Students will learn musculoskeletal anatomy and developmental milestones and reflexes and a basic understanding of normal movement and kinesiology

The focus of this course is on using hands-on experiences to understand human movement and the language and concepts of the profession. Physical therapy skills covered include body mechanics, bed mobility and positioning, transfer training, basic gait training, range of motion exercises, physical therapy documentation, and communication with patients.

This course is designed to focus on the principles and philosophies that guide the profession of physical therapy. Students are introduced to the technical knowledge base of pathology, intervention, and interpersonal skills through the use of collaborative and individual assignments and projects that focus on experiential learning. This course is designed to encourage leadership, written and verbal communication, initiative, and critical thinking.

This course is designed to explore the concepts of clinical kinesiology in relation to normal and abnormal movement patterns. Through the use of various teaching methods, students will also learn functional anatomy, clinical application of kinesiology concepts as well as motion analysis of the human body. The lab portion of the course is the practical application and the exploration of normal and abnormal movement patterns, palpation of anatomical structures, and analysis of functional movement.

Content focuses on the treatment plan and treatment interventions, theory and practical applications for modalities and soft tissue mobilization. Competence in performing treatment interventions and clinical skill development involving thermal, mechanical, electrophysiological and electromagnetic radiation energy is developed consistent with the plan of care provided by the physical therapist. Recognition of signs and symptoms which call for adjustments in the interventions, and reporting and documentation of appropriate actions to the physical therapist are addressed.

Students will engage in physical therapy documentation and procedures including goniometry and manual muscle testing. Statistics and journal article critique will be covered.

This course will cover the process of disease and its effects on the body and the responses of cells, tissues, and organ systems to these disorders. General phenomena such as inflammation, immune response, and carcinogenesis will be considered as well as a survey of disorders common to the clinical setting characteristic of the various organ systems using a system-by-system approach.

This course offers students the opportunity to integrate academic learning at clinical settings under the supervision of faculty. Students will experience direct contact with individuals involved in various service delivery systems to enhance their communication, team-building and problem-solving skills. Clinical experiences are processed in the seminar which focuses on documentation, reimbursement, PT/PTA relationship, APTA’s Standards of Ethical Conduct, inter-professional education, and patient-centered care.

This course will explore musculoskeletal physical therapy procedures across the lifespan. The symptoms and characteristics of common musculoskeletal conditions from infancy to adolescence to later adulthood will be presented. Physical therapy practice models and interventions for the musculoskeletal practice area will be described and applied through case studies. The importance of addressing patient cultural issues as a component of the holistic approach of physical therapy will be reinforced. Gait, locomotion, and balance impairments associated with amputation will be covered. The primary focus of the lab experience will be musculoskeletal physical therapy interventions including orthotic and prosthetic intervention. Students will also have the opportunity to integrate concepts learned in Data Collection Skills with selected interventions common to musculoskeletal practice.

Level I Clinical Education offers students direct experience in a clinical practice setting. Through observation and selected participation, students will begin to integrate academic coursework, creating an opportunity for professional growth and development. An alternate practice environment will be provided to allow students direct experience in a cardiopulmonary system or neuromuscular system treatment setting.

Content includes current tests and measures from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Emphasis is placed on a lifespan approach. Students will learn to interview patients/clients and caregivers, use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and complete documentation of their findings that follows contemporary standards.

This course introduces students to physical therapy treatment intervention in the area of neuromuscular disorders including central nervous system disorders and peripheral nerve injury. Students will explore various tests, measures, and interventions used by the physical therapist assistant in neuromuscular practice; normal human development in relationship to environment and culture; and, intervention for the pediatric and geriatric population. The importance of addressing patient cultural issues will be reinforced in coursework and in the concurrent lab. The various environments in which neuromuscular physical therapists practice with children, adults, and older adults will be explored. Students will look at the physical roles of normal as well as developmentally disabled persons from infancy to adolescence to later adulthood including the use of adaptive equipment and splinting.

Students will learn therapeutic interventions for prevention and rehabilitation of patients/clients with cardiopulmonary, bariatric, integumentary, and lymphatic system disorders. During lab, students will practice and perform data collection, treatment planning, and implementation of cardiopulmonary and integumentary physical therapy interventions.

The foundation of physical therapy practice lies in the ability to problem solve for patients/clients with a variety of conditions. Students will expand their knowledge of legal, ethical and professional considerations in healthcare. Laws governing standards of practice will be emphasized in this hands-on application course. This course provides case-based learning to focus students on treatment planning and clinical reasoning in the practice environment. Course content will focus on practical roles and responsibilities of the entry-level physical therapist assistant and a variety of practice environments will be explored. All material from previous coursework will be used to successfully complete this course. An emphasis on collaborative teamwork and self-directed learning will transition students from the classroom to the practice environment. Meets the first 5 weeks of Term V

Level II Clinical Affiliation is the final phase of the PTA program. Working with physical therapy patients/clients, students will participate in data collection, planning and implementing treatment interventions, communicating effectively, and developing professional relationships. Students will work under the supervision of a PTA or PT who meets criteria as a clinical educator. The student and academic coordinator of clinical education will collaboratively select the clinical site. All clinical sites must have a signed contract with the university. 40 Clinical Hours per Week full-time for 6-7 Weeks

This course provides students the opportunity to explore research that supports the practice of physical therapy and allow students to expand their knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional considerations in physical therapy with application to the clinical education they have completed. Students will select a topic of their choice and complete an evidence-based practice literature review. Students will complete a professional portfolio that summarizes and highlights their accomplishments in the PTA program. Students will present the final projects in a senior colloquium. Professional licensure requirements, resume writing, job searching, and preparation for the national licensure exam will be emphasized.

This second Level II Clinical Education experience will offer students further exposure to physical therapy practice. The second practice environment will provide a different experience for the student to continue to develop skills as a physical therapist assistant. Supervision in these environments will be shared with physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. 40 Clinical Hours per Week full-time for 7-8 Weeks 8 Quarter Credit Hours