51.0806

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)


 

This program prepares students for a profession as a Physical Therapist Assistant and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org; www.capteonline.org.  Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.  A grade of “C” or above must be maintained in all Physical Therapist Assistant courses and the student must successfully complete 600 clock hours of supervised internship in clinical facilities.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to equip the graduate with the necessary skills and training to become employed in various physical therapy settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long term care facilities, home health care, clinics or school systems.

In this five-semester program, classes are offered primarily in the afternoons and evenings in Jefferson City.  The program is both physically and mentally challenging.  To be successful, students should possess good communication skills and have a good background in science and math. 

Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis.  Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline.

Students who are admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant program should be aware that they may be subject to drug testing as a safety precaution.  Criminal background checks will be required prior to clinical placement.

Program Mission
The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares competent physical therapist assistants who contribute toward meeting the health care needs of Missourians.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:

• Prepare competent, entry level physical therapist assistants who will assume positions and contribute to meeting employment needs in Missouri.
• Provide opportunities for students to develop behaviors and skills sought by employers.
• Furnish opportunities for physical therapist assistant students to develop competencies in communication, professionalism, and leadership.
• Empower students to respond to developing technology and a dynamic health care environment through a commitment to lifelong learning and service.
   

Program Assessments

• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

• Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) National Licensure
   

PTA  110  Medical Terminology.  This comprehensive introduction to medical terminology is organized by body system and specialty areas of practice.  Word building rules assist in understanding the basis for combining word elements and medical terms are broken down into component parts each time a new term is introduced.  This course is designed to help the student acquire a working medical vocabulary to spell, use and define medical terms.  2 credit hours.

PTA  113  Health and Disease I.  This course examines the disease process and surveys many diseases that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, integumentary, urinary, reproductive and endocrine systems.  The process of inflammation and repair are emphasized.  As each system is examined, clinical manifestations and possible physical therapy interventions are reviewed.  The student learns and utilizes medical and professional terminology throughout this course.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  3 credit hours.

PTA  114  Basic Patient Care.  This lecture course provides an introduction to professional behaviors and basic physical therapy intervention skills procedures, and documentation.  Principles and concepts pertaining to positioning, transfers, range-of-motion (ROM), aseptic technique, wound care, bandaging and dressing, vital signs, wheelchairs, gait training, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), documentation and massage are included.  Prerequisite:  ASC 101 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 115.  3 credit hours.

PTA  115  Basic Patient Care Lab.  This lab course provides an introduction to basic physical therapy intervention skills and procedures and provides an opportunity to practice professional behaviors in a lab setting.  Principles and concepts pertaining to positioning and draping; body mechanics; transfers; range-of-motion (ROM); aseptic techniques and wound care; bandaging and dressing; vital signs; wheelchairs and patient transporting; gait training; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and massage are included.  Prerequisite:  ASC 101 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 114.  1 credit hour.

PTA  118  Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology.  This lecture course includes an in-depth study of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system emphasizing functional aspects of human motion and the biomechanical principles involved.  The course also investigates the theoretical basis of various data collection methods including manual muscle testing, goniometric measurements, muscle length, gait and postural assessments, among others.  The course incorporates concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), use of professional behaviors, and use of appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.  Prerequisite:  ASC 101 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 119.  3 credit hours.

PTA  119  Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab.  This lab course provides an introduction to basic physical therapy data collection methods and gives the student the opportunity to practice professional behaviors as well as clinical skills in a lab setting.  The student learns principles and procedures related to manual muscle testing, goniometry, muscle length assessment, posture and gait analysis.  The application of various concepts related to biomechanics, Newton’s laws of motion, joint structure, the nervous system, and analysis of human motion are also included.  The course emphasizes concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), use of professional behaviors, and use of appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.  Prerequisite:  ASC 101 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 118.  1 credit hour.

PTA  122  Physical Agents and Modalities.  This lecture course provides the physical therapist assistant student with theoretical knowledge and practical information about physical agents in rehabilitation.  The basic scientific and physiological principles underlying the application of physical agents are explored.  Indications, contraindications and precautions are learned for each modality.  A study of pain and pain control using modalities is included.  Medical terminology related to physical agents is used in verbal and written communication throughout the course.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 124.  2 credit hours.

PTA  124  Physical Agents and Modalities Lab.  This lab course provides the physical therapist assistant student with opportunities to practice clinical application skills needed to perform various treatment modalities used in physical therapy.  Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving to assure that the modality is applied to maximize treatment effectiveness.  Safety procedures, indications, contraindications and precautions are reviewed for each modality.  The student learns to use professional and understandable terminology in written and verbal communication relative to physical agents.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 122.  2 credit hours.

PTA  126  Clinical Practice I.  This is a two week (40 hours per week) clinical experience that provides the student with his/her first opportunity for hands-on patient care.  The student will apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the clinical setting.  Emphasis will be on the connection between theoretical and foundational knowledge to direct and indirect patient care activities.  The student will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapy professional in an assigned/approved facility.  Acquisition of appropriate professional behaviors related to the role of the physical therapist assistant in current practice is also emphasized.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  1 credit hour.

PTA  207  PTA as a Profession.  This course provides an introduction to the role and scope of PTA and PT practice.  Students learn legal and ethical concepts guiding professional behavior and conduct, develop an awareness of the health care delivery system, cultural diversity and work performance and expectations.  Students develop skills in using professional terminology for oral and written communications.  Integration of learning experiences with concurrent technical course is used to apply and reinforce knowledge.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  3 credit hours.

PTA  212  Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise.  This lecture course involves an in-depth study of physical therapy data collection and interventions for orthopedic and cardiopulmonary clients.  A broad range of therapeutic exercise techniques are introduced and the relationship between interventions and anatomical structure, function and pathophysiology is examined.  The student reviews the role of the PTA as a part of the rehabilitation team related to development and delivery of orthopedic therapeutic exercise.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 213.  2 credit hours.

PTA  213  Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise Lab.  This lab course addresses the implementation of various exercise techniques and interventions, which are introduced in the associated lecture course.  The student learns to interpret the PT plan of care and to design and instruct patients in exercises and functional activities.  Lab experiences promote development of professional behaviors and skills for effective communication and teaching.  Prerequisites:  PTA 114, PTA 115, PTA 118, and PTA 119 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 212.  1 credit hour

PTA  214  Health and Disease II.  This course surveys many disease processes including infectious diseases; neoplasms; hereditary diseases; pediatric pathologies; digestive system, liver, gall bladder and kidney disorders; nervous system pathologies including TBI, CVA, SCI; and disorders commonly seen in the elderly.  Emphasis is placed on physical changes and disorders throughout the life span.  Special concerns of the pediatric and geriatric populations are addressed.  Students are challenged to develop understanding of pathologies and the ability to convey information about various disease processes using professional terminology.    Prerequisites:  PTA 113, PTA 122, PTA 124, PTA 207, PTA 212, and PTA 213 with a grade of “C” or better.  3 credit hours.

PTA  216  Trends and Issues in Physical Therapy.  This course utilizes a seminar format to study current issues and trends affecting the physical therapy profession.  Student preparation for licensure and PTA practice is enhanced through the use of selected guest speakers in areas pertinent to the profession.  Prerequisites:  PTA 214, PTA 223, and PTA 224 with a grade of “C” or better.  2 credit hours.

PTA  223  Neurological Therapeutic Exercise.  This lecture course provides an introduction to the treatment of neurological dysfunction.  Principles and concepts pertaining to sensation, perception, motor control, posture, balance, coordination, functional mobility and ambulation are included.  The student examines theories and techniques of therapeutic intervention commonly used in treatment.  The course incorporates concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), professional behaviors, and the use of appropriate medical language through verbal and written communications.  Prerequisites:  PTA 113, PTA 122, PTA 124, PTA 207, PTA 212, and PTA 213 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 224.  3 credit hours.

PTA  224  Neurological Therapeutic Exercise Lab.  This lab course provides an introduction to the treatment of adult neurological dysfunction and gives the student the opportunity to practice professional behaviors as well as clinical skills in a lab setting.  Principles and procedures related to motor control, sensation, perception, therapeutic exercise, posture, balance and gait analysis and training are studied using a case-based format.  The student explores the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) in the treatment of neurological dysfunction, develop effective communication skills for patient/client and family education and utilize appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.  Prerequisites:  PTA 113, PTA 122, PTA 124, PTA 207, PTA 212, and PTA 213 with a grade of “C” or better.  Concurrent:  PTA 223.  2 credit hours.

PTA  226  Clinical Practice II.  This is a three week (40 hours per week) clinical experience that provides the student with opportunities for hands-on patient care.  The student will apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the clinical setting.  As in Clinical Practice I, emphasis will be on the connection between theoretical and foundational knowledge to direct and indirect patient care activities.  The student will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapy professional in an assigned/approved facility.  The student will work with a variety of patients to develop competence in clinical skills as a member of the rehabilitation team.  Acquisition of appropriate professional behaviors related to the role of the physical therapist assistant in current practice is also a focus of this clinical experience.  Prerequisites:  PTA 113, PTA 122, PTA 124, PTA 207, PTA 212, and PTA 213 with a grade of “C” or better and PTA 126 with a passing grade.  2 credit hours.

PTA  236  Clinical Practice III.  This is a ten week (40 hours per week) clinical experience that provides the student with opportunities for hands-on patient care.  The student will apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the clinical setting.  As in Clinical Practice I and II, emphasis will be on the connection between theoretical and foundational knowledge to direct and indirect patient care activities.  The student will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapy professional in an assigned/approved facility.  The student will interact with a variety of patients to develop competence in clinical skills and exhibit appropriate professional behaviors related to the role of the physical therapist assistant as part of the interdisciplinary team.  Prerequisites:  PTA 214, PTA 223, PTA 224, and PTA 226 with a grade of “C” or better. 7 credit hours.

PTA  299  Special Topics in Physical Therapist Assistant.  Special Topics in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) may include instruction on topics not covered in other PTA courses.  Topics covered in other PTA courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course.  Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement.  The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours.  The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office.  Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits.  1-4 credit hours.