PHTA 1000 - Introduction to the Physical Therapist Assistant
(2 Credits)
This course is open to students who are considering admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. An overview of the field of physical therapy and the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant within the health care delivery system are presented. Topics such as licensure, reimbursement, education and employment opportunities and professional organizations are covered. Ethical issues facing health care workers, the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the attitudes of health care workers toward illness and injury are discussed.
Lecture: 2 hours
PHTA 1010 - Physical Therapist Assistant I
(6 Credits)
This course will introduce students to fundamental patient care procedures used in physical therapy. Students become proficient in instructing and assisting patients to perform functional mobility activities in a manner that is safe for the patient and practitioner. They learn to perform techniques for wound and edema management while avoiding transmission of infection. Techniques for ambulation training including the measurement and use of assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers) and wheelchair measurement and mobility are taught and practiced in class and lab settings. Students are introduced to basic principles and learn to perform simple therapeutic exercises.
Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 4 hours
PHTA 1020 - Physical Therapist Assistant II
(4 Credits)
This course includes an introduction to physical agents and modalities used for pain relief and improvement of tissue healing and function. Content includes the theory and utilization of massage and the theory and application of physical agents as they reduce inflammation and pain and aid metabolic processes. Direct treatment includes mechanical traction, thermo-, hydro-, photo, sound and electrotherapies. These techniques are taught as they relate to practice in a problem-solving, case study format. Students learn to document treatment parameters and patient responses to treatment.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 5 hours
PHTA 1120 - Tests and Measurements for Physical Therapist Assistants
(2 Credits)
This course instructs PTA students in testing and measurement techniques, specifically manual muscle testing and goniometry for the head, spine and extremities.
Lecture: 1 hour, Lab: 2 hours
PHTA 1220 - Basic Therapeutic Exercise
(1 Credit)
This is an optional course to instruct PTA students to correctly perform therapeutic exercises for musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk. This course will prepare students to instruct and perform basic exercise in preparation for their first clinical experience. This course will have 5 sessions that are 3 hours each.
Lecture: 3 hours
PHTA 2010 - Physical Therapist Assistant III
(7 Credits)
This course focuses on interventions for the pulmonary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems with a broad overview of the other body systems. Lecture and laboratory presentations instruct cardiovascular training for risk assessment and rehabilitation; chest physical therapy procedures; therapeutic exercise, particularly as it pertains to orthopedic physical therapy and movement dysfunction; and the management of lower extremity prosthetics. Techniques and concepts from the previous semester courses are integrated with the more advanced treatment interventions. This course runs the first 10 weeks of the semester.
Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours
PHTA 2020 - Physical Therapist Assistant IV
(7 Credits)
This course includes a review of neuroanatomy, the study of pathologies and physical therapy intervention for conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Treatment approaches such as PNF, NDT, Bobath, Rood and Brunnstrom, together with training techniques for balance and coordination are included. The role of the physical therapist assistant in discharge planning is also covered. Emphasis is on application of therapy in the rehabilitation units. Students are exposed to specialty areas of physical therapy practice such as geriatrics and pediatrics. Techniques and concepts from previous semester courses are integrated with the more advanced treatment interventions. This course runs for the first 10 weeks of the semester.
Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours
PHTA 2030 - Physical Therapy for Impaired Neuro Function
(1 Credit)
This course is designed to support PHTA 2020 Physical Therapist Assistant IV. This course reviews the structure and function of the nervous system and neuropathology as it affects structures of the nervous system. The course offers additional laboratory time for students to practice treatment interventions as they relate to abnormal movement and function caused by neuropathology. The course runs concurrently with PHTA 2020 and is scheduled at intervals that will help students with theoretical information and practical skills presented in PHTA 2020.
Lecture: 9 hours, Lab: 6 hours
PHTA 2040 - Career Development Seminar
(1 Credit)
This course is designed to support the students as they prepare for graduation, licensure and employment. Topics such as resume development, interviewing skills, preparation for licensure, negotiation, and professionalism will be presented. Appropriate resources for professionalism will be referenced, including the RI Rules and Regulations for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapy Code of Ethics and Professionalism in PT: Core Values document.
Lecture: 15 hours
PHTA 2910 - Clinical Education I
(3 Credits)
This course is the first of three full time clinical experiences in the PTA program, and runs for a period of six weeks during the summer semester. Students are assigned to clinical sites for 35-40 hours per week of supervised clinical practice. Students observe and assist with Physical Therapy treatment under direct supervision and guidance of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Students will participate in an online seminar in which relevant clinical issues will be discussed.
Other: 40 hours
PHTA 2920 - Clinical Education II
(3 Credits)
This course is the second of three full time clinical experiences in the PTA program, and runs for the last six weeks of the fall semester. Students are assigned to clinical sites for 35-40 hours per week of supervised clinical practice. Students will have the opportunity to grow more independent in performing physical therapy treatment under the supervision and guidance of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Participation in ancillary components of Physical Therapy practice will foster the development of a responsible professional identity. Students will participate in an online seminar in which relevant clinical issues will be discussed.
Other: 40 hours
PHTA 2930 - Clinical Education III
(3 Credits)
This course is the final of three full time clinical experiences in the PTA program, and runs for the last six weeks of the spring semester. Students are assigned to clinical sites for 35-40 hours per week of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. Students will be exposed to more complex patients, and will be allowed to partake in fulfilling a broad array of practice responsibilities, with increasing degrees of independence. This clinical experience should maximize the integration of all aspects of practice and will render the student prepared to function as a responsible entry level Physical Therapist Assistant. Students will participate in an online seminar in which relevant clinical issues will be discussed.
Other: 40 hours
