PTA 240 - Neurologic Rehabilitation - Amber Gaines

Introduction

Hello! My name is Dr. Amber Gaines, and I will be your instructor for this course. I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist. I am also a practicing physical therapist with clinical experience in outpatient neurologic rehabilitation, acute care, acute rehabilitation, and home health settings. In addition to my clinical practice, I have more than 10 years of experience educating and mentoring future physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the clinical setting.

I am thrilled that your interest in the physical therapy profession has led you to this course. Throughout the semester, I look forward to helping you explore the many ways physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can positively impact the lives of individuals with neurologic conditions. One of the most rewarding aspects of neurologic rehabilitation is the opportunity to work alongside patients throughout their journey toward recovery, greater independence, and improved quality of life.

I am excited to support you as you expand your knowledge, strengthen your clinical reasoning, and develop the skills necessary to care for individuals with neurologic conditions. I look forward to seeing your growth throughout the semester and helping you discover the many possibilities available within this rewarding profession.

Course Description

PTA 240 provides students with the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary to treat individuals with neurologic conditions across the lifespan. Throughout the course, students will explore functional neuroanatomy, movement systems, motor control, and motor learning while developing clinical reasoning through evidence-based practice. Topics include pediatric neurologic rehabilitation, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular disorders, and other neurologic conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory experiences, you will apply examination and intervention techniques to realistic patient scenarios. By the end of the semester, you will be prepared to provide compassionate, patient-centered care and contribute effectively as physical therapist assistants in neurologic rehabilitation settings.

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 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.

***Remember that for each three-unit Physical Therapist Assistant class you should

expect to spend 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 in person, attendance is required. Active participation will also be required in class.  

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 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

Weekly in-person quizzes, online discussion boards and written assignments, and a written and oral project.

Textbook Information

Neurologic Interventions for Physical Therapy, 5th Edition

by Suzanne Tink Martin, PT, PhD and Mary Kessler, MHS, PT

ISBN: 9780443235016

Copyright: 2027

Publication Date: 02-02-2026

Page Count: 528

Imprint: Elsevier

List Price: $110.99

https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780443235016?role=student

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.

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 Accommodation 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: 08/21/2026 Sub#: 2083 Sub ID: 219175