Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Course Descriptions

PTA 200S P.T. Issues and Trends 2 semester hours
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.

PTA 201 PTA Seminar 2 semester hours
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.

PTA 202 PTA Communication Skills 2 semester hours
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.

PTA 220 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology 3 semester hours
This course provides an in-depth, clinically oriented study of functional anatomy. Emphasis is placed on 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.

PTA 222 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab 2 semester hours
This laboratory course allows for a hands-on appreciation of anatomical structures and kinesiological concepts as they relate to therapeutic exercise. Emphasis may include muscle and joint function, testing applications and therapeutic exercise. Upon completion, the student should be able to integrate content areas into an understanding of normal human movement.

PTA 230 Neuroscience 2 semester hours
This course provides students with an overview of the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS, as it relates to the treatment necessary for patients with dysfunctions of these systems. Emphasis may include the structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiological concepts, human growth and development, neurologic dysfunctions. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to identify and discuss specific anatomical structures and function of the nervous system and basic concepts of human growth and development and identify neurologic pathologies.

PTA 231 Rehabilitation Techniques 2 semester hours
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.

PTA 232 Orthopedics for the PTA 2 semester hours
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 physical therapy interventions for common orthopedic conditions.

PTA 240 Physical Disabilities I 2 semester hours
This course presents the student with a body systems approach to the etiology, pathology, signs/symptoms and treatment of conditions seen in physical therapy. Emphasis may include conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to discuss basic pathological processes, treatment options and prognoses of conditions studies.

PTA 241 Physical Disabilities II 2 semester hours
This course continues a body systems study of common physical therapy pathologies. Emphasis may include various neurological pathologies with additional focus on the needs of special populations. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to discuss the physical therapy intervention appropriate to a variety of diagnoses.

PTA 250 Therapeutic Procedures I 4 semester hours
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 of the course, 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.

PTA 251S Therapeutic Procedures II 4 semester hours
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 of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery with an in-depth understanding of each.

PTA 252S Physical Agents and Therapeutic Modalities 2 semester hours
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. (Sp)

PTA 260 Clinical Education I 1 semester hour
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.

PTA 263 Clinical Affiliation I 3 semester hours
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.

PTA 268 Clinical Practicum 5 semester hours
This clinical education experience allows the student to practice in the health care environment, using entry level skills attained in previous classroom instruction. The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, students, and course coordinator. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate entry level competency in those skills necessary for functioning as a physical therapist assistant.