Physical Therapist Assistant

PTA 1100 — Introduction to Physical Therapy   
3 Credit hours  

Builds the foundation for the development of the PTA. The course will examine the utilization of appropriate medical terminology and documentation in the clinical setting. Laboratory sessions will focus on patient positioning, bed mobility, transfers, selection and fitting mobility aids, infection control procedures, and monitoring vital signs. The acquisition of communicating in an effective and culturally sensitive manner in the clinical setting is also reinforced during laboratory sessions. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: Must be remediation free with a 2.75 GPA Academic Advisor from Public Service Office 148 will verify eligibility and complete course registration
Corequisites: PTA-1100L.

PTA 1120 — Functional Anatomy for the PTA
4 Credit hours  

Involves the study of basic functional anatomy as it relates to the field of physical therapy. Students will study descriptive terminology, osteology, arthrology, and neurology and muscle physiology. Emphasis is placed on origin, insertion, action, and innervation of major muscles along with the ligamentous integrity of peripheral joints of the human body. Common diseases of the musculoskeletal system are introduced to provide clinical relevance. Group laboratory activities will focus on visualization of bony landmarks, muscles and nerves on anatomical models and the cadaver. Palpation of bones, muscles and joints will also be emphasized during laboratory sessions. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1390, BIO 1110, COM 1110, PTA 1100, Admission to the PTA Program
Corequisites: PTA-1120L, PTA 1140, PTA-1140L.

PTA 1140 — Therapeutic Modalities for the PTA
4 Credit hours  

Educates the physical therapist assistant student in the theory and application of different types of therapeutic modalities. The course will analyze the use and application of therapeutic modalities according to current best evidence in order to support patient/client treatment and management decisions for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. Topics include: thermal modalities, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ultrasound, mechanical traction, biofeedback, diathermy, massage and pneumatic compression modalities. The principles of physics employed as well as the indications, contraindications, and precautions of each modality are discussed. Laboratory activities seek to promote clinical decision making and competency in the application of the above treatment interventions by the student. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1390, BIO 1110, COM 1110, PTA 1100, Admission to the PTA Program
Corequisites: PTA 1120, PTA-1120L, PTA-1140L.

PTA 1200 — Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA
4 Credit hours  

Covers the basic concepts and principles of therapeutic exercise and foundational techniques. The course includes instruction in the areas of progressive resistive exercise, range of motion, stretching, coordination, balance, relaxation, aquatic therapy, general fitness, posture and core stabilization. A multitude of orthopedic pathologies and appropriate therapeutic exercise programs are covered and adapted for various aged patients. Case studies will be utilized to facilitate implementation of therapeutic exercise progression and to underscore the importance of evidence based practice in the clinical setting. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140
Corequisites: PTA-1200L, PTA 1220, PTA-1220L.

PTA 1220 — Clinical Kinesiology for the PTA
4 Credit hours  

Involves the application of basic functional anatomy to an in-depth analysis of human motion. The biomechanics of each joint will be discussed along with common orthopedic joint dysfunctions, compensatory strategies, special tests, and surgical procedures. Students will also examine the gait cycle and identify possible causes for abnormal gait. Detailed goniometry and manual muscle testing will be the focus of lab content. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140
Corequisites: PTA-1220L, PTA 1200, PTA-1200L.

PTA 2010 — PTA Seminar I
1 Credit hour  

Prepares students for the requirements and expectations of the first clinical experience, including an orientation to the Clinical Performance Instrument utilized to assess student performance in the clinic. Students will complete a "Clinical Education Passport" to validate exposure to a variety of patients and interventions and to document completion of supplemental learning activities. A cumulative written examination is given to assess mastery of first year content. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisite: PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA-2100L, PTA 2120, PTA-2120L.

PTA 2020 — Clinical Application I
2 Credit hours  

Provides a supervised learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 150 hours of clinical experience with emphasis placed on treatment interventions and data collection skills learned in the first year of the didactic program. Students are expected to maintain 50% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload with direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, BIO 1120, PTA 1100, PTA 1120, PTA 1140, PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2100, PTA-2100L, PTA 2120, PTA-2120L.

PTA 2100 — Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Patient   
4 Credit hours  

Introduces students to a variety of topics and areas of treatment including but not limited to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, women's health, diabetes, geriatrics, amputations, prosthetics, orthotics, and burn/wound care management. Laboratory activities seek to promote clinical decision making and student competency in the application of postural drainage techniques, residual limb wrapping, and sterile wound care management as related to infection control procedures. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA-2100L, PTA 2120, PTA-2120L.

PTA 2120 — Functional Neurorehabilitation
4 Credit hours  

Links the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems to the functional aspects of human movement. Lecture content will focus on the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord, its arterial supply, and the influences of neurological pathways on muscle tone, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and balance. Continued course content involves the application of the above knowledge to the treatment of patients with selected neurological deficits resultant from CVA, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and birth. Laboratory activities will focus on instruction and competency of commonly utilized techniques by the PTA such PNF and NDT, facilitation/inhibition, and developmental sequence and pediatric intervention. Clinical case studies will also be utilized throughout the semester to facilitate critical thinking in the selection and implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions learned throughout the course. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 1200, PTA 1220
Corequisites: PTA 2010, PTA 2020, PTA 2100, PTA-2100L, PTA-2120L.

PTA 2200 — Clinical Application II
3 Credit hours  

Provides a supervised learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 225 hours of directed practice with emphasis placed on refinement of skills taught in the PTA curriculum. Students are expected to maintain 75% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload with the direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2220, PTA 2230, PTA 2240.

PTA 2220 — Clinical Application III
3 Credit hours  

Provides a terminal full-time learning experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting. The student will complete a minimum of 225 hours of clinical experience with emphasis placed on demonstrating PTA skills at entry level competency. Students are expected to maintain 100% of a full time physical therapist assistant's patient care workload in a cost effective manner with direction and supervision from the physical therapist. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2230, PTA 2240.

PTA 2230 — Capstone Course for the PTA      
1 Credit hour  

Prepares the student clinician to transition into the healthcare workforce as a licensed physical therapist assistant. The capstone experience in PTA allows students to demonstrate their proficiency in technical knowledge with integration of core skills and abilities. This is accomplished through student participation in the Health Science Division's Cultural Competency Retreat. Students will work as interdisciplinary teams to address a complex patient diagnosis. Students will also actively prepare for the national Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Examination through biweekly review modules to identify personal strengths and weaknesses. Other elements of the course include an e-portfolio writing assignment and the completion of selected Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency tests. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2220, PTA 2240.

PTA 2240 — PTA Seminar II
1 Credit hour  

Accompanies the terminal clinical rotations of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Students will complete a "Clinical Education Passport" to validate exposure to a variety of patients and interventions and to document completion of supplemental learning activities. The seminar also prepares the student for transition to entry level practice with an in depth focus on the laws and rules governing physical therapy practice in the state of Ohio, resume development, participation in mock interviews, and application for the physical therapist assistant licensure examination. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: PTA 2100, PTA 2120
Corequisites: PTA 2200, PTA 2220, PTA 2230.