PHT 101 Medical Terminology For Clinicians
2 credits

A self-directed, technology-enhanced approach is used in the study of medical terminology and medical record documentation. Initial emphasis is placed on basic terminology word skills and knowledge including prefixes, suffixes, word parts, general medicine and body parts, and selected abbreviations and symbols. After initial learning modules are completed , study focuses on a body system approach to common and special services in health care relating to structure, function, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. The sequence of study can be customized for the student area of specialization as directed by the instructor. Mastery includes skills in spelling, pronunciation, definitions, of terms and comprehensive use of select medical terms in appropriate written and oral applications.. Completion of this course will prepare the student for curricula study in the area of specialization. Lecture two hours per week.

PHT 111 Introduction to Physical Therapy
2 credits

This course introduces principles of physical therapy practice in understanding the role of the PTA to assist in providing care. Students are given an introduction to the State of Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act and the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. Basic physical therapy skills including communication, critical thinking, team interaction, palpation, body mechanics, basic range of motion (ROM), vital signs, and simple transfers are taught. Certification and/or re-certification in the American Heart Association’s Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), handling basic medical emergencies, and an introduction to risk management are included. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.

PHT 112 Interpersonal and Communication Skills for PTA
2 credits

In this course, students will initiate the study of interpersonal and communication skills required of the Physical Therapist Assistant. A major component of this course will cover learning about the different forms of communication including listening, verbal and non-verbal skills, and written documentation. Students will practice verbal and non-verbal techniques of patient communication including dialoguing and commands, motivation and compliance, coping mechanisms, and othr creative communication strategies. Written documentation will introduce the student to various for of record keeping and legal –ethical requirements associated with the medical record and communication among the patient, self and peers. Interpersonal relationships and professional behaviors will address the needs of the patient, family, society, and the health care professional as they deal with issues of health and wellness versus illness and disability. They will initiate an exploration of many of the special challenges faced by patients that may include coping with pain or loss of function, chronic disease or disability, death and dying, sexuality and barriers to regaining function. Students will be encouraged to examine their own perspectives, beliefs, and values as they learn more about new and/or diverse cultural and societal beliefs and values associated with health and disability. Lecture two hours per week.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration or credit in PSY 101, and acceptance into the PTA program.

PHT 113 Introduction to Disease
2 credits

Students are instructed in surveying the disease processes affecting the various systems of the human body. The course will address some of the skills required in screening or recognizing diseases and healing processes pertinent to physical therapy. Lecture two hours per week.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.

PHT 114 Fundamentals of Kinesiology I
4 credits

This is the first course of a two-part series in the fundamentals of kinesiology. Students are introduced to basic concepts of motion as they apply to the human body. Concepts covered include force, torque, leverage, balance, body mechanics, and motion analysis. Bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the upper and lower extremities will be studied in detail. This knowledge will then be applied to analyzing human motion with an emphasis on integrating structure and function. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program.

PHT 115 Fundamentals of Kinesiology II
4 credits

This is the second course of a two-part series in the fundamentals of kinesiology. Students continue to analyze and apply the basic concepts of motion as they apply to the human body. Concepts covered include biomechanics, motion analysis, posture, and gait. Bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the thorax, abdomen, and spinal column will be studied in detail. This knowledge will then be applied to analyzing human motion with and emphasis on integrating structure and function. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 116 Soft Tissue Management
2 credits

Principles and practical application of physical therapy massage and soft tissue manual techniques currently used in clinical practice are covered. Basic concepts of myofascial release, trigger point management, craniosacral therapy, and lymphedema management as they pertain to current clinical practice are also introduced. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 117 Principles of Testing and Intervention
3 credits

This course embodies goniometry, manual muscle testing, basic standardized exercises for the trunk and extremities, principles of stretching and strengthening, transfer techniques, gait training with assistive devices, normal gait analysis, bed mobility, wheelchair management, and home exercise programs. It also includes designing exercise/activity programs and the progression of exercises used with various physical therapy interventions. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 118 Cardiopulmonary Management
1 credit

Management of patients with pulmonary and/or cardiac diseases is addressed in lecture and laboratory practice applications. The physical therapy implication of cardiopulmonary pathology is studied. Intervention and documentation of postural drainage, manual chest physical therapy techniques, breathing exercises, coronary care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and physiological response to exercise are emphasized. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week for eight weeks.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 119 Interventions for Special Populations (Pediatric/Geriatric)
2 credit

Management of patients from special age populations is addressed in lecture and laboratory practice applications. The study of human development across the life span is emphasized, especially in special handling techniques relative to physical therapy management. The concepts of motor learning motor learning and relearning are addressed as they apply to rehabilitation of the special population. Additionally, diseases and conditions or problems considered as age specific will be studied in depth as they relate to the testing and intervention elements of patient/client management. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week for eight weeks.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 212 Neurological Therapeutic Exercise
3 credits

This is a basic neurological rehabilitation course covering anatomy and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, functional mobility skills, activities of daily living (ADL’s), documentation of assessment and treatment interventions, and the writing of home exercise/activity programs. Students will be instructed in exercise programs and therapeutic intervention techniques typically used when working with patients diagnosed with stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic head injury, central nervous system disorders, and peripheral nerve injuries. Specific therapeutic treatment techniques, as well as designing and writing home exercise/activity programs for patients with neurological diagnoses are also taught. Documentation of the various assessments, techniques, and activities will be incorporated into this course. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in the PTA program.

PHT 213 Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise
3 credits

This basic orthopedic course covers normal and abnormal gait, prosthetic management, arthritis and joint replacements, and postural correcting exercises. It presents treatment principles and therapeutic exercises for the neck, back, and peripheral joints. It also discusses exercise principles and progression of the orthopedic patient through exercise programs. It includes designing and writing a home exercise program for the orthopedic patient. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first year in the PTA program.

PHT 215 Therapeutic Modalities
3 credits

Students study the physiological effects, principles, and practical therapeutic applications of hydrotherapy, thermal agents, physical agents, and electromagnetic agents. Emphasis is placed on understanding the effects of each physical agent or modality as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It also allows the student hands-on lab time to gain proficiency in the application of modalities as presented in class. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in the PTA program.

PHT 217 Clinical Affiliations I
3 credits

The clinical component of this course provides an opportunity for the students’ first hands-on clinical practice of the skills taught in previous and concurrent coursework. The students will enter this affiliation with the basic skills and knowledge learned during the first year of the PTA program. They will work under the supervision of a P.T. or a P.T.A. in an actual clinical facility. New techniques and theories will be applied and reinforced in the clinical setting. The lecture component of this course will allow the student to interact with his/her classmates, instructors, and guest lecturers. Lecture topics are relevant to current issues/trends in health care and to the PTA scope of practice. Web based lecture, lab 40 hours per week for five weeks.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in the PTA program.

PHT 220 Advanced Physical Therapy Techniques
3 credits

Advanced orthopedic and neurological principles, interventions, and handling techniques currently used in clinical practice are presented. This course provides students with the opportunity to work with a variety of advanced or specialized areas in physical therapy. Current trends and issues regarding the scope of practice are also addressed. The principles, interventions, and handling techniques presented in this course are above the basic course level. Hybrid classroom and Web-based instruction.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third semester in the PTA program.

PHT 222 Seminar in Health Care Literature
2 credits

Students learn to explore the elements and sources of physical therapy professional research as a means of developing skills in lifelong learning. Each student is required to generate a written technical paper, an instructional video, or a similar project. In addition, an oral presentation of the student’s work to simulate an in-service presentation is required. Hybrid classroom and Web-based instruction.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third semester in the PTA program.

PHT 224 Professional Issues In Physical Therapy Practice
2 credits

This course correlates professional, ethical and legal concepts with patients’ rights, privileges, team interaction, and the healthcare delivery system. Reimbursement for service, licensure, risk management, resume writing, and career development are also covered. Hybrid classroom and Web-based instruction.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third semester in the PTA program.

PHT 225 Clinical Affiliations II
5 credits

Students apply concepts and skills learned in all previous academic and clinical settings. It will also enable the student to apply and reinforce new techniques and skills in their clinical experience. These final, two clinical affiliations offer the student clinical experiences that will progress him/her toward independently functioning as a physical therapist assistant working under the supervision of a PT or PTA in an actual clinical setting (40 hours per week). A lecture component allows students to interact with classmates, instructors, and guest lecturers. Lecture topics are relevant to current issues/trends in health care and to the PTA scope of practice. Hybrid classroom and Web-based instruction., laboratory 40 hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third semester in the PTA program.