Program Curriculum and Course Descriptions

The PTA program offers a six-semester curriculum sequence to complete all necessary coursework and clinical internships.

First Year

Semester 1 (Summer Term 3 & 4) Prerequisites

These courses must be completed prior to beginning professional core (PHT)courses.

  • ENC 1101 English Composition I
  • BSC 2085C Anatomy & Physiology I
  • POS 2041 – American National Government

Semester 2 (Fall)

  • *BSC 2086C Anatomy & Physiology II
  • PHT 1250C Introduction to Basic Patient Care
  • PHT 1128C Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology I
  • PHT 2220C Therapeutic Exercise in PT I

Semester 3 (Spring)

  • PHT 1129C Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology II
  • PHT 2252C Orthopedic Disabilities & Rehabilitation
  • PHT 1213C PT Principles & Procedures
  • *HSC 2554 Basic Principles of Disease

Second Year

Semester 1 (Summer Term 3 & 4)

  • *MGF 1106 Topics in Mathematics (Required for AS degree track)
  • PHT 1801L PT Clinical Education I

Semester 2 (Fall – Accelerated Term)

  • *PHI 2010 Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHT 2931 Trends in Physical Therapy
  • PHT 2221C Therapeutic Exercise in PT II
  • PHT 2810L PT Clinical Education II

Semester 3 (Spring – Accelerated Term)

  • PHT 2930 Clinical Correlations in PT
  • PHT 2253C Neurological Disabilities and Treatment
  • PHT 2820L PT Clinical Education III

*Courses may be completed before entering the PTA program.

Course Descriptions

  1. PHT 1128C – FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY I

    Course Prerequisite(s): Admission to the PTA Program
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 1250C and PHT 2220C

    This lecture and laboratory course introduces the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology as they pertain to human movement. Students study the osteology of the human body and identify anatomical landmarks through the use of palpation skills. This course discusses myology and neurology of the abdomen, back, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities, and provides an introduction to the upper extremity, head, and neck. Manual muscle testing and basic therapeutic exercise, as applied to the lower extremities and gait evaluation, are also included in this course.

  2. PHT 1129C FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY II

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1128C
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 2252C and PHT 1213C

    This is the second course of a two-part sequence that introduces the student to the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology as they pertain to human movement. The course provides an overview of the osteology of the head and upper limbs that enables identification of anatomical landmarks through use of palpation. The student receives detailed instruction in the myology and neurology of the face, shoulder girdle, and the upper extremities. The laboratory portion of the course provides an exploration of manual muscle testing techniques and some basic therapeutic exercise principles that can be applied to the face and the upper extremities. The course also covers basic neuroanatomy, introductory concepts of motor control, and motor relearning as they relate to physical therapy.

  3. PHT1213C PHYSICAL THERAPY PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1250C, PHT1128C
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 1129C, PHT 2252C

    This lecture and laboratory course introduces the theory and practical application of the modalities and treatment procedures used in physical therapy. The course presents the application of treatments, as well as the associated physiological effects, indications, and contraindications. These treatments include thermal and mechanical agents, electrical stimulation, and chest physical therapy.

  4. PHT1250C INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PATIENT CARE

    Course Prerequisite(s): Admission to the PTA Program
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 1128C, PHT 2220C

    This is a lecture and laboratory course in which the student performs activities and modalities basic to physical therapy patient care. The curriculum emphasizes the development of psychomotor skills and an awareness of patient safety, including general indications and contraindications associated with each procedure. Students study and apply medical, anatomical, and physical therapy terminologies.

  5. PHT1801L PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICAL EDUCATION I

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1129C, PHT 1213C, PHT 2252C, and BSC 2086C

    This course provides experience in patient care within a professional clinical setting. This course emphasizes observation of techniques, demonstration of interpersonal skills, and application of skills learned in the classroom under the close supervision of a clinical instructor.

  6. PHT 2220C THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY I

    Course Prerequisite(s): Admission to the PTA Program
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 1128C, PHT 1250C

    This lecture and laboratory course provides an introductory study of the neurophysiological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular basis for application of therapeutic exercise. Students study various therapeutic exercise techniques and the basis of these techniques as they apply to patient care in rehabilitation. This course prepares students for Therapeutic Exercises in Physical Therapy II (PHT 2221C).

  7. PHT 2221C THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY II

    Prerequisite(s): PHT 1801L; PHT 2220C
    Corequisite(s): PHT 2931

    This lecture and laboratory course provides an introductory study of the neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular bases for the application of therapeutic exercises, and is sequential in study with Therapeutic Exercises in Physical Therapy I (PHT 2220C). This course describes the general aspects of therapeutic exercise including, but not limited to, effects of medications on exercises, stages of rehabilitation, issues related to rehabilitation of amputees, and common indications and usages related to orthotics and prosthetics. Specific attention is given to the application of therapeutic exercise for specific body segments and joints of the upper extremities, lower extremities, and spine. The course also discusses the application of gait training for various pathologies and problems.

  8. PHT 2252C ORTHOPEDIC DISABILITIES AND REHABILITATION

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1250C, PHT 1128C and PHI 2220C
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 1129C, PHT 1213C

    This lecture and laboratory course introduces orthopedic diseases, syndromes, and injuries, with an emphasis on the conditions most commonly treated in physical therapy rehabilitation. Students apply basic anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology to common disorders seen in the musculoskeletal system. Students utilize this information to develop appropriate intervention strategies for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal/orthopedic pathologies and conditions.

  9. PHT 2253C NEUROLOGICAL DISABILITIES AND TREATMENT

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 2810L
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 2930

    This course is designed as an overview of neurological disabilities and introduces the basic principles and techniques of therapeutic exercises that can be applied to the prevention, correction, and restoration of function in specific neurological conditions. The laboratory aspect of the course reinforces the principles and concepts discussed during lectures.

  10. PHT 2810L PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICAL EDUCATION II

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1801L, PHT 2221C, PHT 2931

    This clinical experience focuses on the development of patient treatment skills. Students actively participate in direct patient care under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor, and apply the information and skills studied in previous classes. Students are exposed to a number of diagnoses and are responsible for the preparation of a case study or clinical in-service.

  11. PHT 2820L PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICAL EDUCATION III

    Prerequisite(s): PHT 2810L and PHT 2253C
    Corequisite(s): PHT 2930

    This comprehensive clinical experience serves as the final practicum in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. The clinical experience focuses on total patient care through the application of information and skills from previous classes, use of time management, and focus on the interdisciplinary aspects of patient treatment. The student carries a patient caseload under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

  12. PHT 2930 CLINICAL CORRELATIONS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 2810L
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 2820L and PHT 2253C

    This course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the integrated treatment of patients with selected diagnoses. The student researches, explains and applies information regarding treatment interventions for various diagnoses that are selected by the clinical and academic faculty. Discussions include guest speakers on specialty areas of treatment. The course concludes with a Comprehensive Clinical Competency Exam.

  13. PHT 2931 TRENDS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

    Course Prerequisite(s): PHT 1801L
    Course Corequisite(s): PHT 2221C

    This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and ethos of the physical therapy profession and includes an exploration of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and its participation in current legislative issues. The student is exposed to reimbursement issues, interdisciplinary treatment approaches, biomedical ethics, and selected topics that influence patient interaction. Projects focus on the development of strong oral and written communication skills for patient education and interaction.