Physical Therapist Assistant

PTA 1010 Patient Handling Techniques — 2 credits

In this course, students will study the principles of normal movement and physical therapy’s role in preventing the complications of immobility. Movement principles will then be applied to patient handling techniques such as bed positioning, manual/mechanical lifting, wheelchair mobility and transfers. Students will develop competency in how to utilize proper body mechanics, monitor vital signs, prevent skin breakdown and follow appropriate infection control and aseptic technique procedures, in order to effectively promote patient and caregiver safety during the delivery of PT interventions. Offered in the College for Adults.

PTA 1020 Physical Therapy Intervention Techniques — 2 credits

This course offers you opportunities to build a base of knowledge of the physical and physiological principles of physical agents which include thermotherapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, mechanical pressure, electromagnetic radiation therapy and electrotherapy. Students are exposed to the theoretical principles and evidence for physical therapy interventions within these categories, to enable critical analysis of the benefits of each for their patients. Emphasis will also be placed on the student’s ability to communicate appropriate information to the patient/client regarding these interventions (e.g. rationale related to diagnosis, physiological effects, and contraindications). Students will be required to demonstrate competency in the application of hydrocollator packs, cold packs/ice massage, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation for pain control. This includes determining proper positioning, selecting appropriate parameters based on desired outcomes and the plan of care, proper use/adjustment of equipment and modifications to the intervention based on patient response. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 1010.

PTA 1040 Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Measurement Techniques — 3 credits

Throughout this course, students will be invited to delve into the world of bones and muscles and learn how they function in the human body. Included in this content are bony landmarks, basic neuroanatomy as it relates to muscle function, muscle attachments, innervation and actions. Specific skills taught and evaluated for competency include palpation of muscles, ligaments and bony landmarks, goniometry and manual muscle testing. By course end, students will have the foundation needed to understand how the body musculature and bones move and how that information is necessary to know and apply in the field of physical therapy. The application of principles and techniques occur in lecture and laboratory settings. Offered in the College for Adults.

PTA 1050 Orientation to Physical Therapy/Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant — 2 credits

This course introduces students to the health care system and the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant within that system. Students will learn about the responsibilities of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant as members of a professional team, the use of communication, documentation and evidence-based practice in physical therapy, and an overview of the ethical and legal framework in which physical therapy is provided. In this course, students will develop a greater awareness of the philosophical and psychosocial aspects of delivering physical therapy interventions, and an understanding of how values, culture, attitudes and expectations impact the relationships between PTs and PTAs, and between PTs/PTAs and patients. A three-day introductory clinical experience will allow students to apply these concepts via supervised interaction with patients, physical therapy clinicians and other health care providers. Offered in the College for Adults.

PTA 1170 Foundation, Pathology and Application of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy — 6 credits

This course offers the learner opportunities to advance their knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, movement as it applies to the major joint complexes of the upper and lower extremities and spine, and the relationship between normal musculoskeletal movement and pathology/injury. Students are introduced to the foundational principles for therapeutic exercise and physical therapy intervention techniques for typical musculoskeletal conditions. A focus is placed on developing the ability to choose, teach and implement appropriate exercises. The students will become competent in the technical skills of electrotherapy modalities, mechanical spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, and ambulation. Additional interventions discussed include joint mobilization, aquatic therapy, and lymphedema interventions. The application of principles and techniques occur in lecture and laboratory settings.
Prerequisites: PTA 1020, PTA 1040, PTA 1050.

PTA 1310 Clinical Experience I — 2 credits

This course is a six week (20 hours per week) experience in the clinical setting which provides opportunity for the student to begin development of observation, communication and reporting skills and to apply, under the supervision of a physical therapist, the principles and techniques that have been learned in the curriculum to this point. Clinical experiences will be performed in a variety of settings under the direction of clinical instructors (CIs) representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the skills, techniques and modalities learned in the first year under the supervision and critique of a physical therapist or PT/PTA team in the clinical setting. Students are expected to demonstrate competency on all skills learned in the first year curriculum and utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 1350.

PTA 1350 Healthcare Delivery System — 1 credit

This course expands the students' understanding of the American health care system, and the social, political, and economic forces that continue to shape health care today. Course components include the basic structure of the health care system, recent initiatives for health care reform, billing and payment for physical therapy services, and assessment of quality in health care. Emphasis is on linking these components to the daily practice environment of health practitioners. Using the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Core Values of physical therapy, and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, students will more clearly define their role as care providers and as advocates for patients and the profession. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 1170.

PTA 2000 Physical Therapy Intervention Techniques III — 8 credits

This course offers the learner opportunities to build a base of knowledge of principles related to: therapeutic exercise including the basic physiology of techniques and their application; equipment utilization, specific techniques and their application to patients with various disabilities; integration of manual muscle testing and goniometry relating to the PTA role in assisting with, recording and reading the results of these evaluation processes; study of the principles and techniques related to ambulation including measurement and fitting of ambulation aids; pre-ambulation exercise and mat programs; gait patterns and drills; study of normal posture and gait, commonly treated mobility disorders; implication of sensory and motor impairment on ambulation; study of the rationale for and specific techniques employed in the rehabilitation of persons with long term disabilities, i.e. hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, amputation, multiple sclerosis, traumatic injury and respiratory disease; study of the roles and goals of the "rehabilitation team" as individual specialists and team members; and introduction to orthotics and prosthetics. The application of principles and techniques occur in lecture and laboratory settings. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisites: PTA 1310, PTA 2020.

PTA 2010 Introductory Concepts in Pediatric Physical Therapy — 1 credit

Common pediatric disorders will be discussed and include the effects of the disorder and current rehabilitative management. The study of pediatric concepts will include optimal development as compared to non-optimal development. A knowledge base for intervention will be provided and will include handling techniques and physical management. Discussion of modulation of states, signs of self-regulation and distress will be included. The effect of disability on psychosocial status and communication skills used in interacting and teaching parents and children will be studied. Discussion of family, health and education issues, as well as payer sources, community resources and the need for referral will be incorporated. Direct observation of pediatric clinical settings will be incorporated. Discussion with a parent of a non-optimally developing child will also be included. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisites: PTA 1310, PTA 2020, program director approval.

PTA 2020 Concepts in Geriatric Physical Therapy — 1 credit

This hybrid course (combination of in-class sessions and online activity) is designed to give students more in-depth knowledge of the physiological and psychological aspects of normal and pathological aging. In addition, the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of aging and their impact on rehabilitation will be discussed. The primary goal of this course is to help PTA students recognize how and why physical therapy interventions may need modification when working with geriatric clients, and to assist the student in eliminating biases about working with this group of clients, especially those who live in the skilled nursing facility setting. Offered in College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 1170.
Corequisite: PTA 1350.

PTA 2100 Clinical Experience II — 3 credits

Clinical Experience II occurs during January and February of the second year in the PTA program and includes six weeks of full days (40 hours per week) in the clinical setting, using skills acquired throughout the program. Clinical experiences will be performed in a variety of settings under the direction of clinical instructors (CIs) representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. The purpose of this course is to solidify the data collection techniques and technical intervention skills learned in the fall semester of the second year, in addition to building upon those skills learned in the first year and practiced in PTA 1310. This clinical provides the student with full-time hands-on practice in a physical therapy department, encouraging integration of previous classroom knowledge. It promotes the student's understanding of the health-care system, allows the student to participate as an active, cooperative member of the health care team, and encourages development of an ethical, holistic practitioner with regard for the whole person in all interactions. Because this is a full-time commitment, students are expected to actively participate in patient/client care conferences, PT staff meetings and in-service opportunities at their clinical sites. Students are expected to learn about and participate appropriately in the facilities' reimbursement and documentation systems. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 2000.

PTA 2210 Clinical Experience III — 3 credits

Clinical Experience III occurs immediately after Clinical Experience II, from late February to early April of the second year. It consists of six weeks of full-time (40 hours per week) hands-on practice in a physical therapy department, encouraging further integration and refinement of knowledge, techniques and interpersonal skills acquired throughout their two-year PTA educational program. Clinical experiences will be performed in a variety of settings under the direction of clinical instructors (CIs) representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Students are expected to utilize clinical decision-making strategies, problem-solving skills and effective communication toward the goal of functioning as an entry-level member of the health care team. Students are expected to demonstrate clinical decision-making strategies and problem-solving skills of increasing frequency and complexity. Just as importantly, they must consistently demonstrate professionalism, confidence, initiative and effective interpersonal skills at levels that allow them to function as an effective member of the health-care team. This clinical promotes the student's understanding of the health-care system, allows the student to participate as an active, cooperative member of the health care team, and encourages development of an ethical, holistic practitioner with regard for the whole person in all interactions. Students are expected to actively participate in patient/client care conferences, PT staff meetings and in-service opportunities at their clinical sites. Students are expected to learn about and participate appropriately in the facilities' reimbursement and documentation systems. Objectives are designed to evaluate the student's ability to function competently, utilizing the competencies specified for an entry-level physical therapist assistant. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 2000.

PTA 2260 Learning and Service Through Immersion — 1 credit

This is a three week course with a focus on experiential learning in community settings that include vulnerable or underserved populations and/or lack of access to comprehensive health care services. The length of the immersion experience into the community may vary depending on the location of the course. Students will be exposed to an interdisciplinary experience with the participating doctor of physical therapy students. Students will participate in preparatory and reflection activities prior to, during and following the immersion experience. Offered in the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: PTA 2210 or instructor approval.

PTA 2410 Capstone Seminar and Project — 2 credits

This course provides a capstone experience for students to reflect and explore the application of the common elements of the PTA program's curriculum: ethical decision-making, critical-thinking, understanding the patient/client as a whole, collaborative and applied learning, and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on ethical frameworks, spirituality and its role in healing, principles of Catholic social teaching and the Physical Therapy Core Values. Preparation for entering the physical therapy clinical community includes preparation for the licensure exam and emphasis on professionalism, leadership behaviors and life-long learning. The completion and presentation of a case study project and a final program comprehensive exam are included in this course.
Prerequisite: PTA 2000.

PTA 2681 Directed Study — 1 credit

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

PTA 2682 Directed Study — 2 credits

PTA 3000 Physical Therapy Leadership — 1 credit

This course is the first PTA-specific course to be taken in the BSPTA program, and allows the PTA to explore their motivation for pursuing the degree, the changing role of the PTA in the clinical environment, the expectations for PTA leadership as a member of the physical therapy profession, and their current strengths and opportunities for growth as they prepare themselves to fulfill those expectations. Students will apply results of standardized leadership assessment tools and feedback from a chosen mentor to a final reflective paper which identifies their current leadership traits, goals within the BSPTA program, areas of tension and congruence between their personal and professional identity and their expectations for how the program will impact their career path.
Prerequisite: Admission to the major.

PTA 3150 Pharmacology for the Physical Therapist Assistant — 1 credit

Pathopharmacology introduces the principles and properties of drugs frequently encountered by the PTA. This course presents basic concepts, terminology, and clinical application. Also, we discuss how therapeutic drugs positively and negatively impact rehabilitation. Students relate drug action -- both desirable and adverse – to comprehensive patient care. This course reviews patient medications. The content focuses on mechanisms of action, side effects, and uses of selected drugs and drug classes.
Prerequisite: Admission to the BS PTA program.

PTA 3800 Movement System Analysis and Intervention — 3 credits

This course enhances the PTA's familiarity with the concept of the movement system and the physical therapist's/physical therapist assistant's role as movement experts. Learners will be challenged to further develop their observational, psychomotor, and cognitive skills in order to improve their functional movement analysis skills. They will also develop stronger critical thinking and decision-making skills for selecting the most appropriate interventions to improve movement dysfunctions. The course will emphasize the use of manual therapy as an intervention for movement restrictions and will provide opportunities to practice/demonstrate/receive feedback on multiple manual therapy techniques.
Prerequisites: Admission to the major, PTA 3000.

PTA 4000W Rehab Administration Capstone — 3 credits

This writing-intensive course provides the PTA with insight into the role of the department manager. Administrative responsibilities addressed in the course include budgeting, hiring and staffing, quality assurance, risk management and outcomes reporting. Discussion and activities will highlight the changing healthcare landscape and the influence of regulation on payment for PT services and the rehab manager’s role as a member of the facility administrative team. The PTA will complete a final project that focuses on systems improvement and/or personnel development within the PTA’s workplace or their community. The writing assignments in this course will allow the student to develop skills in measuring and articulating the needs/assets of their physical therapy department to staff, supervisors, other health care providers, and to the general public. The PTA will also perform written reassessment of their own strengths and their progress toward the goals established in their PTA 3000 leadership growth plan.
Prerequisite: PTA 3000.

PTA 4684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

PTA ELEC Physical Therapy Assist Elec — 1-6 credits