Physical Therapy Assistant

General Education courses taken at SWOSU are: English Composition I, English Composition II, American Government & Politics, Math or College Algebra and US History. Prerequisites - Support courses taken at SWOSU are: Medical Terminology, Biological Concepts with Lab, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Basic CPR and First Aid and Guided Electives .

Basic Human Needs

The student should be able to define "normal" in respect to vital signs, posture, range of motion and muscle function. They will be able to demonstrate proper body mechanics, transfer techniques and perform accurate testing of muscle strength and joint motion. The student will be instructed in activities of daily living and basic gait training skills. Practical application of these will be practiced in the laboratory.

Pain Management II

Students will learn the principles and applications of various therapeutic modalities including deep heat, radiant heat, phototherapy and electrotherapy. Practical application of these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory.

Introduction to Physical Therapy Assisting

This course will present the purpose, philosophy and history of physical therapy and its relationship to other health care delivery systems. The student will be able to delineate the roles of physical therapy personnel, identify requirements for medical communication and documentation and be made aware of the medical-legal aspects including professional ethics.

Pain Management I

Students will be instructed in the various theories of pain, providing emotional support for the patient in pain, correct positioning and draping patients for pain relief and to protect modesty; effectively administer massage and lymphapress intermittent pressure; relaxation and postural exercises; applying cervical and lumbar traction; superficial heat and cold; paraffin; hydrotherapy; medical asepsis; bandaging and wound dressings. Practical application of these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory

Therapeutic Exercise I

Instruction will be given on basic techniques of therapeutic exercise and gait training and their applications to rehabilitation. Specific applications to amputations, prosthetics, and orthotics will be introduced. Students will identify architectural barriers and make modifications to overcome limitations identified. Practical application of these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory.

Threats to Basic Needs

The student will identify underlying circumstances and phases of disease and dysfunction, perform techniques to prevent secondary disabilities using special equipment as needed. The student will be able to demonstrate proper body mechanics and transfer techniques. Practical application of these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory.

Physical Therapy Assistant Systems/Problems

The student will assist the physical therapist in selected evaluation, treatment, and administrative activities, summarize the progression of comprehensive rehabilitation programs for major disabilities, describe and utilize selected administrative records and charge systems in physical therapy, discuss measures for quality assurance and cost containment, be reviewed on proper ways to write a resume, and review for state board examinations.

Therapeutic Exercise II

Therapeutic exercises related to children are presented. Developmental sequences and primitive reflexes are introduced. Students will be instructed in cardiopulmonary treatments including cardiac rehabilitation and chest physical therapy techniques. Practical application of these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory.

Physical Therapy Assistant Clinical Practicum I

Clinical experience in local health care facilities to observe and practice PTA. skills learned in class and lab sessions. Students will be under supervision of a registered physical therapist and/or registered physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapy Assistant Clinical Practicum II

Students are given opportunity to practice PTA skills which have been acquired through the PTA program in physical therapy departments. Students will be under supervision of a registered physical therapist and/or registered physical therapist assistant.