Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

This course is designed to orient the student to the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant and some of the duties involved therein. It covers the history of Physical Therapy, philosophy, duties, patient psychology, and ethics. Students learn about the relationship and placement of Physical Therapy in today’s medical picture. Fundamentals of body structure, osteology, and kinesiology are stressed throughout. Students practice patient positioning, draping, transfers, therapeutic massage, and are also introduced to therapeutic exercises. Students learn via laboratory work and practice sessions in class.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the disorders most commonly seen in patient care. It includes detailed examination of the application and effects of various modalities and equipment, particularly the use of heat, cold, water and electricity in clinical practice. Students learn the use of equipment, including traction and intermittent compression pumps. They also learn the practical application of goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing and ambulation training. Students learn via laboratory work, practice sessions in class and observations in physical therapy clinics.

Pre-requisites: PTA 101 with a minimum grade of C

In this course, each student is assigned to a clinical setting that exposes the student to practical application of those principles and techniques covered in PTA 101, PTA 102, and PTA 106. The student meets periodically with his/her Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) for review and help with any encountered difficulties.

Pre-requisites: PTA 102 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 106 with a minimum grade of C

This course introduces the student to human development throughout the lifespan. Students learn about acquisition of gross and fine motor skills in the pediatric population and the concept of positioning and adaptive equipment. Normal infantile reflexes are introduced and the affects of persisting abnormal reflexes are discussed. Emphasis is placed on equilibrium and righting reactions and the normal/abnormal developmental sequence. Geriatric pathology is presented and students are trained to recognize and treat age-related changes affecting all biological systems.

Pre-requisites: PTA 101 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 121 with a minimum grade of C

The course is designed to educate the student on the impairments, functional limitations, and treatments of patients with neurological disorders, amputations, and burns. The course also covers considerations for treating geriatric, pediatric, and cardiopulmonary patients.

Pre-requisites: PTA 103 with a minimum grade of C

This course is designed to educate the student on specific orthopedic pathologies and rehabilitation, cardiac and respiratory pathologies and treatment, burns, prosthetic and orthotic management. Advanced therapeutic exercise and use of various pieces of exercise equipment will be included.

Pre-requisites: PTA 201 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 203 with a minimum grade of C

In this course, students continue to practice Physical Therapist Assisting. Assignments are made on the basis of demonstrated need for additional knowledge and/or skill. Students are assigned to hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute hospitals, and pediatric facilities. The student meets periodically with his/her Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) for review and help with any encountered difficulties.

Pre-requisites: PTA 103 with a minimum grade of C

In this course, each student is assigned to a clinical setting that exposes the student to practical application of those principles and techniques covered in PTA 101, 102, and 106. The student meets periodically with his/her Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) for review and help with any encountered difficulties.

Pre-requisites: PTA 201 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 203 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 209 with a minimum grade of C

In this course, students will learn their professional responsibilities and develop strategies to better meet the challenges of practice in the current environment. They will also examine current initiatives affecting the field that will likely impact on physical therapy practice in the future. Preparation of a resume and job interview skills will be included. Finally, this course will cover the application process for State licensure as a PTA, and students will complete their application to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Pre-requisites: PTA 201 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 203 with a minimum grade of C and PTA 209 with a minimum grade of C

Students are introduced to the basic concepts of Exercise Physiology. Current exercise techniques are presented and practiced. The student is also instructed in various disabilities and injuries. The student is trained in the use of various exercise equipment, including isokinetic machines. Importance is given to the development of patient programs to improve posture, strength, power, endurance, flexibility, and relaxation

Pre-requisites: PTA 103 with a minimum grade of C