Courses

PTA 100 Preparing for Careers in Physical Therapy | 3 units
Introduces a comprehensive overview of the field of Physical Therapy, from its historical beginnings to the present day. Content covered includes the roles of Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in the treatment and management of musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and integumentary disorders. This course is designed for students interested in applying to PT or PTA professional programs.

Semester 1 (Fall)

PTA 105 Patient Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant | 2 units
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.

PTA 105L Patient Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant Lab | 1.5 units Provides students with the hands-on skills necessary to safely and effectively employ basic data collection and interventions performed in the practice of physical therapy. Laboratory component of PTA 105.

PTA 110 Pathophysiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant | 3 units
Examines the pathological states of the human body systems, with an emphasis on conditions that affect function and mobility, which includes musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary conditions. Students will explore impairments of body structures and functions, activity restrictions, and participation in major life activities, as well as common red flag items and their impact on decision-making before, during, and after treatment by the Physical Therapist Assistant.

PTA 120 Clinical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant | 3 units
Examines the kinesiology and anatomy of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, arthrokinematics, static and dynamic movement systems, and associated clinical applications.

PTA 120L Clinical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant Lab | 2 units Provides students with the hands-on application of kinesiology to physical therapy treatment, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, arthrokinematics, static and dynamic movement systems, and associated clinical applications. Students will learn how to assess joint range of motion, muscle strength, posture and gait, and develop surface palpation skills. Laboratory component of PTA 120.

PTA 130 Evidence-Based Physical Therapy | 1 unit
Examines the importance of evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Students will learn how to assist physical therapists in critically evaluating and incorporating professional literature into clinical decision-making. Additionally, students will develop their own skills in using evidence to inform their professional communication and patient management as Physical Therapist Assistants.

Semester 2 (Spring)

PTA 201 Physical Agents | 2 units
Introduces the principles of therapeutic modalities and how to apply them safely and effectively. The course will cover a variety of modalities, including ultrasound, ice/heat, electrotherapy, laser light therapy, biofeedback, soft tissue mobilization, manual/mechanical traction, diathermy, and hydrotherapy. Students will also learn about universal precautions and infection control procedures.

PTA 201L Physical Agents Lab | 1.5 units
Provides hands-on instruction in the application of selected therapeutic modalities. Students will learn the basic techniques for using ultrasound, ice/heat, electrotherapy, laser light therapy, biofeedback, soft tissue mobilization, manual/mechanical traction, and hydrotherapy. Emphasis placed on patient safety and the importance of infection control. Universal precautions and infection control procedures are presented with each modality. Laboratory component of PTA 201.
 
PTA 205 Development, Growth, and Aging | 3 units
Explores typical human development and degenerative and pathologic changes that occur throughout the life span. Using a systems approach, this course focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal systems, and how structure and function change with age. The course also discusses how these changes affect motor behavior and skill performance, and how physical therapist assistants can help people regain and/or maintain their function and independence as they age.

PTA 220 Orthopedic Rehabilitation | 2units
Introduces a functional approach to the assessment and treatment of common musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. Students will identify the relationships between these conditions and the resulting impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation in major life activities. The course will also continue to develop students' problem-solving skills, which are essential for making sound decisions about the indications, precautions, and contraindications of various therapeutic intervention options within the Physical Therapist's plan of care.

PTA 220L Orthopedic Rehabilitation Lab | 1.5 units
Provides hands-on practical training and skills needed to manage the most common orthopedic conditions seen in various settings across the lifespan. Students will also learn to apply function-based intervention strategies to disorders of the spine, upper extremity, and lower extremity. Laboratory component of PTA 220.

PTA 225 Professional Practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant
Introduces the knowledge and skills necessary for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) to practice ethically and professionally. Students will learn about the federal, state, and institutional regulations that govern physical therapy practice, as well as the financial and insurance considerations. Topics will also include career development, lifelong learning, and leadership skills. Students will also develop their problem-solving, professional communication, and case management skills.

Semester 3 (Summer)

PTA 250 Clinical Experience I 2.5 units
Engage in patient care assessment and treatment procedures under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. First/integrated clinical experience. Students will participate in a full-time, four-week clinical setting (35-40 hours/week), applying their knowledge and skills to assist in the care of patients with both uncomplicated and/or complicated conditions. The level of supervision will be individually tailored to ensure patient safety and adhere to the specific needs of the patient, setting, and relevant California regulations.

Semester 4 (Fall)

 PTA 240 Neurologic Rehabilitation | 2 units
Explores identification and treatments for various neurological diagnoses. Impairments presented include weakness and/or abnormal muscle tone from upper and lower motor neuron lesions, sensory and perceptual dysfunction, and incoordination and balance dysfunction. Treatment skills are utilized in a case study involving neurological diagnosis.

PTA 240L Neurologic Rehabilitation Lab | 1.5 units
Provides practical training in management of neurologic conditions seen by the Physical Therapist Assistant in various settings across the lifespan. Laboratory component of concepts presented in PTA 240. Includes rehabilitation of cerebral vascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions.

PTA 242 Cardiopulmonary and Integumentary Physical Therapy | 2 units
Examines cardiopulmonary and integumentary health by analyzing diagnoses, data collection and treatments. Both normal and abnormal reactions to cardiopulmonary stress and rehabilitation techniques to manage them effectively will be covered. Additionally, interventions for a wide range of skin concerns, including but not limited to scars, ulcers, burns, frostbite, photosensitivity disorders, inflammatory conditions, skin cancers, obesity-related issues, and psoriasis will be designed.

PTA 242L Cardiopulmonary and Integumentary Physical Therapy Lab | 1.5 units Provides hands-on practical training in cardiopulmonary and integumentary management of conditions seen in various settings across the lifespan. Students will examine critical values for lab tests and vital signs within various healthcare settings, including intensive care units (ICUs), hospitals, post-acute care facilities, outpatient clinics, and even cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs, as well as interventions practiced for patients with diverse skin ailments. Laboratory component of PTA 242.

PTA 244 Physical Therapy for Special Populations | 2 units
Focuses on the principles and strategies used to deliver physical therapy and wellness services to special populations. Topics include the acutely ill patient, 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.

PTA 244L Physical Therapy for Special Populations Lab | 1.5 units
Provides hands-on student proficiency with techniques essential for delivering physical therapy and wellness services to special populations. Students also practice advanced therapeutic exercise interventions. Special populations include acutely ill patient, amputees, orthotics/prosthetics, women's health issues, interventions in gerontologic and vestibular disorders, pediatrics, workplace injuries and health, athletic rehabilitation and fitness, and the use of aquatics in physical therapy. May include field trip. Laboratory component for PTA 244.

Semester 5 (Spring)

PTA 252 Clinical Experience II | 3.5 units
Continues with patient care assessment and treatment procedures under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. Second clinical experience, and the first (of 2) terminal experiences. Students will participate in a full-time, six-week clinical setting (35-40 hours/week), applying their knowledge and skills to assist in the care of patients with both uncomplicated and/or complicated conditions. The level of supervision will be individually tailored to ensure patient safety and adhere to the specific needs of the patient, setting, and relevant California regulations. Includes preparation and presentation of one 30-minute in-service to clinical site staff.

PTA 254 Clinical Experience III | 3.5 units
Manage patient treatment and data collection under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. Third and final clinical experience. Students will participate in a full-time, six-week clinical setting (35-40 hours/week), applying their knowledge and skills to assist in the care of patients with both uncomplicated and/or complicated conditions. The level of supervision will be individually tailored to ensure patient safety and adhere to the specific needs of the patient, setting, and relevant California regulations. Includes preparation and submission of a comprehensive case study for presentation to the cohort following the internship.

PTA 260 Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar | 1 unit
Prepares students for the National Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) exam, California Law Exam, and licensing application preparation, in order to enter the field of physical therapy as a generalist entry level PTA. A mock National Physical Therapist Assistant examination will conclude the course.

PTA 262 Physical Therapist Assistant Case Study | 1 unit
Interactive course during which students will present case studies done as part of their final (of two) terminal clinical experiences. Classmates will ask questions and critique the presentation.