PTAC 1010 -- Clinical Practice I, 4 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, 1110, and BIOL 2114.This course is a full-time clinical practice at an assigned health care facility. The student will function as a PTA student in the facility for 320 hours and will be responsible for patient care compatible to the role of the PTA, utilizing knowledge and skills developed in the first year of the PTA program. The purpose of the course is to provide real-world work experience in a physical therapy setting under the direct supervision of the physical therapist or the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant team. The students will be provided with learning experiences not available in the classroom but unique to the clinical facility under the direct supervision of the clinical instructor. The student will be required to participate in online discussion questions on Desire toLearn (D2L) and is also required to complete a self-assessment using the ARCC Professional Behaviors and Clinical Skills Assessment Tool (ARCC PBCSAT). PTAC 1020 -- Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Kinesiology for the PTA, 4 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1121, CMST 1110 or CMST 2215 or CMST 2220 to obtain college-level skills in English, writing, communication, and medical terminology.This course addresses the study of the musculoskeletal system, including the articulation system and the supporting structures, as well as muscles and muscle function in relation to human movement. PTAC 1030 -- Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting (Theory), 2 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisite: Admission to the PTA ProgramRecommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1121, BIOL 1102, CMST 1110 or CMST 2215 or CMST 2220 to obtain college-level skills in English, writing, communication, and medical terminology.This course covers basic patient handling and physical therapy skills. These include body mechanics, posture, draping and positioning, transfers, joint range of motion, goniometry, ambulation with assistive devices, wheelchair operations, vital signs, wounds, and infection control. Interpersonal communication skills, patient/practitioner interactions, and ethical issues are also discussed. PTAC 1040 -- Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting-LAB, 2 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1121, BIOL 1102, CMST 1110 or CMST 2215 or CMST 2220 to obtain college-level skills in English, writing, communication, and medical terminology.The course covers basic patient handling and physical therapy skills. It includes lab practice of body mechanics, posture, draping and positioning, transfers, joint range of motion, goniometry, ambulation with assistive devices, wheelchair operations, vital signs, wound care, and infection control. A problem-solving focus will be used throughout the program. The course includes individual testing for competency in skills. Testing will occur outside scheduled lab time. PTAC 1050 -- Modalities and Therapeutic Massage (Theory), 3 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1020, PTAC 1030, PTAC 1040, and BIOL 2113The course covers further development of basic therapy skills. The components of this course include modalities, superficial heat and cold techniques, deep heat therapies, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, the use of ultraviolet and infrared light, electrical muscle stimulation, iontophoresis, NMES, TENS, biofeedback, diagnostic tests to determine nerve involvement, and therapeutic massage. PTAC 1060 -- Modalities and Therapeutic Massage-LAB, 3 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1020, PTAC 1030, PTAC 1040 and BIOL 2113.This course covers further development of basic therapy skills with emphasis on techniques and procedures. The components of this course include modalities, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, superficial heat and cold techniques, deep heat therapies, electrical muscle stimulation, iontophoresis, NMES, TENS, biofeedback, and therapeutic massage techniques. Interpersonal communication skills, patient/practitioner interactions, and time management will be practiced. This course includes individual testing for competency in skills. Testing will occur outside scheduled lab time. PTAC 1070 -- Therapeutic Exercise Theory, 2 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1020, PTAC 1030, PTAC 1040 and BIOL 2113. This course focuses on the study of therapeutic exercise rationale and the application to patients with various disabilities. Introduction to manual muscle testing and monitoring patients during cardiovascular exercise is addressed as it relates to the role of the PTA with assisting the physical therapist in the assessment process. Emphasis is on strengthening, stretching, range of motion, manual muscle testing, neuromuscular re-education, spinal disorders and traction, and time management for patient treatment. Normal and abnormal gait analysis including gait patterns, appropriate assistive devices, and exercise related to gait will also be discussed. PTAC 1080 -- Therapeutic Exercise-LAB, 3 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1020, PTAC 1030, PTAC 1040, and BIOL 2113This course focuses on the study of therapeutic exercise rationale techniques and the application to patients with various disabilities. It will emphasize strengthening, range of motion, manual muscle testing, mobility, muscle re-education, spinal traction, and time management for patient treatment. Ambulation activities will also be addressed including measurement and fitting of assistive devices, gait patterns, and pre-ambulation exercises. Clinical simulations will be done to prepare students for the upcoming summer clinical experience. The course includes individual testing for competency in skills and presentation of therapeutic exercise programs created by the student. PTAC 1100 -- Communication and Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant I, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites: Admission to the PTA Program.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1121, BIOL 1102, CMST 1110, CMST 2215, or CMST 2220 to obtain college-level skills in English, writing, communication, and medical terminology.This course takes an in-depth look at the four components of the SOAP documentation format including the legal and ethical guidelines, along with the analysis and completion of effective written and electronic documentation for physical therapy treatment. Verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ethical issues with communication are also discussed and practiced. PTAC 1110 -- Communication & Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant Part II, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1100, PTAC 1020, PTAC 1030, and PTAC 1040.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: College-level reading and writing. This course continues to practice the SOAP documentation format and introduces other types of written and electronic documentation used in clinical settings. Progression of documentation in the clinical chart and creation of patient education materials will be practiced. Patient interview skills, effective verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ethical issues with communication are also discussed and practiced. Students are introduced to the use of the ARCC Professional Behaviors and Clinical Skills Assessment Tool (ARCC PBCSAT) that is used as an evaluation tool during their clinical internships. PTAC 1189 -- Topics:, Common Course Outline This course has been developed as a potential permanent course. The course must follow all the same policies and procedures related to curriculum outlined by the college. It does not duplicate existing course offerings. Refer to course notes for specific course description. PTAC 2000 -- Musculoskeletal Disorders, 4 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): BIOL 2114, PTAC 1050, PTAC 1060, PTAC 1070, PTAC 1080, and PTAC 1100. Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: PTAC 1010.This course covers the pathophysiology of specific musculoskeletal conditions. Discussions of the treatment approaches as they pertain to physical therapy, radiology, surgical procedures, and medications will be included. PTAC 2010 -- Neuroanatomy and Functional Rehabilitation Theory, 4 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): BIOL 2114, PTAC 1050, PTAC 1060, PTAC 1070, PTAC 1080, PTAC 1100.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: PTAC 1010.This course discusses the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system including the pathological conditions that result from injury or disease of the nervous system. Specific conditions covered are stroke with resulting hemiplegia, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer disease and types of dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and various other neurological diseases. Normal motor development, pediatric disorders and pediatric physical therapy will also be discussed. Other topics include the psychosocial aspects of disability, cognitive and psychological effects related to various conditions, functional training in self-care, and ethical issues related to research and treatment of these injuries and diseases. A critical-thinking and problem-solving approach is required to understand these disease processes and treatment rationales. PTAC 2015 -- Neuroanatomy and Functional Rehabilitation-LAB, 2 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): BIOL 2114, PTAC 1050, PTAC 1060, PTAC 1070, PTAC 1080, PTAC 1100Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: PTAC 1010This lab course focuses on instruction in specific treatment techniques used for neuromuscular re-education, motor learning to regain functional independence, and normalization of muscle tone and gait training for the patient with injury or disease of the nervous system. Treatment techniques will be for patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and various neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. The following rehabilitation techniques will be practiced under the supervision of the physical therapist: Neurodevelopmental Technique (NDT), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Brunnstrom and Rood inhibition and facilitation techniques through the progression of postures, as well as objective balance assessment and techniques using the Swiss ball. Cognitive testing spaced retrieval for patients with dementia, and treatment techniques for pediatric patients will also be practiced. Patient/practitioner interaction, interpersonal communication skills, professionalism, and time management will be emphasized during patient simulated skills tests. Students will work in small groups to develop an exercise program for a patient with a specific neurological disease as part of their research project. The course includes individual testing for competency in rehab skills. Testing will occasionally occur outside scheduled lab time. PTAC 2040 -- Special Topics I, 2 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 2000, PTAC 2010, and PTAC 2015.This course includes study of specialty areas of physical therapy including amputations, orthotics, prosthetics, oncology, pharmacology, geriatrics, and the role of the PTA in the rehabilitation process. Application of principles and techniques in the classroom and laboratory of each specialty area are included. A geriatric interview assignment will be prepared. Resume writing, interview techniques, and employment seeking information will be discussed. Licensure laws and national examination materials will be covered. PTAC 2050 -- Special Topics II, 3 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 2000, PTAC 2010, PTAC 2015.This course is a study of specialty areas in physical therapy including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary therapy, arthritis, and burn management as they pertain to the role of the physical therapist assistant treating patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. Review of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiac, pulmonary, and integumentary systems is included. Students will prepare a sophomore research project on a topic selected by the student and approved by the instructor. They will create a research poster and do an oral PowerPoint presentation. PTAC 2060 -- Clinical Practice II, 5 credits Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 2040 and PTAC 2050.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: PTAC 1010 Clinical Practice I. This course is a full-time clinical practice at an assigned health care facility. The student will function as a PTA student in the facility for eight consecutive weeks and will be responsible for patient care compatible to the role of the PTA, utilizing knowledge and skills developed in the first two years of the PTA program. The purpose of the course is to provide real-world work experience in a physical therapy setting under the direct supervision of the physical therapist or the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant team. The students will be provided with learning experiences not available in the classroom but unique to the clinical facility. The student will be required to participate in weekly online discussion questions on Desire to Learn (D2L) and required to complete a self-assessment using the ARCC Professional Behaviors and Clinical Skills Assessment Tool (ARCC PBCSAT). Students are also required to participate in online activities to prepare them for the National PTA Licensing Exam. PTAC 2110 -- Physical Therapy Research I, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1050, PTAC 1060, PTAC 1070, PTAC 1080.In this elective course, second year Physical Therapist Assistant students will have the opportunity to participate in the research process to better understand how to work with the physical therapist to make clinical decisions based on evidence-based practice. Students will analyze research articles from physical therapy journals and apply the scientific method to create a hypothesis and prepare a research project that could be carried out in the second part of this course, Physical Therapy Research II. Students will be encouraged to present their research projects at the annual Minnesota APTA Spring Conference, ARCC Student OSCARS, and/or the Spring Advisory Committee Meeting. Evidence Based Practice is an essential part of the physical therapy profession. This course will allow PTA graduates to better understand current research so they are able to make responsible clinical treatment decisions, making them more proficient and marketable when looking for employment. Students will not be required to take Physical Therapy Research II if they take Physical Therapy Research I, but Research I will be a pre-requisite for Research II. PTAC 2120 -- Physical Therapy Research II, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites: PTAC 2000, PTAC 2010, PTAC 2015, PTAC 2110 all with a grade of C or betterRecommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: Completion of Clinical Course PTAC 1010 In this elective course, second year Physical Therapist Assistant students will have the opportunity to participate in the research process to better understand how to work with the physical therapist to make clinical decisions based on evidence-based practice. In Physical Therapy Research I, students analyze research articles from physical therapy journals and apply the scientific methods to create a hypothesis and prepare a research project that will be carried out in this course. In Physical Therapy Research II, students will perform a research project, collect the data, create a poster board and will be encouraged to present their research projects at the annual Minnesota APTA Spring Conference. Evidence-Based Practice is an essential part of the physical therapy profession. This course will allow PTA graduates to better understand current research so they are able to make responsible clinical treatment decisions, making them more proficient and marketable when looking for employment. Students will not be required to take Physical Therapy Research II if they take Physical Therapy Research I, but Research I will be a pre-requisite for Research II. PTAC 2130 -- PTA Clinic, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 1030In this elective course, Physical Therapist Assistant students will gain experience with treatment application skills and clinical decision making. There will be opportunity for performing clinical simulation as well as providing therapy services to patients from the community. This is repeatable up to 3 credits. PTAC 2170 -- Physical Therapy Seminars, 1 credit Common Course Outline Prerequisites (must have a grade of C or better): PTAC 2000, PTAC 2010, and PTAC 2015.Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: Completion of Clinical Course PTAC 1010.In this elective course, second-year Physical Therapist Assistant students will gain knowledge and treatment application skills in specialty areas of physical therapy that are not required within the program curriculum but are widely used in physical therapy practice. This is an eight-week course. PTAC 2299 -- Independent Study, Common Course Outline Independent Study allows a student to earn credit while participating in a supervised learning experience in a community-based or work setting. Students must have successfully completed two courses in the discipline in which they want to undertake independent study. Forms are available in the Educational Services Office. All arrangements must be made prior to registration for the semester in which the project is scheduled and must be approved by the appropriate Dean of Educational Services. In addition, a project outline must be approved by the instructor who will supervise the student's work.
