Polk Community College
Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Course Descriptions

PHT 1128C - Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology
This is the first course of a two-part sequence in Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology. This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology as they pertain to human movement. The student will obtain a greater knowledge of the osteology of the human body and will learn to identify anatomical landmarks through palpation skills. The student will also receive detailed instruction in myology and neurology of the abdomen, neck and back, pelvic girdle and lower extremities. Manual muscle testing, basic therapeutic exercises, and gait analysis will also be included in this course. The laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce the principles covered in the lecture. A basic introduction to the study of the upper extremities will also be included.
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PHT 1129C Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology II
This is the second course of a two-part sequence in Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology. This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology as they pertain to human movement. The student will obtain a better knowledge of the osteology of the head and upper limbs and will learn to identify anatomical landmarks through palpation skills. The student will also receive detailed instruction in the myology and neurology of the face, shoulder girdle and the upper extremities. The lab. portion of the course will teach manual muscle testing techniques and some basic therapeutic exercise principles as applied to the face and the upper extremities. The course will also cover basic neuroanatomy and introductory concepts of motor control and motor relearning as they relate to physical therapy. back to top

PHT1213C PT Principles and Procedures
Course Pre-requisites: PHT 1250C, PHT1120C
This is a lecture/laboratory course that introduces the student to the theory and practical applications of the modalities and treatment procedures used in physical therapy. The physiological effects, indications, contraindications, and application of these treatments are presented. These include thermal and mechanical agents, electrical stimulation and chest physical therapy. back to top

PHT1250C Introduction to Basic Patient Care
Course Prerequisites: Admissions to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
This is a lecture/laboratory course in which the student performs activities and modalities basic to physical therapy patient care. Emphasis will be on the development of psychomotor skills and an understanding of patient safety and general indications/contradictions associated with each procedure.Student will become proficient in the use of medical, anatomical and physical therapy terminologies. back to top

PHT1801L Physical Therapy Clinical Education I
Course Prerequisites: PHT 1250C, PHT 1120C
This is a lecture/laboratory course that introduces the student to the theory and practical applications of the modalities and treatment procedures used in physical therapy. The physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, and biofeedback are presented in theory. The student will receive instruction in various ROM techniques, propioceptive
neuromuscular facilitation, and gross joint mobilization. back to top

PHT2220C Therapeutic Exercises in PT I
This Lecture/Laboratory course provides introductory study of the neurophysiological, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular basis for application of therapeutic exercise. The student will learn various therapeutic exercise techniques and the basis of these techniques for application to patient care in rehabilitation and as a preparation for the second part of this course, 2221C, in which therapeutic exercise techniques are more specifically applied to specific diagnoses and functional limitations. back to top

PHT2221C Therapeutic Exercises in PT II
Prerequisites: PHT 1801L; PHT 2220C
This Lecture/Laboratory course provides introductory study of the neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular basis for application of therapeutic exercise. This course is intended as a progression from the body of knowledge encompassed in the previous section of this class (PHT 2220C). This course will describe general aspects of therapeutic exercise including but not limited to effects of medications on exercises, stages of rehabilitation, rehabilitation of the amputee, and common indications and usage of orthotics and prosthetics. Specific attention will be given to application of therapeutic exercise for specific body segments and/or joints of the upper extremities, lower extremities, and spine. Application of gait training to various pathologies and/or problems will be discussed. back to top

PHT2252C Orthopedic Disabilities and Rehabilitation
Course Prerequisites: PHT 1250C, PHT 1128C and PHI 2220C
This is a lecture/laboratory course designed to introduce the student to orthopaedic diseases, syndromes and injuries with emphasis on those conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy rehabilitation. The student will recall basic anatomy, physiology, biomechanics & kinesiology and apply this information to common disorders seen in the musculoskeletal system. The student will then utilize this information to develop appropriate intervention strategies for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic pathologies and conditions. back to top

PHT2253C Neurological Disabilities and Treatment
Course Pre-requisite: PHT 2810L
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic knowledge of neurological disabilities. It will also introduce the students to the basic principles and techniques of therapeutic exercises as they relate and are applied to the prevention, correction and restoration of function in specific neurological conditions. The laboratory aspect of the course will serve to reinforce the principles and concepts discussed in the lecture. back to top

PHT2810L Physical Therapy Clinical Education II
Course Prerequisites: PHT 1121C, PHT 1251C, PSY 2012
This course provides the opportunity for the student to deal with patient care on a daily basis and begin to operate in a professional clinical setting. Observation, interpersonal skills, and application of skills learned in the classroom under close supervision are the primary emphasis of the affiliation. back to top

PHT2820L Physical Therapy Clinical Education III
Course Prerequisites: All PHT courses, successful completion of competency exam.
This is a comprehensive clinical experience which serves as the final preparation of the physical therapist assistant student. Focus is on total patient care, application of knowledge and skills, time management and interaction with other disciplines. The student carries a small patient case load under supervision of a physical therapist or assistant. back to top

PHT2930 Clinical Correlations in PT
Course Pre-requisite: PHT2810L
This is a lecture/laboratory course designed to provide the opportunity to participate in the integrated treatment of patients with selected diagnoses. Guest speakers will lecture on their specialty areas and students will discuss treatment intervention of different diagnoses selected by the clinical and academic faculty. The course will conclude with a comprehensive clinical competency exam. Handouts and other materials will be provided by the instructor(s), as necessary. back to top

PHT2931 Trends in Physical Therapy
Course Prerequisite: PHT 1801L
This course provides the student with the thorough understanding of the structure and ethics of the physical therapy profession. APTA structure and function and current legislative issues will be discussed. The student will be exposed to reimbursement issues, principles of interdisciplinary treatment approaches, oral and written communication skills, biomedical ethics, and selected special topics that influence patient interaction. back to top