PTA 244 - Physical Therapy for Special Populations - Dr. Kathrina Almero-Fabros, PT, DPT

Introduction

I am a physical therapist with a strong passion for education. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Manila Central University in 2005.  I have recently completed an Advanced Geriatric Certification in 2024 with a post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have dedicated more than ten years of my professional life to occupying various instructional and leadership positions within the field of physical therapy. I served as Program Director for the Physical Therapist Aide Program at Southern California Health Institute in North Hollywood and later as Clinical Coordinator at the Physical Therapist Assistant Program in Sherman Oaks, where I was eventually promoted to Program Director. My work was instrumental in acquiring and maintaining institutional and programmatic accreditation and ensuring excellent student and graduate outcomes. My clinical practice experience encompasses a range of healthcare settings, including acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. 

Course Description

PTA 244 Physical Therapy for Special Populations focuses on the principles and strategies used to deliver physical therapy and wellness services to special populations. Topics include amputees, orthotics/prosthetics, women’s health issues, interventions in gerontologic and vestibular disorders, pediatrics, workplace injuries and health, athletic rehabilitation and fitness, advanced therapeutic exercise interventions, and the use of aquatics in physical therapy

What to Expect in this Course

In our residential class, you’ll have weekly reading assignments that help you come prepared for our classroom conversations and activities. These readings connect directly to what we’ll be practicing together, especially as we build your foundation in therapeutic interventions for special groups.

This course is taken in conjunction with its lab counterpart, PTA 244L, where you’ll apply the concepts we discuss in lecture through hands?on practice and skill development. What you learn in class will directly support what you do in lab, and vice versa, so staying engaged in both is essential for your success.

Each week, you can expect a mix of short written assignments, quizzes, and in?class participation tasksthat reinforce what we’re learning. Throughout the semester, you’ll also complete a midterm exam and a final exam, both designed to help you apply your skills in real?world scenarios.

All due dates and point values will be shared in class and posted in Canvas so you always know what’s coming up. You can check your progress anytime by viewing your Canvas gradebook.

To do well in this class, you’ll need access to a dependable computer and reliable internet for reviewing materials, submitting assignments, and checking your progress in Canvas. If you don’t have personal access, the school offers computer stations and checkout options through the library, TLC, and the ASG computer lab. Your local public library may also have computers available, though time limits can vary.

You will also need the required course textbook, which provides the foundational material we’ll build on throughout the semester. In addition, you’ll need an active Clinical Pattern account, which was provided during Semester 1. We’ll continue using Clinical Pattern throughout this course and in PTA 244L to support your clinical reasoning, case analysis, and hands?on skill development. Please make sure you can log in and access your account early in the term.

Types of Assessments

Online quizzes taken in class, classroom discussion and written assignments submitted through Canvas, and a semester long project.

Textbook Information

Orthopedic Interventions for the Physical Therapist Assistan, Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (8th ed.), Physical Rehabilitation for the Physical Therapist Assistant (2nd ed.)

Other Relevant Course Information

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. 

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!

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: 08/20/2026 Sub#: 2080 Sub ID: 219143