PTA-105 - Patient Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant - Gabriel D. Lacktman, PTA

Introduction

Hello and Welcome!  My name is Gabriel Lacktman, and I will be the instructor for this course.  I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant working primarily in hospital and in-patient rehabilitation settings. This class an excellent opportunity to begin learning hands-on duties and interventions PTA’s use in real world applications.  It’s one of my favorite courses and I hope you will enjoy learning these valuable new skills.

Course Description

Introduces the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively perform basic physical therapy interventions and data collection tasks in a variety of settings. The course emphasizes essential data collection and documentation skills, uncomplicated interventions, communication skills, ethics, cultural competence, and safety considerations. Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program is required.

What to Expect in this Course

Plan to safely perform selected components of interventions included in the physical therapist’s plan of care including but not limited to transfer training, bed mobility, gait training, wheelchair fitting and training, vital signs, hand washing, hand washing positioning and draping.

Methods of instruction may include:

• Lecture and live/simulated demonstrations
• Focused readings from textbooks and medical literature
• Audiovisual media and simulations
• Case histories, case studies

Types of Assessments

Quizzes, online discussion boards, written assignments, written and oral project, lab skills checks and lab practical exams (for 105L portion of this course), comprehensive final exams.

Textbook Information

Physical Rehabilitation for the PTA (1st ed), Cameron MH, Monroe LG

Mobility in Context (3rd ed), Johansson C, Chinworth SA

Other Relevant Course Information

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed in Canvas.  All course assignments must be turned in on time and must be college-level work.  Late assignments are not accepted unless by prior arrangement with the instructor.

Etiquette:  Your instructors and fellow students wish to foster a safe learning environment.  All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.  You are encouraged to comment on, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack the person presenting it.  Our differences will add richness to this learning experience.  Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued, especially in online interactions, and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course ambience.  I expect professionalism and college level work to be the mode of operation in this class at all times.  This includes all written communication. 

Email.  Email is my preferred mode of communication.  Please use the Canvas messaging system...it's secure. You may also use regular email, just keep in mind that email systems are not 100% secure.  I will respond to all written communication within 2 business days.  I check my email often and typically respond promptly.  However, please allow time before emailing me again on the same question or issue 

Please write all messages in Canvas and/or e-mails using standard English following an “PTA 105" as subject line.  This subject line is necessary only when you use regular email.  If you email me within Canvas, your subject line should relate to the content of your email.

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: 07/27/2026 Sub#: 2064 Sub ID: 218146