Course Descriptions

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PTAE-101

Physical Therapy in Health Care

Credit(s): 2

This course studies the role of physical therapy in the health care world. Discussions include the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA), the relationship between the PTA and the physical therapist (PT), and the delivery of physical therapy care. An introduction to the "patient/client" and the overall health care team is included. Health care ethics, standards specific to physical therapist assistants, diverse patient populations, and other topics are explored.
Corequisites: PTAE-107, PTAE-110, PTAE-211

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PTAE-107

Kinesiology

Credit(s): 4

This course will study human movement and the functional anatomy of the human body. The framework of musculoskeletal anatomy, muscle stabilization, balance, and function in daily activities is applied to physical therapy care. Normal and abnormal mechanics of body movement is explored. Students analyze tasks that span from simple activities of daily living to more complex occupational and athletic tasks.
Corequisites: PTAE-107L, PTAE-101, PTAE-110, PTAE-211

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PTAE-110

Principles and Procedures

Credit(s): 3

This course develops competencies in treatment interventions used by physical therapist assistants. The rationale for treatment, progression of treatment, and working under the direction of the physical therapist are emphasized. Students learn skills such as bed mobility, range of motion, transfers, gait training, assistive device use, and wheelchair mobility. Infection control and safety for patients, self, and others are emphasized.
Corequisites: PTAE-110L, PTAE-101, PTAE-107, PTAE-211

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PTAE-113

Clinical Pathology

Credit(s): 2

An overview of basic disease progression and classification with special emphasis on the inflammatory response are presented in this course. Exploration of pathologies that include: oncology, developmental and genetic diseases, hemodynamic disorders, nutritional pathology, infectious disease, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, lymphatic, endocrine, and dermatological disorders. Musculoskeletal and other pathologies treated with physical therapy interventions are also explored.
Prerequisites: PTAE-207, PTAE-208, PTAE-217
Corequisites: PTAE-215, PTAE-240

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PTAE-204

Therapeutic Modalities

Credit(s): 3

This course provides an in-depth understanding of therapeutic modalities used as adjunts to physical therapy interventions. Students develop competence in the application of therapeutic modalities including heat, cold, electrotherapy, intermittent compression, massage, traction, and ultrasound. The use of hydrotherapy and various treatments for wound care are explored. Evidenced-based practice and indications/contraindications are emphasized.
Prerequisites: PTAE-113, PTAE-215, PTAE-240
Corequisites: PTAE-204L, PTAE-221, PTAE-241

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PTAE-207

Therapeutic Exercise

Credit(s): 4

This course presents strengthening and conditioning principles and how these principles relate to rehabilitation of dysfunction. Students learn how range of motion, strength, endurance, power, speed, agility, balance, proprioception and kinesthesia relate to function and rehabilitation.
Prerequisites: PTAE-101, PTAE-107, PTAE-110, PTAE-211
Corequisites: PTAE-207L, PTAE-208, PTAE-217

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PTAE-208

Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Credit(s): 4

This course emphasizes development, progression, and understanding of therapeutic exercise and other treatment practices for patients with musculoskeletal pathologies. Only those students who have successfully completed previous PTAE program coursework are eligible to enroll in this course.
Prerequisites: PTAE-101, PTAE-107, PTAE-110, PTAE-211
Corequisites: PTAE-208L, PTAE-207, PTAE-217

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PTAE-211

Data Collections

Credit(s): 3

This course will develop competence in the skills of measurements used in physical therapy. The use of goniometers, blood pressure cuffs, grip meters, and other tools of measurement are included. Analyzing gait, posture, and measuring muscle strength are included. Lab assessments include the reporting of observable and measureable data and their significance to patient progress. Emphasis is given to effective oral and written communication for reporting and documentation.
Corequisites: PTAE-211L, PTAE-101, PTAE-107, PTAE-110

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PTAE-215

Special Populations

Credit(s): 3

This course introduces the therapeutic principles and practices underlying the treatment of patients with amputations, burns, cardiopulmonary pathologies and considerations, women's health issues, and selected age-specific disorders.
Prerequisites: PTAE-207, PTAE-208, PTAE-217
Corequisites: PTAE-215L, PTAE-113, PTAE-240

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PTAE-217

Neurological Rehabilitation

Credit(s): 4

This course guides students through the principles and practices used in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions. The principles incorporate musculoskeletal and neurological therapeutic exercise across the lifespan. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, neurodevelopmental theory and other facilitation techniques are learned. Pediatric training for developmental conditions is explored.
Prerequisites: PTAE-101, PTAE-107, PTAE-110, PTAE-211
Corequisites: PTAE-217L, PTAE-207, PTAE-208

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PTAE-221

Seminar

Credit(s): 2

Psychosocial considerations are reviewed with application to cultural/gender/aging/family dynamics in relation to disease, dysfunction, death and dying, and the grieving process. In addition, caregiver self-care, assertive communication, and clinical burnout are presented. Includes an introduction to effective administration aspects of varied physical therapy environments. Preparation for entering the physical therapy workplace is also explored. A review of the required text with an emphasis on board exam study and test-taking strategies in included.
Prerequisites: PTAE-113, PTAE-215, PTAE-240
Corequisites: PTAE-204, PTAE-241

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PTAE-240

Clinical Affiliation 1

Credit(s): 7

An eight week, full-time clinical experience in a physical therapy clinical environment. Students use the competencies learned in the PTA technical courses to assist with treatment of patients/clients. Patient treatment, progression, rationale, and critical thinking are practiced in a supervised setting.
Prerequisites: PTAE-207, PTAE-208, PTAE-217
Corequisites: PTAE-113, PTAE-215

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PTAE-241

Clinical Affiliation 2

Credit(s): 7

An eight week, full-time final clinical experience in a physical therapy environment. Students use the competencies learned in their PTA technical courses to assist with the treatment of patients/clients. Patient treatment, progression, rationale, and critical thinking are practiced in a supervised setting.
Prerequisites: PTAE-113, PTAE-215, PTAE-240
Corequisites: PTAE-204, PTAE-221