Physical Therapist Assistant

This course is an introduction to the field of physical therapy as a career choice. Emphasis is on the role of the PT and PTA, educational requirements, scope of practice and subspecialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, sports. Upon completion of the course, the student should have a general understanding of the role of physical therapy in the health care environment.

This course is an introduction to the clinically oriented study of functional anatomy. Emphasis is placed on a beginning level of understanding of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system as they relate to human movement. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to identify basic anatomical structures involved in human movements.

This is an introductory course to the trends and issues in physical therapy. Emphasis is placed on areas such as history, practice issues, psychosocial aspects of illness and cultural diversity. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss trends and issues relevant to physical therapy.

This course is a continuing study of issues and trends in physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on issues such as licensure, job skills, board exam review, practitioner roles, legal and ethical issues. Upon completion, the student should have acquired necessary skills for transition from student to practitioner.

This course is the study of verbal and nonverbal communication and documentation in health care. Emphasis will be placed on terminology, format, computer usage, reimbursement, interpersonal communication, and legal issues. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss and demonstrate communication methods for achieving effective interaction with patients, families, the public and other health care providers.

This course consists of independent visits to relevant clinical and related sites and activities. Students observe and assist with sports and recreational activities and visit specialized clinical sites. By the end of the course, the student should have broad exposure to activities in which physically challenged persons participate and specialized clinical areas.

This course provides an in-depth, clinically oriented study of functional anatomy. Emphasis is placed on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and study of human movement. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to identify specific anatomical structures and analyze human movements.

This laboratory course allows for a hands on appreciation of functional anatomy and kinesiology. Emphasis may include muscle and joint function, ROM/strength testing, palpation skills and exercise concepts. Upon completion, the student should be able to integrate content areas into an understanding of normal gait posture and movement patterns.

This course provides students with an overview of the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS, as it relates to treatment necessary for patients with dysfunctions of these systems. Emphasis includes the structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiological concepts, human growth and development, and neurologic dysfunctions. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to identify and discuss specific anatomical structures, functions of the nervous system, basic concepts of human growth and development, and identify neurologic pathologies.

This course allows for hands on appreciation of advanced rehabilitation techniques. Emphasis is on orthopedic and neurologic treatment techniques, therapeutic exercise procedures and analysis and treatment of pathologic gait. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of advanced rehabilitation techniques appropriate to orthopedic and neurologic dysfunctions.

This course provides the student with an overview of orthopedic conditions seen in physical therapy. Emphasis is on the study of orthopedic conditions and appropriate physical therapy intervention and a review of related anatomical structures. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to discuss PT interventions for common orthopedic conditions.

This course presents the student with a body systems approach to the etiology, pathology, signs/symptoms and treatment of conditions seen in PT. Emphasis may include conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss basic pathological processes, treatment options and prognoses of conditions studied.

This course continues a body systems approach to study of common PT pathologies. Emphasis includes various neurological pathologies with additional focus on the needs of special populations. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss PT interventions appropriate to a variety of diagnoses.

This laboratory course provides a hands on introduction to the principles and procedures of therapeutic physical therapy intervention. Emphasis is on basic patient care skills and procedures utilized in physical therapy. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery of those procedures with an in-depth understanding of the rationale for each treatment.

This laboratory course is a continued study of the principles and procedures of therapeutic PT intervention. Emphasis is on advanced physical therapy interventions and procedures and their rationale. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery with an in-depth understanding of each.

This course provides the student with the theoretical basis for the use of physical agents such as heat, cold, electricity, light, water and therapeutic modalities utilized in physical therapy. Emphasis is placed on modalities such as hydrotherapy, various forms of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction and diathermy. Upon completion of the course, the student will understand the physiological effects, indications and contraindication, advantage and disadvantage of utilizing these modalities in physical therapy.

This clinical experience is designed to introduce the student to the practice of physical therapy through interaction in the health care environment. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student and course coordinator. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques previously attained in the classroom.

This clinical class is a continuation of PTA 260 which is designed to introduce the student to the practice of physical therapy through interaction in the health care environment. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator. The student will safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques previously attained in the classroom.

This clinical class will provide clinical interaction in the health care environment. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator. Upon completion, the student should be able to safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques previously attained in the classroom.

This clinical class will provide an intensive and extended clinical interaction in the health care environment. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator. The student will safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques previously attained in the classroom.

This clinical class is a continuation of PTA 266 and will provide clinical interaction in the health care environment. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student and course coordinator. The student will safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques previously attained in the classroom.

This lab course covers exercise techniques commonly used in PTA practice. It may include aquatics, isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, plyometric, Swiss ball, and aerobic exercise. Upon completion of the course, the student should have entry level skills in exercise application.