PA - Physical Therapist Aide

PA101 Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Aide program.

This course is designed to introduce the profession of physical therapy. Foundational concepts will be discussed including the scope of physical therapy practice, career opportunities within the profession, and an introduction to fundamental physical therapy practices including infection control techniques, universal precautions, body mechanics, and safety procedures. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define and describe the scope of each member of the physical therapy team in order to collaborate effectively as a member of the healthcare team
  2. Reflect on the learner’s identity and strengths as related and valuable to the field of physical therapy
  3. Articulate contextualizing factors for common concurrent courses, including A&P I, Medical Terminology, and Basic Life Support
  4. Demonstrate professional/medical ethics, patient confidentiality, universal precautions, body mechanics, and safety procedures

PA102 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, or higher placement, and PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: WR121Z, PA111, PSY201, and BI232.

This course is designed to develop effective communication skills appropriate to the physical therapy workplace, including writing skills necessary for medical documentation. Learners will deepen their understanding of professional values, characteristics of effective healthcare teams, and will explore culture differences and biases which may influence interactions with others.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate effective patient communication strategies.
  2. Discuss strategies to improve team effectiveness in healthcare.
  3. Reflect on the unique nature of cultures and identities and their impact on health and healthcare.
  4. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, written composition, and psychology to the practice of physical therapy.
  5. Articulate an expanding awareness of personal connections to the core values of the physical therapy profession.

PA103 Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: PA102, PA111, BI232, and WR121Z; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: MTH058 and BI233.

This course is designed to provide foundational context in preparation for entry to the physical therapy profession. Practical concepts include introductory kinesiology, introduction to durable medical equipment, effective set up of physical modalities, and essential elements of equitable practices in healthcare. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their past and concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe basic kinesiology concepts as they relate to human posture, stability, and movement.
  2. Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and quantitative reasoning to physical therapy practice.
  3. Safely and effectively use select durable medical equipment as directed by a licensed clinician.
  4. Safely and effectively perform setup and application of common physical modalities as directed by a licensed clinician.
  5. Articulate awareness of equitable practices in healthcare settings.

PA111 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: PA102, WR121Z, PSY201, and BI232.

This course is designed to provide the clinical expertise necessary to work as a Physical Therapist Aide. This is a 30-hour clinical education experience in conjunction with a local physical therapy practice. The learner will spend time at a clinical site in the community working under direct supervision of a licensed clinician to learn, practice, and demonstrate competency in the Physical Therapist Aide position.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Implement standard infection control practices during the performance of assigned tasks.
  2. Perform assigned patient care related tasks safely, ethically, and effectively under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication with an emphasis on empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during interpersonal interactions.
  4. Record relevant care information as directed by a licensed clinician using clear, discipline appropriate language.
  5. Incorporate self-reflection on own performance and feedback provided by others to improve skills.