PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

PTAP-100 Introduction to Physical Therapy
2 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the role of a physical therapist assistant in the healthcare delivery system. History and organization of the physical therapy profession, standards of practice, laws and regulations, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, ethics, and accessing research/healthcare literature will be covered. Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. Corequisite: PTAP-110. (2 hours weekly)

PTAP-110 Fundamentals of Practice I
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the skills needed to care for patients in varied settings. This course will include body measurements, range of motion, vital signs, lifting and transfers, draping and positioning, documentation guidelines, manual muscle testing, posture and body alignment, assistive devices, and the pre-ambulatory patient. Prerequisites: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and BIOL-203. Corequisite: PTAP-100. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-120 Clinical Kinesiology
3 Credits
This course will present advanced anatomy of the musculoskeletal system with emphasis on joint mechanics, human movement, and palpation of anatomical landmarks. The student will learn the principles of normal and abnormal posture and gait. Prerequisites: BIOL-204, PTAP-100, and PTAP-110. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-130 Therapeutic Modalities I
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the use of physical modalities for patient treatment. The principles of inflammation, cell repair, pain, and pain management will be introduced. The student will learn the physics, physiology, indications, contraindications, application, and patient preparation for the use of heat, cold, ultrasound, massage, vasocompression, wound care, hydrotherapy, and phonophoresis. Prerequisites: BIOL-204, PTAP-100, and PTAP-110. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-150 Clinical Pathology
3 Credits
This course describes the etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of diseases and disorders commonly encountered in physical therapy. Prerequisites: BIOL-204, PTAP-100, and PTAP-110. (3 hours weekly)

PTAP-160 Orthopedic Dysfunctions I
3 Credits
This course will present the principles of tissue development, healing, and response to physical therapy treatments. Common cervical spine and upper extremity orthopedic diagnosis, physical therapy interventions, and post-operative and injury care protocols will be discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL-204, PTAP-100, and PTAP-110. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-210 Fundamentals of Practice II
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to physical disabilities and community barriers. Independent activities of daily living, prosthetics, orthotics, static/dynamic splints, casts, and braces will be discussed. Also included will be relaxation training, pulmonary function, airway clearance techniques, breathing exercises, functional assessment, functional exercise, balance assessment, and balance training. Prerequisites: BIOL-204, PTAP-100, and PTAP-110. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-213 Clinical Education I
2 Credits
This course consists of a review of Healthcare Provider-level CPR and First Aid, HIPAA, OSHA Hazard Communication (includes bloodborne pathogen), and introduction to the clinic during the first two weeks of the semester, followed by weekly on-site clinical experience in local settings. The course will allow for observation of physical therapy interventions and application of elemental principles of patient care to uncomplicated patients under direct supervision and at the discretion of the Clinical Instructor. Prerequisites: PTAP-100 and PTAP-110. Corequisites: PTAP-120, PTAP-130, PTAP-150, PTAP-160, and PTAP-210. (8 hours clinical weekly)

PTAP-214 Clinical Education II
2 Credits
This course consists of a clinical experience at one clinical site. The students will have the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge developed in previous coursework in the technical program. Prerequisites: PTAP-120, PTAP-150, PTAP-160, PTAP-210, and PTAP-213. (8 hours clinical weekly)

PTAP-230 Therapeutic Modalities II
3 Credits
This course continues with the study of physics, physiology, indications, contraindications, and patient preparation for the use of modalities. Focus will be on electromagnetic modalities including iontophoresis, biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation, high volt, interferential, and microcurrent. The course will also include mechanical traction, continuous passive motion, and laser. Prerequisite: PTAP-214. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-240 Therapeutic Exercise
3 Credits
This course covers the principles of exercise physiology, the application of exercise to treatment plans and injury prevention, equipment and exercise interventions to improve flexibility, strength, and motor control, special topics in women’s health, and cardiovascular function. Prerequisite: PTAP-214. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-250 Clinical Neuroscience
3 Credits
This course focuses on nervous system anatomy and function, and normal/abnormal development. Students also learn assessment of the neurologically impaired patient and therapeutic approaches to central nervous system dysfunctions throughout the life cycle. Prerequisite: PTAP-214. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-260 Orthopedic Dysfunctions II
3 Credits
This course presents common lower-extremity and thoracolumbar spine orthopedic diagnosis and physical therapy interventions. Post-operative and injury care protocols are discussed. Prerequisite: PTAP-214. (2.25 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)

PTAP-265 Professional Issues in Physical Therapy
1 Credit
This seminar covers topics relevant to professional development and communication. Topics include cultural competence, learning and communication styles, and ethical and legal aspects of care. The structure and function of institutions, reimbursement systems, wellness, and special topics in health care will be discussed. Employment topics will include resume writing, interviewing, and performance appraisals. Work and life issues will be covered. Corequisites: PTAP-230, PTAP-240, PTAP-250, and PTAP-260. (1 hour weekly)

PTAP-270 Clinical Education III
4 Credits
This course consists of a full-time clinical rotation at one clinical site. The student will apply skills and knowledge from all previous coursework to patient care with the purpose of developing entry-level clinical competency. Clinical competencies will be continued. An oral presentation will be presented to the staff. The clinical site may require travel away from the local region, including out-of-state. Prerequisites: PTAP-230, PTAP-240, PTAP-250, PTAP-260, and PTAP-265. (16 hours clinical weekly)

PTAP-275 Clinical Education IV
4 Credits
This course consists of a full-time clinical rotation at one clinical site. The student will continue to apply skills and knowledge obtained from all previous coursework and clinical experiences. Clinical competencies must be completed by the end of this rotation. An oral presentation will be presented to the staff that differs from Clinical Education III. A one-day review of clinical questions and licensure exam details will follow the end of the clinical. Location of clinical sites may require travel away from the local region, including out-of-state. Prerequisite: PTAP-270. (16 hours clinical weekly)