| PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (PTA) COURSES |
| PTA101: Professional Issues I: Introduction to Physical Therapy |
| Credits: 1 |
| PTA 101 explores the roles and careers of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the context of health care systems. Students attend and write summaries of professional meetings, conduct a variety of interviews, and observe or volunteer in a physical therapy clinic. Students will explore the use of the internet for physical therapy information. PTA 101 also explores the US health care system and other international systems. |
| Prereq: A grade of “C” or higher or concurrent enrollment in ENG 100., Coreq: - |
| PTA205: Measurement for the Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Credits: 1.5 |
| PTA 205 provides the opportunity practical development on the theory and skills required for basic measurements within the scope of practice of the Physical Therapist Assistant. Performance skills in goniometry, gross manual muscle testing, ROM, circumferential and axial measurements are demonstrated through hands-on skill activities and group practice sessions. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director; or a grade of “C” or higher or concurrent enrollment in HLTH 290 and a grade of “C” or higher or concurrent enrollment in HLTH 290L., Coreq: - |
| PTA208: Therapeutic Modalities |
| Credits: 3 |
| PTA 208 introduces patient care techniques including patient preparation, and the theories and practical application of physical therapy interventions and biophysical agents. The physiological effects of heat, cold, radiant therapy, traction, intermittent compression and ultrasound are emphasized. Indications/contraindications and ethical aspects will be included. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA210: Introduction to Clinical Education |
| Credits: 2 |
| PTA 210 Introduction to Clinical Education is a 15-week preparatory course in clinical education. Students will learn and discuss requirements for practicing within a clinic environment, the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant, APTA Values-Based Behaviors for the PTA, and communication skills with patients and family members, interprofessional team members and Physical Therapists. Students will also understand the dynamics of working during their future internship within a physical therapist’s plan of care. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA212: Physical Therapy Intervention for Neuropathologies |
| Credits: 2 |
| PTA 212 presents the neurological anatomy, physiology, pathology, etiology, psychological, social and rehabilitative concepts for the application of therapeutic interventions for patients with various neuropathologies. The focus of this course is to develop theoretical knowledge and perform clinical scenarios of therapeutic interventions used for patients with neuropathologies such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Polio, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), various dystrophies and other neuropathology acquired in adulthood. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA231: Professional Issues II: Documentation |
| Credits: 2 |
| PTA 231 is designed to improve the student’s knowledge and skill of documentation and promote professional conduct. A variety of documentation forms and coding systems used in patient records to comply with billing, third-party payers and legal requirements are reviewed. Students will apply technical writing appropriate to current and future major coursework. In addition, the course examines professional conduct and Physical Therapy (PT) intervention as described in the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and international organizations. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director; and a grade of “C” or higher in PTA 101., Coreq: - |
| PTA242: Advanced Therapeutic Interventions |
| Credits: 3 |
| PTA 242 presents the theory and application of therapeutic interventions as they relate to amputations, cardio pulmonary conditions, wounds, peripheral vascular disease, burns, lymphedema and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) conditions. It reviews basic physiology, pathology and etiology of the named conditions. An overview of the most commonly seen surgical and nonsurgical interventions will be included. By using lab simulation and role playing of actual clinical situations the students will use information to think analytically, problem solve and modify treatment interventions. Isolation techniques, prosthetic and orthotic fitting will be practiced. An integrated approach to treatment will include material from all previous courses with an emphasis on therapeutic exercise. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA243: Therapeutic Exercise for Orthopedic Conditions |
| Credits: 3 |
| PTA 243 presents the clinical testing, data collection and application of therapeutic exercise as it applies to selected orthopedic pathologies at different stages of injury and healing. The conditions will include sprains, strains, hypermobile and hypomobile joints, overuse syndromes, common spinal diagnosis, fractures, arthritis, total joint replacements and neuromusculoskeletal surgical interventions. The rationale for orthopedic tests and the application of the treatment interventions for the selected conditions will include the safe and effective application of passive, assisted and active range of motion (ROM), isometric, concentric and eccentric exercise, progressive resisted exercise (PRE), pylometrics, neuromuscular facilitation / inhibition, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, endurance training, balance exercises and isokinetic exercise. Use of lab simulation and role playing of actual clinical situations allow the student to demonstrate knowledge and skills to problem solve, think analytically, perform tests, select and/or modify exercise programs as they relate to the conditions presented and the observed physiologic responses. The use of appropriate communication skills, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) terminology and documentation, and the ability to progress exercise programs within the plan of care will be emphasized. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA251: Professional Issues III: Employment |
| Credits: 1 |
| PTA 251 is designed to develop a student’s participation and commitment to the profession of physical therapy. It investigates the opportunities and responsibilities of an employee in the health care delivery system through activities of résumé preparation, mock job interviews, legislative testimonies, attending professional and government meetings and participating in the Hawai’i Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (HAPTA). This course emphasizes life long learning, the practice of ethics and legality, and the American Physical Therapy (APTA) core values. Finalization of an electronic portfolio will be emphasized for transfer to the APTA website. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director; and a grade of “C” or higher in PTA 231., Coreq: - |
| PTA265: Electrotherapy |
| Credits: 1 |
| PTA 265 presents the production, physiological effects, indications, contraindications and applications of various therapeutic electrical interventions. Appropriate parameters for the treatment of pain, muscle weakness, edema, wounds, or introduction of medication or monitoring of muscle activity will be included. A review of mechanisms of trauma and healing along with the physiology of pain and its measurement will be covered Students are required to use APTA approved terminology as it applies to diagnosis, pathologies, signs & symptoms as well as different equipment components and parameters. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: PTA 265L. |
| PTA265L: Electrotherapy Lab |
| Credits: 1 |
| PTA 265L implements the clinical application of various electrotherapy modalities. By using lab simulation and role playing of actual clinical situations the students will use information from the PTA 265 lecture to problem solve, think analytically and modify parameters as it relates to observed responses and conditions presented. The application of treatment procedures as set out in the mock treatment plans will require the use of appropriate communication skills. Approved terminology from the APTA: Guide to Physical Therapy Practice and the APTA: Electrotherapeutic Terminology in Physical Therapy will be required for documentation of treatment parameters and patient reaction to applied electrical interventions. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: PTA 265. |
| PTA275: Pediatrics for the Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Credits: 1 |
| PTA 275 will provide students with the basic theories and therapeutic skills to deliver pediatric services with entry-level competence. Course content will include characteristics of disabilities in children including the role of the physical therapist assistant in a variety of settings. Case stories of children and families will illustrate course concepts and will also address the broader implications of the disability on the child, family, and community. Collaborative models of providing services will be explored including the provision of services in educational settings. Values that will be promoted throughout the course include a) family-centered care, b) cultural sensitivity, c) age-appropriate activities, d) functional skills, and e) collaborative teamwork. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA282: Clinical Internship I |
| Credits: 3.5 |
| PTA 282 integrates the clinical and didactic experiences by further developing the students problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills in the clinical setting under the direction of qualified clinical instructors. Knowledge and skills gained in prerequisite and corequisite courses are applied to therapeutic interventions that address the goals of treatment and the plan of care as set up by the supervising physical therapist. Clinical sites may include outpatient orthopedics, acute care, home care, pediatrics, school health and long term care. |
| Prereq: Acceptance into the Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program and a grade of “C” or higher in PTA 210., Coreq: - |
| PTA283: Clinical Internship II |
| Credits: 4.5 |
| PTA 283 is the penultimate clinical experience designed to apply previous clinical and didactic experiences using problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills in the assigned clinical setting under the direction of qualified clinical instructors. Students will function at entry level career skills of the assigned clinical setting to graduate as a PTA. Previous clinical experiences and successful completion of PTA course work and skills are refined to the entry-level status in preparation for entering the workforce and qualifying for the PTA Licensing Exam. Clinical internship may include outpatient orthopedics, acute care, home care, pediatrics, school health and skilled nursing facilities. |
| Prereq: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program or a grade of “C” or higher in PTA 282 or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
| PTA284: Clinical Internship III |
| Credits: 4.5 |
| PTA 284 is the capstone clinical experience designed to apply all previous clinical and didactic experiences using problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills in the clinical setting under the direction of qualified clinical instructors. Students will function at entry level career skills to graduate as a PTA. Previous clinical experiences and successful completion of PTA course work and skills are advanced to the entry-level status in preparation for entering the workforce and qualifying for the PTA Licensing Exam. Clinical internship may include outpatient orthopedics, acute care, home care, pediatrics, school health and skilled nursing facilities. |
| Prereq: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program or a grade of “C” or higher in PTA 283 or consent of PTA Program Director., Coreq: - |
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