Physical Therapy
PHTA 100 PTA Seminar I
Fall, 2 credit hours
This is the first in a series of four courses in the physical therapist assistant program that is based on the APTA’s Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant. In this course, students are introduced and acclimated to the Physical Therapist Assistant program and the physical therapy profession. Students are familiarized with the Core Values of accountability, altruism, collaboration, compassion and caring, duty, excellence, inclusion, integrity, and social responsibility. Orientation to the clinical education process is included in preparation for full time clinical experiences.
Prerequisites: PHTA majors only
PHTA 101 FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICAL THERAPY Procedures
Fall, 3 credit hours
In this course, students are introduced to basic physical therapy procedures necessary for providing patient care across the continuum of physical therapy settings. Students develop competency in basic infection control procedures, data collection, bed mobility, transfers, gait training with assistive devices, wheelchair management, application of thermal modalities, basic therapeutic exercise, and soft tissue techniques. Introduction to tissue healing, kinesiology concepts and review of basic musculoskeletal anatomy is included. Students learn aspects of patient/client management including the ICF model, problem-solving algorithm, documentation and billing aspects of physical therapy care.
Prerequisite: PHTA majors only.
PHTA 102 Functional Anatomy
Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course, students apply knowledge of origins, insertions, actions and innervations of extremity and trunk musculature as they relate to functional human movement. Students will apply this knowledge to analysis of the gait cycle and posture as well as in data collection related to the musculoskeletal system, to include manual muscle testing, goniometry, and muscle length testing. They are introduced to orthopedic special tests as well as the implementation of standardized functional outcome measures for physical therapy practice.
Prerequisite: PHTA 100, PHTA 101, Grade of C or better in BIOL 217
PHTA 103 MUSCULOSKELETAL PATHOLOGIES
Spring, 4 credit hours
In this course students study specific musculoskeletal pathologies across the life span. Students learn their role in assisting the physical therapist with management of an orthopedic based patient population in relation to stages of tissue healing. They will learn a variety of therapeutic exercise and soft tissue techniques for the extremities and the spine to address impairments and activity limitations. Students will develop clinical reasoning skills using the problem-solving algorithm framework to carry out the physical therapy plan of care in the context of musculoskeletal case-based scenarios. Documentation and billing practices will be incorporated into case assignments in preparation for clinical practice.
Prerequisites: PHTA 100, PHTA 101, BIOL 217, or permission of instructor.
PHTA 104 CLINICAL I
Summer, 4 credit hours
In this course, the student is assigned to a physical therapy clinical site where they work full time under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This provides the student with the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and laboratory into practice in the clinical setting. A strong emphasis is placed on communication and professional behaviors.
Prerequisites: PHTA 102, PHTA 103, PHTA 107
PHTA 107 PTA Seminar II
Spring, 1 credit hours
In this course, students will build on knowledge and skills developed in PHTA 100 with an emphasis on preparation for clinical experiences. Students will explore topics such as communication styles, time and life management strategies, concepts of teaching and learning, evidence-based practice, and legal, supervisory, and reimbursement issues related to practice as a student PTA. They will complete all pre-clinical documentation and Clinical Performance Instrument training in preparation for Clinical I.
Prerequisites: PHTA 100, PHTA 101
PHTA 203 PTA SEMINAR III
Fall, 2 credit hours
This seminar course allows second year PTA students to engage in activities and discussions to further integrate the Core Values of the PT and PTA, building on concepts introduced in PHTA 100 and PHTA 107. Guest speakers, class assignments and group discussion as well as outside activities will promote students’ integration of the American Physical Therapy Association Core Values of accountability, altruism, collaboration, compassion/caring, duty, excellence, inclusion, integrity, and social responsibility, in preparation for culminating clinical experiences and clinical practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Prerequisites: PHTA 104
PHTA 204 CARDIOPULMONARY AND INTEGUMENTARY PATHOLOGIES
Fall, 4 credit hours
In this course, students will apply musculoskeletal knowledge from the previous semester to amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation, and orthotics. Students will study the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and lymphatic systems and related pathologies. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation principles and management will be discussed and applied, including management in the acute care/critical care environment. Conditions of the integumentary system will be discussed with emphasis on physical therapy management of wounds and burns.
Prerequisites: PHTA 104, BIOL 217, BIOL 218
PHTA 205 NEUROMUSCULAR PATHOLOGIES
Fall, 4 credit hours
In this course, students study neuroanatomy and relate this knowledge to central and peripheral nervous system conditions. Principles of neurological rehabilitation and management of patients with neurological conditions are discussed and applied. Students learn about normal motor development, theories of motor control and motor learning as applied to the rehabilitation of patients with neuromuscular conditions.
Prerequisites: PHTA 104, BIOL 217, BIOL 218
PHTA 206 ADVANCED PHYSICAL THERAPY Procedures
Fall, 2 credit hours
In this course students learn basic principles of electricity and application of electrotherapeutic agents for pain control, neuromuscular stimulation, and tissue healing. Students learn the application of spinal traction as a therapeutic modality. Specialty topics will be presented by guest clinicians and/or through case study introduction to prepare students for specialty populations and advanced therapeutic techniques they may encounter in final clinical experiences. Students will study pathophysiology of the endocrine/metabolic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, hepatic/biliary, renal and urologic systems as they relate to physical therapy management of a patient.
Prerequisites: PHTA 104, BIOL 217, BIOL 218
PHTA 207 CLINICAL II
Spring, 6 credit hours
This clinical experience correlates with content taught in PHTA 100 through PHTA 206. The student is assigned to a physical therapy clinical site where they will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This will provide the student with the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory into practice in a clinical setting. The PTA student will demonstrate clinical problem-solving skills based on academic knowledge and previous lab and clinical experiences.
Prerequisites: PHTA 203, PHTA 204, PHTA 205, PHTA 206
PHTA 209 CLINICAL III
Spring, 6 credit hours
This clinical experience correlates with content taught in PHTA 100 through PHTA 207. The student is assigned to a physical therapy clinical site where they will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This will provide the student with the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory into practice in a clinical setting with the expectation of entry level practice at the end of the clinical course. The PTA student will demonstrate clinical problem-solving skills based on academic knowledge and previous lab and clinical experiences.
Prerequisites: PHTA 207
PHTA 210 PTA SEMINAR IV
Spring, 2 credit hours
This course is designed to provide for the transition from the student role to the graduate role. Review of national exam material on a weekly basis throughout the semester will help to prepare students for the licensing exam. Students will participate in transitional activities completing licensure paperwork, participate in a mock interview and sit for a mock national exam. Students will be required to submit a self-directed plan for career development and lifelong learning. A final advocacy project and reflective paper provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and preparation to effectively fulfill their role as an inclusive healthcare provider.
Prerequisites: PHTA 203, PHTA 204, PHTA 205, PHTA 206