PTA 110 - Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant - Ashley Bakhaj

Introduction

My name is Dr. Ashley, and I’ll be your instructor this semester. I’m passionate about teaching future PTAs and helping you build a strong foundation in pathology that connects directly to patient care.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Northridge, became certified in Pilates, Redcord, and Kinesiology taping, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Casa Loma College’s PTA program. I later earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in May 2025.

I currently work full-time in outpatient orthopedics, while also teaching and mentoring PTA students—especially in preparation for the NPTAE licensing exam. I look forward to guiding you through this course and supporting your success!

Course Description

This course introduces students to the pathological conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy practice. Topics include:

• Inflammation and Healing
• Immunopathology, Neoplasia, Chromosome Abnormalities
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
• Degenerative Joint and Bone Pathologies
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Conditions
• Neurological Disorders
• Burns and Skin Conditions
• Endocrine, Metabolic, and Nutritional Disorders
• Infectious Diseases
• Reproductive, Digestive, and Urinary System Conditions
• Intensive Care and Geriatrics

Students will learn to identify disease processes, understand their impact on physical function, and apply this knowledge to clinical decision-making.

What to Expect in this Course

Students should expect to spend approximately 2 hours per week watching asynchronous lecture content and completing interactive “speed bump” questions within the modules.

Technology Requirements:

• Access to Canvas for course materials, assignments, quizzes, and discussions.
• A webcam is required for one assignment (a phone camera is acceptable).
• Reliable internet connection and access to a web browser.

Coursework Includes:

• Weekly homework assignments
• Online quizzes and discussions
• Multiple-choice exams
• A class presentation on a pathology topic (TBD)

Types of Assessments

Students will be assessed through:

• Online quizzes
• Weekly homework assignments
• Online discussion boards
• A class presentation project
• Multiple-choice exams

Textbook Information

Required Textbook:
Moini, J. (2020). Introduction to Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant (2nd ed.).
ISBN: 9781284179361

Students can purchase or rent the textbook through online retailers or the campus bookstore.

Other Relevant Course Information

This course is only available to students who have been accepted and enrolled into the PTA program at College of the Canyons.

To succeed in this course, stay organized, engage with the weekly content, and reach out if you need support. I’m here to help you connect pathology concepts to real-world patient care and clinical reasoning.

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: 08/19/2025 Sub#: 1963 Sub ID: 200519