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PTA Course Curriculum & Descriptions

Curriculum

Once a candidate has been admitted into the program, and has accepted a position in the class, the student will begin the core program in the Summer Semester. Students may enroll in the Traditional Track or the Hybrid Track. Traditional Track classes are all enhanced and/or supported by the Canvas course-management system. A portion of the Traditional Track is internet-based. The Hybrid Track cannot be completed entirely online and requires students to be present on campus in bouts.

Each track must be completed in the sequence listed below:

Traditional Track

Summer Semester – 13 credit hours
PTA 202 (2 semester hours) Traditional
PTA 220 (3 semester hours) Traditional
PTA 222 (2 semester hours) Laboratory
PTA 250 (4 semester hours) Internet* plus Laboratory
PTA 252 (2 semester hours) Traditional

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
PTA 200 (2 semester hours) Internet*
PTA 240 (2 semester hours) Traditional
PTA 251 (4 semester hours) Traditional plus Laboratory
PTA 230 (2 semester hours) Traditional
PTA 231 (2 semester hours) Laboratory
PTA 232 (2 semester hours) Traditional
PTA 260 (1 semester hours) Clinical

Spring Semester – 12 credit hours
PTA 241 (2 semester hours) Internet*
PTA 201 (2 semester hours) Internet*
PTA 263 (3 semester hours) Clinical
PTA 268 (5 semester hours) Clinical

*A portion of this program is internet-based

Hybrid Track

Summer Semester – 13 credit hours
PTA 202 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 220 (3 semester hours) Internet
PTA 222 (2 semester hours) Laboratory**
PTA 250 (4 semester hours) Internet plus Laboratory**
PTA 252 (2 semester hours) Internet

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
PTA 200 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 240 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 251 (4 semester hours) Internet plus Laboratory**
PTA 230 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 231 (2 semester hours) Laboratory**
PTA 232 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 260 (1 semester hours) Clinical**

Spring Semester – 12 credit hours
PTA 241 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 201 (2 semester hours) Internet
PTA 263 (3 semester hours) Clinical**
PTA 268 (5 semester hours) Clinical**

**This is a hybrid program and cannot be completed entirely online

Course Descriptions

PTA 202 PTA Communication Skills (2 semester credits)
This course is the study of verbal and nonverbal communication and documentation in health care.  Emphasis will be placed on terminology, format, computer usage, reimbursement, interpersonal communication, and legal issues.  Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss and demonstrate communication methods for achieving effective interaction with patients, families, the public and other health care providers. Summer

PTA 220 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (3 semester credits)
This course provides an in-depth, clinically oriented study of functional anatomy.  Emphasis is placed on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and study of human movement.  Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to identify specific anatomical structures and analyze human movements.  Summer

PTA 222 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab (2 semester credits)
This laboratory course allows for a hands-on appreciation of anatomical structures and kinesiological concepts as they relate to therapeutic exercise.  Emphasis may include muscle and joint function, testing applications and therapeutic exercise.  Upon completion, the student should be able to integrate content areas into an understanding of normal human movement.  Summer

PTA 250 Therapeutic Procedures I (4 semester credits)
This laboratory course provides a hands-on introduction to the principles and procedures of therapeutic physical therapy intervention.  Emphasis is on basic patient care skills and procedures utilized in physical therapy.  Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery of those procedures with an in-depth understanding of the rationale for each treatment. Summer

PTA 252S Physical Agents and Therapeutic Modalities (2 semester credits)
This course provides the student with the theoretical basis for the use of physical agents such as heat, cold, electricity, light, water, and therapeutic modalities utilized in physical therapy.  Emphasis is placed on modalities such as hydrotherapy, various forms of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, and diathermy.  Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the physiological effects, indications and contraindications, and advantages and disadvantages of utilizing these modalities in physical therapy.  Summer

PTA 200S Physical Therapy Issues and Trends (2 semester credits)
This is an introductory course to the trends and issues in physical therapy.  Emphasis is placed on areas such as: history, practice issues, psychosocial aspects of illness and cultural diversity.  Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss trends and issues relevant to physical therapy. Fall

PTA 240 Physical Disabilities I (2 semester credits)
This course presents the student with a body systems approach to the etiology, pathology, signs/symptoms, and treatment of conditions seen in PT.  Emphasis may include conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy.  Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss basic pathological processes, treatment options and prognoses of conditions studied. Fall

PTA 251S Therapeutic Procedures II (4 semester credits)
This laboratory course is a continued study of the principles and procedures of therapeutic PT interventions.  Emphasis is on advanced physical therapy interventions and procedures and their rationale.  Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery with an in-depth understanding of each. Fall

PTA 260 Clinical Education I (1 semester credit)
This clinical experience is designed to introduce the student to the practice of physical therapy through interaction in the health care environment.  The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator.  Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques attained in the classroom. Fall

PTA 230 Neuroscience (2 semester credits)
This course provides students with an overview of the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS, as it relates to the treatment necessary for patients with dysfunctions of these systems.  Emphasis may include the structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiological concepts, human growth and development, neurologic dysfunctions.  Upon completion of this course the student should be able to identify and discuss specific anatomical structures and function of the nervous system and basic concepts of human growth and development and identify neurologic pathologies. Fall

PTA 231 Rehabilitation Techniques (2 semester credits)
This course allows for hands-on appreciation of advanced rehabilitation techniques.  Emphasis is on orthopedic and neurologic treatment techniques, therapeutic exercise procedures and analysis and treatment of pathologic gait.  Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of advanced rehabilitation techniques appropriate to orthopedic and neurologic dysfunctions. Fall

PTA 232 Orthopedics for the PTA (2 semester credits)
This course provides the student with an overview of orthopedic conditions seen in physical therapy.  Emphasis is on the study of orthopedic conditions and appropriate physical therapy intervention and a review of related anatomical structures.  Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to discuss PT interventions for common orthopedic conditions. Fall

PTA 201 PTA Seminar (1 semester credit)
This course is a continuing study of issues and trends in physical therapy practice.  Emphasis is placed on issues such as: licensure, job skills, board exam review, practitioner roles, legal and ethical issues.  Upon completion, the student should have acquired necessary skills for transition from student to practitioner. Spring

PTA 241 Physical Disabilities II (2 semester credits)
This course continues a body systems study of common PT pathologies.  Emphasis may include various neurological pathologies with additional focus on the needs of special populations.  Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss the PT intervention appropriate to a variety of diagnoses. Spring

PTA 263 Clinical Affiliation I (3 semester credits)
This clinical class will provide clinical interaction in the health care environment.  The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator.  Upon completion, the student should be able to safely and effectively apply procedures and techniques attained in the classroom. Spring

PTA 268 Clinical Practicum (5 semester credits)
This clinical education experience allows the student to practice in the health care environment, using entry-level skills attained in previous classroom instruction.  The course entails on-going communication between the clinical instructor, student, and course coordinator.  Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to demonstrate entry-level competency in those skills necessary for functioning as a physical therapist assistant. Spring