Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

PTA 1010. Introduction to Physical Therapy. 2 Hours.

This course introduces students to the field of physical therapy through the history and definition of the profession. Other topics include medical terminology and documentation. Health care for a diverse population begins its thread in this course. PTA 1010 is prerequisite to acceptance into the technical phase of the PTA program and is an open-enrollment course. Note: You are responsible for content/dates/announcements posted on Canvas. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Distinguish members of the health care team including their role(s) within the team. 2. Explain the purpose and intent of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA and The Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant. 3. Define HIPAA and give examples of its application to the rehabilitation team. 4. Discuss specialty areas within the field of physical therapy. 5. Identify basic components of SOAP note documentation. SP.

PTA 2000. Practice Issues. 2 Hours.

Discussions include the health care team, the rehabilitation-specific team, the roles and scopes of practice of the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant, and the physical therapist/assistant interaction. Also covers the rehabilitation patient, communication in health care, patient care settings, reimbursement issues, the "Patient's Bill of Rights," and HIPAA. This course reviews the "Ethics & Jurisprudence" of physical therapist assistant practice. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Define the role of the physical therapist assistant in the provision of interventions. 2. Describe the importance of involvement in organizations such as APTA to further career development. 3. Demonstrate responsibility for addressing ethical and/or legal conflicts. 4. Provide classroom participation on relevant health care and physical therapy issues. 5. Explain the role of the physical therapist assistant in the promotion of healthy lifestyles, wellness, and injury prevention. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2010. Kinesiology. 2 Hours.

Students develop competencies in identifying anatomical landmarks and symmetry, joint mechanics and function, posture, an introduction to gait, and neurological control. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1.Demonstrate the knowledge of Descriptive movement terminology and apply to the analysis of human movement. 2. Discuss components of osteokinematics and arthokinematic motion including joint surface shape, the concave/convex rule, types of motion, joint surface positions and accessory motion forces. 3. Compare and contrast the different types of muscle contractions and their direct biomechanical effects on the skeletal system. 4. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of anatomical structures including the origin, insertion, blood supply, action and corresponding nerves to selective musculature. 5. Distinguish components of the normal gait cycle and recognize components of an abnormal gait cycle. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2011. Kinesiology Lab. 2 Hours.

Students develop competencies in identifying anatomical landmarks and symmetry, joint mechanics and function, posture, an introduction to gait, and neurological control. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to:1. Correctly Identify and palpate all anatomical structures on a human subject required for skills check. 2. Analyze movement patterns during functional activities and determine biomechanical principles and analyze faulty movement patterns with lab partner. 3. Correctly Identify Joint Positions, types of muscle contractions, and the prime movers involved with functional activities on lab partner. 4. Execute corrective techniques for identified faulty gait patterns. 5. Properly communicate during patient interview and appraise results for proper treatment. Course fee required. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2110. Fundamentals Physical Therapy. 2 Hours.

This course includes those fundamental skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Topics covered include patient draping and preparation, vital signs, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and repair, tilt table, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Utilize cognitive, affective, and psychomotor interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. 2. Integrate principals of ethical and professional conduct for the PTA in all areas of practice. 3. Develop characteristics of a clinician who applies evidence-based physical therapy in their practice. 4. Differentiate best practice through critical thinking and problem solving to assist as an effective member of the PT/PTA team. 5. Utilize effective oral and written communication skills with patients, families, caregivers, other health care providers and the community. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA SP.

PTA 2111. Fundamentals Physical Therapy Lab. 2 Hours.

This course includes those fundamental skills required for successful patient treatment and care. Topics covered include patient draping and preparation, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, wheelchair fitting and repair, tilt table, activities of daily living, architectural barriers, documentation, basic skills for patient/family education, safety, cultural sensitivity, and age related considerations. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Vitals and Infection Control- Demonstrate accurate collection of data for blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood oxygen saturation. Perform appropriate hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment. Explain the decision-making process for when to apply these things in the clinic. (Midterm Skill Proficiency Lab Check Offs, Midterm Exam) 2. Assistive Devices/Wheelchairs- Teach appropriate use of assistive devices including canes, crutches, walkers, hemi-walkers, wheelchairs, and parallel bars. Demonstrate appropriate use of all these devices with associated gait patterns. (Final Skill Proficiency Lab Check Offs, Midterm Exam) 3. Patient Positioning, Gait, ROM, Functional Movements- Simulate as a PTA and as a patient basic a physical activity that is typical of patient treatment for patient positioning, bed mobility, gait, PROM, AAROM, AROM, and functional movements. (Midterm Skill Proficiency Lab Check Offs, Midterm Exam) 4. Patient Transfers, Safety, Therapist Body Mechanics- Perform patient transfers with demonstration of appropriate patient safety considerations for Maximum, Moderate, Minimal, Contact Guard, and Stand-By assistance. Explain the difference in levels of needed assistance and demonstrate appropriate body mechanics with performing these transfers (Final Skill Proficiency Lab Check Offs, Final Exam) 5. Clinical Communication- Articulate appropriate communication to a patient concerning treatment and patient problem with simple terms, and to another healthcare provider with correct medical terminology. Write a comprehensive and concise SOAP note typical of a patient treatment. (Final Practical SOAP Note, Final Practical) Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2200. Physical Agents. 2 Hours.

Students develop competence in the correct application of therapeutic modalities including heat, cold, electrotherapy, intermittent compression, massage, traction, and ultrasound. Evidenced based practice and indications/contraindications are emphasized. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Investigate professional evidence-based literature relating to physical and mechanical agent interventions and interpret findings to validate use. 2: Examine the role of physical and mechanical agents as related to the physical therapy plan of care. 3: Appraise information to establish indications and contraindications for mechanical and/or physical agent use. 4: Determine appropriate use of mechanical and physical agents with regards to precautions and safety considerations. 5: Accurately formulate documentation regarding use of mechanical and physical agents during procedural interventions, data collection and patient response. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2201. Physical Agents Lab. 2 Hours.

Students develop competence in the correct application of therapeutic modalities including heat, cold, electrotherapy, intermittent compression, massage, traction, and ultrasound. Evidenced based practice and indications/contraindications are emphasized. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Demonstrate safe and proper usage of each of the required physical and mechanical agent on skills check. 2: Prepare patients for physical and mechanical agent interventions with proper positioning and draping techniques and adapt to patient needs during treatment. 3: Evaluate medical history, response from patient interview, and palpation techniques to select most appropriate physical/mechanical agent interventions. 4: Properly communicate and educate patients and their families with regards to current research and the science behind specific physical agent/mechanical agent usage commensurate with the needs of the patient. 5: Formulate documentation of the specific intervention provided and develop a plan of progression using the physical or mechanical agent within the physical therapy plan of care. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2210. Observation & Measurement. 2 Hours.

This is a course that covers the bases for recognizing movement and other dysfunctions and the tools used for problem solving in physical therapy. These include goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture, vital signs, sensation, gait and balance, etc. Students are instructed in the role and scope of the PTA in regard to these measures. Patient progress and accurate reporting to the physical therapist are emphasized. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain variations in muscle tone regarding normal, denervated, deconditioned, and other pathologies affecting muscle contractility. 2. Demonstrate proper and established technique during palpation, goniometry, manual muscle testing, gait, posture, sensory and vital signs procedures. 3. Describe specific data collection techniques used by the physical therapist assistant to monitor patient/client status. 4. Demonstrate proper recording and documentation of assessment results. 5. Complete data collection during the performance of directed interventions using established tools. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA, SP.

PTA 2211. Observation & Measurement Lab. 2 Hours.

Students develop competence in the skills of measurements used in physical therapy. Students will become familiar with the use of goniometers, blood pressure cuffs, grip meters, and other tools of measurement. The skills of analyzing gait and posture will be included. Lab assessments will include the reporting of observable and measureable data and their significance to patient progress. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Perform data collection in an accurate and timely manner. 2. Demonstrate measurement of functional range of motion for the major upper and lower extremity joints. 3. Demonstrate data collection of muscle performance through measurement of strength using manual muscle testing procedures. 4. Select and perform the correct data collection technique for the related directed intervention for a given case example. 5. Demonstrate proper recording and documentation of assessment results. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2300. Orthopedic Rehabilitation. 2 Hours.

This course includes development of therapeutic exercise and other treatment practices for patients with musculoskeletal pathologies. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the stages of healing and the parameters regarding therapeutic exercise for each stage. 2. Explain psychosocial implications that determine patient motivation, compliance with exercise regimes, and the methods of communication that block or enhance these issues. 3. Distinguish between isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercise procedures and implement them into a treatment program for selected musculoskeletal disorders. 4. Discuss the methods of stretching soft tissue structures and implement this into a treatment program. 5. Research and present various musculoskeletal pathologies with their etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and therapeutic exercise programs. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2301. Orthopedic Rehabilitation Lab. 2 Hours.

Students practice and gain competence in the application of therapeutic exercise, the rationale for its use, safety principles involved in, and its application across the lifespan. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand PROM, AAROM, and AROM for upper and lower extremities. 2. Understand manual resistive exercise for upper and lower extremities including basic aquatic exercise programs for musculoskeletal pathologies. 3. Instruct the patient/client in a home exercise program utilizing equipment commonly found in the home for a given case example. 4. Demonstrate appropriate communication strategies for providing instruction in a home exercise program in a role play situation. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2400. Clinical Pathology. 3 Hours.

An overview of basic disease progression and classification with special emphasis in musculoskeletal and nervous system pathologies treated with physical therapy interventions. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Discuss selected pathologies and disorders from systems of the human body. 2. Identify specific criteria with regards to selected pathologies and disorders. 3. Describe the concepts of tissue repair, remodeling and regeneration. 4. Describe the effects of bed rest and immobilization of a body part on various tissues and systems. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2410. Special Clientele. 2 Hours.

Students are introduced to the therapeutic principles underlying the treatment of patients with burns, amputations, cardiopulmonary pathologies and considerations, women's health issues, and selected age-specific disorders. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Correlate different types of physical therapy treatments for special clientele populations and demonstrate an understanding of when they are each indicated for use. 2. Distinguish the leading causes contributing to the different types of UE and LE amputations and their respective treatments to maximize functional mobility. 3. Analyze Cardiac and pulmonary anatomy and the function of Blood supply/oxygen exchange with regards to cardiac and pulmonary pathologies and their respective treatments. 4. Describe pelvic anatomy, available treatments, and indications for pelvic health referral . 5. Evaluate the integumentary and lymphatic systems and their respective grading systems with regards to pressure ulcers, wounds, burns. and lymphedema. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2411. Special Clientele Lab. 1 Hour.

Students review anatomical and physiological aspects of the cardiopulmonary system and are introduced to the cardiac rehabilitation program. Orthotic and prosthetic devices are presented, rationale for their use, fitting, and adjustments are reviewed. Students will review physical therapy techniques for women's health, and age-related pathologies and practice appropriate techniques. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Decipher data in patient chart and execute properly formulated treatment for specific special clientele populations. 2. Properly respond and adapt to patient needs and changes in status with regards to special clientele populations. 3. Analyze complex gait deviations and formulate treatment plan for treatment with regards to special clientele populations 4. Investigate avenues to educate patients and families regarding local/community programs who advocate patient support regarding special Clientele populations. 5. Construct a HEP appropriate for a complex special clientele patient with co-morbidities and effectively communicate to patient and caregivers. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2520. Neuromuscular Rehabilitation. 2 Hours.

This course is intended to discover and develop a working knowledge of patients with neurological pathologies and their treatment. Age-related, injury, and disease processes are considered. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the major components of the central nervous system including the brain, cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord. 2. Explain why and how motor patterns continue to change throughout the lifespan. 3. Identify the general guidelines and tools (FIM Scoring) for functional assessment. 4. Describe specific treatment interventions to facilitate functional movement in a patient with a TBI. 5. Describe balance reactions and treatment for balance disorders. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA, SP.

PTA 2521. Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Lab. 2 Hours.

Students are introduced to and develop competencies in the application of specific treatment procedures used with patients exhibiting neuromuscular pathologies. Treatment modifications, best practices, and current concepts are practiced. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the components of the developmental sequence. 2. Demonstrate data collection techniques used to test balance and vestibular responses. 3. Plan and demonstrate appropriate transfer techniques of a hemiplegic patient. 4. Describe and perform various mat and exercise activities typically prescribed to the patient with traumatic brain injury. 5. Demonstrate the ability to implement a comprehensive treatment plan established by the PT for a neurological dysfunction, including functional training, balance, gait, developmental activities, patient/family education, postural training, and therapeutic exercise. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2530. Seminar. 4 Hours.

This course is divided into 3 main learning modules: Module I: Psychosocial considerations with application to cultural/gender/aging/family dynamics in relation to death and dying and the grieving process are presented and discussed. In addition, caregiver self-care, assertive communication, and clinical burnout are presented. Students will be introduced to emotional intelligence and what part it plays in physical therapy. Module II: An introduction to effective administration of physical therapy environments, including management techniques, fiscal considerations, continuous quality assurance, voluntary accreditation, and other relevant topics related to the business and delivery of physical therapy care. Students will also have the opportunity to create a descriptive resume, practice interview strategies, and discuss other topics in preparation for entering the physical therapy workplace. Module III: A review of the required text with an emphasis in board exam study and test-taking strategies. Some review of previous PTA course content will occur in this module. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify strategies for achieving balance in personal and career pursuits. 2. Identify stages of the grieving process and therapist/patient/family reactions to death and dying. 3. Describe administration of a physical therapy delivery service including, but not limited to, personnel management, budget creation and accountability, daily operations and organization, organizational charts, etc. 4. Write a resume using current categories, information, and practices. 5. Engage in verbal and written reflection on ethical and legal issues. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. FA.

PTA 2605. Clinical Practicum (ALPP). 4 Hours.

A three-week, full- time clinical experience in a physical therapy workplace setting. Students will have opportunities to apply the thinking processes and skills learned from previous courses. Supervision is provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants employed by the host facility. This course is designated as an Active Learning Professional Practice (ALPP) course. This course allows students to explore and apply content learned in the course in a professional experience away from the classroom. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Demonstrate the ability to self-assess and report progress in clinical education by reflecting through self-evaluation at an intermediate level. 2: Use current research to develop and lead professional education training to co-workers. 3: Demonstrate satisfactory patient care/safety performance by earning at least an ?Intermediate? rating (by self and CI) on each of the patient-care/safety related CPI criteria. 4: Demonstrate satisfactory communication with support staff, CI, patients and other healthcare professions by earning at least an ?Intermediate? rating (by self and CI) on each of the communication related CPI criteria. 5: Develop collaborative goals with CI to promote professional progression in the clinical environment. Course fee required. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SU.

PTA 2705. Clinical Affiliation I (ALPP). 6 Hours.

A six-week, full- time clinical experience in a physical therapy workplace setting. Students will have opportunities to apply the thinking processes and skills learned from previous courses. Supervision is provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants employed by the host facility. This course is designated as an Active Learning Professional Practice (ALPP) course. This course allows students to explore and apply content learned in the course in a professional experience away from the classroom. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Demonstrate the ability to self-assess and report progress in clinical education by reflecting through self-evaluation at an advanced intermediate level. 2: Use current research to develop and lead professional education training to co-workers. 3: Demonstrate satisfactory patient care/safety performance by earning at least Advanced Intermediate rating (by self and CI) on each of the patient-care/safety related CPI criteria. 4: Demonstrate satisfactory communication with support staff, CI, patients and other healthcare professions by earning at least Advanced Intermediate rating (by self and CI) on each of the communication related CPI criteria. 5: Develop collaborative goals with CI to promote professional progression in the clinical environment. Course fee required. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 2805. Clinical Affiliation II (ALPP). 6 Hours.

A six-week, full- time clinical experience in a physical therapy workplace setting. Students will have opportunities to apply the thinking processes and skills learned from previous courses. Supervision is provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants employed by the host facility. This course is designated as an Active Learning Professional Practice (ALPP) course. This course allows students to explore and apply content learned in the course in a professional experience away from the classroom. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Demonstrate the ability to self-assess and report progress in clinical education by reflecting through self-evaluation at ?entry level?. 2: Use current research to develop and lead professional education training to co-workers. 3: Demonstrate satisfactory patient care/safety performance by earning an ?entry level? rating (by self and CI) on each of the patient-care/safety related CPI criteria. 4: Demonstrate satisfactory communication with support staff, CI, patients and other healthcare professions by earning at least ?entry level? rating (by self and CI) on each of the communication related CPI criteria. 5: Develop advanced collaborative goals with CI to promote professional progression in the clinical environment. Course fee required. Prerequisite: Admission to the Utah Tech University Physical Therapist Assistant program. SP.

PTA 3000. Clinical Skills. 2 Hours.

This course enables the application of practical skills learned throughout the curriculum. Critical thinking will be emphasized as the students implement their knowledge into practical skills. Students will be evaluated on the ability to review evaluations, progress summaries, and plans of care written by the physical therapist. The students will gain proficiency implementing the POC and suggesting modifications as needed. Students will also be evaluated regarding timeliness, efficiency and productivity. This course requires a Differential Tuition Rate which is an additional fee of $90 charged per credit hour. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Interpret, review and demonstrate understanding of the PT Plan of care to achieve short and long- term goals and the knowledge of when to suggest changes to improve patient outcomes. 2. Formulate and execute appropriate home exercise programs to simulated patient as well as effectively collaborating with caregivers and family. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical billing and coding and descriptive SOAP note writing within an EMR system. 4. Decipher information in patient charts to provide safe and effective treatment. 5. Achieve proficiency on board exam review. Prerequisite: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. FA.