Introduces the student to the physical therapy profession and builds the foundation for all future coursework. The student will develop a working knowledge of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant when working under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Course content includes ethics, legal issues, communication, cultural differences, interprofessional relationships, physical therapy documentation, and responsibility for professional development. Students are educated on the components of patient confidentiality and utilizing the SBAR model to relay information.

Provides a foundation in physical therapy assessment and treatment skills, including those involving patient mobility, vital signs, wound care, and range of motion. Evidence based practice is also introduced within this course. Students are tested on their competence in performing bed mobility, transfer, wheelchair mobility, taking vital signs, performing PROM, gait training with an assistive device, and proper positioning.

Introduces biomechanics and physics as related to human movement and physical therapy. Students with palpate muscles, will learn attachment sites, action, and innervation for all major muscles. Content on assessing joint motion and muscle strength is also included.

Prepares students for safe and effective application of therapeutic massage and physical modalities; including thermal agents, cryotherapy, compression, spinal traction, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation.

Examines common disease processes and clinical disorders that can exist in body systems. Pathology, etiology, diagnosis, signs, symptoms, prognosis, treatment, and implications for physical therapy are included. Students learn to review health records, lab values, and diagnostic tests in order to determine appropriate PT interventions.

Describes the physiological effects of therapeutic exercise human body and related physical therapy treatment interventions utilized to improve strength, balance, proprioception, flexibility, and aerobic fitness. Additional course content includes the gait cycle, gait deviations, and patient education.

Gain clinical experience and apply academic knowledge and skills to patient care during a full time, 4-week interval. Emphasis will be placed on safely providing care for routine patients by performing patient care skills, observation, measurement, and professional interaction under the supervision and guidance of a physical therapist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

Explores content on ethical decision making, service learning, quality assurance, professional advocacy, healthcare reimbursement, and interprofessional communication.

Investigates theory, assessment, and treatment of advanced physical therapy interventions for postural drainage, rehabilitation for amputations, cardiac rehabilitation, and work hardening. Specific interventions for posture, ergonomic education, vestibular intervention, pain neuroscience education, and women’s health will also be explored.

Introduces students to physical therapy assessment techniques and treatment interventions for patients with neurological and pediatric disorders. This course includes information regarding common gait deviations seen with neurological deficits in both adult and pediatric populations. Students are educated on common PT treatments with CVA, TBI, and SCI and emergencies that may be seen with neurological diagnoses. Students complete competencies in transfers and bed mobility related to this population, NDT techniques, and PNF interventions.

Provides an overview of musculoskeletal tissue healing, physical therapy treatment for orthopedic disorders, manual therapy, and spinal stabilization.

Prepares students to transition into an entry-level position as a physical therapist assistant through content on professionalism, resume design, job interviews, leadership, and professional issues. Within this course students will also take a simulated licensure exam and design a case study on a patient treated during their final clinical experiences.

Gain clinical experience and apply academic knowledge and skills to patient care during a full time, 5-week interval. Emphasis will be placed on safely providing care for routine patients by performing patient care skills, observation, measurement, and professional interaction under the supervision and guidance of a physical therapist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.

Gain clinical experience and apply academic knowledge and skills to patient care during a full time, 7-week interval. Emphasis will be placed on safely providing care for routine patients by performing patient care skills, observation, measurement, and professional interaction under the supervision and guidance of a physical therapist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe and effective clinical practice at the capability of an entry level PTA as measured by a standardized performance evaluation.