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Physical Therapist Assistant Course Descriptions

PTA1111
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Medical Terminology
This course introduces medical terminology, which includes basic word structure, anatomical terms, terminology used to describe organ systems, body structure, medical diagnoses, and procedures. Students also receive instruction in the correct pronunciation of medical terms.

Prerequisite(s): None

PTA1112
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours 

Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting
This course serves as an introduction to the history and development of the profession of physical therapy, the role of a physical therapist assistant, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for a Physical Therapist Assistant, and supervision issues concerning the physical therapist assistant. The course also introduces the American Physical Therapy Association and explores communication as it relates to the practice and profession of physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): None

 
PTA1221
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Anatomy and Physiology for Mechanical Structures
This course is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on the properties of cells, tissues, and organ systems and their relationships in both health and disease. The structure and function of the organ systems, muscles, and nerves are studied.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112
 

PTA1222
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Physical Therapist Assistant Procedures
This course introduces the clinical environment of physical therapy. The course includes instruction in the proper positioning and draping of patients, hand washing, universal precautions, use and application of personal protective equipment, sterile technique, wound care basics, body mechanics, passive range of motion, transfers, gait training, bed mobility, and wheelchair mobility. Students also receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers, vital signs, and the Heimlich maneuver.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1111, PTA1112

 
PTA1331
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Physical Therapy Fundamentals
This course emphasizes physical therapy treatments using physical agents, the use and application of mechanical cervical/pelvic traction, and the intermittent compression pump. The indications, contraindications, applications, and patient responses to modalities performed in physical therapy are examined. Emphasis is on patient and equipment safety and documentation.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222

 
PTA1332
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Kinesiology
This course introduces the movement of the body produced by joints and muscles, the structure and function of the joints, and actions of the muscles. Students receive instruction in palpation, normal joint range of motion, joint measurement, and muscle testing for all muscles. This course also examines biomechanical principles and their effect on motion as it relates to physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222

 
PTA1333
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Anatomy and Physiology for Visceral Structures
This course includes a study of the structure and function of the endocrine, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1221

 
PTA1441
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Pathophysiology
This course covers the changes in body tissues and organs that cause or result from a disease process. The impact of acute and chronic diseases is discussed. The course focuses on diseases and the resultant functional limitations that impact the musculoskeletal, immune, and nervous systems.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1333

 
PTA1442
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Therapeutic Exercise I
This course introduces the concept of therapeutic exercise and examines the principles of various types of exercise; the stages of tissue healing, and exercise considerations associated with each stage. Students receive instruction in and develop exercise programs for medical and surgical conditions that affect the trunk, neck, and extremities. This course is designed to help students prepare to implement therapeutic exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332

 
PTA2451
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Geriatrics
This course explores the special considerations of the aging adult, including the physiological changes, social issues, and legislation that affect the older adult in the context of the healthcare system.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1333, PTA1441, PTA1442

 
PTA2561
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Pharmacology
This course examines commonly prescribed medications and their effects on patients during rehabilitation; including side effects, and suggestions for gaining the most advantageous effects during therapy.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1333, PTA1441, PTA1442

 
PTA2562
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Human Growth and Development
This course introduces the human developmental sequence, from prenatal to adult. The course also examines the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of human development and explores disability issues across a lifespan.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112,PTA1221

 
PTA2564
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Therapeutic Exercise IIThe course expands on the concepts of therapeutic exercise by examining common orthopedic conditions and surgical procedures that impact the musculoskeletal system. Students receive instruction in exercise progression, precautions, indications, and contraindications for common orthopedic conditions. Safety during exercise performance is emphasized.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1441, PTA1443, PTA2451, PTAX50

 
PTA2565
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Pediatric Physical Therapy
This course provides instruction in the treatment techniques for neonates, babies, and children with a variety of orthopedic, medical, and neurological conditions.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442

 
PTA2571
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Rehabilitation
This course provides instruction in the rehabilitation techniques and procedures that physical therapists use in treating adult patients with neurological, orthopedic, medical, and/or spinal cord diseases or injuries. The course emphasizes the completion of functional activities for these patient populations, along with patient safety and documentation.

Prerequisite(s): GE1883, PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442

 
PTA2572
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Physical Therapist Assistant Capstone
This course is a survey of contemporary issues in physical therapy and healthcare, including specialty areas, technology, employment, and fiscal and governmental issues. Students develop and complete a résumé and begin the review process for the state board licensing exam.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442, PTA2561, PTA2562, PTA2571


PTAX50
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Clinical I
This course is a planned clinical experience. Students are expected to apply physical therapy techniques in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442, and successful completion of all laboratory practical examinations and skill checks in prerequisite courses.

 
PTAX70
3.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Clinical II
This course is a planned clinical experience. Students are expected to apply advanced rehabilitation techniques in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1221, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442, PTA2451, PTA2561, PTA2562, PTA2563, PTAX50, and successful completion of all laboratory practical examinations and skill checks in
prerequisite courses.


PTAX80
12.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Clinical III
In this capstone clinical experience, students are expected to integrate all learned material in a clinical setting. The course is designed to prepare students to work in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Upon successful completion of the capstone clinical, students should be eligible to take the state board licensing exam.

Prerequisite(s): PTA1111, PTA1112, PTA1221, PTA1222, PTA1331, PTA1332, PTA1441, PTA1442, PTA2451, PTA2561, PTA2562, PTA2563, PTA2571, PTA2572, PTAX50, PTAX70, and successful completion of all laboratory practical examinations and skill checks in prerequisite courses

 
GE1116
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Introduction to Psychology This course presents a survey of the field of general psychology and a study of the native and acquired controls of human behavior, with emphasis on the mental process and the development of personality.

Prerequisite(s): None

 
GE1216
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Speech Communication The theory and practice of speech communication behavior in one-on-one, small-group, and public communication situations is introduced. This course is designed for students to learn more about themselves, improve skills in communicating with others, and prepare and deliver formal public speeches.

Prerequisite(s): None
 

GE1416
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

English Composition
This course is designed to provide students practice in reading and writing expository and argumentative prose. The various elements of composition, such as logical organization, effective diction, and complete and varied development are stressed. A formal research paper is required.

Prerequisite(s): None


GE1883
6.00 Quarter Credit Hours

Principles of Biology
This course introduces students to the major concepts of contemporary biology. Special emphasis is placed on structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels of organization. Additional topics include the physical and chemical aspects of living systems.

Prerequisite(s): None

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