Course Descriptions 2023-2024 School Year PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PHT1000C  Principles and Procedures with Lab  4.0   O This course is an introductory course for PTA students providing foundational knowledge and skills, which will be used throughout the program and in the clinic. This course will provide the PTA student with the foundation of the profession of physical therapy including: history of the profession, federal and state laws, rules and regulations, ethics, supervision requirements; the PTA/PT relationship; PT/PTA scope of practice; professional communication; patient interaction, management and education; principles of documentation; safety considerations; infection control; taking vital signs; proper body mechanics; patient transfer training; use of assistive devices and special equipment; basic wound care; incident and emergency response.... Full Description PHT1132C  Musculoskeletal Disorders with Lab  4.0   O This course provides a foundation for the application of skills and techniques related to treatment of common musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, surgeries and injuries. Introduction to physical therapy related measurements and progression of treatment, cause and effect factors associated with selected common orthopedic disorders and injuries and healing. This course covers upper and lower extremities, spine and trunk including orthotics and prosthetics, and documentation for orthopedic disorders and treatment.... Full Description PHT2162C  Neurological Disorders and Treatment with Lab  4.0   O This course is a survey of common neurological disorders, disease and dysfunction, and associated clinical manifestations and treatment techniques related to PT intervention, including stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, birth defects, and other selected neuromuscular diseases and disorders.... Full Description PHT2220C  Therapeutic Exercise 1 with Lab  4.0   O This course is an introduction to therapeutic exercise with primary focus on musculoskeletal dysfunction, and a continuation of measurement and treatment skills of the extremities and spine. This course will continue with concepts discussed in the Kinesology and Musculoskeletal courses of the prior semester. The therapeutic exercise intervention methods will prepare the student for application in Practicum I.... Full Description PHT2800  Clinical Experience 1  6.0   O This course will provide the student with the opportunity to receive clinical experience as a student physical therapist assistant in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The CI (clinical instructor) may be a licensed PT or PTA. The purpose is to gain real time experience and training in the clinical setting and to apply the various knowledge and skills that have been taught in the classroom and lab. A total minimum of 320 hours is required.... Full Description PHT2810  Clinical Experience 2  6.0   O This course is a terminal, full-time clinical experience to provide the student with the opportunity to receive clinical experience as a student physical therapist assistant in a clinical setting, and demonstrate entry level skills under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and practice readiness for employment in the profession. The CI (clinical instructor) may be a licensed PT or PTA. The purpose is to gain real time experience and training in the clinical setting, apply the various knowledge and skills that have been taught in the classroom and lab, and prepare for entry to the workplace as a PTA. Students are expected to perform at entry level. A total minimum of 320 hours is required.... Full Description PHT2932  Special Topics  2.0   O This 2-credit course explores niches and specialties in physical therapy including wellness and prevention, sports, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, wound care, women's health, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, primary care, trauma, amputees, neurology, and other topics.... Full Description PHT1301  Principles of Disease  3.0   O This course is an overview of basic pathology of major body systems and common diseases and conditions encountered with physical therapy patients. Development from infant to aging, special considerations across the lifespan, and cultural considerations are included in this course.... Full Description PHT2931  Seminar  2.0   O This course assists the student in preparation for employment as a PTA. Topics include resume preparation, review of the Florida PT Practice Act, PT Guide to Physical Therapy Practice, PT Ethics Statement and Florida PT laws and rules information, NPTAE and Florida Laws and Rules Exam review and practice.... Full Description PHT2210C  Modalities with Lab  4.0   O This course introduces therapeutic intervention modalities commonly used in physical therapy treatment including heat, cold, light, sound, water, electricity, biofeedback, traction, massage and soft tissue treatment, as well as treatment and infection control for wound management. Students will learn the physiological effects, indications/contraindications, precautions and methods of application, treatment and problem solving concerning each modality. Effective documentation and discharge planning is continued in this course.... Full Description PHT1121C  Kinesiology/Anatomy with Lab  4.0   O This course provides the PTA student with foundational knowledge of structure and function of the musculoskeletal system with focus primarily on normal structure and function. Biomechanics, Cardiopulmonary and neuromotor development are included.... Full Description PHT2228C  Therapeutic Exercise 2 with Lab  4.0   O This course will continue the focus on therapeutic exercise with primary concentration on neurological dysfunction and treatment. This course will continue with concepts discussed in Therapeutic Exercise I and Neurologic Disorders and Treatment. Current theories of motor control, motor learning and skill acquisition will be explored, as well as practicing treatment techniques for balance, mobility and gait. The therapeutic exercise intervention methods will assist in preparing the student for application in Clinical Internship II.... Full Description