Physical Therapist Assistant Course Descriptions

PTHA 1301 The Profession of Physical Therapy-3 credits

 Introduction to the role of the PTA, PT, and other health care providers. Study of professional behaviors such as supporting the APTA, upholding ethical practices, abiding by applicable laws, maintaining patient confidentiality, demonstrating generic abilities, and understanding the APTA

 Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Other topics include strategies to address personality types, learning styles, patient diversity, emotional responses, and activities of daily living. Introduction to information competencies, and SOAP note documentation.

 SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall semester first year

PREREQUISITES: Acceptance into the PTA Program

PTHA 1513 Functional Anatomy – 5 credits

Avanced anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Analysis of osteokinematics and arthrokinematics.  Emphasis on clinical skills including palpation, manual muscle testing, goniometry, and special tests. Study of the normal gait cycle.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring first year
PREREQUISITES:  PTHA 1301

PTHA 1321– Pathophysiology – 3 credits

Introduction to the function, anatomical components, and pathologies of each system within the human body. Study of sign and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of diseases related to each system.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring first year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301

PTHA 1405 Basic Patient Care – 4 credits

Clinical procedures related to patient care including hand washing, vitals, pain assessment, body mechanics, ROM, bed mobility, aseptic technique, wound care,  and transfers. Study of basic pharmaceuticals and medical testing. Study of wheelchair training, gait training, and architectural barriers.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring first year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301

PTHA 2509– Therapeutic Exercise – 5 credits

Clinical techniques related to stretching, strengthening, posture, balance, coordination, agility, aquatic therapy, and aerobic conditioning. Treatment strategies for patients with surgical and non-surgical diagnosis.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Summer
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405,1513

PTHA 1531 Physical Agents– 3 credits

Clinical procedures related to patient care including massage, airway clearance techniques. Application of modalities such as infrared, ultraviolet, diathermy, hydrotherapy cryotherapy, heat therapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, cervical and lumbar traction, electrotherapy modalities such as IFC, Premodulation, TENS, Combo, NMES, Russian, Biphasic, Iontophoresis, HVES, and Biofeedback,  and intermittent compression.

 SEMESTER OFFERED: Summer
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513

PTHA 2535– Principles of Rehabilitation – 5 credits

Treatment strategies for patients with complex diagnoses such as developmental disorders, CVA, TBI, SCI, AKA/BKA, UMN/LMN lesions, orthopedic procedures, and debilitating disorders. Study of the nervous system and techniques related to the theories of neurological development. Study of abnormal gait, types of wheelchairs, and types of supportive devices.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509

PTHA 2260 Clinical I PTA– 2 credits 

A clinical externship that provides students with the opportunity to apply clinical skills acquired in the academic setting. This externship will be completed by attendance in a physical therapy clinic one day a week throughout semester

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509
COREQUISITES: PTHA 2535

PTHA 2250 Current Concepts in Physical Therapy – 2 credits

Study of career related topics including obtaining licensure and developing a career plan. Other topics include identifying abuse, neglect, and harassment, maintaining quality assurance, recognizing organizational structure, and understanding finances related to physical therapy. Review outcome assessment and PTA CPI.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall Second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509

PTHA 2461 Clinical II PTA– 4 credits 

A full-time (a minimum of 40 hours/week) clinical externship that provides students with the opportunity to apply clinical skills acquired in the academic setting. This externship provides seven weeks of direct patient care. This externship may be completed in any geographical area, provided that a legal contract is established between the physical therapy facility and South Plains College.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring Second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509, 2260, 2535, 2250

PTHA 2462 Clinical III PTA – 4 credits 

A full-time (a minimum of 40 hours/week) clinical externship that provides students with the opportunity to apply clinical skills acquired in the academic setting.  This externship, in a rehabilitation setting, provides seven weeks of direct patient care. This externship may be completed in any geographical area, provided that a legal contract is established between the physical therapy facility and South Plains College.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring Second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509, 2260, 2535, 2250

PTHA2339 Professional Issues–3 credits

Study of career related topics including obtaining licensure and developing a career plan. Licensure preparation, Case study portfolio, best practices, and professional presentations.    

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring Second year
PREREQUISITES: PTHA 1301, 1321, 1405, 1513, 1531, 2509, 2260, 2535, 2250