Physical Therapist Assistant

This course is offered in the first year, first semester.  The This course involves both lecture and laboratory teaching in the area of biophysical agents used in Physical Therapy. These agents include superficial and deep heat, cold, light, sound waves, electricity, biofeedback, hydrotherapy, compression therapies and traction. Documentation and preparation of self, the patient, equipment and space will also be emphasized.

This course is offered in the first year, second semester. Students will focus on therapeutic exercise rationale, indications, and contraindications. Specific equipment, techniques and procedures of therapeutic exercise will be introduced. Students will have opportunity in lab sessions to practice these techniques.

This first year, second semester course continues the PT Procedures course series aimed at providing the Physical Therapist Assistant student with basic skills in procedures commonly used in Physical Therapy.  This course integrates both lecture and laboratory learning in the areas of data collection (goniometry, manual muscle testing, length, girth, volume, body composition, balance, and measures of self-report), therapeutic massage, gait training and treatment following reconstructive surgery of the extremities. The course will also cover special orthopedic tests, theory and basic techniques for peripheral joint mobilization, and an introduction to patient education and community service. There will continue an emphasis on professionalism in behavior, appearance, and rapport.

Students shall progress to this first clinical experience during the summer after completion of all first-year courses and successful completion of a comprehensive practical exam. Clinical education is an organized sequence of learning activities integrated within the curriculum. 

Clinical education provides students with the opportunity to perform their responsibilities under appropriate physical therapist or physical therapist assistant supervision and positive role modeling.  The experience provides exposure to a variety of patients and learning activities. Clinical education is provided in a variety of practice and health care settings and ensures participation in direct patient care.

Other/Practicum Hours: 3 (270 clock hours total)

This seminar course is offered during the Summer semester after students complete the first year of professional course. The course provides students with an opportunity for reflective learning that focuses on the formative clinical education experience.

This course is offered in the second year, fall semester. This course completes the series aimed at providing the PTA student with basic skills in procedures commonly used in Physical Therapy. It integrates both lecture and laboratory learning and may include off site learning opportunities in the areas of advanced therapeutic interventions such as: orthotics, prosthetics, cardiac rehabilitation, chest physical therapy, wound care, amputations, pelvic health, vestibular issues, psychological issues, and management of patients using teaching strategies and cultural sensitivity. Students will also expand their knowledge of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques, building on content learned in previous courses.

This laboratory course is offered in the second year, fall semester, and focuses on hands on application of concepts learned in AHLT220R with a focus on the approach taken in physical therapy. Clinical neuropathology, introduction and application of motor control theory, motor learning, screening of the nervous system, and neurorehabilitation approaches to patient care
are included.
This course draws upon concepts learned in AHLT 112R Clinical Conditions, AHLT 123R Clinical Kinesiology, AHLT135R Foundations in Rehabilitation, and PTAC115R Therapeutic Exercise, as these courses introduced typical and atypical conditions that affect the nervous system of the human body.

This course is offered after the student completes the summative clinical practicum. The course provides an opportunity to share newly learned clinical skills with classmates; participate in cross-professional collaboration; focus on preparing for the licensing exam and the process for obtaining and retaining licensure; and review State Practice Acts, legal/ethical issues, and topics current to the profession as they impact job searching and license retention. It provides opportunity for students to further the transition to professional attitudes, behaviors and awareness.

Students progress to this summative clinical experience after completion of all professional courses and successful completion of a comprehensive practical exam. Clinical education is an organized sequence of learning activities integrated within the curriculum. It includes full time assignments, and follows the completion of relevant didactic instruction. 

Clinical education provides students with the opportunity to perform their responsibilities under appropriate physical therapist or physical therapist assistant supervision and with positive role modeling.  The experience provides exposure to a variety of patients and learning activities. Clinical education is provided in a variety of practice and health care settings and ensures participation in direct patient care.

Other/Practicum Hours: 24 contact hours (360 clock hours total) (typically done over 8-10 weeks)