PTA 110 Fundamentals of Physical Therapist Assisting: (Fall, year 1). Lecture: 32 hours, Lab 52 hours. Total: 84 hours. 3 credit hours. Lab fee. Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals in physical therapist assisting.  It  incorporates traditional approaches to therapeutic exercise and  techniques of rehabilitation including positioning, tilt table, wheelchair management, ambulation and transfers. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on safe performance of skills through the understanding of, as well as the application of good body mechanics. Units on vital signs, basic aseptic techniques, and wound care are taught as well as general topics such as legal and ethical considerations in physical therapy. Medical terminology is learned, practiced, and assessed throughout the semester.  Students visit local physical therapy settings for observational experiences at which time the role of the physical therapist assistant is emphasized. Satisfactory completion of this course is required for continuation into the second semester of the PTA program.

PTA 112 Kinesiology I (Fall, Year 1)
Lecture 24 hours, Lab 36 hours. Total 70 hours.  2 credit hours. Lab Fee
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

This course (PTA 112) provides an in-depth study of the skeletal system as it pertains to physical therapy.  Emphasis is on the application of skeletal anatomy, including joints and their structures, providing a foundation for an understanding of human movement and posture. Learning and practicing palpation skills of bony landmarks prepares the student for applying the theory and technique of goniometry (joint measurement). Additional units include passive range of motion and testing and charting skills.  Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills.  Satisfactory completion of this course is required for continuation into the second semester of the PTA Program.

PTA 114 Physical Therapy Techniques (Spring Year 1)
Lecture 32 hours, Lab 70 hours. Total 102 hours. 4 Credit hours. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: PTA 110, BIOL 201 and ENGL 151.
 

In this course, students learn and practice theory, principles and technical skills of selected physical therapy modalities.  Units include hydrotherapy, radiant, thermal and electrotherapy modalities, intermittent and sequential compression, and application of sterile techniques and bandaging. Documentation skills are practiced and assessed throughout the semester.
 

PTA 116 Kinesiology II (Spring Year 1).
Lecture 32 hours, Lab 52 hours. Total 84 hours. 3 Credit hours. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and PTA 112
 

This course will provide an in-depth study of the anatomy of the neuromuscular, and respiratory systems as it relates to physical therapy. Emphasis is on the application of anatomy to an understanding of normal and abnormal human movement in exercise, locomotion, and other motor skills of daily living. Theory and techniques of manual muscle testing, stretching, and respiratory physical therapy techniques are topics included during the semester.  Students take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills.

PTA 117:  Pathology I (Spring year 1)
Lecture 16 hours, Lab 0 hours. Total 16 hours.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and PTA 110
 

This course provides study of the pathological conditions resulting from disease or injury to selected systems of the body, specifically focusing on the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and immune systems.  Each unit will emphasize the signs and symptoms as well as the physical therapy measures commonly employed in the treatment of these conditions.
 

PTA 118 Pathology II  (Summer, Year 1)
Lecture 16 hours, Lab 0 hours. Total 16 hours. 1 Credit hour.
Prerequisites:  PTA 117  and BIOL 202.
 
                                 

This course is a continuation of PTA 117 Pathology I. Emphasis will be placed on the study of pathological conditions focusing on the cardiovascular and integumentary system, resulting from disease and/or injury.  Signs and symptoms as well as therapeutic measures related to physical therapy will be a major focus.  Course includes discussion of wellness and implementation of personal wellness plan.

         
PTA 119 Orthopedics (Summer, Year 1)
Lecture 24 hours, Lab 36 hours. Total 60 hours. 3 Credit hours. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: PTA 116, BIOL 202
 

 In this course principles and techniques of basic therapeutic exercise and related treatments for the individual with orthopedic conditions are emphasized.  Signs and symptoms, surgical interventions, treatment regimen, and implications for rehabilitation topics are covered in this course.  Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills. 
 

PTA 120 Neurological Concepts (Summer Year 1) 
Lecture 20 hours,   Lab 10  hours. Total  30  hours. 1 Credit Hour.  Lab Fees.
Prerequisites:  PTA 116 and BIOL 202.

                                 
This in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system includes the central, peripheral, and autonomic systems.  Units on theory and treatment techniques of coordination, motor control and neuromuscular re-education emphasize the application of anatomy into function.  Students in classroom laboratory supervised practice sessions apply the concepts learned.              

PTA 121 Functional Techniques (Summer Year 1)
Lecture 16 hours, Lab 36 hours. Total 52 hours.  2 Credit hours. Lab Fee.
Prerequisites: PTA 114, and PTA 116.

  This course teaches the application of principles and basic treatment techniques for rehabilitation as they relate to functional skills.  Students learn and practice techniques for performing and teaching skills in ambulation and activities of daily living, and they  participate in a community wheelchair experience to assist in the understanding of architectural barriers and accessibility.  Additional topics include units on industrial rehabilitation and wheelchair maintenance as well as limited clinical observation in local physical therapy clinics.
 

PTA 122 Pediatrics (Summer, Year 1)

Total 16 lecture hours. 1 Credit hour.
Prerequisites PTA 116, PTA 117

This course incorporates the study of reflex and child development as it sets the foundation for healthy adult movement patterns.  Discussion will include various theory and treatment principles including sensory integration as they relate to pediatric physical therapy.  Common pediatric diagnoses will be studied with emphasis on signs and symptoms, as well as treatment regimen and implementation strategies for rehabilitation.  Students will travel to a local school to observe the pediatric physical therapy setting.
 

PTA 218 Focused Neurology (Fall, Year 2)
Lecture 32 hours, Lab 34 hours, Total 66 hours.  3 Credit Hours.  Lab Fee
Prerequisites: PTA 116, PTA 120
                    
This course introduces more advanced techniques of therapeutic exercise with emphasis on applications for patients with neurological disabilities.  Course lecture components include discussion of related neuropathology.  This course also provides instruction on specific physical therapy techniques used with individuals who have spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.  Basic and advanced massage theory and techniques will be presented.  Students will learn the foundations of aquatic therapies and take part in an aquatic lab session at a local clinical facility.  Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills.
 

PTA 219 Therapeutic Exercise II (Fall, Year 2)
Lecture 32 hours, Lab 34 hours. Total 66 hours. 3 Credit Hours. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: PTA 118, and PTA 121

This course introduces the students to many advanced treatment  interventions utilized in a variety of physical therapy settings.  The course includes units of study on exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, Isokinetics, orthotics and prosthetics.  Students will be introduced to selected manual techniques employed in the clinic.  Students will take part in classroom laboratory practice sessions as they learn to apply the skills.
 

PTA 220 Clinical Orientation (Fall, year 2)
Lecture 32 hours, Lab 0 hours. Total 32 hours. 2 Credit hours.
Prerequisites: PTA 118, PTA 119,  Corequisite: PTA 221.

An introduction to methods of referral, reporting, recording, and record keeping in the clinical situation. The role of the physical therapy administrator and issues surrounding reimbursement for physical therapy services are discussed. Applications of first aid in the physical therapy setting. Introduction to special equipment and procedures used in the hospital setting with special emphasis on the intensive care unit. The students have an opportunity to discuss the clinical experiences in which they are participating (PTA 221), particularly in light of physical  therapist assistant interactions with staff and patients. Assignments   involve considerable review and research AND WRITING related to clinical experiences.
 

PTA 221 Clinical Experience (Fall, year 2)
Lecture 0 hours, Lab 96 hours. Total 96 hours. 1 Credit hour.
Prerequisites: PTA 118, PTA 119, ENGL 152, and EMT 110 (CPR certification must be current whenever the student is in the clinical setting).
                                        
Weekly sessions will be spent in area health settings where the student  will have an opportunity to apply in the clinical setting those skills  developed in earlier course work. Treatment and patient care will be   carried out under the supervision of qualified physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants. Emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting patients' response to treatment. An ongoing journal of student clinical experiences is required.
 

PTA 223 Seminar in Physical Therapist Assisting (Spring, Year 2)

Lecture 32 hours, Lab 0 hours. Total 32 hours. 2 Credit hours.     Prerequisites: PTA 219, PTA 220, and PTA 221. Corequisites: PTA 224, PTA 225, and PTA 226.

A course designed to foster integration of concepts and skills from   previous courses with those gained in the clinical setting. A forum for discussion of clinical experiences. The course includes units on employability skills; communication; geriatrics; cultural diversity and its effects on health care; and the relationship of law, the code of ethics for the profession, and standards of practice to the role of the physical  therapist assistant. Current trends and issues in physical therapy are discussed along with the role of the professional organization for physical therapy. Assignments include considerable review, research, and writing related to clinical experiences with emphasis on the psychological and sociological aspects of illness and injury. A cumulative final exam covering the Physical Therapist Assistant PROGRAM content is included.
 

PTA 224 Coordinated Clinical Experience I

Spring, yr 2 Lecture 0 hours, Lab 224 hours. Total 224 hours. 4 Credit hours.
Prerequisites: PTA 219, PTA 220, PTA 221. Corequisite: PTA 223. (CPR certification must be current whenever the student is in a clinical setting).

A coordinated six-week period of full-time involvement in the clinical    setting providing the student an opportunity to work with a variety of    patients and develop his/her technical competence. An ongoing journal of the student clinical experiences is required.
 

PTA 225 Coordinated Clinical Experience II

(Spring, yr 2) Lecture 0 hours, Lab 224 hours. Total 224 hours. 4 Credit hours.
Prerequisite: PTA 224. Co-requisite: PTA 223. (CPR certification must be current whenever the student is in the clinical setting).
 

The student  spends the second  six weeks of the Spring  semester in a second clinical setting receiving additional experience with a variety of patients, equipment, procedures, and personnel. An ongoing journal of student clinical experiences is required.

PTA 226 Clinical Exploration (Spring, year 2)
Lecture 0 hours, Lab 160   hours. Total 160 hours. 2 Credit hours.
Prerequisites: PTA 224 and PTA 225. Corequisite: PTA 223. (CPR certification must be current whenever the student is in the clinical setting).
                                              
 If the student has successfully completed all requirements for and met the objectives of the PTA 224 & 225 courses, a final clinical site is selected and four weeks  are spent exploring a specific clinical interest and/or sharpening clinical skills. This can be completed anywhere within the continental United States, pending the completion of a Clinical Agreement with a physical therapy facility.  Objectives will be established by the student, clinical supervisor, and academic faculty.