MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Physical Therapist Assistant
PTA101 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING
1 credit
This course provides the student with an introduction to the profession of
physical therapy and the role and utilization of the physical therapist assistant
in the profession. Professional and ethical behavior are emphasized throughout
various course topics including documentation, patient/healthcare provider
interaction, legal issues, death and dying, and stress management. Prerequisites:
ENG100, MAT100, RDG100, or placement. Co-requisite: BIO203. Fall.
PTA102 BASIC THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES
4 credits
This course provides the student with an introduction to basic patient care
skills such as aseptic technique (universal precautions, infection control,
and hand washing), patient and area preparation, body mechanics, and verbal
commands, patient turning and positioning, wheelchair prescription and management,
transfer techniques, ambulation with assistive devices, and traditional soft-tissue
massage. Prerequisites: ENG100, MAT100, RDG100 or placement. Co-requisite:
BIO203. Fall.
PTA104 APPLIED ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY
4 credits
Identification and detailed palpation of the bones and muscles of the human
skeleton will be correlated with joint and muscle function. Introductory
concepts concerning tissue organization, basic biomechanics, and the nervous
system will be studied. Basic concepts of musculoskeletal structure and function
will be applied to a more complex analysis of human movement and skill. Prerequisites:
ENG100, MAT100, RDG100 or placement;BIO115 or BIO203. Fall.
PTA105 ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
3 credits
This course covers the theory and application of the assessment skills that
are required to ensure entry-level competence for physical therapist assistants.
Data that is collected using the assessment skills covered in this course
will support the rationale for rehabilitative techniques, modalities, and
exercises that will be employed in subsequent courses in the curriculum.
Prerequisites: PTA101, 102, 104. Intersession.
PTA107 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
4 credits
This course presents the theory and application of therapeutic exercise including
ROM, stretching, resistive, and cardiovascular/aerobic activity. Traditional
exercise routines and home exercise program instruction for specific diagnoses
are also covered. Prerequisite: PTA105. Co-requisite: BIO204. Spring.
PTA108 CLINICAL ORTHOPEDICS
4 credits
Normal and pathomechanics of the neuromusculoskeletal systems are covered in
detail via regional analysis of the major articulations of the extremities
and spine. Etiology and physical therapy management of clinical dysfunctions
commonly encountered in a general orthopedic patient population will be studied.
Normal and pathological gait will be analyzed. The assessment skills of goniometry,
manual muscle testing, and tests for muscle length including instructor
demonstrations of special tests for the spine and extremities will be covered
in the lab component. Prerequisite: PTA105. Co-requisite: BIO204. Spring
PTA110 CLINICAL PRACTICUM I
3 credits
This course is the first of three comprehensive clinical experiences in a physical
therapy setting. The purpose of this initial experience is to apply, integrate,
and perform learned clinical skills on patients under the supervision of
a licensed physical therapist and/or licensed physical therapist assistant.
Basic patient care skills, anatomy/biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, selected
assessment techniques, and human disease and pathology will be emphasized.
Typical practice settings may include acute care hospitals, private practice,
skilled nursing centers, and outpatient rehabilitation centers. Prerequisite:
PTA109, or co-requisites: PTA107, PTA108. Summer.
PTA112 THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
4 credits
This course is designed to present the physiological basis, clinical application,
and specific techniques of administration for the following modalities: infrared
heating and cooling, ultraviolet light, deep heating, intermittent compression,
mechanical traction, electrical stimulation of analgesia, muscle contraction
and specialized currents, iontophoresis, biofeedback, and wound care management.
Emphasis will be placed on the indications, precautions and contraindications
of each to assure patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Prerequisite:
PTA110. Fall.
PTA113 ADVANCED REHABILITATION TECHNIQUES
3 credits
This course presents an advanced view of rehabilitation. Specific patient populations
and techniques associated with the treatment of these populations will be
addressed. Topics include but will not be limited to: cardiopulmonary, amputee,
burn, spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, pediatric, and geriatric rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: PTA110. Fall.
PTA114 NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
4 credits
This course presents the theoretical framework of neurodevelopmental and neurophysiological
approaches to therapeutic exercise. Normal movement, motor development, and
motor learning are emphasized. Sensorimotor dysfunctions, characteristic
limitations, and abnormal motor movements are discussed. The basic approaches
to neurophysiological techniques and their rationale are included. These
traditional approaches will be compared to contemporary theories of motor
development, motor learning, and motor control. Prerequisite: PTA110. Fall.
PTA116 CLINICAL PRACTICUM II
5 credits
Clinical Practicum II is the second of three comprehensive clinical experiences
in a physical therapy setting. The purpose of this intermediate experience
is to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under
the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and/or licensed physical
therapist assistant. The emphasis of this experience is to integrate previously
learned and practiced PTA skills, therapeutic modalities, advanced therapeutic
techniques, and neurophysiological techniques into an established physical
therapy program. Typical practice settings may include acute care hospitals,
private practice, sports, developmental centers, skilled nursing centers,
geriatrics, pediatrics, VNA, inpatient rehabilitation centers, VA hospitals,
and psychiatric centers. Prerequisites: PTA112, 113, 114. Spring.
PTA117 SPECIAL TOPICS
3 credits
This course covers specialty topic areas in the profession. Students will study
in detail the theory and application of joint mobilization (extremity), while
gaining an introductory exposure to women’s health issues, PT in the
home setting and its implications for the PTA, aquatic therapy, AIDS, nontraditional
therapies, evaluation and treatment of spine dysfunction, pediatrics, burn
and wound care, and UE prosthetics/orthotics. Prerequisites: PTA112, 113,
114. Spring.
PTA118 CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTHCARE ISSUES
1 credit
Key non-patient care related topics are presented concerning issues of importance
to the physical therapist assistant. Course topics include PTA licensure,
job search (cover letter, résumé writing, and interviewing),
the ADA, insurance regulations, supervision/delegation issues for the PTA,
quality assurance, and risk management. Prerequisites: PTA112, 113, 114.
Spring.
PTA119 CLINICAL PRACTICUM III
5 credits
This course is the third of three comprehensive clinical experiences
in a physical therapy setting. The purpose of this final experience is to
apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skill on patients under the
supervision of a licensed physical therapist and/or licensed physical therapist
assistant. The emphasis of this experience is to integrate previously learned
and practiced PTA skills, special topics, and clinical management and health
care issues into the delivery of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment
program. Typical practice settings may include acute care hospitals, private
practice, sports, developmental centers, skilled nursing centers, geriatrics,
pediatrics, VNA, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, VA hospitals,
and psychiatric centers. Prerequisites: PTA116, 117, 118. Spring.
PTA139 HUMAN DISEASE AND PATHOLOGY
4 credits
This course will cover the etiology, natural course, and termination of disease in order to assist the student in understanding the cause and effect relationship between disease and disability. Emphasis will be placed on the most common diseases and disabilities that the student will likely encounter in the practice of physical therapy. Prerequisite: BIO115 or BIO203. (PTA majors, consult adviser). Fall and spring.