PTA101 Physical Therapy Interventions 1

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Concurrent enrollment: PTA101L.

This course introduces theoretical principles and practical applications of basic physical therapy patient care skills, safety measures, data collection methods, and interventions. Information presented includes asepsis, hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment; measurement of vital signs, joint range of motion, and muscle strength; maintenance of safe personal body mechanics and posture; and interventions including positioning and draping, functional training, application of adaptive equipment; wheelchair fitting and management; and therapeutic exercise.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define major classifications of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living as they relate to physical therapy practice.
2. Describe important clinical practices designed to increase patient and healthcare provider safety, including the use of safe body mechanics, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment.
3. Describe current concepts of physical therapy patient management including positioning, functional training, application of adaptive equipment, wheelchair setup and maintenance, and therapeutic exercises.
4. Apply current knowledge of patient positioning, functional training, application of adaptive equipment, wheelchair management, and therapeutic exercise to a patient care scenario.
5. Identify essential components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the physical therapy plan of care, including vital signs, joint range of motion, and muscle strength tests and measures.
6. Describe the legal use of patient restraints and alternatives used in health care settings.
7. Discuss the connective tissue healing process as a foundation for clinical decision-making in physical therapy.

PTA101L Physical Therapy Interventions 1 Lab

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Concurrent enrollment: PTA101.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA101.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Correctly interpret a physical therapy plan of care involving the provision of functional training, wheelchair mobility, and therapeutic exercise.
2. Ensure personal safety and patient safety during the provision of selected physical therapy interventions.
3. Competently perform selected physical therapy interventions including positioning, functional training, therapeutic exercise, and wheelchair fitting/management.
4. Communicate effectively and professionally with classmates and instructors during clinical skills practice and simulated patient care activities.
5. Effectively educate others during the provision of functional training, wheelchair management, and therapeutic exercise.
6. Monitor patient status and adjust interventions as needed during the provision of functional training, wheelchair mobility, and therapeutic exercise.
7. Competently perform data collection including vital signs, joint range of motion, and muscle strength.

PTA102 Physical Therapy Interventions 2

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA101 and PTA101L, each with a grade of "C" or better.

This course is designed to provide the foundational scientific principles and knowledge to support appropriate and effective physical therapy management of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions across the lifespan. Discussion includes musculoskeletal system data collection, pathophysiology, medical management, and physical therapy interventions according to current best evidence.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe the pathological processes associated with musculoskeletal system conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy practice.
2. Recognize the typical signs and symptoms associated with musculoskeletal conditions seen in physical therapy practice.
3. Select appropriate physical therapy interventions under the established plan of care using knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, psychology, pain science, and movement science for a given clinical scenario.
4. Choose appropriate physical therapy interventions within an established plan of care by incorporating knowledge of medical and surgical interventions for common musculoskeletal conditions.
5. Use quantitative reasoning to interpret numerical data derived from physical therapy tests and measures during the provision of physical therapy services.
6. Use evidence and data to inform clinical decisions about the provision of physical therapy services within the established plan of care.
7. Choose appropriate responses to medical and environmental emergencies commonly encountered in physical therapy practice.

PTA102L Physical Therapy Interventions 2 Lab

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA101 and PTA101L, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent requisite: PTA102.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA102.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the physical therapy plan of care by selecting appropriate interventions, given a musculoskeletal case study.
2. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal conditions identified in the plan of care.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and effective clinical problem-solving while implementing interventions in the physical therapy plan of care.
4. Demonstrate competence in performing data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care.
5. Demonstrate awareness of patient safety in the application of physical therapy interventions.
6. Demonstrate effective communication during clinical skills practice and simulated clinical activities.
7. Demonstrate professional behavior that reflects the core values and ethical standards of the physical therapy profession.
8. Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of equipment in the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

PTA103 Physical Therapy Interventions 3

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA102 and PTA102L, each with a grade of "C" or better; and concurrent enrollment in PTA103L.

This course covers the pathology and management of arthritis, collagen disorders, and postural dysfunction; introduces types of stress and related intervention strategies; and includes the theoretical principles and practical applications of physical agents commonly used as interventions in physical therapy practice, including heat, cold, ultrasound, diathermy, light, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and mechanical traction. Current concepts in pain science and related intervention strategies will be introduced and discussed.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define the components of normal postural alignment and postural deviations commonly seen in physical therapy practice.
2. Describe the basic principles of asepsis as it relates to physical therapy practice.
3. Describe the physiological basis for pain.
4. Describe the rehabilitation management of arthritis and collagen disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice.
5. Describe the therapeutic use of deep heat in physical therapy practice.
6. Describe the therapeutic use of electric currents in physical therapy practice.
7. Describe the therapeutic use of mechanical traction in physical therapy practice.
8. Describe the typical medical-surgical management of arthritis and collagen disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice.
9. Describe the various classifications, etiology, and risk factors of arthritis and collagen disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice.
10. Describe the various interventions used to manage excessive stress commonly experienced by physical therapy clients.
11. Discuss contemporary theories of the perception, response, and optimal treatments for pain.
12. Identify intervention strategies to improve postural deviations commonly used in physical therapy practice.

PTA103L Physical Therapy Interventions 3 Lab

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA102L, with a grade of "C" or better; and concurrent enrollment in PTA103.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA103.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply the principles of problem solving in the delivery of patient care during practice scenarios.
2. Demonstrate competence in hand hygiene and principles of asepsis during simulated clinical scenarios.
3. Demonstrate competence in performing tests and measures of aerobic capacity and endurance essential for safe and effective implementation of physical therapy interventions.
4. Demonstrate competence in postural assessment and effective instruction in postural correction exercises for a given clinical scenario.
5. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the core values and standards of ethical conduct expected of student physical therapist assistants.
6. Demonstrate safe and effective application of superficial thermal agents as commonly used in physical therapy practice.
7. Demonstrate the safe and effective application of electrical currents as commonly used in physical therapy practice.
8. Demonstrate the safe and effective application of mechanical traction as commonly used in physical therapy practice.
9. Demonstrate the safe and effective application of therapeutic ultrasound as commonly used in physical therapy practice.
10. Discuss the overall role of physical agents as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.
11. Employ effective teaching strategies during a simulated patient treatment session.
12. Prepare, position and drape a mock patient appropriately for all the techniques practiced in lab.
13. Utilize effective therapeutic communication strategies during a mock patient treatment session.

PTA105 Introduction to Physical Therapy

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

This course introduces the physical therapy profession and role of the physical therapist assistant within the US healthcare system. Topics include systems of healthcare delivery, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, role of professional associations and state licensing boards, professional core values and ethical standards, an overview of laws that impact the practice of physical therapy, and the physical therapy Patient-Client Management Model. Students will explore the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act and models of disability, principles of teaching and learning related to patient education, and key concepts of evidence-informed practice. Students will participate in a community-based service learning experience.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Discuss the scope of work of the PTA as a member of a PT-PTA team.
2. Describe the major laws and regulations impacting the delivery of physical therapy in the United States.
3. Demonstrate awareness of professional values and ethical standards.
4. Discuss the physical therapy patient management model.
5. Describe the roles of members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
6. Describe major laws and regulations that affect the practice of physical therapy.
7. Describe the roles of various members of the healthcare team and characteristics of effective healthcare teams.
8. Discuss various models of disability.
9. Describe the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its impact on society.
10. Demonstrate awareness of key principles of evidence-informed practice.
11. Discuss effective strategies for patient education.
12. Demonstrate the ability to self-reflect on changes in knowledge, skill, beliefs, or attitudes following a service-learning activity.
13. Describe the key elements of universal design.

PTA106 Cross-Cultural Communication in Physical Therapy

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA105, with a grade of "C" or better.

The focus of this course is critical components of cross-cultural communication during the provision of physical therapy services. Topics include factors that contribute to health disparities in the United States, barriers to communication such as implicit bias and structural racism, and the impact of culture on health beliefs and communication practices. Students will learn strategies to improve patient-provider communication such as cultural awareness and humility, advising patients with limited health literacy, communicating across language differences, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe the dimensions of human diversity encountered in physical therapy practice.
2. Demonstrate awareness of social, structural, and cultural influences on health beliefs, practices, outcomes, and access to quality health care.
3. Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication strategies.
4. Discuss the principles of trauma-informed care.
5. Demonstrate behavior consistent with professional values and ethical standards during group projects and service learning activities.
6. Demonstrate effective communication during a group presentation.
7. Demonstrate the ability to self-reflect on performance during group and service learning activities.

PTA107 Introduction to Clinical Practice

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA106, with a grade of "C" or better.

The focus of this course is compliance with laws, regulations, and safety guidelines in preparation for clinical education. Topics include defensible documentation, Medicare supervision and utilization regulations, Medicare fraud and abuse, warning signs of abuse in vulnerable populations and mandatory reporting, medical malpractice, HIPAA regulations, ethical decision-making, and OSHA recommended safety guidelines. Students will participate in a community-based service-learning experience that addresses the health needs of society.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of laws and regulations related to patient care and fiscal management.
2. Complete physical therapy treatment-related documentation consistent with contemporary standards of practice.
3. Demonstrate understanding of requirements for reporting to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations.
4. Implement, in response to a given ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values.
5. Demonstrate understanding of requirements to report suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services.
6. Participate in community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, leadership, or advocacy.
7. Demonstrate the ability to self-reflect on changes in knowledge, skill, attitudes, or beliefs following service-learning activities.

PTA121 Clinical Kinesiology

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

This course introduces the application of kinematic and kinetic principles to human movement, the clinical relevance of anatomical structures commonly seen in physical therapy practice, and the surface palpation of bony landmarks and skeletal muscles needed for the safe and effective provision of physical therapy interventions. Discussion includes basic analyses of human movement during various functional movements and activities of daily living.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of theories, laws, concepts and terms governing the kinematics and kinetics of human movement.
2. Recognize the location and function of anatomical structures that are relevant to the provision of physical therapy interventions.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the factors that influence postural stability.
4. Describe the structure and function of connective tissue.

PTA122 Manual Therapy Techniques

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA121, with a grade of "C" or better.

This course introduces students to manual therapy techniques commonly used in physical therapy practice including soft tissue mobilization and non-thrust peripheral joint mobilization.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply information about joint and soft tissue mobility from an existing physical therapy plan of care to make appropriate clinical decisions for a given case study.
2. Compare and contrast the purpose of different manual therapy techniques commonly used in physical therapy practice.
3. Demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively perform joint and soft tissue mobilization interventions commonly used in physical therapy practice.
4. Discuss the indications, and contraindications for use of manual therapy techniques commonly used in physical therapy practice.
5. Discuss the scope of work of physical therapist assistants when performing manual therapy interventions as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.

PTA123 Balance and Gait

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA121, with a grade of "C" or better.

Students are introduced to the body control systems important in the maintenance of balance and gait, common age-related and pathological changes that impair balance and gait, phases and functional components of the human gait cycle, and physical therapy interventions commonly used in the management of balance and gait disorders.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively perform physical therapy interventions commonly used in the management of balance and gait disorders.
2. Demonstrate competence in administering tests and measures of balance, vestibular function, gait, and function essential for carrying out the physical therapy plan of care.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical problem-solving in the selection, monitoring, and adjustment of interventions in the plan of care.
4. Demonstrate competence in implementing balance, vestibular, and gait interventions identified in the plan of care.
5. Demonstrate effective communication with students, instructors, and mock patients.
6. Demonstrate effective patient education using instructional methods commensurate with the needs of the patient.

PTA201 Physical Therapy Interventions 4

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: PTA103 and PTA103L, each with a grade of "C" or better; and concurrent enrollment in PTA201L.

This course covers the pathology and management of diabetes, limb amputation, selected medical/surgical conditions, balance, coordination and stroke. Discussion includes epidemiology, prevention and risk factors, diagnostic procedures and medical/surgical management of these conditions as well as rehabilitation strategies to address typical impairments for these patients/clients. Principles of motor learning and motor control are discussed, as well as evidence-based practice and a process to evaluate the strength and quality of research relevant to physical therapy practice.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define and differentiate between motor development, motor learning and motor control
2. Describe common diagnostic procedures used in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders typically seen in physical therapy practice
3. Describe limb amputation commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of epidemiology, prevention and risk factors, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies
4. Describe the pathology of cerebrovascular accident (stroke) in terms of epidemiology, prevention and risk factors, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies
5. Describe the pathology of diabetes in terms of epidemiology, prevention and risk factors, diagnostic procedures, medical management and rehabilitation strategies
6. Describe the problem-oriented approach to interventions appropriate to the neurological population
7. Discuss the general challenges of medical-surgical patients commonly seen in physical therapy practice including normative lab values typically monitored for these populations
8. Identify key factors in a research report and how those factors determine the strength and quality of this research to inform clinical physical therapy practice
9. Identify sensory and motor system mechanisms involved in normal postural control , as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect balance and contribute to dysfunction and fall risk.

PTA201L Physical Therapy Interventions 4 Lab

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: PTA103 and PTA103L, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent Requisite: PTA201.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA201.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply the principles of problem solving in the delivery of patient care during practice scenarios
2. Demonstrate appropriate proprioceptive neuromuscular techniques (PNF) to achieve a specified goal for a given clinical scenario
3. Demonstrate appropriate facilitation and inhibition techniques for an individual with atypical tone for a given clinical scenario
4. Demonstrate appropriate interventions for individuals who have had a stroke for a given clinical scenario
5. Demonstrate appropriate interventions for individuals with a traumatic brain injury for a given clinical scenario
6. Demonstrate effective instruction with a mock patient for a given clinical scenario
7. Demonstrate professional and effective interaction and communication with lab partners and instructors during lab

PTA202 Physical Therapy Interventions 5

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA201 and PTA201L, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent requisite: PTA202L.

This course covers the pathology and management of selected cardiorespiratory, circulatory, endocrine, neurological, integumentary, and oncological conditions commonly seen in physical therapy practice. Discussion includes pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe oncological disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
2. Describe seizure disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
3. Describe developmental disorders affecting pediatric patients that are commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
4. Describe endocrine disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
5. Describe spinal cord disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
6. Describe cardiopulmonary disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
7. Describe vascular disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
8. Describe integumentary disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, populations affected, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies.
9. Discuss the relevance of clinical tests and measures important for the safe and effective provision of physical therapy interventions\\nfor individuals with cardiorespiratory, circulatory, endocrine, integumentary, and oncological disorders.
10. Discuss the relevance of laboratory tests important for the safe and effective provision of physical therapy interventions\\nfor individuals with cardiorespiratory, circulatory, endocrine, integumentary, and oncological disorders.
11. Identify the red flags to stop exercise in individuals with select medical conditions of the cardiopulmonary, circulatory, endocrine, neurological, and integumentary systems.
12. Describe the various types of limb amputation commonly seen in physical therapy practice and discuss their implications for rehabilitation.
13. Describe the various levels of spinal cord injury commonly seen in physical therapy practice and discuss their implications for rehabilitation.
14. Describe the effects of typical and atypical aging and how that influences selection and implementation of physical therapy interventions

PTA202L Physical Therapy Interventions 5 Lab

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: PTA201 and PTA201L, each with a grade of "C" or better; and concurrent enrollment in PTA202.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA202.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe appropriate physical therapy interventions for individuals with select developmental disorders, spinal cord injuries, bariatric disorders, cancer, lymphedema, and disorders of the cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and integumentary systems.
2. Apply the principles of problem solving in the delivery to patient care during practice scenarios for select developmental disorders, spinal cord injuries, bariatric disorders, cancer, lymphedema, and disorders of the cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and integumentary systems.
3. Demonstrate appropriate interventions for individuals with select developmental disorders, spinal cord injuries, bariatric disorders, cancer, lymphedema, and disorders of the cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and integumentary systems.
4. Demonstrate competence in performing selected tests and measures to determine treatment effectiveness when working with individuals who have select developmental disorders, spinal cord injuries, bariatric disorders, cancer, lymphedema, and disorders of the cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, and integumentary systems.
5. Recognize signs or symptoms that indicate exercise should be immediately stopped in a patient with spinal cord injuries, cancer, and disorders of the cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular systems.
6. Explain safe parameters for blood pressure, pulse, respirations, rate of perceived exertion, and oxygen saturation\\nduring each stage of cardiac rehabilitation
7. Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform interventions including postural drainage, percussion, and assisted\\ncough techniques for a selected area of the lungs
8. Instruct a mock patient in post-operative precautions following surgery for select spinal cord injuries, bariatric disorders, cancer, and cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular disorders.
9. Research and present information on a developmental disorder \\n including epidemiology, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies

PTA203 Physical Therapy Interventions 6

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA202 and PTA202L, each with a grade of "C" or better; and concurrent enrollment in PTA203L.

This course covers the pathology, epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management, physical therapy interventions and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease
2. Describe the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
3. Describe the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, diagnostic procedures, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with Parkinson's Disease
4. Discuss the relevance of clinical tests and measures necessary to determine treatment effectiveness for individuals with dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease
5. Demonstrate effective communication strategies when working with individuals with dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease

PTA203L Physical Therapy Interventions 6 Lab

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA202 and PTA202L, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in PTA203.

This course will enable the student to apply and demonstrate competency in the interventions discussed in PTA203.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply the principles of clinical reasoning in the delivery of patient care during practice scenarios
2. Articulate the key components of physical therapy related patient education that should be including when treating an individual with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
3. Demonstrate competence in performing selected tests and measures to determine effectiveness of physical therapy interventions
4. Demonstrate professional and effective interaction and communication with lab partners and instructors during lab
5. Given a mock patient scenario, provide appropriate physical therapy interventions for individuals with dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis
6. Demonstrate effective communication strategies for individuals with dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Scleoris

PTA251 Clinical Applications I

Credit 1Summer

Registration Requirement: All first-year PTA coursework through spring term. Concurrent enrollment in PTA261 is required.

This course emphasizes skills needed for successful performance in the clinical setting. Discussion includes effective communication, giving and receiving feedback, patient management strategies and ethical decision-making. Methods of evaluating student performance in clinic are discussed.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Critically reflect on self-performance during the first-year of the Physical Therapist Assistant program and provide thoughtful, constructive suggestions for self-improvement and program-improvement.
2. Demonstrate a professional commitment to lifelong learning through critical self-assessment of clinical performance during PTA261 Clinical Affiliation 1.
3. Effectively use the PTA-CPI Web online clinical assessment tool.
4. Demonstrate awareness of the essential skills and behaviors associated with the foundational elements of clinical practice including safety, professional behavior, accountability, communication, and clinical problem solving.

PTA257 Evidence Informed Physical Therapy Practice

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The focus of this course is applying the principles of evidence-based practice and information literacy to articulate a real-world clinical problem related to physical therapy practice, formulate a clinical research question, conduct a systematic review of the research literature, critique a research article, and determine its applicability to a physical therapy case study. Students will collaborate in a process improvement project and develop a professional resume suitable to secure entry-level employment as a physical therapist assistant.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the key principles of evidence-based practice
2. Demonstrate the ability to formulate a clinical research question and conduct an effective search of the research literature
3. Demonstrate the critical inquiry skills necessary to critique a research article and determine its applicability to a real-world clinical question
4. Write a research paper according to APA Style guidelines
5. Collaborate with classmates to design a process improvement plan for a real-world problem of clinical practice
6. Produce a resume suitable for use in securing a job as a graduate PTA

PTA258 Licensure and Lifelong Learning

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: Co-requisite: PTA263.

Skills needed to transition to the role of the graduate physical therapist assistant are covered, including the Oregon licensure process, licensing exam preparation and preparation for lifelong professional development.

Additional Course Fee: $100.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe the content of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy National Physical Therapy Examination for physical therapist assistant candidates.
2. Describe the continuing competency requirements for licensed physical therapist assistants in Oregon.
3. Describe the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board procedure for applying for a physical therapist assistant license.
4. Discuss various opportunities to engage in lifelong professional development.
5. Present a patient case study or other relevant clinical topic to physical therapy clinicians during PTA263.

PTA261 Clinical Affiliation I

Credits 8Summer

Registration Requirement: All first-year PTA coursework through spring term. Concurrent registration in PTA251 is required.

This course is the first of three clinical rotations. All cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills covered in the curriculum to date are practiced under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor.

Additional Course Fee: $150.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Communicate effectively with clients, other members of the healthcare team, and the public with moderate supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
2. Complete patient care related documentation, taking no longer than twice the time expected of a recent graduate newly hired in the assigned clinical setting with moderate supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
3. Conduct an effective physical therapy plan of care review and provide a sound rationale for intervention choices with moderate feedback and guidance from the clinical instructor
4. Consistently display professional behavior consistent with values and ethical standards articulated by the American Physical Therapy Association
5. Manage a caseload equivalent to 50% or greater of that expected of a new graduate hired in the assigned clinical setting with moderate supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
6. Provide effective patient education with moderate supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
7. Provide safe and effective physical therapy interventions according to the plan of care in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards with moderate feedback and guidance from the clinical instructor
8. Utilize appropriate physical therapy tests and measures, in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards, to inform clinical decisions with moderate supervision and guidance from clinical instructor

PTA262 Clinical Affiliation II

Credits 8Fall

Registration Requirement: PTA251 with a grade of "C" or better and PTA261 with a grade of "S".

This course is the second of three clinical rotations. All cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills covered in the curriculum to date are practiced under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor.

Additional Course Fee: $150.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Communicate effectively with clients, other members of the healthcare team, and the public with intermittent supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
2. Complete patient care related documentation, taking no more than 50% of the time expected of a recent graduate newly hired in the assigned clinical setting with intermittent supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
3. Conduct an effective physical therapy plan of care review and provide a sound rationale for intervention choices with intermittent supervision and guidance from the clinical instructor
4. Consistently display professional behavior consistent with values and ethical standards articulated by the American Physical Therapy Association
5. Manage a caseload equivalent to 75% or greater of that expected of a new graduate hired in the assigned clinical setting with intermittent supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
6. Provide effective patient education with intermittent supervision and guidance from clinical instructor
7. Provide safe and effective physical therapy interventions according to the plan of care in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards with intermittent supervision and guidance from the clinical instructor
8. Utilize appropriate physical therapy tests and measures in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards to inform clinical decisions with intermittent supervision and guidance from clinical instructor

PTA263 Clinical Affiliation III

Credits 8Spring

Registration Requirement: PTA257 with a grade of "C" or better and PTA262 with a grade of "S". Co-requisite: PTA258.

This course is the third of three clinical rotations. All cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills covered in the curriculum to date are practiced under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Consistently and independently communicate effectively with clients, other members of the healthcare team, and the public with general supervision of the physical therapist
2. Consistently and independently complete patient care related documentation, taking no more than the amount of time expected of a recent graduate newly hired in the assigned clinical setting with general supervision of the physical therapist
3. Consistently and independently conduct an effective physical therapy plan of care review and provide a sound rationale for intervention choices with general supervision of the physical therapist
4. Consistently and independently manage a caseload equivalent to 90% or greater of that expected of a new graduate hired in the assigned clinical setting with general supervision of the physical therapist
5. Consistently and independently provide effective patient education with general supervision of the physical therapist
6. Consistently and independently provide safe and effective physical therapy interventions according to the plan of care in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards general supervision of the physical therapist
7. Consistently and independently utilize appropriate physical therapy tests and measures, in a manner consistent with contemporary industry standards, to inform clinical decisions with general supervision of the physical therapist
8. Consistently display professional behavior consistent with values and ethical standards articulated by the American Physical Therapy Association