An overview of effective communication skills and concepts regarding successful therapeutic interactions will be presented. Students will participate in several interactive sessions to become familiar with team building, verbal and non-verbal communication requirements, effective listening concepts, and conflict management to determine how to manage clinical situations as they arise. Cultural diversity is discussed. Students are responsible for developing an in-service presentation as a means of enhancing effectiveness of communication.

Course introduces basic human anatomy with an emphasis on the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems. Actions, origins, insertions and innervations of muscles are discussed. Surface anatomy is presented with an introduction to basic palpation.

Laboratory sessions for Anatomy for PTA (PHT1103) are designed to provide the students with an opportunity to identify, with accuracy, a variety of bones, bony landmarks, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue structures using graphics and various anatomical specimens/models. Basic palpation skills are developed. Practical examinations are completed.

Course introduces the student to the historical background, philosophy and goals of physical therapy as a profession. It incorporates discussion on legal and ethical issues, educational requirements, supervisory relationships and current developments related to physical therapy. Health care delivery systems, the medical record and issues of reimbursement are discussed. Presents the basic theory of preparing the patient and the treatment area, positioning and transferring techniques, gait training, and wheelchair prescription. Professional behaviors are introduced.

Laboratory sessions for Introduction to Physical Therapy (PHT1200) are designed to allow the students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basic fundamentals of patient care. Emphasis is on body mechanics analysis, positioning procedures, transfer training, gait training, basic patient preparation skills, and other common physical therapy interventions. Case studies of various medical conditions with emphasis in these areas are completed. Data collection relative to the course content as well as patient and caregiver education are emphasized. Practical examinations are completed.

Course introduces the student to the theory and practical application of physical therapy modalities. The physiologic effects, indications/contraindications, and intervention parameters of patient care interventions such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrotherapy, traction, compression, hydrotherapy, and massage are presented. Principles of effective documentation and data collection are discussed. Case study analysis requires the student to apply clinical decision-making supported by rationales to determine appropriate modality interventions.

Laboratory sessions for Disabilities & Therapeutic procedures (PHT1211) are designed to develop student skills in the actual performance of the patient care interventions presented. Skills in massage are developed. Practical application of each intervention is emphasized with patient simulations and case studies enhancing the ability to understand a plan of care for a patient. Professional behaviors, at the intermediate level, are assessed. Data collection relative to the course content as well as patient and caregiver education are emphasized. Skill checks as well as competency evaluations are completed. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in carrying out an appropriate therapeutic modality plan of care, including effective documentation.

Course introduces the student to general pathological conditions with emphasis on those commonly seen in the field of physical therapy. Basic system anatomy is reviewed with an emphasis on the pathophysiology of disease.Descriptions of how diseases are classified and the natural course/prognosis of these diseases are presented. Implications of disease processes, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, contraindications/precautions and treatment are discussed for each pathology presented in the course. When relevant, specific physical therapy plans are discussed. The effects of disease across the lifespan and in general are considered.

Course introduces student to general pathological conditions with emphasis on those commonly seen in the field of physical therapy as they relate to the musculoskeletal systems. Descriptions of how musculoskeletal diseases are classified, diagnosed and treated, as well as the natural course/ prognosis of these diseases are presented. Implications of disease processes, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, contraindications/precautions and treatment are discussed for each pathology presented in the course. The effects of aging upon disease and in general are considered.

Course involves student assignment to a local clinical facility. Includes scheduled class meetings to discuss clinical performance objectives, the self-appraisal process, and overall requirements for this novice-level practicum. Discussions also include professionalism, attitudes, patient rapport, sexual harassment, etc. A journal report of clinical experiences and an article review are required. Weekly online discussion forums facilitate critical thinking, peer review, and managing clinical situations at the novice-level. Students attend a personal conference with the academic coordinator of clinical education to discuss progress and to identify areas of strength/weakness with appropriate target dates methods of amelioration, if needed. Students receive a satisfactory/fail grade based upon clinical performance as well as other grading criteria detailed in the course syllabus. This course is the first in a series of three clinical practicums. Students are expected to perform at a novice level.

This course is designed as part of a continuum in the application of anatomy to facilitate student analysis of functional movements with specific focus on the relationship between joint structure and function. Principles of biomechanics as it relates to human movement will be reviewed. Normal and pathological gait patterns are presented as well as normal and pathological movement patterns of the head, spine, pelvis, UE, and LE. Special tests which help identify specific deficits will be discussed. Case studies of various functional impairments with an emphasis on functional task analysis as well as therapeutic interventional approaches which help restore function are presented. Orthotic interventions for the spine and extremities are discussed with an emphasis on correcting pathological biomechanics.

Laboratory sessions for Applied Kinesiology (PHT2120) are designed to provide opportunities for the students to practice the skills of analyzing normal and pathological gait, along with normal and abnormal movements of the head, spine, pelvis, UE and LE. Performance of special tests will be practiced. Palpation of surface anatomy and review of anatomical/bony landmarks occurs. Through completion of lab activities and case studies, the student correlates patient problems to various pathologies with their deficits in functional activities and gait. Therapeutic interventional approaches which include progression will be developed to address functional deficits. Orthotic interventions for the spine and extremities are applied with an an emphasis on correcting pathological biomechanics.

Course introduces the etiology, pathophysiology and symptoms of common neurological diseases/ conditions. Neurodiagnostic procedures are presented. Course introduces the etiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of common neurological diseases/conditions including but not limited to cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Basic neuroanatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems is reviewed. Reflex integration as well as normal growth and development are discussed. Online case studies in the form of Grand Rounds assignments of various neurological conditions are completed.

Course introduces concepts of therapeutic exercise with regards to its principles, and objectives. The theory of and application of specific exercise regimes are presented. Principles of ROM, strengthening, and stretching techniques are presented. A basic introduction to goniometry and manual muscle training is presented as it pertains to the development of therapeutic exercise interventions. Professional behaviors, at the intermediate level, are assessed.

Laboratory sessions for Disabilities and Therapeutic Procedures II (PHT2224) are designed to provide the student with observation and actual application of therapeutic exercise in the laboratory setting. ROM, strengthening, and stretching techniques are practiced. Goniometry and manual muscle testing procedures are practiced as they relate to the provision of therapeutic exercise. Data collection relative to the course content as well as patient and caregiver education are emphasized. Practical examinations are completed. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in developing and carrying out an appropriate therapeutic exercise program including effective documentation.

Course introduces concepts of basic pharmacology and presents pharmacological agents dispensed for conditions commonly seen in physical therapy. Drug responses and interactions as they relate to patient response are discussed.

Advanced course designed to develop skill in and understanding of the underlying principles of advanced physical therapy plans of care including motor learning principles. Techniques presented include advanced therapeutic exercise programs (stroke, spinal cord injured, etc.) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), Bobath and Brunnstrom. Amputations and principles of prosthetics are detailed with fitting and check-out procedures reviewed.

Laboratory sessions for Rehabilitative Procedures (PHT2704) are designed for the students to practice the utilization of developmental postures in patient interventions as well as PNF, facilitation/inhibition techniques and other forms of advanced therapeutic exercise approaches. Risidual limb wrapping and therapeutic management of prosthetic patients are practiced. Case studies of various medical conditions with emphasis on advanced therapeutic exercise approaches as well as application of prosthetic principles are completed. Data collection relative to the course content as well as patient and caregiver education are emphasized. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in developing and carrying out appropriate interventions for a patient with neurological deficits. Practical examinations are completed.

Course involves student assignment to local clinical facility. Includes scheduled class meetings to review clinical performance objectives, the self-appraisal process, and overall requirements for this intermediate level practicum. Class discussions are held to share and discuss experiences, patient care problems, learning styles, cooperative group participation, acceptance and implementation of constructive criticism, etc. A clinical journal and an in-service are required. Weekly online discussion forums facilitate critical thinking, peer review, and managing clinical situations at the intermediate level. Students attend a personal conference with the academic coordinator of clinical education to discuss progress and to identify areas of strength/weakness with appropriate target dates and methods of amelioration, if needed. Students receive a satisfactory/fail grade based upon clinical performance as well as other grading criteria detailed in the course syllabus. This course is the second in a series of three clinical practicums. Students are expected to perform at an intermediate level.

The course is the last in a series of three clinical practicums. Students are expected to perform at an entry level. The course involves full time student assignment to a local clinical facility. A clinical journal, a case study report, and a research project are required. Weekly online discussion forums facilitate critical thinking, peer review, and managing clinical situations at the entry level. Students may attend a personal conference with the academic coordinator of clinical education to discuss progress and to identify area of strength/weaknesses with appropriate target dates and methods of amelioration where necessary. Students receive a satisfactory/fail grade based upon clinical performance as well as other grading criteria detailed in the course syllabus.

A project-based seminar course that utilizes discussion and presentation to address content such as legal and ethical issues, interpersonal skill refinement, employment techniques, quality assurance, and career development. Discharge planning concepts are reviewed. Empathy for patients and enhanced understanding of the PT Assistant's responsibility to the community are explored through a community advocacy project. A capstone project is completed to assess entry- level preparation. The course also provides a comprehensive curriculum review and presents details on applying for licensure as students prepare for the transition to the work place. Professional behaviors, at entry-level, are assessed.