PTA 205 - Current Issues and Trends Affecting the Physical Therapist Assistant

1 credit hour - 15 hours of lecture; one term.
A seminar course which addresses current issues specific to the profession of physical therapy including health care reform, reimbursement, licensure and medical ethics.

Prerequisite(s): PTA 201 , PTA 202  and PTA 203 .

Corequisite(s): PTA 204 , PTA 206  and PTA 207 .

Note: Typically offered at MC; spring term.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the role of various governing and regulatory bodies for the provision of physical therapy.

2. Critique the essential elements of laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Maryland.

3. Differentiate the fiscal considerations of physical therapy practice in various practice settings.

4. Discuss the current trends in health care reform, quality improvement, and the effects on the profession of physical therapy.

5. Analyze the importance of the APTA, the APTA Core Documents, professionalism, and advocacy.

6. Appraise current issues in medical ethics, particularly those applicable to physical therapy.

7. Examine strategies to enhance the PT/PTA relationship.

8. Explore career development and lifelong learning opportunities for the PTA.

9. Prepare for the NPTE PTA license exam and licensure in the State of Maryland.