Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
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PTA 1010. Introduction to Physical Therapy. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program
Introduces the field of physical therapy through the history and definition of the profession. Includes medical terminology and documentation. Introduces health care for a diverse population. Explores the field of PTA.
Introduces the field of physical therapy through the history and definition of the profession. Includes medical terminology and documentation. Introduces health care for a diverse population. Explores the field of PTA.
PTA 2010. Essentials of Physiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the PTA program
Corequisite(s): PTA 2015
Explores foundational human physiology with an emphasis on its direct application to physical therapist assistant practice. Focuses on the function and interaction of major body systems—including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems—in relation to movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. Emphasizes how physiological processes influence functional mobility, healing, and clinical decision-making in physical therapy interventions.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2015
Explores foundational human physiology with an emphasis on its direct application to physical therapist assistant practice. Focuses on the function and interaction of major body systems—including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems—in relation to movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. Emphasizes how physiological processes influence functional mobility, healing, and clinical decision-making in physical therapy interventions.
PTA 2015. Essentials of Physiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA Program
Corequisite(s): PTA 2010
Explores human physiology with direct application to physical therapist assistant practice. Reinforces concepts from the lecture course through interactive activities focused on major body systems—including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Emphasizes the role of physiological processes in movement, healing, and rehabilitation through laboratory experiences that support clinical reasoning and application of therapeutic interventions.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2010
Explores human physiology with direct application to physical therapist assistant practice. Reinforces concepts from the lecture course through interactive activities focused on major body systems—including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Emphasizes the role of physiological processes in movement, healing, and rehabilitation through laboratory experiences that support clinical reasoning and application of therapeutic interventions.
PTA 2100. Clinical Kinesiology. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the PTA program
Corequisite(s): PTA 2105
Identifies anatomical landmarks and symmetry along with joint mechanics and function. Introduces posture, gait, and motor control. Teaches how to assess movement using tools common to physical therapy practice. Includes goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture, and gait cycle. Instructs in the role and scope of the PTA in regard to these measures. Emphasizes patient progress and accurate reporting
Corequisite(s): PTA 2105
Identifies anatomical landmarks and symmetry along with joint mechanics and function. Introduces posture, gait, and motor control. Teaches how to assess movement using tools common to physical therapy practice. Includes goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture, and gait cycle. Instructs in the role and scope of the PTA in regard to these measures. Emphasizes patient progress and accurate reporting
PTA 2105. Clinical Kinesiology Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program
Corequisite(s): PTA 2100
Develops competencies for identifying anatomical landmarks and symmetry, and joint mechanics and function. Demonstrates techniques for assessing posture, gait, and motor control. Provides opportunity to assess movement using tools common to physical therapy practice. Includes palpation, goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture, and gait cycle. Instructs in the role and scope of the PTA in regard to these measures.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2100
Develops competencies for identifying anatomical landmarks and symmetry, and joint mechanics and function. Demonstrates techniques for assessing posture, gait, and motor control. Provides opportunity to assess movement using tools common to physical therapy practice. Includes palpation, goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture, and gait cycle. Instructs in the role and scope of the PTA in regard to these measures.
PTA 2200. Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions I. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2205
Provides a foundational understanding of physical agents and exercise-based interventions within rehabilitation settings. Develops an understanding of heat, cold, electrotherapy, and soft tissue mobilization guided by evidence-based practice. Covers the body's response to exercise, biomechanical principles, and therapeutic goals for various patient populations across the lifespan, while increasing confidence in foundational therapeutic exercise concepts aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2205
Provides a foundational understanding of physical agents and exercise-based interventions within rehabilitation settings. Develops an understanding of heat, cold, electrotherapy, and soft tissue mobilization guided by evidence-based practice. Covers the body's response to exercise, biomechanical principles, and therapeutic goals for various patient populations across the lifespan, while increasing confidence in foundational therapeutic exercise concepts aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
PTA 2205. Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions Lab I. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2200
Provides hands-on training in the application of physical agents and exercise-based interventions within a physical therapy setting. Teaches correct application of physical agents such as heat, cold, electrotherapy, and soft tissue mobilization, based on patient presentation of indications and contraindications. Covers the skills necessary to effectively implement exercise-based interventions in various rehabilitation settings based on responses to exercise, biomechanical principles, and therapeutic goals for diverse patient populations aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2200
Provides hands-on training in the application of physical agents and exercise-based interventions within a physical therapy setting. Teaches correct application of physical agents such as heat, cold, electrotherapy, and soft tissue mobilization, based on patient presentation of indications and contraindications. Covers the skills necessary to effectively implement exercise-based interventions in various rehabilitation settings based on responses to exercise, biomechanical principles, and therapeutic goals for diverse patient populations aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
PTA 2300. Therapeutic Procedures. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program
Corequisite(s): PTA 2305
Includes fundamental skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Teaches patient draping and preparation, vital signs, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and basic maintenance, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2305
Includes fundamental skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Teaches patient draping and preparation, vital signs, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and basic maintenance, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations.
PTA 2305. Therapeutic Procedures Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2300
Applies skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Teaches patient draping and preparation, vital signs, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and basic maintenance, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations.
Corequisite(s): PTA 2300
Applies skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Teaches patient draping and preparation, vital signs, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and basic maintenance, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations.
PTA 2400. Clinical Pathophysiology. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program
Introduces common pathologies of each system of the human body. Focuses on the signs and symptoms of each of these diseases as well as diagnosis, etiology, prevention, prognosis, treatment, and physical therapy considerations of each condition.
Introduces common pathologies of each system of the human body. Focuses on the signs and symptoms of each of these diseases as well as diagnosis, etiology, prevention, prognosis, treatment, and physical therapy considerations of each condition.
PTA 2500. Health Systems and Services for the PTA. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Examines the health care team, the rehabilitation-specific team, the roles and scopes of practice of the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant, and the physical therapist/assistant interaction. Investigates patient care settings, reimbursement, the "Patient's Bill of Rights," HIPAA, Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, and communication in health care. Reviews the "Ethics & Jurisprudence" of physical therapist assistant practice.
Examines the health care team, the rehabilitation-specific team, the roles and scopes of practice of the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant, and the physical therapist/assistant interaction. Investigates patient care settings, reimbursement, the "Patient's Bill of Rights," HIPAA, Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, and communication in health care. Reviews the "Ethics & Jurisprudence" of physical therapist assistant practice.
PTA 3100. Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions II. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): PTA 2200, PTA 2205, and Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3105
Teaches indications, contraindications, and precautions in the use of intermittent compression, traction, ultrasound, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and hydrotherapies. Addresses implementation of exercise-based interventions to increase confidence in exercise, biomechanical principles, improving strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, and functional mobility to address therapeutic goals as set forth by the supervising therapist.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3105
Teaches indications, contraindications, and precautions in the use of intermittent compression, traction, ultrasound, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and hydrotherapies. Addresses implementation of exercise-based interventions to increase confidence in exercise, biomechanical principles, improving strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, and functional mobility to address therapeutic goals as set forth by the supervising therapist.
PTA 3105. Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions Lab II. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): PTA 2200, PTA 2205, and Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3100
Teaches effective implementation of exercise-based interventions and appropriate application of physical agents discussed in lecture, within various rehabilitation settings. Teaches correct application of additional physical agents such as intermittent compression, traction, ultrasound, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and hydrotherapies, as well as effective implementation of exercise-based interventions.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3100
Teaches effective implementation of exercise-based interventions and appropriate application of physical agents discussed in lecture, within various rehabilitation settings. Teaches correct application of additional physical agents such as intermittent compression, traction, ultrasound, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and hydrotherapies, as well as effective implementation of exercise-based interventions.
PTA 3200. Orthopedic Rehabilitation. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3205
Investigates the principles and practices involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of orthopedic disorders across the lifespan. Includes the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology of common orthopedic conditions, including fractures, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation following orthopedic surgeries. Focuses on implementing therapeutic interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise programs, physical agents, and patient education strategies, to promote optimal recovery, restore function, and prevent re-injury. Teaches collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in delivering comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation services in diverse clinical settings.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3205
Investigates the principles and practices involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of orthopedic disorders across the lifespan. Includes the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology of common orthopedic conditions, including fractures, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation following orthopedic surgeries. Focuses on implementing therapeutic interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise programs, physical agents, and patient education strategies, to promote optimal recovery, restore function, and prevent re-injury. Teaches collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in delivering comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation services in diverse clinical settings.
PTA 3205. Orthopedic Rehabilitation Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3200
Demonstrates the principles and practices involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of orthopedic disorders across the lifespan. Teaches therapeutic interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise programs, physical agents, and patient education strategies, to promote optimal recovery, restore function, and prevent re-injury. Integrates collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in delivering comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation services in diverse clinical settings.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3200
Demonstrates the principles and practices involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of orthopedic disorders across the lifespan. Teaches therapeutic interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise programs, physical agents, and patient education strategies, to promote optimal recovery, restore function, and prevent re-injury. Integrates collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in delivering comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation services in diverse clinical settings.
PTA 3210R. Clinical Experience. (1-4 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program
Provides opportunity to observe clinical setting and application of practical skills learned throughout the curriculum as deemed allowable from supervising clinical instructor. May be repeated for up to 4 credit toward graduation.
Provides opportunity to observe clinical setting and application of practical skills learned throughout the curriculum as deemed allowable from supervising clinical instructor. May be repeated for up to 4 credit toward graduation.
PTA 3300. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3305
Investigates therapeutic principles to treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Focuses on the physiological responses to exercise, respiratory mechanics, and cardiovascular adaptations to training. Examines collaborative treatment with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care to individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions across various healthcare settings.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3305
Investigates therapeutic principles to treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Focuses on the physiological responses to exercise, respiratory mechanics, and cardiovascular adaptations to training. Examines collaborative treatment with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care to individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions across various healthcare settings.
PTA 3305. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3300
Applies therapeutic principles to treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Analyzes the physiological responses to exercise, respiratory mechanics, and cardiovascular adaptations to training.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3300
Applies therapeutic principles to treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Analyzes the physiological responses to exercise, respiratory mechanics, and cardiovascular adaptations to training.
PTA 3500. Neurological Rehabilitation. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3505
Provides an overview of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system as they relate to the treatment of patients with associated dysfunctions. Focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiology, human growth and development, as well as neurological dysfunctions.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3505
Provides an overview of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system as they relate to the treatment of patients with associated dysfunctions. Focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiology, human growth and development, as well as neurological dysfunctions.
PTA 3505. Neurological Rehabilitation Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3500
Applies evidenced-based rehabilitation techniques to patients with neurologic dysfunctions. Includes structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiology, human growth and development, as well as neurological dysfunctions.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3500
Applies evidenced-based rehabilitation techniques to patients with neurologic dysfunctions. Includes structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiology, human growth and development, as well as neurological dysfunctions.
PTA 3600. Specialty Populations in Physical Therapy. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3605
Introduces the therapeutic principles underlying the treatment of patients with burns, amputations, women's health issues, and a variety of other specialized treatment areas and selected age-specific disorders.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3605
Introduces the therapeutic principles underlying the treatment of patients with burns, amputations, women's health issues, and a variety of other specialized treatment areas and selected age-specific disorders.
PTA 3605. Specialty Populations in Physical Therapy Lab. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3600
Presents orthotic and prosthetic devices, rationale for their use, fitting, and adjustments. Teaches physical therapy techniques for women's health and a variety of other specialized treatment areas and age-related pathologies.
Corequisite(s): PTA 3600
Presents orthotic and prosthetic devices, rationale for their use, fitting, and adjustments. Teaches physical therapy techniques for women's health and a variety of other specialized treatment areas and age-related pathologies.
PTA 3700. Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program, PTA 2500, PTA 3810
Investigates an array of topics within healthcare including psychosocial considerations of treatment, caregiver self-care, assertive communication, and clinical burnout. Introduces emotional intelligence and what part it plays in physical therapy. Introduces management techniques, fiscal considerations, continuous quality assurance, voluntary accreditation, and other relevant topics related to the business and delivery of physical therapy care. Provides the opportunity to create a descriptive resume, practice interview strategies, and discuss other topics in preparation for entering the physical therapy workplace.
Investigates an array of topics within healthcare including psychosocial considerations of treatment, caregiver self-care, assertive communication, and clinical burnout. Introduces emotional intelligence and what part it plays in physical therapy. Introduces management techniques, fiscal considerations, continuous quality assurance, voluntary accreditation, and other relevant topics related to the business and delivery of physical therapy care. Provides the opportunity to create a descriptive resume, practice interview strategies, and discuss other topics in preparation for entering the physical therapy workplace.
PTA 3800. Capstone. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program, PTA 3100, PTA 3200, PTA 3300
Focuses on preparing for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants, which is required for licensed Physical Therapist Assistants. Investigates a variety of education techniques including group work, study skills, and exam preparation. Includes mock exams, to be be used as a learning tool.
Focuses on preparing for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants, which is required for licensed Physical Therapist Assistants. Investigates a variety of education techniques including group work, study skills, and exam preparation. Includes mock exams, to be be used as a learning tool.
PTA 3810. Clinical Practicum I. (5 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program, PTA 2100, PTA 2400
Focuses on the application of practical skills learned throughout the curriculum. Teaches critical thinking skills in a clinical setting. Focuses on evaluations, progress summaries, and plans of care (POC) written by the physical therapist. Implements POC and suggests modifications as needed. Emphasizes timeliness, efficiency, and productivity.
Focuses on the application of practical skills learned throughout the curriculum. Teaches critical thinking skills in a clinical setting. Focuses on evaluations, progress summaries, and plans of care (POC) written by the physical therapist. Implements POC and suggests modifications as needed. Emphasizes timeliness, efficiency, and productivity.
PTA 3820. Clinical Practicum II. (5 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission into PTA program, PTA 3810
Builds upon practical skills learned throughout the curriculum and Clinical Practicum I. Integrates critical thinking skills in a clinical setting. Reviews evaluations, progress summaries, and plans of care (POC) written by the physical therapist. Implements POC and suggests modifications as needed. Emphasizes timeliness, efficiency, and productivity.
Builds upon practical skills learned throughout the curriculum and Clinical Practicum I. Integrates critical thinking skills in a clinical setting. Reviews evaluations, progress summaries, and plans of care (POC) written by the physical therapist. Implements POC and suggests modifications as needed. Emphasizes timeliness, efficiency, and productivity.