Course Descriptions

Physical Therapist Assistant Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

PTAS-100 - PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 1  4 credits
This course provides an overview of physical therapy and the role of the assistant. Professional ethics and responsibilities are discussed. Emphasis is on the performance of basic skills used by the Physical Therapist Assistant. These include transfers, patient mobility, gait training, range of motion, vital signs, use of the tilt table, use of mechanical lift, massage, and postural drainage. Clinical observation will be included for initial patient contact. COREQUISITE: PTAS-100L, BIOL-132
PTAS-101 - INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL THERAPY (7 WEEKS)  1 credit
This course presents an introduction to and broad background on the profession of physical therapy. It is designed for the student beginning the PTA program or considering application to it. PREREQUISITE: For PTA students: acceptance into the program. For other students: completion of DRDG-092 or placement at DRDG-105 level. Two hours lecture.
PTAS-200 - KINESIOLOGY  4 credits
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the dynamics of human motion through the study of muscles and joints. Extensive review of anatomy and physiology is required for this course. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-132, PTAS-100 COREQUISITES: PTAS-201, BIOL-232, HCAR-350, PTAS-200L, PTAS-202,
PTAS-201 - PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT 2  4 credits
This course provides lecture and laboratory work in the study of the various modalities used in physical therapy, the physiological effects of the modalities, and the indications and contraindications for usage of the various modalities. Principles and practice of mechanical traction of cervical and lumbar spines, as well as wound care will be presented. PREREQUISITES: PTAS-100, BIOL-132; COREQUISITES: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, BIOL-232, HCAR-350, PTAS-201L.
PTAS-202 - FUNDAMENTALS OF MEASUREMENT SKILLS  2 credits
This course develops competency in the basic data collection skills of goniometry and manual muscle testing. Laboratory experiences reinforce the application of these skills within the context of physical therapy practice. Lecture one hour. A lab is required with this course. PREREQUISITES: PTAS-100, BIOL-132; COREQUISITE: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, BIOL-232, PTAS-202L.
PTAS-203 - HUMAN DISEASES AND CONDITIONS  3 credits
This course will provide the student with basic understanding and applied knowledge of diseases and other processes, including trauma, that occur in the human body. The student will learn the etiology, symptoms, prognosis and precautions of many acute and chronic conditions that are encountered in the physical therapy setting, including orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, and developmental. PREREQUISITE: PTAS-100, PTAS-101, BIOL-132. COREQUISITE: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, PTAS-202, BIOL-232
PTAS-306 - NEUROLOGICAL TREATMENT APPROACHES/INTEGRATED PRACTICE  3 credits
This course will provide the student with a framework of current and historical approaches to treatment of the neurologically-impaired patient, from pediatric to geriatric. PREREQUISITES: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, PTAS-202, HCAR-350. COREQUISITES: PTAS-306L, PTAS-307, PTAS-308, HCAR-300, MAST-211.
PTAS-307 - INTRODUCTORY SUPERVISED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE  1 credit
This course will provide the senior student with 50 hours of patient contact under the close super vision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, in one of various clinical settings. The emphasis will be on development of professional behaviors with patients and other health care workers, in addition to the practice of those clinical skills acquired thus far in the curriculum. Consideration will be given to qualified students with professional healthcare backgrounds and direct patient experience to have this course waived. PREREQUISITES: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, PTAS-202, , HCAR-350; COREQUISITES: PTAS-306, PTAS-308, HCAR-300, MAST-211.
PTAS-308 - ORTHOPEDIC TREATMENT PROCEDURE  4 credits
This course will provide the student with mechanical and physiological concepts of exercise programs, with emphasis on the problems related to the patient's skeletal and muscular involvement. Laboratory experiences will develop the student's skill in the application of various treatment techniques. A clinical field trip experience will augment the laboratory sessions. PREREQUISITES: PTAS-200, PTAS-201, PTAS-202, HCAR-350; COREQUISITES: PTAS-306, PTAS-307 PTAS-308L, HCAR-300, MAST-211.
PTAS-402 - PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT SEMINAR  1 credit
The purpose of these seminars is to correlate the academic and technical courses with the practical clinical work. They are alternately scheduled with the affiliation assignments so that students may return to the classroom for sharing and discussion. PREREQUISITES: All other courses must be completed by the end of the third semester; COREQUISITES: PTAS-403, PTAS-404.
PTAS-403 - SUPERVISED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (7 WEEKS)  6 credits
Supervised practice in selected clinical settings. PREREQUISITES: All other courses must be completed by the end of the third semester; COREQUISITE: PTAS-402.
PTAS-404 - SUPERVISED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (7 WEEKS)  6 credits
Supervised practice in selected clinical settings. PREREQUISITE: PTAS-403; COREQUISITE: PTAS-402.