Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 06/17/03
PTA295 20036-20075	LEC	2 Credit(s)	2 Period(s)
Physical Therapist Assistant Examination Review
Preparation for the physical therapist assistant examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Topics include physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility activities, and patient assessment techniques. Documentation and ethical/legal considerations in practice of physical therapy. Prerequisites: Permission of program director.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
PTA295   20036-20075	Physical Therapist Assistant Examination Review

1.	Describe the testing format used by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. (I)
2.	Describe patient assessment techniques used by physical therapist assistants. (II)
3.	List common musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan that require the intervention of physical therapy. (III)
4.	Explain the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) within the profession and within healthcare. (IV)
5.	Describe the application of therapeutic exercise for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (V)
6.	Describe the application of therapeutic modalities for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (VI)
7.	Describe the application of functional mobility training for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (VII)
8.	Explain ethical and legal issues that impact the practice of physical therapy. (VIII)
9.	Describe specific documentation required for the care of the patient receiving physical therapy. (IX)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
PTA295   20036-20075	Physical Therapist Assistant Examination Review

I. Certification Examination A. Time allotted B. Number of questions C. Distribution of questions II. Patient Assessment Techniques A. Goniometry B. Muscle testing C. Balance grading D. Levels of assistance E. Sensation testing F. Cognitive awareness G. Posture assessment H. Skin assessment I. Mobility assessment III. Musculoskeletal, Neurological and Cardiopulmonary Disorders A. Orthopedic injuries B. Neurological deficits C. Cardiopulmonary diseases D. Miscellaneous diseases E. Safety considerations IV. Role of the PTA A. Supervision by the physical therapist B. State practice act guidelines C. APTA guidelines V. Therapeutic Exercise A. Passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion B. exercise with resistance C. Isotonic, isometric, isokinetic exercise D. Facilitation and inhibition E. Safety considerations VI. Therapeutic Modalities A. Superficial heat and cold B. Short-wave diathermy C. Ultrasound D. Traction E. Massage and soft-tissue mobilization F. Ultraviolet, infrared, laser G. Electrotherapeutic interventions H. Indications and contraindications I. Safety considerations VII. Functional Mobility Training A. Transfer training B. Gait training with and without assistive devices C. Normal gait D. gait deviations E. Prosthetics and orthotics F. Wheelchair mobility G. Safety considerations VIII. Legal/Ethical Issues in Physical Therapy A. Referral for profit B. Medical records management C. Code of conduct D. Patient's rights IX. Documentation A. Medical record of care provided B. Record for third party payers C. Basis on which treatment decisions are made D. SOAP notes

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