PHTA (Physical Therapist Assistant)

PHTA 1000 - Introduction to the Physical Therapist Assistant - 2 Credits

This course is open to students who are considering admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. An overview of the field of physical therapy and the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant within the health care delivery system are presented. Topics such as licensure, reimbursement, education and employment opportunities and professional organizations are covered. Ethical issues facing health care workers, the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the attitudes of health care workers toward illness and injury are discussed. Lecture: 2 hours

PHTA 1010 - Physical Therapist Assistant I - 6 credits

This course will introduce students to fundamental patient care procedures used in physical therapy. Students become proficient in instructing and assisting patients to perform functional mobility activities in a manner that is safe for the patient and practitioner. They learn to perform techniques for wound and edema management while avoiding transmission of infection. Techniques for ambulation training including the measurement and use of assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers) and wheelchair measurement and mobility are taught and practiced in class and lab settings. Students are introduced to basic principles and learn to perform simple therapeutic exercises. Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 4 hours, Clinic: 16 hours

PHTA 1020 - Physical Therapist Assistant II - 3 Credits

This course includes an introduction to physical agents and modalities used for pain relief and improvement of tissue healing and function. Content includes the theory and utilization of massage and the theory and application of physical agents as they reduce inflammation and pain and aid metabolic processes. Direct treatment includes mechanical traction, thermo-, hydro-, photo, sound and electrotherapies. These techniques are taught as they relate to practice in a problem-solving, case study format. Students learn to document treatment parameters and patient responses to treatment. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, PHTA 1120, 1010) Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 4 hours

PHTA 1120 - Tests and Measurements for Physical Therapist Assistants - 2 Credits

This course instructs PTA students in testing and measurement techniques, specifically manual muscle testing and goniometry for the head, spine and extremities. Lecture: 1 hour, Lab: 2 hours

PHTA 2010 - Physical Therapist Assistant III - 7 Credits

This course focuses on interventions for the pulmonary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems with a broad overview of the other body systems. Lecture and laboratory presentations instruct cardiovascular training for risk assessment and rehabilitation; chest physical therapy procedures; therapeutic exercise, particularly as it pertains to orthopedic physical therapy and movement dysfunction; and the management of lower extremity prosthetics. Techniques and concepts from the previous semester courses are integrated with the more advanced treatment interventions. This course runs the first 10 weeks of the semester. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, PHTA 1120, 1010, 1020) Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours

PHTA 2020 - Physical Therapist Assistant IV - 7 Credits

This course includes a review of neuroanatomy, the study of pathologies and physical therapy intervention for conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Treatment approaches such as PNF, NDT, Bobath, Rood and Brunnstrom, together with training techniques for balance and coordination are included. The role of the physical therapist assistant in discharge planning is also covered. Emphasis is on application of therapy in the rehabilitation units. Students are exposed to specialty areas of physical therapy practice such as geriatrics and pediatrics. Techniques and concepts from previous semester courses are integrated with the more advanced treatment interventions.This course runs for the first 10 weeks of the semester. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, PHTA 1120, 1010, 1020, 2010, 2910) Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours

PHTA 2030 - Physical Therapy for Impaired Neuro Function - 1 Credit

This course is designed to support PHTA 2020 Physical Therapist Assistant IV. This course reviews the structure and function of the nervous system and neuropathology as it affects structures of the nervous system. The course offers additional laboratory time for students to practice treatment interventions as they relate to abnormal movement and function caused by neuropathology. The course runs concurrently with PHTA 2020 and is scheduled at intervals that will help students with theoretical information and practical skills presented in PHTA 2020. (Prerequisite: PHTA 2010; Corequisite: PHTA 2020) Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours

PHTA 2110 - Selected Topics in Physical Therapy - 1 Credit

This course is designed for PTAs or PTA students enrolled in the PTA program, interested in maintaining and improving clinical skills utilizing various physical therapy treatment modalities such as pool therapy. Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours

PHTA 2910 - Clinical Education I - 5 Credits

Students are assigned to clinic sites for supervised clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Students also attend a seminar in which they discuss patient problems, learning experiences and review of the clinical objectives. This course runs the last five (5) weeks of the semester. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, PHTA 1120, 1010, 1020) Lecture: 1 hour, Clinic: 32 hours

PHTA 2920 - Clinical Education II - 5 Credits

Students are assigned to clinical sites for continued supervised clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Students also attend a seminar to discuss patient problems, learning experiences and to review for the licensure exam. This course runs the last five (5) weeks of the semester. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, PHTA 1120, 1010, 1020, 2010, 2910, 2020) Lecture: 1 hour, Clinic: 32 hours

PHTA 2930 - Clinical Education III - 6 Credits

This course is the final of three, full-time clinical experiences in the PTA program and runs for the last six weeks of the Spring semester. Students are assigned to clinical sites for 25-40 hours per week of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Students will be exposed to more complex patients and will be allowed to partake in fulfilling a broad array of practice responsibilities, with increasing degrees of independence. This clinical experience should maximize the integration of all aspects of practice and will render the student prepared to function as a responsible entry-level physical therapist assistant. Students will participate in a hybrid classroom/online seminar in which relevant clinical issues will be discussed. The classroom seminar day includes a review for the licensure exam. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, PHTA 1120, 1010, 1020, 2010, 2910, 2020, 2920) Clinic: 40 hours