Physical Therapist Assistant

This course will provide an overview of the physical therapist assistant’s role, ethical standards, and professional responsibilities. Students will explore topics such as the history of physical therapy, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and evidence-based practice. Students may enroll in this course during their final term of general education.

This course will build on prerequisite knowledge to examine common diseases. Students will learn about signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, medications, interventions, and expected outcomes for these conditions relevant to physical therapy practice.

This course will build on prerequisite knowledge to explore how biomechanical principles apply to human movement. Students will study functional anatomy and learn how the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems contribute to both normal and impaired movement.

This lab course will provide hands-on experience with the concepts from Clinical Kinesiology. Students will practice identifying anatomical structures, analyzing joint mechanics, and assessing how the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems affect movement. Activities will include palpation, movement analysis, and functional assessment of both normal and impaired movement.

This course will introduce the essential principles for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting patient data as a physical therapist assistant. Students will learn how to use data to guide clinical decisions, track patient progress, and support evidence-based practice.

This lab course will provide hands-on practice in collecting and interpreting patient data, reinforcing concepts from the Data Collection and Analysis course. Students will develop practical skills in using data to prepare for clinical decision-making, monitor patient progress, and support evidence-based physical therapy.

This course will integrate physical therapy procedures that help patients become more independent in daily activities and mobility. Students will apply knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical kinesiology, and clinical decision-making with a focus on safe patient handling and proper body mechanics.

This lab course will provide hands-on practice with Rehabilitation Techniques. Students will apply and practice interventions to improve patient mobility and independence.

This course will explore the principles, effects, and clinical use of physical agents in physical therapy. Students will be introduced to therapeutic exercise techniques designed to promote health, prevent injury, and improve movement and function. 

This lab course will provide hands-on experience applying physical agents and therapeutic exercises. Students will practice interventions to enhance movement and function in clinical settings.

This course will cover advanced  principles and techniques for treating musculoskeletal conditions.  Students will learn orthopedic interventions for patients with orthopedic injuries or dysfunctions, focusing on individualized rehabilitation needs.

This lab course will provide hands-on practice with orthopedic interventions. Students will apply techniques to address musculoskeletal dysfunction in a clinical setting.

This course will explore advanced rehabilitation methods for patients with neurological conditions.   Students will learn about interventions for neurological dysfunction and the unique rehabilitation needs of patients with complex neurological disorders.

This lab course will offer hands-on experience with neurological interventions. Students will practice techniques to address neurological dysfunction in clinical scenarios.

This course will expand on evidence-based practice and lifelong learning skills.  Students will integrate knowledge from previous courses to prepare for professional practice, focusing on ethics, regulations, community service, and effective communication in various clinical settings.

This course will examine common health conditions throughout the different stages of life. Students will build on previous knowledge to discuss diagnoses and physical therapy interventions for patients from infancy through old age, focusing on how needs change throughout human development.

This course will discuss current clinical and professional guidelines in healthcare. Students will examine advanced patient care and career readiness.

This is a 240-hour unpaid clinical externship through which students practice their professional skills under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Pass/Fail. 

This is a 360-hour unpaid clinical externship through which students further develop and demonstrate their professional skills under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Pass/Fail.