PTA Course Descriptions
PTA 080
Fundamentals of PTA I
An introduction to the profession of Physical Therapy and the role of the PTA within the health profession. This course provides basic physical therapy skills, including body mechanics, transfers, bed mobility, gait training, aseptic techniques, and assessment of vital signs.
PTA 081
PTA Skills Lab
An in-house laboratory practice of skills and techniques corresponding with Fundamentals of PTA I (PTA080). Students will observe in physical therapy settings.
PTA 082
Fundamentals of PTA II
This course provides physical therapy skills, including wound management, the use of modalities of therapeutic heat and cold, electrotherapy, massage techniques, goniometry, prosthetics/orthotics, and laboratory practice.
PTA 083
Medical Terminology for the PTA
This course is designed for PTA students to learn word-building methods, to analyze medical terms by breaking them down into their basic components, PT abbreviations, and the pronunciation of medical terminology.
PTA 084
PTA Pathology
This course will discuss the etiology, symptoms, risk factors, pathogenesis, and prognosis of specific diseases. Medical practices for the treatment of these diseases and illnesses will be discussed along with special implications for the PTA. Pharmacology will also be discussed.
PTA 085
PTA Practicum III
A full-time, supervised clinical practice in a physical therapy facility. Students will participate in selected patient care skills and techniques learned in Fundamentals of PTA I (PTA080), Clinical Practicum I (PTA081), and Fundamentals of PTA II (PTA082).
PTA 086
Neurology for the PTA
This course will focus on the specific neuroscience concepts and principles that support rehabilitation therapy.
PTA 094
Fundamentals of PTA III
This course is a continuation of the skills and knowledge used by a PTA. Concentration is on muscle testing, length testing, therapeutic exercise, and postural analysis.
PTA 095
Orthopedic Concepts and Applications
This course focuses on different types of tissue healing and orthopedic diagnoses and rehabilitation.
PTA 096
Fundamentals of PTA IV
This course emphasizes assessment and treatment of specific areas. These areas include: neurological conditions, pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, cardiopulmonary, industrial, and manual therapy.
PTA 097
PTA Practicum IV
Full-time, supervised clinical practice experience at a physical therapy facility. Students will practice newly acquired skills from Fundamentals of PTA III (PTA094) and Orthopedic Concepts and Applications (PTA095) while continuing to progress previously learned skills.
PTA 098
PTA Seminar
Preparation to enter the work force as a Physical Therapist Assistant. This course emphasizes liability issues, Medicare guidelines, administration, health insurances, and ethical aspects. Licensure preparation and the exchange of clinical experiences are incorporated.
PTA 099
PTA Practicum V
Final full-time, supervised clinical practicum experience at a physical therapy facility to prepare as an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant. The student will refine all learned skills.