Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

In this course, students are introduced to the roles and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant. Areas of study will include the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant with emphasis on the State of Michigan's standards, ethical behavior, interpersonal communication, patient motivation and basic documentation. Students are expected to relate health care observations and experiences to course materials and discussions. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program

This course introduces physical therapist assistant students to the fundamental skills of patient care and management under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will learn to safely and appropriately apply these skills in various patient conditions. The development of clinical decision-making skills and time management during patient care activities are emphasized. Content includes, but is not limited to, infection control procedures, vital signs, bed mobility skills, proper body mechanics, range of motion activities, wheelchair management, transfer techniques and basic gait training skills. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program

In this course, students will practice the therapeutic management skills for safe and appropriate use with patients in their role as a physical therapist assistant. Lecture, demonstrations, lab practice, patient simulations, and additional resources will be used to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills with an emphasis on safety. Topics include, but are not limited to, management of the cardiac patient, wound management, pulmonary hygiene, orthotic education and management, management of the patient with an amputation including pre-prosthetic training and prosthetic management, lymphedema management, and environmental accessibility. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 150 minimum grade "C"

In this course, students learn about human movement, including the principles of basic physics and biomechanics. Students examine the relationship of structures (skeletal, joint, neural, muscle) to function and examine normal and abnormal movement. Emphasis will be placed on functional application to provide a foundation and rationale for therapeutic interventions necessary for the physical therapist assistant. Laboratory experiences correlate to the lectures, which include the study of the head and trunk, extremities, posture and gait. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program

In this course, students are introduced to the study of disease processes in humans. Areas of study will include the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and urologic, integumentary, lymphatic, endocrine and metabolic, gastrointestinal, genital and reproductive, immune, and hepatic and biliary systems. Medical conditions across the lifespan in all major systems will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of the disease/disorder on body systems and on patient mobility and function. Lecture and student projects will include the pathology, prognosis, medical interventions, and appropriate physical therapy interventions by the PTA under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 180 minimum grade "C"

In this course, students apply and build on the knowledge of human anatomy and clinical kinesiology and learn the safe and appropriate use of soft tissue techniques. These include, but are not limited to, basic soft tissue massage and compression to be performed under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Lecture, demonstration, lab practice and patient simulations will be used to develop problem-solving and technical skills needed for clinical application. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 220 minimum grade "C"

In this course, physical therapist assistant students are introduced to the principles and skills necessary for the safe and appropriate administration of physical therapy modalities under the guidance and direction of a licensed physical therapist. Correlating lecture and laboratory experience topics will include therapeutic heat and cold as well as select physical agents and modalities. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 180 minimum grade "C"

In this course, students are introduced to the theory, principles and procedures of therapeutic exercise. Students apply this foundation to the safe and appropriate selection, administration, monitoring and adjustment of exercise programs such as balance, strengthening and posture. Students develop skills in data collection and reporting techniques such as goniometric range of motion and manual muscle strength testing. The rationale for the selection and use of basic exercise equipment will be developed. Students will practice the development, selection and progression of goal-directed therapeutic exercise programs as well as monitoring and documenting patient performance and response through laboratory activities including practice, patient simulations, and demonstrations. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 180 minimum grade "C"

This course continues the study and application of theory, principles and procedures necessary for patient treatment using goal-directed exercise as a treatment modality, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. General exercise as well as exercise for specific populations and diagnoses will be included. Students will practice instruction, progression and justification of exercise programs as well as monitoring and documentation of patient response and/or simulated patient interaction. Laboratory activities will correlate with lectures and will include practice, patient simulations and demonstrations. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 220 minimum grade "C"

In this course, qualified physical therapist assistant students will observe and participate in structured and supervised experiences in health care settings. Students will be placed by their program clinical education coordinator in off-site locations and given limited opportunity to safely and appropriately apply therapeutic interventions. This initial clinical experience will also provide the background and foundation for future coursework. This course is graded on a pass/no pass grading system. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 220 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this course, students will participate in their second clinical experience. Qualified physical therapist assistant students will participate in supervised clinical learning experiences with the opportunity to further develop and practice necessary clinical decision-making, treatment and documentation skills. Students will be assigned to varied off-site health care settings for 3 weeks, 40 hours/week, under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) from an accredited PT or PTA program. This course is graded on a pass/no pass grading system. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 230 with grade "P"

In this course, qualified physical therapist assistant students will perform activities of supervised patient care, documentation and family instruction, acting as a member of the health care team with the purpose of achieving entry-level competency. This third clinical experience consists of two, six week, full-time clinical placements in off-site health care settings. This course is graded on a pass/no pass grading system. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 240 with grade "P"

In this capstone course, students build on classroom and clinical education experiences to examine ethical considerations associated with patient care, departmental organization and its effects on the role of the physical therapist assistant. Students continue preparation for employment, develop a plan for professional growth and present a critical review of published research. Students must pass the comprehensive final exam in order to complete the program and be eligible for the licensure exam. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PTA 240 with grade "P"