Physical Therapist Assistant (PTAS)

PTAS 201. Anatomy. 4 Units.

Anatomy of the human body, with emphasis on the neuromuscular and skeletal systems, including anatomical landmarks. Basic neuroanatomy of the central nervous system.

PTAS 203. Applied Kinesiology. 3 Units.

Introduces functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. Applies biomechanics of normal and abnormal movement in the human body. Lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 204. Applied Gait. 1 Unit.

Introduces normal phases of gait. Identifies common gait abnormalities. Clinical application towards therapeutic exercises and gait training. Lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 205. Introduction to Physical Therapy. 1 Unit.

Physical therapy practice and the role of the physical therapist assistant in providing patient care. Quality assurance. Interpersonal skills. Introduces the multidisciplinary approach. Familiarizes the student with health care facilities and government agencies.

PTAS 206. Documentation Skills. 1 Unit.

Introduces basic abbreviations, medical terminology, chart reading, and note writing.

PTAS 212. Physical Therapy Procedures. 3 Units.

Principles of basic skills in the physical therapy setting. Goniometry. Sensory- and gross-muscle testing. Mobility skills in bed and wheelchair and transfer training. Gait training and activities of daily living. Body mechanics, positioning, and vital signs. Identifies architectural barriers. Teaching techniques for other health care providers, patients, and families. Wheelchair measurement and maintenance. Lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 224. General Medicine I. 3 Units.

Introduces general medical conditions, including pathology and management of medical problems: diseases of the body systems--including cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, nervous, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. Theoretical principles and practical application of respiratory techniques, exercises, and postural drainage. CPR certification required prior to the end of the term.
Prerequisite: PTAS 201.

PTAS 225. Neurology. 3 Units.

Introduces neurological conditions, including pathology and management of medical problems of stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord and nerve injuries, and other conditions.

PTAS 226. Orthopaedics I. 3 Units.

Introduces common orthopaedic conditions, pathologies, and surgical procedures involving the peripheral joints. Introduces joint mobilization. Procedures and progression of therapeutic exercises for each specific joint covered as these exercises relate to tissue repair and healing response. Practical laboratory includes integration of treatment plans and progressions.

PTAS 227. Therapeutic Exercise. 2 Units.

Introduces therapeutic exercise theories and practical applications. Tissue response to range of motion, stretch, and resistive exercise. Laboratory covers practical applications of various types of exercise techniques and machines used in the clinics, and a systematic approach to therapeutic exercise progression.

PTAS 228. Physical Therapy Biophysical Agents. 3 Units.

Introduces administration and practice of physical therapy biophysical agents, including the application of electrotherapy modalities (e.g., TENS, IFC, NMES, Biofeedback, and Ultrasound), heat and cold applications, hydrotherapy, massage, aquatic therapy, physiology and control of edema, standard precautions, sterilization techniques, and pain management. Includes lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 229. Physical Therapy Biophysical Agents. 2 Units.

Introduces administration and practice of physical therapy biophysical agents, including heat and cold applications, hydrotherapy, massage, aquatic therapy, physiology and control of edema, standard precautions, sterilization techniques, and pain management. Includes lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 234. General Medicine II. 3 Units.

Introduces equipment, lines, tubes, and procedures for interventions in acute/inpatient settings by the physical therapist assistant. Mobilization, functional mobility, exercise, and transfers within the acute care setting. Identifies the roles of multidisciplinary team members managing critical care patients.
Prerequisite: PTAS 212, PTAS 224.

PTAS 236. Applied Electrotherapy. 3 Units.

Principles and techniques of electrotherapy procedures, including basic physiological effects. Indications and contraindications for specific electrotherapy modalities. Practical application and demonstration of modalities in a laboratory setting.

PTAS 238. Wound Care. 1 Unit.

Normal structure and function of the skin. Pathology of the skin, including problem conditions, burns, and wounds. Lecture and laboratory to include wound identification, measuring, dressing, treatments, and debridement. Model wounds used for hands-on training.

PTAS 241. Applied Pediatrics. 2 Units.

Normal and abnormal development, from conception to adolescence. Emphasizes developmental sequence, testing, and treatment of neurological and orthopaedic disorders. Practical laboratory.

PTAS 243. Applied Geriatrics. 3 Units.

Introduces various aspects of geriatric care. Wellness care and adaptation to exercise modalities. Procedures pertaining to the geriatric patient. Diagnosis and aging changes that affect function in geriatric rehabilitation.

PTAS 246. PTA Integrated Clinical Experience. 1 Unit.

Exposes students to clinical settings where they can experience and assist licensed clinicians treating patients. Illustrates how the integration of various program courses are combined within a clinical setting. Gives assignments to reinforce learning from integrated clinical experiences.

PTAS 251. Orthopaedics II. 3 Units.

Introduces common orthopaedic conditions, pathologies, and surgical procedures of the spine. Treatments, procedures, and progression of therapeutic exercises of the spine as related to tissue repair and healing response. Practical laboratory includes integration of treatment plans and progressions.

PTAS 252. Applied Neurology. 3 Units.

Introduces facilitation techniques for neurodevelopmental treatment, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Brunnstrom movement therapy, and balance and vestibular rehabilitation. Includes practical laboratory.

PTAS 261. Physical Therapy Practice. 1 Unit.

Requires observation of evaluation, treatment, and diagnosis; completion of a resume and a state licensing application; and knowledge of billing procedures and third-party payors.

PTAS 264. Applied Orthotics and Prosthetics. 2 Units.

Introduces basic principles in the use of selected prosthetic and orthotic devices. Exposes student to various types of devices; discusses patient adjustment to devices. Examines indications and contraindications for orthotic and prosthetic use with patients seen in physical therapy.
Prerequisite: PTAS 203.

PTAS 265. Professional Seminar. 1 Unit.

Contemporary theories and practices of physical therapy. Topics covered by faculty and guest lecturers include: sports taping, ortho taping, soft tissue, geriatric experience through affective learning, and vestibular rehabilitation. Lecture and laboratory.

PTAS 275. Psychosocial Aspects of Health. 2 Units.

Psychological and sociological reactions to illness or disability. Includes trauma, surgery, and congenital and terminal illness. Individual and family considerations.

PTAS 293. Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Experience I. 6 Units.

One six-week assignment to be completed during the Spring Quarter. Students exposed to a variety of clinical settings. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience. Combined total of eighteen weeks—including PTAS 293, 294, 295—of clinical experience prepares the student for entry-level performance.

PTAS 294. Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Experience II. 6 Units.

One six-week assignment to be completed during the Summer Quarter. Students exposed to a variety of clinical settings. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience. Combined total of eighteen weeks—including PTAS 293, 294, 295—of clinical experience prepares the student for entry-level performance.

PTAS 295. Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Experience III. 6 Units.

The terminal, six-week assignment completed during the final quarter of the program. Exposes students to a variety of clinical settings. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience. The combined total of eighteen weeks—including PTAS 293, 294, 295—of clinical experience prepares the student for entry-level performance.