Allied Health: Physical Therapy (AHPT)

AHPT 101 Physical Therapist Assisting I / Lab

Credits: 5 (3 Lecture, 2 Lab -- 45 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours)

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Corequisite: AHPT 205, AHPT 206, AHPT 210, and AHPT 218

This is the first of two sequential skills and procedures courses in the PTA program. The following topics are covered: basic principles and procedures of physical therapy; basic patient care skills; infection control and isolation precautions; edema and wound management; use of assistive devices; architectural and environmental barriers; introduction to pain theories and conditions, pain assessment; and physiological principles, and application of hydro therapy, thermo and cryo physical agents with indications and contraindications; development of appropriate and concise medical documentation; introduction to discharge planning and cultural competence.

AHPT 105 Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting

Credits: 3 (45 Lecture Hours)

Term: (F, S)

This course is designed to give the student an overview of the Physical Therapy profession by providing a historical perspective and an understanding of its philosophy in relation to the professional organization; an overview of the roles of the Physical Therapy staff members in the clinical setting and members of the health care team in various delivery systems; development of interpersonal communication skills relating to the profession, cultural diversity, and an understanding of the commitment of the graduate to continued personal and professional development. This course provides an overview of ethical/legal/professional issues relating to the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant in health care delivery. It includes such topics as the financing of physical therapy; regulations governing Physical Therapist Assistants; APTA’s code of ethics and core values; scope of PT and PTA practice; and the Physical Therapist Assistant’s role in research, continued education, and quality assurance.

AHPT 192 PTA Independent Study

Credits: 1 (1 to 6 credits, varies upon need)

Term: (Based upon sufficient demand)

This course is a PTA independent study.

AHPT 201 Physical Therapist Assisting II / Lab

Credits: 5 (3 Lecture, 2 Lab -- 45 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours)

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218, all with a grade of 76% or higher; AHPT 210 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 213, AHPT 215, and AHPT 220

This is the second in the series of procedures and application courses. The following topics are covered: theoretical principles and application of the cardiopulmonary rehab, industrial rehab, ergonomics, prosthetic and orthotic application and treatment, biofeedback, topical applications, electrotherapy, ultrasound; procedure and application of cervical and lumbar traction; gait analysis and training; theory and application of massage/manual therapy.

AHPT 205 Anatomy and Kinesiology for the PTA

Credits: 6 (4 Lecture, 2 Lab -- 60 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours)

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program

Corequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 206, AHPT 210, and AHPT 218

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of: the human musculoskeletal system relative in the biomechanical elements of normal and abnormal human motion, osteology and arthrology in relation to muscle action and joint mechanics. The study of goniometry, manual muscle testing, PROM and end feel observations will also be covered in detail. The student will develop palpation skills to effectively locate appropriate anatomical landmarks specific to the musculoskeletal system.

AHPT 206 Pathophysiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant

Credits: 3 (45 Lecture Hours)

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Corequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 210, and AHPT 218

This course introduces the student to the pathophysiology, etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and management of selected pathological and injury-related disorders treated in physical therapy. Emphasis revolves around the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. Other pathologies discussed include diabetes mellitus, immune system disorders, neoplasms, disorders related to women’s health, and vestibular pathologies. Radiology and pharmacology considerations with specific diagnoses will also be discussed. The course includes student presentations on disorders pertinent to physical therapy.

AHPT 210 Clinical Experience I

Credits: 3 (160 Clinical Hours -- 4 weeks in length)

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program

Corequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218

The purpose of this clinical affiliation is to provide the student with an opportunity to apply skills and techniques learned in AHPT 101, AHPT 105, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218 under the appropriate supervision of the clinical instructor. This course will include a four-week clinical rotation at an approved site.

AHPT 213 Neurorehabilitation for the PTA

Credits: 6 (4 Lecture, 2 Lab -- 60 Lecture Hours/60 Lab hours)

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218 with a grade of 76% or higher, and AHPT 210 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 201, AHPT 215, and AHPT 220

This course is an introduction to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in relationship to neurological pathologies of the brain and spinal cord commonly treated by physical therapy. Through this course the student is also introduced to neurological development: normal vs. abnormal - birth through adult, disease processes and outcomes, and neurophysiological routines used for treatment. Principles and treatment of specific disabilities are also presented.

AHPT 215 Introduction to Orthopedics

Credits: 4 (3 Lecture, 1 Lab -- 45 Lecture Hours and 30 Lab Hours)

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218 with a grade of 76% or higher, and AHPT 210 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 201, AHPT 213, and AHPT 220

This course introduces students to adult musculoskeletal pathologies and management of orthopedic and surgical problems commonly seen during physical therapy. Course content will include: 1. Basic biomechanics and mechanisms of orthopedic injuries and diseases. 2. Survey of surgical repair with emphasis on rehabilitation. 3. Examination techniques and treatments used by physical therapists. 4. Theoretical application of therapeutic exercise programs and equipment commonly used for treatment of various orthopedic conditions and surgical procedures. 5. Therapeutic and athletic taping techniques.

AHPT 218 Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA

Credits: 2 (1 credit of lecture/1 credit of lab)

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Corequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 210

This course introduces the physical therapist assistant student to topics such as exercise physiology, exercise prescription tailored to the individual, general therapeutic exercises, aquatic therapy, relaxation techniques, group therapy, and setting up a home exercise program. Current health practices and theory will be addressed in relation to nutrition/wellness within special populations, emphasizing preventative practice.

AHPT 220 Clinical Experience II

Credits: 3 (160 Clinical Hours, 4 weeks in length)

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, and AHPT 218 with a grade of 76% or higher, and AHPT 210 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 201, AHPT 213, and AHPT 215

The students will continue to build on their clinical experiences from all prerequisite courses in the PTA program. This will consist of a four-week clinical rotation at an approved site.

AHPT 225 Seminar and Project in Physical Therapist Assisting

Credits: 1

Term: (Su)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 201, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, AHPT 213, AHPT 215, and AHPT 218 with a grade of 76% or higher, and AHPT 210 and AHPT 220 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 230

This concentrated course is designed to integrate skills and techniques from previous clinical experiences and from the course work presented throughout the PTA program. It focuses on presentation of comprehensive treatment plans utilizing all treatment skills and techniques learned during the previous semesters. The students will be expected to provide written reports including complete patient information and treatment plans and then present this information in the form of a case study/project. Research and current issues are also discussed. Students will be required to relate sociological, physical, and psychological aspects of illness and injury to their projects. Student questions and concerns are also addressed. The course will also identify subject matter and test taking strategies for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) through performance of the Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT) and Scorebuilders prep course.

AHPT 230 Clinical Experience III

Credits: 7 (315 Clinical Hours, 8 weeks in length)

Term: (Su)

Prerequisite: AHPT 101, AHPT 201, AHPT 205, AHPT 206, AHPT 213, AHPT 215, and AHPT 218 with a grade of 76% or higher, and AHPT 210 and AHPT 220 with a grade of Pass

Corequisite: AHPT 225

This is the third of three full-time clinical experiences during which the student develops proficiency in physical therapy procedures, understanding of clinical responsibilities and supervisory relationships with a minimum competence necessary to graduate as an entry level physical therapist assistant and become an active participant of the health care team. This course will include an eight-week clinical affiliation at an approved site.