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Physical Therapist Assistant - Program of Study

Lane Community College
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
PTA AAS Degree Course Descriptions

Updated January 7, 2009

Term 1

PTA 100

Introduction to Physical Therapy
This course provides a study of the history and practice of physical therapy, roles of personnel who provide physical therapy, communication, professionalism, and reimbursement issues.  Information and technology integration into academic and clinical practice are also introduced.  3 lecture credits.

PTA 101

Introduction to Clinical Practice 1
This course introduces physical therapy practice patterns for soft tissue injuries, soft tissue pathology, and physical therapy interventions for acute and chronic pain.   Included are theoretical principles, documentation, safety, and communication considerations for practical applications of the following physical therapy interventions: superficial and deep heat, cold, aquatics and hydrotherapy, electrical modalities, compression/taping, TENS and therapeutic massage.  Safety, documentation/billing, data collection and patient communication are integrated into lecture. Principles of positioning, transfer training, gait training and wheelchair management are also introduced.  5 lecture credits.

PTA 101L

Introduction to Clinical Practice 1 Lab
This co-requisite lab to PTA 101 allows for practice of physical therapy interventions for localized acute and chronic pain and soft tissue injuries.  Topics and skills include application of superficial and deep heating agents, electrical modalities, compression/taping, bracing, exercise, and assisted mobility training.  Principles of safe and effective communication, data collection, protection of patient privacy and body mechanics are integrated into laboratory practice. 2 lab credits.

HO 152

Human Body Systems 2
Designed to help the student identify selected fundamental concepts of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.  A basic introduction to microbiology is included. 3 lecture credits.

MTH 095

Intermediate Algebra
Topics include equations, function notation, polynomials, coordinate graphing, rational equations, radical logarithmic functions, inequalities and problem-solving methods. 5 lecture credits.


Term 2

PTA 132

Applied Kinesiology 1
This course addresses kinesiology and therapeutic exercises for injury prevention and management for the pelvis, lower extremity and gait.  Terminology, biomechanical principles of movement, joint structure and function, muscle anatomy, action, and innervations will be integrated into physical therapy interventions and therapeutic exercise for the lower quarter.  Documentation, safety, and billing considerations are also discussed. 2 lecture credits.

PTA 132L

Applied Kinesiology 1 Lab
This co-requisite lab to PTA 132 allows for practice of physical therapy interventions and data collection based on principles of kinesiology for the lower quarter.  Skills include application and documentation of palpation, goniometry, therapeutic exercise, manual muscle testing, gait and stretching.  2 lab credits.

PTA 103

Introduction to Clinical Practice 2
This course covers the application of physical therapy interventions for medical conditions contained localized body systems, such as single organ dysfunction (cardiac, lung, muscles of respiration, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, skin).  Anatomy, physiology, etiology, and theory are integrated with considerations for patient communication, PT/PTA communication and the health care team. 5 lecture credits.

PTA 103L

Introduction to Clinical Practice 2 Lab
This co-requisite lab to PTA 103 allows for practice of physical therapy interventions for medical conditions contained localized body systems.  Topics and skills include exercise and conditioning/reconditioning, energy conservation, breathing exercises, and gross mobility activity progression.  Principles of safe and effective communication, body mechanics, tests and measures, data collection, and abuse and neglect reporting are integrated into laboratory practice. 2 lab credits.

SP 115

Introduction to Intercultural Communication
This course is designed for people whose work, study, travel and/or interests will involve them in intercultural interactions.  A variety of topics will be addressed, including the ways in which beliefs, values and attitudes affect the verbal and nonverbal behaviors of people.  Students will develop awareness, understanding and sensitivity to cultural diversity of different nations and of diverse cultural groups within the United States.  Students will additionally have an opportunity to deepen appreciation of their own cultural background, and the ways in which conflict and conflict resolution may be impacted by cultural assumptions and beliefs. 3 lecture credits.

Term 3

PTA 133

Applied Kinesiology 2
This course addresses kinesiology principles for the upper extremity, neck, trunk, and muscles of respiration.  Terminology, biomechanical principles of movement, joint structure and function, muscle anatomy, action, and innervations will be integrated into physical therapy interventions and data collection for therapeutic exercises and posture.  2 lecture credits.

PTA 133L

Applied Kinesiology 2 Lab
This co-requisite lab to PTA 133 allows for practice of physical therapy interventions and data collection based on principles of kinesiology for the upper quarter.  Skills include application and documentation of palpation, posture, postural education, goniometry, and therapeutic exercise, manual muscle testing and stretching.  2 lab credits.

PTA 104

PT Interventions – Orthopedic Dysfunctions
This course covers the principles for physical therapy intervention and treatment progression affecting the skeletal system: fracture (adult and pediatric), pre- and post-surgical conditions for the spine and extremities, joint replacement, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions involving bone tissue.  Mechanisms of injury, treatment interventions, data collection, documentation, communication and treatment progressions are discussed.  5 lecture credits.

PTA 104L

PT Interventions – Orthopedic Dysfunctions Lab
This co-requisite lab for PTA 104 allows for practical application of physical therapy interventions related to orthopedic conditions. Orthotics/prosthetics, traction, balance, therapeutic exercise, body mechanics, patient safety education/home management and progressive gait training are also covered. 2 lab credits.

HE 252

First Aid – Responding to Emergencies
Fundamental first aid care and emergency procedures.  Techniques for working with people who are ill and injured to be included.  Students study and practice life-saving skills related to bleeding, airway obstruction, rescue breathing, adult and infant CPR, shock, poisoning, temperature-related conditions, fractures, and sudden illness.  Other topics covered include heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions and preventive measures on can take.  Meets American Red Cross, National Safety Council, and OSHC standards for responding to emergencies and CPR certification.  Exposure to automated external defibrillators.  3 lecture credits.

Summer 2010: Workshops

Term 4

PTA 204

PT Interventions -  Neurological Dysfunctions
This course covers the principles for physical therapy interventions and treatment progression in conditions affecting the neurological and neuromuscular systems: spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury and hemorrhage, central and peripheral nerve disorders, vestibular and developmental disorders. Treatment considerations for special populations (pediatric, psychiatric) are also introduced. 5 lecture credits.

PTA 204L

PT Interventions -  Neurological Dysfunctions Lab
This co-requisite lab for PTA 204 allows for practical application of physical therapy interventions related to neurological conditions, including bed mobility, gait and locomotion training, balance training, adaptive equipment and activity modification. Issues regarding patient communication, safety, integration of the health care team, and tests and measures for this patient population are covered. 2 lab credits.

PTA 280A

Cooperative Education: First Clinical Affiliation
This course provides the fourth quarter Physical Therapist Assistant Student (SPTA) a supervised application of previously learned techniques and skills in the rehabilitation of patients in a college-selected clinical facility.  The focus is on safe, legal, ethical and effective use of physical therapy interventions.  This course also fosters the development of communication skills, interpersonal relationships and professionalism for the health care field.  It requires a high level of critical thinking related to implementing, modifying and progressing physical therapy rehabilitation programs.  Supervision of the student at the beginning to intermediate level is provided by the PT/PTA staff of the affiliating co-operative institution and is coordinated by the college faculty.  This course is the first of three clinical/co-operative educational experiences in the PTA program.   This course includes 216 hours by arrangement; 6 co-operative credits.

Term 5

PTA 205

PT Interventions – Complex Medical Conditions
This course covers the etiology, theory and application of physical therapy interventions for complex medical conditions involving multiple body systems such as CAD, COPD, diabetes, lymphedema, AIDS, infections, metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, wounds and burns. Patient communication, documentation, OSHA and infection control for this population is included. Topics include biofeedback, breathing strategies, postural pulmonary drainage, manual chest percussion techniques and energy conservation. Also covered are compression garments, debridement and dressings for burn and wound management. 4 lecture credits.

PTA 205L

PT Interventions – Complex Medical Conditions Lab
This co-requisite lab for PTA 205 allows for practical application of physical therapy interventions related to complex medical conditions, including biofeedback, external compression, chest percussion, pulmonary drainage, positioning for pressure relief, advanced infection control, prosthetic training and wound care. Issues regarding patient communication, safety, integration of the health care team, and tests and measures for this patient population are covered. 2 lab credits.

HO 102

Diversity Issues in Health Care
This course explores the influence of membership in racial, ethnic, religious, age, class, gender and sexual orientation groupings in health care settings on both the health care provider and the receiver of health care.  Utilizing both theory and personal experience, students will identify personal attitudes and behaviors as well as gain experience in identifying how social demographics impact access to quality health care.  Further, students will learn the characteristics of Transcultural Health Care can help the health care provider to address health care barriers and disparities. 3 lecture credits.

PTA 280B

Cooperative Education: Second Clinical Affiliation
This course provides the second year student Physical Therapist Assistant (SPTA) a second, supervised application of previously learned techniques and skills in the rehabilitation of patients in a college-selected clinical facility.  The focus is on progressing from an intermediate to advanced student level of competency in the application in the safe, legal, ethical and effective use of physical therapy interventions.  This course requires a professional level of communication and interpersonal relationship skills necessary for the healthcare field.  It requires an intermediate to advanced level of critical thinking related to implementing, modifying and progressing physical therapy rehabilitation programs.  Students are placed in an inpatient, sub-acute/SNF, or outpatient/ambulatory setting.  Supervision of the student at intermediate to advanced level is provided by the staff of the affiliating institution and is coordinated by the college faculty.  This course is the second of three cooperative education courses in the PTA program.  This class includes 216 hours by arrangement; 6 cooperative education credits.

Term 6

PTA 200

Professionalism, Ethics and Exam Preparation
This course continues instruction in ethics and applied ethics for the physical therapist assistant using case studies. Students will apply knowledge from previous course work and co-operative education into ethical practice issues that may be encountered in physical therapy settings. Skills for transition into the physical therapy workforce are applied to developing a professional resume. Students are introduced the format of the licensure exam in Oregon and engage in preparatory exercises for the exam. 4 lecture credits.

PTA 203

Contemporary Topics in Physical Therapy
This course explores contemporary issues effecting clinical and professional physical therapy practice and impacts on the PTA culminating in class presentation of service learning projects to the PTA Advisory Committee. 2 lecture credits.

PTA 280C

Cooperative Education: Third Clinical Experience
This course provides the second year student Physical Therapist Assistant (SPTA) a third and final, supervised application of previously learned techniques and skills in the rehabilitation of patients in a college-selected clinical facility.  The focus is on safe, legal, ethical and effective application of physical therapy interventions as an entry-level PTA.  This course requires a professional level of communication and interpersonal relationship skills necessary for the healthcare field.  It requires an advanced level of critical thinking related to implementing, modifying and progressing physical therapy rehabilitation programs.  Students are placed in an inpatient, sub-acute/SNF, or outpatient/ambulatory setting.  Supervision of the student at advanced student to entry level PTA is provided by the staff of the affiliating institution and is coordinated by the college faculty.  This course is the third of three cooperative education courses in the PTA program.  This class includes 216 hours by arrangement; 6 cooperative education credits.

 

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