The history and development of medicine is outlined. The profession of physical therapy is presented with emphasis on the definition of the role and education of the physical therapist assistant. Students acquire basic knowledge of SOAP note writing, medical terminology, health care institutional organization, ethics, medical-legal aspects of patient care, and fiscal considerations involved. Interpersonal skills and professional/ patient interactions are discussed.

4 Class Hours; Corequisite: BIO 131, PHY 118.

General concepts of disease and disease processes are discussed. Diseases of selected organs are studied as they relate to physical therapy.

4 Class Hours; Prerequisite: PTA 100; Corequisite: BIO 132.

The principles of normal body alignment, body mechanics, posture, balance and movement are presented. Bed positioning, moving and lifting the dependent patient are discussed and demonstrated. Goniometrics, transfer and elevation activities, passive and self range of motion exercises are practiced. The therapeutic gymnasium, wheelchairs and assistive devices are introduced. Architectural barriers are explored and therapeutic aquatics are introduced. The rehabilitation of the patient with spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular accidents and amputation is studied.

6 Class Hours; Prerequisites: PTA 100, BIO 131, PHY 118; Corequisites: PTA 101, 103.

Basic principles of massage and application of modalities are presented. Specific skills practiced in the laboratory include various massage techniques; use of hot and cold packs, paraffin application; use of whirlpool and contrast baths; use of ultrasound; fluid therapy, application of microwave diathermy; use of electrical stimulation; and ultraviolet and infrared radiation therapy techniques. Principles and procedures related to the use of the Hubbard tank, therapeutic pool and intermittent compression are also discussed.

6 Class Hours; Prerequisites: PTA 100, BIO 131, PHY 118; Corequisite: PTA 101, 102.

Basic bone and muscle anatomy is presented in an interactive environment. Course content is required for success in the Physical Therapy field. This course is a prerequisite for all PTA courses level 101 or higher.

1 Class Hour; Precorequisite: BIO 131 Human Biology I.

This course constitutes the student's first clinical affiliation assignment. The student spends four weeks in a health care facility working under the supervision of a physical therapist. The student is assigned to work with patients requiring treatments with which the student is familiar including simple modalities, exercise routines, related to neurological conditions, patient care skills, ambulation and activities of daily living. The student meets with the clinical coordinator during the four-week period to assess progress.

160 Clinical Hours (40 hours per week) over 4 weeks; Prerequisites: successful completion of all freshman level courses.

Muscle structure and function are reviewed. Normal human motion is studied. Manual Muscle Testing is studied in the laboratory. Pathological posture and gait patterns are presented.

6 Class Hours; Prerequisite: BIO 132, PHY 118, PTA 102; Corequisite: PTA 202.

The principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise are presented. Specific neurological, medical, surgical and orthopedic conditions are studied, as are normal gait and posture.

6 Class Hours; Prerequisites: PTA 101, BIO 132, PHY 118; Corequisite: PTA 201.

This course constitutes the student's second clinical affiliation assignment. The student is assigned to work with patients requiring treatments with which the student is familiar including modalities, therapentic exercise routines, ambulation and activities of daily living.

200 Clinical Hours during 5 weeks (40 hours per week); Prerequisite: PTA 110; Corequisite: PTA 201, 202.

Additional neurological, orthopedic, medical and surgical conditions are presented. Basic principles of testing and complex treatment procedures are included so that the student understands and is aware of how to assist the Physical Therapist. Additional psychosocial issues are also discussed. This course is presented in a seminar format of two to four-hour segments for the first 7 weeks of the semester. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This course may be presented by guest lecturers and sessions may be held off campus in various health care facilities depending upon the particular topic. Significant preparation time outside of regular class hours is required.

75 Class Hours during 7 weeks; Prerequisites: PTA 201, 202, 210.

This course constitutes the student's final clinical affiliation assignment. The student works full-time in one health care facility for a period of six weeks under the supervision of a physical therapist. The student is assigned to work with all types of patients requiring treatments with which the student is familiar including all modalities, exercise routines, gait training and activities of daily living. The student meets with the clinical coordinator several times during the six-week period to assess progress.

240 Clinical Hours during 6 weeks; Prerequisites: PTA 210, 213.

This final course of the student's academic career is designed to allow students to integrate their theoretical knowledge and their clinical experience. Students meet in seminar format and present case studies based on their clinical experience. If time permits special topics are presented and discussed. In addition a student/teacher conference is required for each student prior to graduation.

9 Class Hours for 2 weeks; Prerequisites: PTA 213, 220.

Course content covering advanced work in Physical Therapist Assistance on which the instructor and student agree. The material is beyond the scope of an ordinary course and it must be approved by the department chairperson. Conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

Prerequisite: Department approval.