Physical Therapy Assistant
PTA 001 Introduction To Physical Therapy Units: 3
This course will introduce students to the field of physical therapy by covering the history and ethics of the profession as they relate to the health care system. The course will cover the development of the team approach in health care delivery, philosophies of rehabilitation, patient relationships, and the psychosocial impact of illness and injury. Also emphasized is the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant. Course content includes observational experiences in patient care settings. The course will also introduce verbal and nonverbal communication skills utilized in health care. Emphasis will be placed on terminology, format, computer use, reimbursement, interpersonal communication, and legal issues. Upon completion, the student will be able to discuss and demonstrate communication skills necessary for effective interaction with patients, families, and other health care providers. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 061
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 002 Pathophysiology I Units: 3
This course introduces common pathological conditions with emphasis on the following systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, hematologic, hepatic, immune, integumentary, and lymphatic. The role of physical therapy in the treatment of these conditions is covered as well as interventions commonly performed by the physical therapist assistant. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: BI 014
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 003 Therapeutic Procedures I Units: 3
This course provides hand-on instruction of the principles and procedures of physical therapy interventions most commonly utilized in the inpatient setting, such as bed mobility, transfers, and gait training. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery of taught procedures and provide an explanation of the rationale for each treatment. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 004 Therapeutic Procedures II Units: 4
This course is a continuation of Therapeutic Procedures I. The course is a study on the principles, procedures, and rationale behind physical therapy intervention most commonly performed in the outpatient setting. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate safe and effective delivery of all taught interventions. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 108 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 001 PTA 003
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 005 Kinesiology Lab Units: 1
This lab course allows for the hands-on learning of functional anatomy and kinesiology. Focus will include muscle and joint function, ROM/strength testing, palpation skills and exercise concepts. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: KINE-008
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 006 Pathophysiology II Units: 2
This course provides a more in-depth look at presentation and treatment methods of cardiac and pulmonary conditions and also addresses less common pathophysiology processes not covered in Pathophysiology I. Common impairments seen with each pathology along with the physical therapy assistant's role in addressing these impairments will be covered. The lab portion of the course will emphasize treatment techniques for the cardiac and pulmonary patient. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 18 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 002
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 007 Neuroscience Units: 3
This course provides students with an overview of the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS, as it relates to treatment of patients with dysfunction in these systems. Emphasis includes structure and function of the nervous system, neurophysiological concepts, growth and development, and neurologic dysfunction. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to identify and discuss specific neuroanatomical structures, basic functions of the nervous system, concepts of human growth and development, identify neurological pathologies and test for normal neurologic response and function. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 002
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 008 Introduction to Kinesiology Units: 3
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach to the study of human movement, including knowledge derived from performing physical activity, studying historical, ethical and philosophical foundations of physical activity, and professional practice centered in physical activity. It includes an analysis of the importance of physical activity in daily life, the relationship between physical activity and the discipline of Kinesiology, and the general effects of physical activity experiences. The course surveys the general knowledge base of the discipline as reflected in the major sub-disciplines and reviews selected in each, showing how they contribute to our understanding of the nature and importance of physical activity. In addition, the course introduces students to the general characteristics of the professions, to specific types of physical activity professions typically pursued by Kinesiology students and assists them in making some early career decisions. Cross-listed with KINE 008.
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C5 CSU GE: E IGETC: None
PTA 009 Functional Anatomy + Kinesiology Units: 3
This course is a continuation of Introduction to Kinesiology and deals with the biomechanical principles of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities of the body. The course includes the kinesiological functions of muscles and muscle groups. Clinical manifestations of muscle dysfunction are covered, as well as techniques for joint measurement. Assessment by manual muscle testing, ROM testing and activities of daily living are presented. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: KINE 008
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 010 Physical Therapy Issues and Trends Units: 2
The course will introduce current trends and issues in the physical therapy field. Emphasis will be placed on practice issues and psychosocial aspects of illness and cultural diversity, with discussion on future of physical therapy and advocacy. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 001
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 011 Therapeutic Procedure III Units: 3
This course is a continuation of study of the principles and procedures of therapeutic Physical Therapy intervention, with emphasis placed on specialized physical therapy interventions and procedure for special populations. Students will learn how to instruct and prepare the patient to utilize this specialized equipment. Problem solving will be utilized in assisting students to apply standardized practices to meet individual patient needs. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 004
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 012 Clinical Fieldwork I Units: 4.5
This is the first full-time clinical assignment in the PTA program in which students perform delegated patient care responsibilities in a physical therapy clinical setting, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will practice the application of physical therapy procedures according to the setting such as the acute, sub-acute, outpatient, skilled nursing, or other type of physical therapy/rehabilitation clinical facility. Facility will be assigned by program faculty. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 243 Repeatable: No
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: PTA 003 & PTA 004
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 013 Clinical Fieldwork II Units: 7.5
This is the second full-time clinical assignment in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in which students perform delegated patient care responsibilities in a physical therapy clinical setting, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will practice application of physical therapy procedures according to the setting such as the acute, sub-acute, outpatient, skilled nursing, or other type of physical therapy/rehabilitation clinical facility. Facility will be assigned by program faculty. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 405 Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: PTA 012
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
PTA 014 Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar Units: 2
This course is a capstone of the Physical Therapist Program. It is a study of the issues and trends in physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on issues such as licensure, job skills, board exam reviews, practitioners' roles, legal and ethical issues. Upon completion the student will have the necessary skills to transition from student to practitioner. Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: PTA 012
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
