PTA-120 - Evidence Based Physical Therapy - Dr Suzanne Hawson, PT, DPT

Introduction

Hi everyone! I’m Dr. Suzanne Hawson, and I’m so excited to be your instructor for this course. I’ve been a licensed Physical Therapist since 2002, with most of my experience in outpatient orthopedics. I’m also a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and have taught physical therapy students for over a decade at both the DPT and PTA levels. Along the way, I’ve worked as a staff PT, clinic director, and now as the owner of my own outpatient practice.

In this class, you’ll learn how to use research and evidence to make better decisions for your patients. Even if you’ve never read a research article before, we’ll break it down together so it’s clear and practical.

We’ll also be using AI tools, like ChatGPT, in some assignments. This will help you learn how to use AI in a professional, ethical, and plagiarism-free way—skills that are  important in healthcare.

I can’t wait to work with you this semester. Let’s make it a great one!

Course Description

In this course, you’ll learn how to find, understand, and apply research to real-world patient care as a Physical Therapist Assistant. We’ll cover the foundations of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)—including its history, key components, and how patient values fit into the process. You’ll explore different types of research, the hierarchy of evidence, and how to search professional databases like PubMed, ProQuest, and Science Direct.

You’ll also develop skills in writing clear, focused clinical questions using the PICO framework, properly citing sources in AMA style, and avoiding plagiarism. We’ll introduce basic statistics to help you interpret research results, as well as methods for evaluating study quality and relevance.

By the end of the course, you’ll complete a Critical Analysis of a Paper (CAP), both in writing and as a short video presentation, giving you practical experience in applying EBP to patient care decisions.

What to Expect in this Course

The assignments for the semester are grouped into weekly learning Modules. Every week students are assigned a new chapter, or chapters, for reading that correlates to the Canvas assignments in the modules.  For each chapter you will be assigned reading, writing and participation assignments. The due dates and point values are available within the Canvas Modules.  These modules are created for sequential learning.  That means, you cannot access the next assignment for that week until you have completed the first, then second etc.  You must complete the current module before the next week’s module will be made available to you.  Upon completing the assignments, you will be able to access your grade by viewing your personal grade book from the left hand menu options. There is a final project due at the end of the semester along with a final exam. 

***Remember that for each three-unit Physical Therapist Assistant class you should expect to spend about nine hours per week on the class in a full semester. *** This includes reading, taking exams, etc. This is for a standard 15-week semester. 

Because this class is fully online, attendance is measured by participation in required activities and assignments. Online courses require a high level of self-initiative, and they are well suited to students who possess this quality. 

To do well in this class you will need access to a dependable computer as well as reliable access to the internet. The school has lots of computers available for your use/check out from the library, TLC, and ASG computer lab. Your public library likely has computers for use, but the time allowed may be limited.

Types of Assessments

Proctored online quizzes, online discussion boards, video/audio submissions, written assignments, final examination as well as a written and recorded presentation project.

Textbook Information

Gresham BB. Concepts of Evidence Based Practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company; 2016. ISBN-13: 978-0803643697 

Other Relevant Course Information

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues. 

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/13/2025 Sub#: 1957 Sub ID: 200242