PTA 208 Special Topics for the PTA

Course Number and Title: PTA 208 Special Topics for the PTA

Print Syllabus
Campus Location:
Georgetown, Wilmington
Effective Date:
2021-51
Prerequisite:
PTA 205, PTA 206, PTA 211
Co-Requisites:

none

Course Credits and Hours:
3.00 credits
3.00 lecture hours/week
0.50 lab hours/week
Course Description:

This course introduces specialized topics in the profession of physical therapy, including but not limited to women’s health, architectural barriers, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) rehabilitation, home healthcare, nontraditional therapies, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, seating, and industrial rehabilitation.

Required Text(s):

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Additional Materials:

Provided by Instructor

Schedule Type:
Classroom Course
Hybrid Course
Disclaimer:

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs):
  1. Demonstrate continued development of professional behaviors in the classroom. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 6)
  2. Examine the role of physical therapy in the specialization of women’s health. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  3. Examine the impact of environmental barriers on persons with disabilities. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5, 8)
  4. Assess functional activities for specific patient populations. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  5. Examine the role of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). (CCC 2, 3; PGC 3, 5)
  6. Outline the responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant in the home care setting. (CCC 2, 3; PGC 3, 5)
  7. Compare the benefits and limitations of aquatic exercise as an intervention in physical therapy. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  8. Examine the role of complementary therapies in rehabilitation. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  9. Relate the principles of proper seating and positioning systems to patient function, comfort, and independence. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  10. Examine the role of physical therapy in cardiac rehabilitation. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)
  11. Apply appropriate physical therapy treatment interventions for patients with pulmonary dysfunction. (CCC 2; PGC 2, 3, 5)
  12. Examine the role of physical therapy in the specialization of industrial rehabilitation. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs):

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Demonstrate continued development of professional behaviors in the classroom.
    1. Practice professional behavior patterns consistent with developing level generic abilities. These include but are not limited to adhering to designated times for each educational experience, being adequately prepared, participating in class discussions and displaying appropriate interpersonal dynamics and communication skills.
    2. Access professional literature for continued development of knowledge and skills.
  2. Examine the role of physical therapy in the specialization of women’s health.
    1. Differentiate among the structure, function, and significance of the pelvic floor.
    2. Identify the unique concerns when treating a patient during pregnancy.
    3. Identify and explain the indications, precautions, contraindications, and rehabilitation goals for patients that include but are not limited to post-pregnancy, post- mastectomy, and osteoporosis.
    4. Select physical therapy intervention for patients, post-pregnancy, post-mastectomy, and osteoporosis.
  3. Examine the impact of environmental barriers on persons with disabilities.
    1. Identify examples of environmental barriers.
    2. Examine the impact of environmental barriers on persons with functional limitations.
    3. Select appropriate environmental modifications for specific patient populations.
    4. Explain the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and identify how it benefits patients with special needs.
    5. Examine the impact of the ADA on patients with physical disabilities.
  4. Assess functional activities for specific patient populations.
    1. Assess the need for functional training.
    2. Devise a functional activity for a specific patient population.
    3. Interpret standardized questionnaires used in various clinical settings to assess a patient’s functional status.
    4. Synthesize current and advancing evidenced-based physical therapy interventions for specific patient populations.
  5. Examine the role of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
    1. Discuss the effects of AIDS and other complicating infections.
    2. Examine the role of physical therapy in treatment of AIDS.
    3. Outline the medical management and treatment implications for a patient with AIDS.
  6. Outline the responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant in the home care setting.
    1. Differentiate states’ rules and regulations regarding a physical therapy assistant (PTA) practicing in home healthcare and how rules vary among states.
    2. Identify various patient populations served in the home.
    3. Identify and describe the challenges unique to working in the home.
    4. Differentiate the various forms of the documentation used in home healthcare.
    5. Identify insurance regulations that potentially affect physical therapy treatments when working in home healthcare.
  7. Compare the benefits and limitations of aquatic exercise as an intervention in physical therapy.
    1. Identify the physical properties of water.
    2. Outline the benefits of aquatic exercise as a modality.
    3. Compare the differences between the benefits of land and water activities.
    4. Examine indications, contraindications, and patient populations (diagnoses) that are best treated via aquatic therapy programs.
    5. Relate the types of aquatic exercises with their degrees of challenge employed in a comprehensive aquatic physical therapy program.
    6. Examine the role of adaptive and exercise equipment in aquatic physical therapy.
  8. Examine the role of complementary therapies in rehabilitation.
    1. Distinguish among the basic theories supporting the complementary therapies (e.g., myofascial release, Tai Chi, and yoga).
    2. Examine the indications, contraindications, and patient populations and/or diagnoses best treated by nontraditional therapies.
  9. Relate the principles of proper seating and positioning systems to patient function, comfort, and independence.
    1. Explain common postural concerns and how they can be controlled through the use of seating and positioning systems.
    2. Organize the steps involved in assessing a client for a wheelchair or seating system.
    3. Explain the aspects of patient function that can be enhanced through proper seating and positioning systems.
  10. Examine the role of physical therapy in cardiac rehabilitation.
    1.  Differentiate the phases of cardiac rehabilitation, and identify typical treatment settings.
    2. Examine in detail the indications and contraindications of exercise programs for patients served in cardiac rehabilitation.
    3. Compare the role of the team members in cardiac rehabilitation.
    4. Examine appropriate treatment interventions for the following patient conditions:
      1. Coronary artery disease
      2. Congestive heart failure
      3. Myocardial infarction
      4.  Hypertension
    5. Explain metabolic equivalents, and determine how they are used in exercise prescription.
    6. Interpret the signs of exertion, dyspnea, or angina during activity and determine when to modify or stop activity reporting changes to supervising physical therapist.
  11. Apply appropriate physical therapy treatment interventions for patients with pulmonary dysfunction.
    1. Give examples of physical therapy interventions for patients with restrictive and obstructive lung disease including but not limited to:
      1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      2. Asthma
      3. Cystic fibrosis
    2. Recognize chest wall expansion and excursion with breathing patterns in response to cardiopulmonary treatment to modify or stop activity appropriately and notify physical therapist of changes.
    3. Interpret cough and sputum characteristics.
    4. Perform the following treatment techniques safely and effectively:
      1. Breathing exercises
      2. Coughing techniques
      3. Postural drainage
      4. Chest clapping
      5. Vibration
    5. Discuss the indications for and predict the potential hazards of supplemental oxygen delivery.
    6. Discuss the indications for and determine limitations of pulse oximetry.
  12. Examine the role of physical therapy in the specialization of industrial rehabilitation.
    1. Compare and contrast work conditioning and work hardening.
    2. Select the patient populations that would most benefit from participation in industrial rehabilitation programs.
    3. Define ergonomics, and examine the role of the physical therapy profession in the prevention of cumulative trauma injuries.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
0 – 69 = F

Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade:

Calculated using the following weighted average

                                              Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Modular Exams (5-10) & Final Exams (equally weighted)

70%

Summative: Competency (Psychomotor Exam)

15%

Formative: Learning Activities (equally weighted)

10%

Summative: Generic Abilities Tool for Professional Behaviors

5%

TOTAL

100%
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop):
  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major):
  1. Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner.
  2. Implement PT interventions within the plan of care.
  3. Perform specific data collection techniques related to the plan of care.
  4. Demonstrate effective communication in the physical therapy environment.
  5. Formulate appropriate judgments and modification to the program within the patient’s plan of care.
  6. Demonstrate effective interactions and professional behaviors.
  7. Participate in career development activities.
  8. Exhibit a commitment to the physical therapy profession, physical therapy patients, and the community.
Disabilities Support Statement:

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. A listing of campus Disabilities Support Counselors and contact information can be found at the disabilities services web page or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements:
Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.