Course Descriptions - Allied Health: Physical Therapy (AHPT)
AHPT 094 PCE TOPIC
Non-credit professional and continuing education (PCE) courses offered to provide condensed coursework to meet the needs of working students and professionals. These courses are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) and OPI Renewal Units and are transcribed on the student’s continuing education transcript.
AHPT 101 PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING I / LAB
Credits: 5 (3 Lecture, 2 Lab - 45 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours)
Term: (F)
Prerequisites: Acceptance Into Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Co requisites: AHPT 205, 206, 210 and 218
This is the first of two sequential skills and procedures courses in the Physical Therapy Assistant program. The following topics are covered: basic principles and procedures of physical therapy; basic care skills and application techniques; use of assistive devices; architectural and environment barriers; introduction to range of motion (ROM); introduction to pain theories, conditions, and assessment; and physiological principles, indications/contraindications, and application of physical agents discussed in lecture.
AHPT 105 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING
Credits: 3 (45 Lecture Hours)
Terms: (F,S,SU)
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 and continued education.
AHPT 194 PCE TOPIC
Credits: VARIES (Sufficient Demand)
Credit-bearing professional and continuing education (PCE) courses offered to provide students and professionals condensed courses for skills upgrades, Professional Certification requirements, and as electives for the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. These courses may be eligible for financial aid for students pursuing the AA or AS degrees and are transcribed on the student’s undergraduate transcript.
AHPT 201 PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING II / LAB
Credits: 5 (3 Lecture, 2 Lab - 45 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours)
Term: (S)
Prerequisites: AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 206 and AHPT 218 all with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisites: AHPT 213, 215, and 220
This is the second in the series of procedures and application courses. The following topics are covered: theoretical principles and application of 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 - 45 Lecture Hours/60 Lab Hours )
Term: (F)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into Physical Therapy Assistant program
Co requisites: AHPT 101, 206, 210, and 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 and skills of goniometry and manual muscle testing will also be covered.
AHPT 206 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Credits: 3 Lecture Hours - 45 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Co requisites: AHPT 101, 205, 210 and 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. Other pathologies discussed include: diabetes mellitus, immune system disorders, neoplasms, disorders related to pregnancy, and vestibular pathologies. The course includes student presentations on disorders pertinent to physical therapy.
AHPT 210 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I
Credits: 3 (160 Clinical Hours - 4 weeks)
Term: (F)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistant program
Co requisites: AHPT 101, 205, 206, and 218
The purpose of this clinical affiliation is to provide the student with an opportunity to apply skills and techniques learned in AHPT 101, 105, 205, 206 and 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 Hour, 2 Lab - 60 Lecture Hours/60 Lab hours
Term: (S)
Prerequisites: AHPT 101, 205, 206, and 218 with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisites: AHPT 201, 215, and 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)
Prerequisites: AHPT 101, 205, 206, and 218 with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisites: AHPT 201, 213, 220
This course introduces students to pediatric and adult musculoskeletal pathologies and management of orthopedic and surgical problems commonly seen by physical therapy.
Course content will include:
- Basic biomechanics and mechanisms of orthopedic injuries and diseases
- Survey of surgical repair with emphasis on rehabilitation
- Evaluation techniques and treatments used by physical therapists
- Theoretical application of therapeutic exercise programs and equipment commonly used for treatment of various orthopedic conditions and surgical procedures, and
- Orthopedic pediatric treatment routines.
AHPT 218 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE FOR THE PTA
Credits: 2 (30 Lecture Hours)
Term: (F)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Physical Assistant Program
Co requisites: AHPT 101, 205, 206, and 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)
Prerequisites:AHPT 101, 205, 206, and 218 with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisite: AHPT 201, 213, 215
The students will continue to build on their clinical experiences from AHPT 210 previous coursework. This will consist of a four-week clinical rotation at an approved site.
AHPT 225 SEMINAR AND PROJECT IN PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTING
Credits: 2
Term: (SU)
Prerequisites: AHPT 101, 201, 205, 206, 213, 215, 218 with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210, 220 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisite: 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 discussed and presented. Students will be required to relate sociological, physical, and psychological aspects of illness and injury to their projects. A cumulative exam of the PTA curriculum, as well, as preparation for the state’s licensure exam is covered in this course. A cumulative practice exam of the PTA curriculum, as well, as preparation for the national and state’s licensure exams are covered in this course. Students are required to develop and present on their program portfolios. Student questions and concerns are also addressed. Preparation for the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTAE) is covered in this course utilitzing a two day course.
AHPT 230 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III
Credits: 6 (360 Clinical Hours, 9 weeks in length)
Term: (SU)
Prerequisites: AHPT 101, 201, 205, 206, 213, 215, 218 with a grade of “76%” or higher and AHPT 210, 220 with a grade of “Pass”
Co requisite: AHPT 225
This is the third of three full-time affiliations/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 a nine-week clinical rotation at an approved site.
