Course Descriptions

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. 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 Patient Management 1: Basic Skills for the PTA
2 credits
This course introduces principles of physical therapy practice and interventions performed by the Physical Therapist Assistant. Basic physical therapy skills including palpation, body mechanics, wheelchair management, gait training and use of assistive devices, transfer training, bed mobility and basic range of motion will be taught. The student will understand the importance of measuring vital signs and will be introduced to the handling of basic medical emergencies, risk management and infection control. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into PTA program.

PHT112 Principles Of Practice I: Introduction To Physical Therapy
2 Credits
Students are introduced to legal and ethical concepts guiding professional behavior and conduct while developing an awareness of the health care delivery system, work performance and expectations and cultural diversity. This includes an examination of the State of Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act and core documents of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Students will be introduced to the role of the PTA as a member of the health care team. This course will also introduce students to the study of interpersonal and communication skills required of the Physical Therapist Assistant, addressing different forms of communication including listening, verbal and non-verbal skills and written documentation. The student will be introduced to standards of record keeping including legal and ethical requirements associated with the medical record and patient information. Interpersonal relationships and professional behaviors will address the needs of the patient, family and health care professional as they deal with issues of health, wellness, illness and disability. The student will be introduced to social and psychological aspects of illness, disability, death and dying. Lecture two hours per week. Prerequisite: acceptance into PTA program.

PHT 113 Introduction to Disease
2 credits

This foundational course surveys the disease processes affecting the various systems of the human body. Students will be introduced to concepts of both medical and physical therapy screening and diagnosis. Instruction will address pathology of disease within selected systems of the human body and how this pathology may impact the delivery of physical therapy interventions to the individual. The course will discuss presentation of common disease processes and healing processes as they relate to physical therapy. The material presented in this course will lay the groundwork for future studies within this program. Lecture two hours per week. Prerequisite: Acceptance into PTA program.

PHT 114 Fundamentals of Kinesiology I
4 credits

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 biomechanics, motion analysis and posture. Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the thorax, abdomen, spinal column and upper extremities will be covered 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

The second course of a two part series in the fundamentals of kinesiology. Students continue to analyze basic concepts of motion as they apply the human body including force, torque, and other biomechanical concepts as they relate to therapeutic activity and exercise. Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the lower extremities will be studied in detail. Students will analyze and apply biomechanical and muscle physiology concepts to the joints of the lower extremity as well as their role in human gait. This knowledge will then be applied to analyzing human motion and posture with an emphasis on integrating structure and function. Lecture three hours a week, laboratory three hours a week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 117 Patient Management II: Tests And Measurements
2 Credits
This is the second course in the Patient Management Series. This course addresses issues of testing and measurement important to the assessment of patient response to physical therapy. Students will acquire skills in goniometry, manual muscle testing, and basic sensory testing. In addition students will be introduced to the use of outcome measures in physical therapy practice. Data collection will also include measurement of anthropometrical characteristics, neurological integrity, integumentary integrity and pain. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program.

PHT 122 Therapeutic Exercise
2 Credits
Students are introduced to the principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise including, but not limited to therapeutic interventions for stretching, range of motion, strengthening, posture, balance, coordination and agility training and aerobic conditioning. Emphasis will be placed on the role of therapeutic exercise in medical, surgical, orthopedic and neurological conditions and in maintenance of health and well being. Students will learn how to implement a therapeutic exercise program under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist and will identify when to progress, modify, adapt or withhold exercise interventions in response to patient presentation. Students will learn how to write and implement a home exercise program that is consistent with the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Lecture one hour, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in PTA program

PHT 123 Systems And Interventions I: Orthopedics
 3 Credits
This course focuses on the application of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of orthopedic conditions of the trunk and extremities. Common orthopedic diagnoses will be presented and students will discuss the principles and progression of the orthopedic patient throughout the various stages of recovery. Students will learn how to appropriately integrate therapeutic modalities and exercise into the treatment plan to enhance healing and recovery. This course will also discuss the use of orthotics for the orthopedic patient. Students will be introduced to the special needs of the patient with a lower limb amputation. Instruction will include discussion on the levels of lower extremity amputation and address pre prosthetic and prosthetic rehabilitation. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in PTA program.

 PHT 124 Introduction To Clinical Education
1 Credit
This course is designed to prepare the student for their first clinical experiences in the fall. Students will review and practice oral and written communication skills, and will be introduced to general information on billing for physical therapy services. Students will be given the opportunity to observe clinical practice with emphasis on examining the role of the PTA, and the relationship between the PT and the PTA. This experience is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe the organization and general operation of a clinical environment, including PT/PTA interaction, time management techniques and professional deportment. Students will receive information about the health, legal and conduct requirements of the clinical sites. Lecture two hours per week for 8 weeks. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in PTA program.

PHT 125 Therapeutic Modalities
 2 Credits
Students study the physiological effects, principles and practical therapeutic applications of physical modalities including, but not limited to hydrotherapy, thermal agents, cryotherapy, ultrasound, traction, compression therapies and electrotherapeutic modalities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the effects, indications and contraindications of each modality and providing competent application of the modality as part of an established plan of care. The course will also address physiological effects, principles and practical application of soft tissue management techniques. Basic theoretical concepts are introduced relative to current clinical physical therapy practice including use of therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point management, soft tissue mobilization and lymphedema management. Lecture one hour laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester in the PTA program

PHT 212 Systems and Interventions II: Neurology
3 credits

Basic neurologic 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 taught exercise programs and therapeutic intervention techniques to work 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 PTA program.

PHT 217 Clinical Internship I                 
3 Credits
This course introduces the student to supervised practice in the clinical setting. There are two components to this course, lecture and clinical. The lecture component covers topics that are relevant to current issues and trends in health care and to the PTA scope of practice. Classroom and web based discussion will address legal and ethical standards of practice, presentation skills, effective communication and conflict resolution. The course will also introduce the student to lifelong learning and career development for the PTA. The clinical component of this course provides an opportunity for the student to experience supervised hands on clinical practice. The clinical experience will be both a learning opportunity as new techniques and skills are applied and an opportunity to apply basic skills and knowledge learned during the first year of the PTA program. This course requires 4 weeks of full time clinical education (40 hours) with a concurrent web based component. The remaining weeks will involve in-class lecture of two hours per week. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in PTA program

PHT  218 Cardiovascular, Pulmonary And  Integumentary Management
2 Credits
This course will expand on the medical and physical therapy management of patients with disease and impairment of the cardiac, pulmonary, vascular and integumentary systems introduced in PHT 113. Students will be introduced to data collection techniques and interventions related to assessment and management of these systems. Emphasis will be
placed on wound care and prevention of skin breakdown, postural drainage and chest physical therapy techniques, breathing exercises, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and physiological response of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to exercise. Lecture one hour per week, laboratory three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in PTA program.

PHT 219 Special Populations: Pediatric And Geriatric
2 Credits
Management of patients from special age populations is addressed in lecture and laboratory format. The study of normal aging across the lifespan is considered emphasizing normal development in pediatrics and age related changes in older people. Physical therapy management will focus on testing and interventions specific to diseases and conditions considered age specific. The course will explore the different service delivery settings and reimbursement mechanisms for pediatric and geriatric populations and will look at the impact of caring on family members and caregivers. Legal and ethical considerations specific to the needs of vulnerable populations will be discussed. Lecture one hour per week and laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year in the PTA program.

PHT 220 Advanced Physical Therapy Techniques
3 Credits

Advanced orthopedic, neurological and integumentary interventions and handling techniques currently used in clinical practice are presented. Students will be introduced to advanced therapeutic exercise techniques and elements of assistive and adaptive technology not addressed in basic course material. This course provides students the opportunity to work with a variety of advanced or specialized topics in the field of physical therapy. Current trends and issues regarding scope of practice and different practice settings suitable for the PTA are addressed. The principles, interventions and handling techniques presented in this course are above the basic course level. Lecture twelve hours per week for four weeks.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHT 212, PHT 218, PHT 219 and consent of PTA Program Director.

PHT 222 Seminar in Health Care Literature
2 Credits

This course is designed to guide the student through the process of finding and using evidence to support best practice. Students will learn how to formulate a research question and how to use that question to search the professional literature for relevant evidence. Instruction will teach students to be critical consumers of articles that they read, with tools to assess not only the quality of the research, but also the level of evidence presented. Basic statistical concepts will be discussed. Students will be required to integrate evidence into clinical practice and to present evidence on a given topic relevant
to physical therapy practice to their peers. The significance of professional literature to reflective practice and lifelong learning will be discussed. This is a hybrid course with classroom and web based instruction.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHT 212, PHT 218, PHT 219 and consent of the PTA Program Director. English 102 is recommended

 PHT 224 Principles Of Practice II: Professional Issues In Physical Therapy
2 Credits
This course builds on the introductory information presented in part one of this series, expanding on professional issues, risk management, ethical and legal concepts of patient care and patient rights. The course will further develop the roles and responsibilities of the PTA and reinforce team interaction and communication skills. In preparation for a career in physical therapy the student will receive instruction related to development of skills required for job seeking and retention in a competitive marketplace. Topics will include applying for licensure and license renewal criteria, résumé writing, portfolio development, continued professional development and career paths for the PTA. Hybrid Classroom and web based instruction. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHT 212, PHT 218, PHT 219 and consent of the PTA Program Director.

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 PTA scope of practice. Hybrid lecture, laboratory 40 hours per week for two six-week sessions.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHT 212, PHT 218, PHT 219 and consent of PTA Program Director.