PTA Course Descriptions:
PTA
1, Foundations of Physical Therapy 3 crs., 5 hrs.
Introduction to medical
terminology and abbreviations, effective documentation and interpretation of
physical therapy documents, multimedia documentation strategies, basic skills
and competencies including range of motion, vital signs monitoring, body
mechanics, lifting techniques, bed mobility/draping and transfer activities.
Prerequisite:
BIO 7
Corequisites: PTA 2, 10, 20, BIO 11
PTA 2 Kinesiology
and Applied Anatomy 4 crs. 6 hrs.
Introduction to the anatomy of the musculo-skeletal
system as well as basic kinesiology concepts.
Joint goniometry is presented.
Emphasis is on the role and nature of muscles, muscular origins,
insertions and innervations, articular function and structure.
Prerequisite: BIO 7
Corequisites: PTA 1, 10, 20, BIO 11
PTA
3, Foundations of Physical Therapy
II 3 crs. 5 hrs
A continuation of PTA 1,
introduction to gait deviations and ambulation activities using assistive
devices and guarding techniques. Wheelchair activities are also presented. Introduction to the rehabilitation
population, including the effects of aging and the geriatric patient.
Prerequisites: PTA 1, 2, 10, 20, BIO 11
PTA 4, Modalities and Procedures I 5
crs. 8 hrs.
Introduction to the physical basis of physical therapy modalities of heat and cold along with physiological principles, indications, contraindications and precautions, the origins and management of pain, basic assessment techniques necessary to evaluate the efficacy of the applied modality, including length and girth assessments and skin and sensation assessments.
Prerequisites: PTA 3
Corequisites: PTA 5, BIO 12
PTA 5, Therapeutic Exercise 5 crs. 8 hrs.
Introduction to therapeutic exercise techniques,
studied by anatomical region. Manual
muscle testing is presented and practiced.
Topics including resistive exercise, passive stretching and range of
motion techniques. Therapeutic exercise
equipment such as kinetron, ergometers, treadmill and wall pulleys are
introduced.
Prerequisite:
PTA 3
Corequisites:
PTA 4, BIO 12
PTA 6, Clinical Practicum I 3
crs. 35 hrs.
Initial eight-week,
full-time clinical experience as assigned by the Academic Coordinator of
Clinical Education. Under the
supervision of clinical faculty, at a facility providing physical therapy
services, students interact with patients, provide physical therapy treatment
and assist therapists in measurements and complex procedures. Students apply their knowledge and practice
the skills of transfer and gait training, the application of heat and cold and
therapeutic exercise. Students must be
assessed as competent in all previous coursework prior to the first clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: PTA 5
PTA
7, Modalities and Procedures II 4 crs. 6 hrs.
The physical basis of
physical therapy modalities of electricity and physiological principles,
indications, contraindications and precautions. Introduction to the pulmonary toilet, mechanical traction,
phototherapy and therapeutic massage.
Prerequisites: PTA
3, 4, 5,6, BIO 12
Corequisite: PTA
8
.
PTA
8, Selected Topics in Physical Therapy 5 crs. 8 hrs
Selected topics related to
the physical therapy management of pathology with emphasis on comprehensive
physical therapy including normal motor development, neuro-developmental
techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, back pathologies and
treatments, orthotic management, amputee and prosthetic management, orthopedic
protocols and administrative topics.
Facilitation of the application of all previous learning in classroom,
laboratory and clinical settings.
Prerequisites: PTA 4,
5, 6, BIO 12
Corequisite: PTA 7
PTA
9, Clinical Practicum II 3 crs. 35 hrs.
Concluding eight-week,
full-time clinical experience as assigned by the Academic Coordinator of
Clinical Education. Under the
supervision of clinical faculty at a facility providing physical therapy
services, students interact with patients, provide physical therapy treatment
and assist therapists in measurements and complex procedures. Students practice the skills of transfer and
gait training, modalities application and therapeutic exercise. Students= skills and competence in
these areas are assessed by the program faculty prior to participation in this
course and must be assessed as competent in all previous coursework prior to
this clinical practicum.
PTA 10, Introduction to Physical Therapy 3 crs. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the physical
therapy profession. Topics include: the history of physical
therapy, pertinent laws governing practice, code of conduct, the role of the
professional association, the role of the physical therapist and physical
therapist assistant, definition of the rehabilitation population, communication
skills and psycho-social aspects of disabilities.
Corequisites: BIO 11, PTA 1, PTA 2 and PTA 20
PTA 20, Pathology 3 crs. 3 hrs.
Introduction to common pathologies partially managed
by physical therapy. The course is
divided into four units: orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary and acute
medical conditions. General overviews
of common pathologies, including anatomical and physiological considerations,
etiologies and physical therapy management.
Prerequisite: BIO 7
Corequisites: PTA 1,2,10, BIO 11