PTA 209 PTA Management Issues

Course Number and Title: PTA 209 PTA Management Issues

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

none

Course Credits and Hours:
2.00 credits
2.00 lecture hours/week
0.00 lab hours/week
Course Description:

In this course, students review non-patient care related topics and their influence on the clinical practice of the physical therapist assistant (PTA). 

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:

None

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. Explain the process of obtaining and maintaining physical therapist assistant (PTA) licensure. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 1, 7, 8)
  3. Conduct a successful job search. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 6, 7, 8)
  4. Relate the impact of insurance regulations to the practice of physical therapy. (CCC 5; PGC 3, 4, 8)
  5. Examine the functions and relationships among the employees of a rehabilitation department. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 1, 6, 8)
  6. Examine quality assurance issues in the practice of physical therapy. (CCC 2; PGC 6, 7, 8)
  7. Examine risk management issues in the practice of physical therapy. (CCC 4; PGC 1, 4, 8)
  8. Relate continuing education to its importance in professional development. (CCC 4, PGC 7, 8)

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. Demonstrate professional behavior patterns consistent with developing-level to entry- level generic abilities. These include but not are 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 media for continued development of knowledge and skills.
  2. Explain the process of obtaining and maintaining physical therapist assistant (PTA) licensure.
    1. Summarize the process of obtaining PTA licensure in one’s intended state of practice.
    2. Locate the general forms of the PTA licensure examination.
    3.  Clarify the implications for practice following successful or unsuccessful completion of the licensure exam.
    4. Complete a mock PTA licensure examination arranged by program faculty.
    5. Explain the function of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the state examining board.
    6. Compare and contrast the process of licensure application by examination and/or endorsement.
    7. Summarize the criteria and content areas of the PTA licensure exam.
    8. Explain the role of the Examining Board of Physical Therapy in interpreting and applying the law.
    9. Examine the process of reporting abuse of vulnerable populations to the appropriate authorities.
    10. Examine the process of reporting fraud to the appropriate authorities.
  3. Conduct a successful job search.
    1. Identify successful interviewing skills.
    2. Organize and submit an acceptable cover letter and résumé.
    3.  Analyze specific job characteristics to identify a facility type that meets one’s individual needs.
  4. Relate the impact of insurance regulations to the practice of physical therapy.
    1. Compare intended subscribers, regulations, and documentation regarding physical therapy for the following insurance carriers: Medicare, Medicaid, workman’s compensation, and private insurance.
    2. Examine the practice of physical therapy in a managed care environment.
    3. Explain how insurance regulations impact the PTA’s scope of practice and participation in treatment.
    4. Formulate a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning in response to an ethical dilemma.
  5. Examine the functions and relationships among the employees of a rehabilitation department.
    1. Outline the basic system design that defines the structure of an organization.
    2. Differentiate between the system design of both small and large-sized physical therapy organizations.
    3. Analyze the relationship that exists among the employees of a physical therapy department: physical therapist (PT), PTA, PT aide, clerical and support staffs, and volunteers.
    4. Apply strategies for conflict resolution, assertiveness, and empowerment in the professional setting.
    5. Identify and describe supervisory tasks within a physical therapy department that are within a PTA’s scope of practice, including the supervisor of PTA students.
    6. Outline the role of the PTA in discharge planning.
  6. Examine quality assurance issues in the practice of physical therapy.
    1. Examine the ways that physical therapist assistants participate in their facility’s quality assurance program.
    2. Outline the typical components of a performance-based audit as used to assess the effectiveness of the physical therapy plan of care.
    3. Create strategies to improve patient outcomes/care in a quality assurance project.
  7. Examine risk management issues in the practice of physical therapy.
    1. Determine potential sources of liability for the practicing physical therapist assistant.
    2. Examine the need for professional liability insurance for the practicing physical therapist assistant.
    3. Identify the provisions of a typical liability insurance contract.
    4. Explain malpractice, negligence, causation, damages, claims, informed consent, and deposition.
    5. Analyze risk management issues related to discrimination and sexual harassment.
  8. Relate continuing education to its importance in professional development.
    1. Identify and explain continuing education unit (CEU).
    2. Evaluate the process of obtaining CEUs and its impact on continued licensure in Delaware.
    3. Examine the ways in which CEUs can be obtained.
    4. Examine opportunities in PTA career advancement.
    5. Construct a professional management portfolio.
    6. Recognize the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assisting students.
    7. Describe the role of physical therapist assistants in volunteering to support community and/or professional organizations.
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

Resume & Cover Letter (summative)

20%

3-5 Modular Assessments equally weighted (summative)

25%

Final cumulative exam (summative)

30%

Generic Abilities Tool for Professional Behaviors (summative)

5%

Online Group Activities (formative)

20%

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.