Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA)

FACULTY
Clynch, Miller, Nelson* (*program director)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PTA 1010 PATIENT HANDLING TECHNIQUES 2 Cr.
This course presents the principles and techniques related to patient handling. You will learn: positioning for a patient in bed and delivering an intervention, manual and mechanical lifting, wheelchair prescription and accessibility, wheelchair transfers, ace wraps, tilt table, vital signs, passive range of motion, body mechanics, aseptic technique, universal precautions and wound care. The application of principles and techniques are taught in classroom laboratory sessions.

PTA 1020 PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES I 2 CR.
This course presents the principles and techniques related to physical and mechanical agents. You will learn techniques related to hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, radiant and sound energies, and external compression. The theory and techniques of musculoskeletal massage will also be presented. The application of principles and techniques occur in classroom laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PTA 1010.

PTA 1050 ORIENTATION TO PHYSICAL THERAPY/ROLE OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2 CR.
This course introduces you to the healthcare system and the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant within that system. Components include the history of the profession, the responsibilities of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant as members of a professional team, the use of communication, documentation and evidence-based practice, and an overview of the ethical and legal framework in which physical therapy is provided. The course also introduces the philosophy and psychosocial aspects of physical rehabilitation. Class discussions, small group work and a three-day introductory clinical experience assist you in developing an awareness and understanding of the ways in which values, culture, attitudes and expectations impact the delivery of physical therapy services and the patient/healthcare provider relationship.

PTA 1090 GROSS ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM 2 CR.
In this course you will study bones, joints, muscles, nerves and their function in the human body. You will also study the anatomy of the human body as it relates to movement and learn to perform goniometry as a tool for measurement as part of an established patient plan of care. The development of palpation skills in finding anatomical structures is stressed. Prerequisite: BIOL 2000 or 2400.

PTA 1110 KINESIOLOGY INTEGRATION 1 Cr.
In this course you will integrate the study of bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue and nerves into a functional model of biomechanical application to patient care. You will learn the principles and technique of manual muscle testing as a tool for measurement as part of an established patient plan of care. Prerequisite: PTA 1090.

PTA 1160 PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES II 5 CR.
This course includes a review of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal and neurological systems as they relate to pathology. Emphasis is placed on how function is impacted by trauma, degenerative and neurological diseases, and acute and chronic conditions. You will be introduced to the principles of therapeutic exercise and apply them in mobility, postural and spinal exercises. The theory, principles and technical skills of electrotherapy modalities, postural assessment and soft tissue mobilization are also presented. Prerequisites: PTA 1020, 1050, 1090.

PTA 1310 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I 2 Cr.
This six-week (half day) experience in the clinical setting provides an opportunity for you to begin development of observation, communication and reporting skills. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you will begin performing intervention utilizing the principles and techniques that have been learned in the curriculum to this point. Clinical experiences are performed in a variety of settings under the direction of clinical instructors representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Concurrent clinical perspective discussions focus on clinical problem solving and communication skills. Journal writing is utilized in conjunction with the clinical experience. Prerequisites: PTA 1110, 1160.

PTA 1320 CLINICAL ORTHOPEDICS 1 Cr.
The focus of this six-week course is an in-depth study of selected orthopedic topics related to physical therapy with hands-on practice in specific orthopedic-based exercise techniques. You will be introduced to evidence-based clinical practice and exposed to physical therapy orthopedic evaluation techniques. You will write a case study based on a patient situation that you encounter in your PTA 1310 Clinical Experience that occurs during the six weeks of this course. Prerequisites: PTA 1110, 1140, 1150, 1170.

PTA 1350 HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM 1 Cr.
This course includes current topics in physical therapy that impact the physical therapist assistant’s work. Focus is on the healthcare delivery system with emphasis on the effect government and accreditation regulations have on documentation of patient care and reimbursement of services. Includes a discussion of current trends in health care and the impact of the implementation of the electronic patient record. Prerequisites: PTA 1110, 1160.

PTA 2000 PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES III 8 CR.
This course includes the study of therapeutic exercise including the basic physiology and rationale for application, equipment utilization, specific techniques and application to various patient populations. An overview of the application of motor control theories and techniques will be presented. You are asked to integrate manual muscle testing, goniometry and documentation into patient intervention situations. You will participate in classroom laboratory practice in the application of concepts relating to ambulation, mat and gait programs, independent living skills, rehabilitation procedures, and, orthotics and prosthetics. Your role as a member of the rehabilitation team and in the acute care setting is presented. Evaluation of your performance is based on written assignments, written exams, lab performance tests and practical exams. Prerequisites: PTA 1310, 1320, 1350.

PTA 2010 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS IN PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY 1 CR.
This course presents pediatric concepts that build on previous course work. You will compare the motor and social development of able-bodied and disabled children. The effects of the disorder and treatment techniques of common pediatric disorders are included. You will study the effect of disability on psychosocial status and the communication skills used in interacting with parents and children. An overview of equipment and play activities used in interventions and observation in a pediatric clinical setting are included. Prerequisite: PTA 2200.

PTA 2020 ADVANCED GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE PTA 1 CR.
This course is designed to give you more in-depth knowledge of the physiological and psychological aspects of normal and pathological aging, and greater exposure to commonly seen geriatric diagnoses. In addition, the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of aging and their impact on rehabilitation are discussed. The goal of this course is to help you recognize how and why physical therapy practice may need modification when working with geriatric clients. Lecture, discussion, audiovisual materials, written assignments and/or community activities are utilized to promote learning. Required second-year course. Prerequisite: PTA 1310.

PTA 2100 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II 3 Cr.
This six-week course is your first full-time experience in the clinical setting. You will be asked to utilize skills acquired throughout the program during this experience. Your clinical experience will be assigned from a variety of clinical settings. You will work under the direction of clinical instructors representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Journal writing and a case study report are utilized in conjunction with the clinical experience. Prerequisite: PTA 2000.

PTA 2200 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III 4 Cr.
This six-week course is a full-time capstone clinical experience for integration and refinement of technical skills. You are expected to utilize clinical decision-making strategies, problem-solving skills and effective interpersonal skills to function as a viable member of the healthcare team. Clinical experiences are performed in a variety of settings under the direction of clinical instructors representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. You will keep a journal and write a reflective essay at the end of the clinical experience. Prerequisite:
PTA 2100.

PTA 2250 TOPICS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SECOND YEAR PROJECT 2 CR.
In this five-week course you will learn current trends in the delivery of healthcare, particularly in relation to physical therapy. Time is also devoted to preparing you for success in the PTA licensure examination. You will create and present a case study that elaborates on a diagnosis and interventions seen during your clinical experiences and will represent information supplemental to the curriculum. Evaluation is based on weekly quizzes, a case study and poster presentation and a comprehensive program examination. Prerequisite: PTA 2200.

URL: http://minerva.stkate.edu/academiccatalog0709.nsf/pages/physical_therapist_assistant_program
This page was created on 05/08/2007 and last updated on 05/09/2007.
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