Quarter 1
BIO101 Medical Terminology 3 Quarter Credit Hours
36 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into the PTA program.
This course presents the basic medical concepts, terms and structures concentrating on building a basic foundation and frame-work of the language of medicine. Through memorization and practice in spelling and pronunciation of medical root words and the prefixes and suffixes presented, the student will be able to analyze numerous medical and physical therapy terms. The student will have a solid base on which to build a larger vocabulary, spell medical and physical therapy terms correctly, recognize these terms in dictation and understand the context in which that word will be applied and enjoy working with a health-related field due to good comprehension of medical terminology used.
PTA101 Introduction to Physical Therapy 4 Quarter Credit Hours
48 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into the PTA program.
This course will utilize lecture, instructor guided discussion and activities as instruction methods to present the student with an introductory, but detailed description of the profession and practice of physical therapy, from its early development to the present day complexities of our professional organization. As the initial socialization of the PTA student into the profession, it is intended to familiarize the student with the history, development and organization of the profession, to instill an appreciation for the diversity of the profession and the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
The emphasis will be on the role of the PTA, on the state practice act, scope of practice for the PTA and on the PT/PTA team concept on the APTA, the professional organization.
The course will provide the PTA student with an introduction to the various types of PT practice areas and settings. In addition, PT documentation, usage of a medical library and reading of professional literature/research will be covered.
This will help to prepare the PTA student for his/her role as a student clinician and for optimal understanding of the nature of Physical Therapy. Student participation in all class activities is essential for the success in this course.
BIO102 Anatomy and Physiology I 6 Quarter Credit Hours
72 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into the PTA program.
This course presents the study of the structure and function of the systems of the human body. Focus is on different types of cells, tissues, organs and systems. The musculoskeletal system is studied in great detail, emphasizing origins, insertions, bony landmarks, interventions and actions of the muscles. Study will be through the instructional media of reading, explanation, demonstration of bones and muscles, analysis of motion, model exploration, palpation and planned redundancy. This course presents a gross anatomy covering bones, bony landmarks and muscles of the gluteal region, thigh, lower leg, foot, trunk, and neck.
ENG101 Basic English Composition 5 Quarter Credits
60 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into an A.A.S. Degree program at PSI.
This course is designed as an introductory course to academic writing, the type of writing based on careful, deliberate reading and the clear, critical thinking demand of students throughout their college careers.
Quarter 2
BIO 103 Anatomy & Physiology II 6 Quarter Credit Hours
72 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarter 1; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements; concurrently enrolled in KIN101 Kinesiology I.
This course presents the study of the musculoskeletal system by completing the final 2 gross anatomy modules of the scapula, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Other body systems studied include the structure and function of the human nervous system, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Included in the course is a specialized section on basic Applied Neuroanatomy.
Analysis, through a critical thinking term project, is done to facilitate a better understand how the body systems work together to create function or dysfunction. Lectures, modules, videos, anatomical models and instructor guided class discussion will be included to make the class more understandable. Palpation modules along with torso anatomy and anatomical model exploration are used to illustrate posture, movement, normal position and normal alignment of anatomical parts.
PTA102 Rehabilitation Therapy I 6 Quarter Credit Hours
48 Lecture Hours 48 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work of Quarter 1; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements; concurrently enrolled in BIO102 Anatomy & Physiology II.
Basic Rehabilitation procedures and techniques are presented.
These include principles and practices of infection control, transfer and lifting techniques, vital sign monitoring, introduction to goniometry of all major joints, documentation review, general safety, basic wheelchair management, basic exercises and positioning techniques, use of ambulation aids, including gait training. Students are introduced to the concept of psycho-social adjustment to disability. Students are evaluated on each procedure through written exams, practical exams and role playing in the lab setting.
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 5 Quarter Credits
60 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into an A.A.S. Degree program at PSI.
This course will present information to help the student understand themselves and others. Psychology is relevant in almost every aspect of life as it teaches about the roots of aggression and the influence of groups on individual behavior, highly relative topics in light of recent terrorist activities.
Research is discussed on stress, coping and health, which can help people to live fuller, happier personal and professional lives, regardless of their circumstances. The latest research findings are presented to stress the scientific nature of the discipline.
Quarter 3
BIO306 Fundamentals of Disease 4 Quarter Credit Hours
48 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1 & 2; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements; satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments.
This course presents foundational information about common medical conditions. Numerous diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, integumentary, musculoskeletal and digestive systems are presented.
Emphasis is placed on those conditions that could potentially affect the mobility of the client or outcome of the physical therapy treatment. Following an overview of the disease processes, then infectious diseases, neoplasms, congenital diseases, and characteristics of pain are covered.
Consideration is given to what the disease is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the likely sequella of the disease.
Following the presentation of a studies of specific diseases, the student will become familiar with doing research, reading professional literature and using critical thinking skills in relation to how disease would cause functional limitations in
BIO307 Growth and Development 5 Quarter Credit Hours
60 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: BIO102 and BIO103 Anatomy and Physiology I & II; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements.
This course presents the relationship of structure and function to the development of movement skills across the entire life span. Presented in this course is functional independence, theories affecting development, motor control and learning, movement skills and functional assessment skills used in physical therapy. Normal development of the individual is presented from the time of conception through old age. This course will increase the awareness of wellness issues and provide a model for comparison for the physical therapist assistant who will work with patients who present movement problems. Presented is skeletal system changes from neonatal to geriatrics which include, muscle development and function, cardiopulmonary, nervous changes, vital functions, development of posture and locomotion, prehension, and health and fitness. Those movement disorders that are common to older adults are also presented. Classroom activities are designed to enhance the lecture material and include critical thinking exercises, student research projects and group interactions.
KIN101 Kinesiology I 4 Quarter Credit Hours
36 Lecture Hours 24 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1 and 2; successful completion of BIO102 and BIO103 Anatomy and Physiology I & II; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements; satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments.
This course lays a basic foundation for the study of Kinesiology, which is the study of movement. It focuses on describing joint motion and muscle action. Explained are the commonly agreed upon prime movers, using terminology most widely accepted within the discipline of physical therapy.
A regional anatomy approach will then be used, similar to that of A & P I, to cover specific joints and muscles and will build upon those foundational terms learned in the anatomy and physiology classes. In Kinesiology I, the areas covered will include the lower extremity, pelvis, and trunk, including an introduction to manual muscle testing of each area and a review of the goniometry of the LE, pelvis and trunk (introduced in Rehab I). This course will integrate with, and provide a foundation for Musculoskeletal I which covers therapeutic exercise for the pelvis, trunk and LE (lower extremity).
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology 5 Quarter Credits
60 Lecture Hours
Prerequisite: Enrollment into an A.A.S. Degree program at PSI.
This course will expose the student to sociology’s basic ideas, theories, research and insights. The student will learn the key methods sociologists use to test and refine their knowledge and how people everywhere develop their humanity as they learn to participate in society over the lifespan. Students will explore groups and organizations, differing cultures, deviance, sexuality, social, global and gender stratifications, race and ethnicity, family and religion, education and medicine, population, urbanization, environment and social change in both a modern environment and a postmodern society.
Quarter 4
PTA204 Musculoskeletal I 6 Quarter Credit Hours
48 Lecture Hours 48 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1, 2, and 3; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments; concurrently enrolled in KIN201 Kinesiology II.
This course presents the theoretical foundation for one of the most important Physical Therapy interventions, Therapeutic Exercise. In the PTA Program, Musculoskeletal I is one of the core clinical science courses. This course will provide a foundation of appropriate exercise principles and techniques that are based upon contemporary rationale as indicated by the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Special exercise considerations for musculoskeletal conditions will be emphasized. Specifically, musculoskeletal pathologies, tests and measures ,appropriate for the physical therapist assistant, and exercise concepts for the hip, knee and ankle and foot regions will be taught. Manual muscle testing and goniometry both are re-evaluated. All instruction to the physical therapist assistant student is taught from the perspective that the physical therapist designs the plan of care and the physical therapist assistant(student) is under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist and follows the established plan of care. This course utilizes a regional anatomy approach in covering therapeutic exercise for the human body and is integrated with and builds upon Kinesiology I, which covers joint motion and muscle action of the pelvis, lower extremity and trunk and neck. MS I serves as a foundation for subsequent courses of Musculoskeletal II, Special Topics and Rehabilitation Therapy II.
KIN201 Kinesiology II 4 Quarter Credit Hours
36 Lecture Hours 24 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1, 2 and 3; successful completion of BIO102 and BIO103 Anatomy and Physiology I & II; successful completion of KIN101 Kinesiology I; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements; satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments.
This course presents continued study of human movement by describing joint motion and muscle action of the neck, trunk, and upper extremity, including an introduction to manual muscle testing of those areas. In addition there will be detailed instructor lead discussion of human posture, normal and abnormal gait. Following didactic lecture, principles will be demonstrated with opportunity for lab palpation, lab activities and lab practice. Anatomical models of joints and muscles are used to aid in understanding anatomy and movement. This course will integrate with and provide a foundation for PTA305 Musculoskeletal II which covers therapeutic exercises for the neck and UE (upper extremity).
Quarter 5
PTA203 PTA Techniques 6 Quarter Credit Hours
48 Lecture Hours 48 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments.
This course presents the basic principles and physiological responses of the majority of physical agents used in the practice of physical therapy, eg. thermal agents, ultraviolet, infrared heat, ultrasound, phonophoresis, massage, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, traction and intermittent compression. The pain and inflammatory responses to injury along with integration of physical modalities into therapeutic treatments following the POC established by the PT, will be covered. All procedures will be demonstrated, practiced and each student will be evaluated on his/her performance. Evaluation will focus on the safe and competent application of principles, indications and contraindications, ability to recognize the need to modify a modality due to client’s physiological needs, modify the treatment techniques as indicated in the plan of care of the physical therapist, inform the PT and the ability to document treatment. The student will choose a recently written modalities-related article from one of the professional journals and give a class presentation on this subject.
PTA305 Musculoskeletal II 5 Quarter Credit Hours
36 Lecture Hours 48 Lab Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments.
This course continues to present the theoretical foundation for one of the most important physical therapy interventions, therapeutic exercise, which was started in PTA204 Musculoskeletal I. This course will cover the indications for exercise, as well as the basic principles and physiological responses of therapeutic exercise protocols as they relate to the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines as well as the upper extremity. This course will be the last clinical procedures course for the PTA student prior to their first clinical practicum. The students will continue to become proficient in all areas of treatment techniques, producing a well-trained physical therapist assistant who will be able to apply the psychosocial, communication and technical skills necessary to be successful in the physical therapy profession, under the guidance and supervision of the physical therapist.
Special exercise considerations for musculoskeletal conditions will be emphasized. Specifically, musculoskeletal pathologies, tests/measures appropriate for the PTA, and exercise concepts for the neck, UE (upper extremity), and spine will be explained. This course is designed to integrate with, and build upon, KIN201 Kinesiology II, which covers joint motion and muscle action of the neck, upper extremity, thoracic and lumbar spines. Manual muscle testing and goniometry both will be re-evaluated for the UE and spines.
Quarter 6
PTA306-A Clinical Practicum I-A 4 Quarter Credit Hours
144 Clinical Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in quarters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments; proof of current CPR certification, required immunizations and current student liability insurance.
This course is the first formal clinical exposure the student has within the PTA curriculum where there is delivery of PT interventions to consumers under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant within the scope of a PT plan of care designed by a PT in a clinical setting. This course is a practical/ hands-on experience, incorporating knowledge and clinical skills learned in the previous five (5) quarters. The student will spend 4 days a week for 6 weeks in a physical therapy setting for a total of 144 hours. Each student will be supervised by a PT (Physical Therapist) or a PTA who will be known as the Clinical Instructor (CI). This course places emphasis on self-directed learning of student’s own strengths, growth needs, and the ability to identify and seek out sources of advanced education while learning and appreciating the roles and teamwork of the PT and PTA. The PTA student will also develop a practical understanding of ethical and professional behavior in the clinical environment. This first clinical experience focuses on
competency 4, 6, 8-14, while maintaining safety, legal, and ethical criteria at Advanced Intermediate Performance (AIP) for 1, 5, 7, and Entry-level Performance (EP) for 2 and 3.
PTA306-B Clinical Practicum I-B 4 Quarter Credit Hours
144 Clinical Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in quarters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; successful completion of PTA306-A Clinical Practicum I-A; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments; proof of current CPR certification, required immunizations and current student liability insurance.
This course is the second formal clinical exposure the student has within the PTA curriculum where there is delivery of PT interventions to consumers under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant within the scope of a PT plan of care designed by a PT in a clinical setting. This course is a practical/ hands-on experience, incorporating knowledge and clinical skills learned in the previous five (5) quarters. The student will spend 4 days a week for 6 weeks in a physical therapy setting for a total of 144 hours. Each student will be supervised by a PT (Physical Therapist) or a PTA who will be known as the Clinical Instructor (CI). This course places emphasis on self-directed learning of the student’s own strengths, growth needs, and the ability to identify and seek out sources of advanced education while learning and appreciating the roles and teamwork of the PT and PTA. The PTA will also develop a practical understanding of ethical and professional behavior in the clinical environment. This second clinical experience focuses on achievement of increasing skill levels in the CPI criteria 4, 6, 8-14 at Advanced Intermediate Performance (data collection and intervention) while maintaining the safety, legal and ethical criteria Advanced Intermediate Performance (red flag criteria 1, 5, 7) and Entry-level Performance for 2 and 3.
PTA307 Administrative Procedures 4 Quarter Credit Hours 48 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic course work in Quarters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain Satisfactory Progress requirements;
satisfactory performance on all psychomotor skills assessments; concurrently enrolled in PTA306-A Clinical Practicum I-A.
This course presents important information on aspects of working in and being responsible for physical therapy services and is divided into three modules:
Module 1: This module deals with the different types of PT facilities available for job placement, the accrediting and regulatory agencies of these facilities, basic medical coding (ICD-9 and CPT), reimbursement from third party payers/insurance companies, review of the CMS 1500 and a brief overview of patients accounts receivable.
Module 2: This module deals with the legal issues of medical insurance along with a review of general laws and rules governing the scope of practice of physical therapy in the State of Ohio.
Module 3: This module deals with Working in Health Care related to PT practice. Covered is the working environment, verbal and nonverbal communications, management, informal organizations, performance evaluations, management decisions, change, job satisfaction, stress management, and becoming employed. The student will learn how to properly search for a job, prepare a resume and cover letter, and be able to participate in a mock interview to be better prepared for the job market. This class will also prepare the student to deal with job search, employee relations with regard to
Module 3: This module deals with Working in Health Care related to PT practice. Covered is the working environment, verbal and nonverbal communications, management, informal organizations, performance evaluations, management decisions, change, job satisfaction, stress management, and becoming employed. The student will learn how to properly search for a job, prepare a resume and cover letter, and be able to participate in a mock interview to be better prepared for the job market. This class will also prepare the student to deal with job search, employee relations with regard to