PTA 101 - Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant

3 credit hours - 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of college laboratory; one term.
Introduces the profession of physical therapy including the purpose, history and practice structures. Includes the scope of practice, ethics and roles of the health care provider. Teaches basic patient care procedures and documentation. Lab fee $100.

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the PTA program.

Location(s) Typically Offered: Arnold Main Campus (MC) and Online (OL)

Term(s) Typically Offered: Fall

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

1. Describe the values and culture of the physical therapy profession at an introductory level.

2. Describe the role of governing and regulatory bodies on the provision of physical therapy.

3. Describe the role of the physical therapist assistant as a member of the health care team.

4. Identify the laws and regulations, at an introductory level, governing the practice of physical therapy.

5. Recognize and demonstrate effective communication skills used in health care.

6. Recognize the impact of cultural competence on healthcare.

7. Demonstrate competence with safety and safe practice during patient care activities.

8. Demonstrate competence with safe basic transfer and patient handling skills.

9. Demonstrate competence with data collection techniques for vital signs and anthropomorphic measures.

10. Demonstrate competence with basic principles in documentation.

11. Demonstrate competence with basic computer skills.