Physical Therapist Assistant (PTAS)
PTAS 1100 - Intro to Physical Therapy (1 Credit)
Explanation of the philosophy and history of the physical therapy profession and its relationship to other health care agencies and providers. Topics include: introduction to the structure and function of the American Physical Therapy Association, the development of the Physical Therapy Association, medical-legal aspects and professional ethics, critical thinking/problem solving and an introduction to documentation. Offered: Fall.
Corequisites: PTAS 1110, PTAS 1115, PTAS 1125
Lecture hours: 1
PTAS 1105 - Orientation to Patient Care Skills (3 Credits)
Orientation of basic concepts and procedures of patient care in physical therapy. Topics include documentation and chart review, basic administrative skills, teaching and learning principles, patient positioning and draping, body mechanics, vital sign monitoring, transfers, assistive devices and gait training, infection control, aseptic techniques, architectural barriers and accessibility, special patient care equipment and environment and basic soft tissue techniques. Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1125
Corequisites: PTAS 1121, PTAS 1130, PTAS 2010
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 1110 - Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology (4 Credits)
Understanding of human movement and its impact on function through the integration of biomechanics, kinesiology, and applied anatomy. Principles will be reinforced through a problem-solving approach. Goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing, and palpation skills of the upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk, and head will be included. Offered: Fall.
Corequisites: PTAS 1100, PTAS 1115, PTAS 1125
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 6
PTAS 1115 - Clinical Pathology (3 Credits)
The pathophysiology of selected disorders commonly encountered in physical therapy. Etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, and prognosis of disease and injury will be included. This is an on-line course. Offered: Fall.
Corequisites: PTAS 1100, PTAS 1110, PTAS 1125
Lecture hours: 3
PTAS 1121 - Therapeutic Exercise I (3 Credits)
Emphasizes demonstration and practice of common therapeutic exercise utilized in physical therapy that include active, active assistive, and passive range of motion. Data collection and performance of manual muscle testing and special tests will be explored along with treatment interventions for common musculoskeletal disease, dysfunction, and injury for treatment of neck, shoulder, arm, hand, postural abnormalities, and body mechanics with an emphasis on ergonomics. Principles of patient care will be developed utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the selection and application of treatment interventions based on the plan of care. Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1125
Corequisites: PTAS 1105, PTAS 1130, PTAS 2010
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 1122 - Therapeutic Exercise/Spec Pop (4 Credits)
Advanced therapeutic exercise techniques used in specialty areas of physical therapy, including, but not limited to: arthritis, wound care, burns, cardiopulmonary, peripheral vascular disease, geriatrics, amputation, women's health, cancer and chronic pain. Offered: Summer.
Prerequisites: (PTAS 1110) and (PTAS 1115) and (PTAS 1100) and (PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 2010 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1125)
Corequisites: PTAS 1135, PTAS 2050, PTAS 2100
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 1125 - Physical Agents (4 Credits)
Therapeutic properties and application of physical agents used in the delivery of physical therapy services. Electromyography will be included. Emphasis is on problem-solving skills necessary to provide an integrated approach to patient care. Students must demonstrate basic skill acquisition in using equipment and the ability to choose appropriate physical agents based on the physical therapist’s plan of care. This course is web-enhanced. Offered: Fall.
Corequisites: PTAS 1100, PTAS 1110, PTAS 1115
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 1130 - Appl Neurology & Gait Analysis (4 Credits)
Basic neurophysiological concepts used as a foundation for understanding normal and abnormal function. Theory and application of fundamental neuro-anatomy and physical data collection techniques will be introduced. Normal and abnormal gait concepts are covered. Part-time clinical experience will be included. Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1125
Corequisites: PTAS 1105, PTAS 1121, PTAS 2010
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 6
PTAS 1135 - Seminar/Phy Ther Assistant I (2 Credits)
Adaptation of psychosocial principles in the development of self-understanding and communication with patients, families, the public and other health care teams. Develops basic administrative skills in scheduling patients, patient charges, explanation of reimbursement, important of incidence report, risk management and continuous quality improvement. The Rules and Laws of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy will be explored. Clinical professionalism is also emphasized along with time management and professional development. Offered: Summer.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 2010
Corequisites: PTAS 1122, PTAS 2050, PTAS 2100
Lecture hours: 2
PTAS 2010 - Clinical Practicum I (2 Credits)
First full-time clinical experience in which students integrate component clinical skills and prerequisite knowledge into a patient management framework. Emphasis is on the development of critical thinking abilities, professional and ethical behaviors, responsibility, and effective management of time and resources. This practicum is 40 hours per week for 3 weeks. Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1125
Corequisites: PTAS 1105, PTAS 1121, PTAS 1130
Lab hours: 8
PTAS 2020 - Clinical Practicum II (5 Credits)
Second full-time clinical rotation in which the student gains additional experience in a health care facility observing and practicing skills under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The student will implement patient care utilizing knowledge from all didactic coursework for critical thinking and problem-solving in the selection and application of treatment interventions based on the physical therapist’s plan of care. This practicum is 40 hours per week for 6 weeks. Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1122 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1135 and PTAS 2010 and PTAS 2050 and PTAS 2100
Corequisites: PTAS 2025, PTAS 2200
Other hours: 40
PTAS 2025 - Clinical Practicum III (5 Credits)
Final clinical experience in which students achieve refinement of all competencies from Clinical Practicums I & II, as well as expansion into other areas of physical therapy care while under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Upon successful completion, the student will demonstrate entry-level competency as a physical therapist assistant. The student will demonstrate strong cognitive, motor, and organizational skills. He/she will handle the responsibilities and possess the sound judgment required of a physical therapist assistant. The practicum is 40 hours per week for 6 weeks. Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1122 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1135 and PTAS 2010 and PTAS 2050 and PTAS 2100
Corequisites: PTAS 2020, PTAS 2200
Lab hours: 40
PTAS 2050 - Therapeutic Exercise II (3 Credits)
Continues education from Therapeutic Exercise I for data collection and performance of manual muscle testing and special tests along with treatment interventions for common musculoskeletal disease, dysfunction, and injury for treatment of the spine, hip, knee, ankle, foot, and gait abnormalities. Principles of patient care will continue to be utilized, along with critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the selection and application of treatment interventions based on the plan of care. Offered: Summer.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 2010
Corequisites: PTAS 1122, PTAS 1135, PTAS 2100
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 2100 - Neurological Rehabilitation (3 Credits)
Principles of patient management of adults and children with central nervous system disorders utilizing neurophysiological data collection methods and treatment interventions. General topics will include cerebrovascular accidents, pediatrics, spinal cord injury, head injury, and other selected disorders commonly referred for physical therapy. This class meets 7.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. Offered: Summer.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 2010
Corequisites: PTAS 1122, PTAS 1135, PTAS 2050
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 3
PTAS 2200 - Seminar for Physical Therapy Assistants II (2 Credits)
An exploration of the clinical experience through the presentation of a case study (both written and orally.) Topics will include interview skills, resume skills, and preparation/review for state board examinations. Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: PTAS 1100 and PTAS 1105 and PTAS 1110 and PTAS 1115 and PTAS 1121 and PTAS 1122 and PTAS 1125 and PTAS 1130 and PTAS 1135 and PTAS 2010 and PTAS 2050 and PTAS 2100
Corequisites: PTAS 2020, PTAS 2025
Lecture hours: 2