Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Courses

This course is an in-depth study of the principles of human anatomy and physiology. It includes the study of structure and function of the body as a whole and study of cell biology, histology, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems plus the special senses. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Required Prerequisite(s): High school chemistry with minimum grade of C- or CHEM1010 with minimum grade of C-, and ENGL0040, MATH0084 (minimum grade of C- required for all), or qualifying placement test score. (If the student has completed BIO121 and BIO122 OR BIOL1730 with a minimum grade of C, then the student is not required to have high school chemistry or CHEM 1010.)
Required Concurrent Course(s): Take BIOL2751L

This course is a continuation of BIOL 2751. It includes the study of structure and function of blood and the cardiovascular, lymphatic/immunity, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Required Prerequisite(s): BIOL2751 with a minimum grade of C-
Required Concurrent Course(s): BIOL2752L

This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)

This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001)

Required Prerequisite(s): ENGL0040 with a minimum grade of C- or qualifying placement test scores

This course will introduce medical terminology; including common medical root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. It will include common medical abbreviations, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terminology related to the human body systems. Students who are pursuing an allied health or nursing degree, or working in health care professions will enhance their knowledge of medical terminology in this course. (TAG# OHL020 and CTAG# CTMT001)

In this course the field of physical therapy and the roles of physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, and other healthcare personnel and organizations are explored. Laws, rules, ethics, organization, and accreditation in physical therapy and healthcare are reviewed also. Management of patient rights and the legal, ethical, and moral issues involved in the patient treatment, medical and physical therapy documentation, functional outcome reporting, and SOAP note writing is introduced as well.

Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA1040, PHTA1070

The course will cover the clinical application of physical agents to be administered by the physical therapist assistant. Included are the presentation of basic physiology and theory of vital signs, patient positioning, body mechanics, transfers, sterile procedures, massage, wound care, heat, cold, hydrotherapy, pneumatic compression, ultrasound, light, and motorized traction electrical safety as well as physiology, theory, and application of ultrasound, various forms of therapeutic electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and biofeedback. Bed traction and patient instruction will also be included.

Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA1010, PHTA1070, PHTA1040L, PHTA1040T

A course involving a study of human movement, principles of mechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy and neuromuscular physiology as it relates to the development of physical therapy exercise and those forces creating human activity. The time, space and mass aspects of human motion are also presented. Laboratory activities including location and palpation of muscles.

Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA1010, PHTA1040, PHTA1070L

This course is beginning course work in therapeutic exercise including goniometry, range of motion, manual muscle testing, strengthening, stretching, joint mobilization, manual therapy, abnormal posture and gait training as well as wheelchair mobility, aquatic therapy and women’s care.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA1010, PHTA1040, PHTA1070
Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA1110

This is a continuation of didactic and technical instruction for clinical practice. This course covers normal and abnormal motor development, pediatric conditions affecting motor development, and interventions to address infant and pediatric conditions leading to motor delays and adult neurological disorders affecting motor function and interventions to address the motor deficits of individuals with neurological motor dysfunction. Wheelchair prescription and use as well as various transfers for pediatric and neurologically impaired individuals will also be covered.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA1010, PHTA1040, PHTA1070
Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA1090, PHTA1110T, PHTA1110L

This course examines diagnoses encountered by the physical therapist assistant during practice and will be presented in terms of their relationship to physical therapy. Topics will include but not be limited to cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and geriatric disorders.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2110, PHTA2115
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2090, PHTA2170

This course is designed to provide more in-depth detail and knowledge involving clinical conditions and interventions related to orthopedic diagnoses. This more advanced subject matter will allow the physical therapist assistant student to integrate previous knowledge into more situations with greater understanding of the orthopedic client.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2110, PHTA2115
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2070, PHTA2170

The practicum experience is a “hands-on” reality experience providing on-the-job opportunities to acquire further knowledge, learning and opportunities for practicing skills. The practicum will take place in a facility that can provide learning experiences consistent with the student’s interest and learning desires and meets approval of the instructor. Students will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This practicum experience is a full-time rotation for 5 weeks with a minimum of 35 hours per week with an online seminar during the 5 weeks.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA1090, PHTA1110
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2115

This course discusses issues relevant to the physical therapy profession and patient populations. The course also discusses time and stress management as well as styles of management and communication, utilization review, and utilization management. The course relates patient outcomes to documentation and reimbursement in the healthcare field. Introduction into research as it relates to physical therapy, along with data collection and the different methods of collecting data for research.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA1090, PHTA1110
Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA2110

This is the second of three clinical rotations completed in a facility affiliated with the program. The practicum experience is a “hands-on” reality experience providing on-the-job opportunities to acquire further knowledge, learning and opportunities for practicing skills. The practicum will take place in a facility that can provide learning experiences consistent with the student’s interest and learning desires and meets approval of the instructor. Students will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This practicum experience is a full-time rotation for 6 weeks for a minimum of 38 hours per week.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2070, PHTA2090, PHTA2170
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2135, PHTA2150, PHTA2155

This course is designed to review material discussed in previous physical therapy assistant courses. The review is designed to assist students in preparation for the Ohio licensing exam and the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination. As well as to cover topics such as professional development and evidence-based practice. This course is graded Pass (P) or No-Pass (NP).

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2070, PHTA2090, PHTA2170
Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA2130, PHTA2150, PHTA2155

This is the final clinical rotation completed in a facility affiliated with the Physical Therapy Assistant program. The Directed practicum experience is a “hands-on” reality experience providing on-the-job opportunities to acquire further knowledge, learning and opportunities for practicing skills. The Directed practicum will take place in a facility that can provide learning experiences consistent with the student’s interest and learning desires and meets approval of the instructor. Students will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This practicum experience is a full-time rotation for 7 weeks for a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2070, PHTA2090, PHTA2170
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2130, PHTA2135, PHTA2155

This course discusses issues relevant to the physical therapy profession and patient populations. The course reviews the Ohio laws and rules for jurisprudence exam and the Integrity and Practice Campaign designed by the APTA. The course will have discussions online about patient caseload and different diagnoses that the students are encountering.

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2070, PHTA2090, PHTA2170
Required Concurrent Course(s): PHTA2130, PHTA2135, PHTA2150

This is a research course which will allow the PTA student to learn to perform evidence-based research to gain further understanding in a particular area as well as to complete a research project and present the material to classmates. This class is graded Pass (P) or No-Pass (NP).

Required Prerequisite(s): PHTA2110, PHTA2115
Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent: PHTA2070, PHTA2090

This course will provide students with a general understanding, knowledge, and awareness of the physical world around them. Topics will introduce the concepts of mechanical, electrical and atomic physics with discussions, lectures, and laboratory experiences related to the principles of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and atomic structure. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Natural Sciences TMNS.

Required Prerequisite(s): MATH0084 with a minimum grade of C-

Introduction to Psychology is an introductory level course and is a study of the basic human behavior. Topics include the history of psychology, scientific methods, biological processes, cognitive processes, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, intelligence, human development, personality theory, psychopathology and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS015. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS

PSYC 2010 – Human Growth and Development3 Credits; 3 Lecture HoursThis course presents an overview of the total life span of human growth and development from conception through old age. It begins with a study of the major theories of human development and includes an examination of the dynamics of human growth in five areas: physical, intellectual, personality, social and moral. The developmental tasks and behavioral characteristics of eight stages of human growth are examined, ending with a brief treatment of death and dying. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS048. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS

Required Prerequisite(s): PSYC1010

This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.

Required Prerequisite(s): MATH0084 with a minimum grade of C-, or qualifying placement test score, or co-requisite of STAT0086

There is also 1 elective course required for this degree. Please see the curriculum worksheet (PDF), opens in a new window for a current electives list.