Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 06/17/03
PTA230 20036-20075	LEC	2 Credit(s)	2 Period(s)
Physical Therapy Seminar
Current practices and issues in physical therapy. Clinical problem solving, ethics, legal aspects, reimbursement, case management, research. Resume preparation and job interviewing skills. Stress management techniques. Total quality management principles. Employment issues. Prerequisites: PTA206 or permission of department.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
PTA230   20036-20075	Physical Therapy Seminar

1.	Describe a system of problem solving for physical therapy treatment problems and conflicts. (I)
2.	Analyze a given clinical physical therapy problem or conflict situation and develop an action plan to solve the problem. (I)
3.	Describe the importance of documentation in the physical therapy practice setting. (II)
4.	Explain the legal issues involved with prescriptions for physical therapy. (II)
5.	Explain issues specific to delegation and supervision in the workplace. (II)
6.	Compare and contrast specific methods of reimbursement for physical therapy services. (III)
7.	Complete a resume in the pursuit of employment as a physical therapist assistant. (IV)
8.	Prepare a list of questions for a job interview emphasizing the important aspects of the physical therapist assistant job. (IV)
9.	List the key characteristics of the physical therapist assistant as an employee. (V)
10.	Describe specific techniques of stress management. (VI)
11.	Given a case example, prioritize the patient's problems and give a rationale for the physical therapy treatment program. (VII)
12.	Given a case example, describe treatment options from initial evaluation to discharge from physical therapy. (VII)
13.	Describe the five steps of the management process and how they are applied to the physical therapy practice setting. (VIII)
14.	Explain principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and how it is applied in the physical therapy practice setting. (IX)
15.	Describe the key elements of a job description. (X)
16.	Describe methods of measuring productivity in the physical therapy practice setting. (XI)
17.	Explain how job performance is assessed in physical therapy practice settings. (XII)
18.	Describe methods of wage and salary administration in the physical therapy practice setting. (XIII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
PTA230   20036-20075	Physical Therapy Seminar

I. Conflict Management and Clinical Problem Solving A. Gather data B. Define the problem C. Possible solutions D. Develop an action plan E Implement the plan F. Assess the effectiveness of the plan G. Modify the plan H. Consideration of discharge II. Legal Issues A. Documentation B. Malpractice C. Standards of practice D. Licensure/certification E. Prescriptions F. Delegation and supervision III. Reimbursement Issues A. Private insurance B. Managed care C. Medicare D. Medicaid/AHCCCS E. Other IV. Finding Employment A. Resume writing B. Publicized job vacancies C. Interviewing D. The employment agreement V. Physical therapist Assistant Characteristics A. Punctuality/attendance B. Clinical competency C. Productivity D. Characteristics E. Health team member F. Other VI. Stress Management A. Stress management techniques B. Signs of "burnout" VII. Case Management A. Evaluation to discharge B. Treatment plans C. Case examples VIII. Management A. Planning B. Organizing C. Staffing D. Leading E. Controlling IX. Total Quality Management A. Shared Vision B. Zero Defects X. Job Description A. Key functions B. Education required C. Skills required D. Physical requirements XI. Productivity A. Number of patient visits B. Number of procedures C. Accounting for non-patient care duties XII. Performance Assessment A. Management by objectives B. Key indicators of performance C. Employee participation XIII. Wage and Salary Administration A. Annual percentage increases B. Performance based incentives C. Cost of living adjustments

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