology, signs, symptoms, complications, and prognoses of various conditions and implement components of a comprehensive treatment program.

PTA 235AB. Neurological Rehab. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course covers neurological and neuromuscular conditions experienced throughout the life span. Topics include the pathology of selected conditions and the methods and rationales of various treatment approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss etiology, signs, symptoms, complications, and prognoses of various conditions and implement components of a comprehensive treatment program. This is the first part of a course sequence consisting of an in-depth study of the neurological system and focusing on conditions affecting it in adulthood.

PTA 235BB. Neurological Rehab. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course covers neurological and neuromuscular conditions experienced throughout the life span. Topics include the pathology of selected conditions and the methods and rationales of various treatment approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss etiology, signs, symptoms, complications, and prognoses of various conditions and implement components of a comprehensive treatment program.

PTA 245. PTA Clinical III. 4.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-12.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides the opportunity to gain clinical experience and apply academic skills and knowledge to patient care. Emphasis is placed on performing patient care skills, observation and measurement, and professional and patient interaction. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

PTA 255. PTA Clinical IV. 4.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-12.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides the opportunity to gain clinical experience and apply academic skills and knowledge to patient care. Emphasis is placed on performing patient care skills, observation and measurement, and professional and patient interaction. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

PTA 270. PTA Topics. 1.0 Credit. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course covers the physical therapist assistant profession in preparation for the state licensure exam. Topics include developing time management skills and practicing for the competence examinations. Upon completion, students should be able to identify individual academic strengths and weaknesses and utilize this information to continue self-study for the licensure exam.