Physical Therapist Assistant--Introduction

Catalog description

This course is a general introduction into the field of physical therapy. The definition, role and function of physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and other health care providers as members of the health care team will be covered. The history of physical therapy and the PTA will be presented. The organizational structure and operation of physical therapy service in a variety of settings will be studied. Students will become familiar with values-based behaviors that are essential for PTAs as well as the components of legal, ethical, and safe physical therapy practice. Medical terminology and abbreviations commonly used in physical therapy will be studied and an overview of the diseases/disorders specific to each body system will be presented. Students will become acquainted with the responsibilities of the PTA, including communication, interventions, documentation, and billing. Laboratory topics include basic patient care, infection control procedures, data collection techniques, and mobility and guarding techniques. There are lecture and laboratory components in this class, and students will be expected to pass both written examinations and lab practical examinations. Enrollment is limited to students accepted into the PTA major.