AAS Physical Therapist Assistant

This course introduces the history of the profession of physical therapy, the American Physical Therapy Association, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, and the APTA Guide for Professional Conduct. The role of the PTA, PT and other healthcare providers is explored with emphasis on supervision and collaboration. Professional behavior is discussed including the importance of conduct that reflects not only a commitment to patients but to other professionals. Other topics include specialty areas of practice, effective communication, understanding patient diversity, confidentiality, legislation, and an introduction to appropriate documentation. Medical terminology as it applies to physical therapy is introduced and established as a foundation for future learning.

This course introduces the traditional approaches of physical therapy assessment, therapeutic exercise and methods of rehabilitation from initial evaluation through discharge. Students will learn how goals and treatment plans are developed by the physical therapist. Additional topics include collaboration with the PT, referrals to specialists and education of clients, family members, caregivers, the public and other health professionals. Techniques regarding patient positioning, transfers and ambulation assistance are presented with emphasis on safe performance of these activities through the use sound judgment and proper risk management techniques. First aid and CPR training will also be completed.

This course focuses on the management of commonly seen medical and surgical conditions seen in physical therapy. Emphasis will include medical, orthopedic and pharmacological management of conditions resulting from disease, injury or surgery.

This course will allow students to apply evidence-based theory and principles as well as practice the technical skills necessary to use physical agents in practice. The basic principles behind the use of cold, thermal, radiant, sound, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy modalities are explored. Therapeutic massage, traction and biofeedback techniques are also studied. Compression therapy and wound care, including sterile technique and standard precautions, are also introduced.

This course introduces the principles and methods of objective measurement skills used by the physical therapist assistant and physical therapist. Emphasis is placed on assessment and documentation of mental status, strength, range of motion, posture, skin integrity, pain, and basic cardiopulmonary evaluation. The importance of assessment as it relates to development and implementation of a treatment plan is stressed.

This course prepares students to implement and document therapeutic exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist. The basic principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise including the application of theory are stressed when continuing, modifying or discontinuing exercise-based interventions. The concept of conditioning is introduced and students will develop exercise plans that include stretching, strengthening, posture, balance, coordination and gait/locomotion activities for patients with both medical and surgical conditions.

This course includes observation and guided practice for application of the physical therapy process as it relates to physical therapist assistants in a local healthcare setting. Students are directly supervised by clinical educators or faculty at a hospital, clinic, school, rehabilitation or educational facility. In-class activities and discussion are used to complement practical experiences from off campus sites. Students are asked to describe observed interventions and apply knowledge and skills learned in P.T. Data Collection to clinical observations. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the sites.

This course focuses on specialized rehabilitation techniques in patients suffering from neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis or neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. Appropriate exercise routines are further explored including identification of indications, precautions and contraindications with emphasis on safety and modification of treatment as needed.

This course explores the skills necessary for day-to-day administration and management of a physical therapy practice. Important topics include current trends, time management, quality assurance as well as legal and ethical considerations in everyday practice. Proper documentation and appropriate reimbursement procedures will be covered in detail including introduction of electronic health records.

7.5 weeks of full-time, supervised clinical experience applying physical therapist assistant skills and concepts. Students will now apply the knowledge, skills and behaviors obtained in the classroom and laboratory in a health care setting. Data collection and interventions will be carried out under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant which will allow students the opportunity to improve their clinical and technical skills. Students are assigned to an off-campus setting working with patients in acute care, long-term care or specialty care facilities. Students are responsible for transportation.

7.5 weeks of full-time, supervised clinical experience applying physical therapist assistant skills and concepts. Students will now apply the knowledge, skills and behaviors obtained in the classroom and laboratory in a health care setting. Data collection and interventions will be carried out under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant which will allow students the opportunity to improve their clinical and technical skills. Students are assigned to an off-campus setting that offers a diversity of experience from that of Clinical Internship II A working with patients in acute care, long-term care or specialty care facilities. Students are responsible for transportation.

A study of the structure and basic molecular and cellular functions, and basic disease processes of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

A study of the structure, functions, and basic disease processes of the nervous, sensory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Introduction to nutrition with emphasis on special dietary needs, nutrients, and supplements.

Study of the disease processes of the body systems. An overview of genetics and genetic transmission of diseases as well as stress and pain management will be explored. The pathophysiologic changes that occur at the cellular level during disease and the effect of pathophysiologic changes on tissues, organs, and organ systems will be examined.

Students study the evolution of information and the impact of technology on research, and learn how to access, evaluate, and synthesize acquired research. The research process and papers required, of each student include inquiry into the history of each student's chosen career along with the assignments on how changes in technology have impacted the communication processes in the career field.

Students develop their expository and persuasive writing skills through varied writing experiences. Information literacy skills and research techniques are introduced and reinforced. Students apply their information literacy and writing skills to produce a paper which incorporates research in appropriate APA citation style.

This course builds on the research and writing skills developed in the previous English course. Students make critical decisions about the research necessary to produce diverse writings appropriate in content, format, and documentation. Using their research, students produce documents that will positively affect varied audiences.

This course helps students develop quantitative literacy skills for personal and professional lives. Students will use reasoning and mathematical methods to find solutions to real-world problems. Students will use algebraic, financial, proportional, probabilistic, and statistical methods to draw conclusions and/or make decisions.