Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 02/28/06
PTA100 19936-20062	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Introduction to Physical Therapy
Roles and responsibilities of physical therapists and physical therapists assistants. History of physical therapy. Includes patient care, legal issues, principles of physical therapy treatment, education requirements, and functions of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Local physical therapy facilities visited. Prerequisites: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assisting program or permission of the department.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
PTA100   19936-20062	Introduction to Physical Therapy

1.	Describe the historical events critical to the development of the physical therapy profession. (I)
2.	Explain the function of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in the physical therapy profession. (I)
3.	Compare and contrast the education and scopes of practice between physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA). (II)
4.	Describe the role of the physical therapy technician/aide/attendant. (II)
5.	Describe the key elements of physical therapy evaluations for persons with physical impairments. (III)
6.	Explain the psychosocial dynamics of individuals with physical impairments. (IV)
7.	Describe the community resources available to individuals with physical impairments. (V)
8.	Describe the typical case management of individuals with physical impairments. (VI)
9.	Describe the role of physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants in relation to the medical community. (VII)
10.	Compare the roles of PTs and PTAs in various specific practice settings. (VIII)
11.	Describe the principle areas of clinical competence for the PTs and PTAs. (IX)
12.	Describe the dynamics of interpersonal communication and the implications for the physical therapist assistant's role. (X)
13.	Describe current influences on the practice of physical therapy and their anticipated impact for the future. (XI)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
PTA100   19936-20062	Introduction to Physical Therapy

I. History of physical therapy A. World wars B. Legislation C. Development of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) II. Career paths A. Physical therapist 1. Education 2. Scope of practice 3. Licensure B. Physical therapist assistant 1. Education 2. Scope of practice 3. Licensure C. Physical therapy technician/aide/attedant 1. Education 2. Scope of practice 3. Licensure III. Patient evaluation components A. Patient assessment B. List treatment problems C. Develop treatment plan D. Goal setting E. Plan implementation F. Reassessment of status G. Modification of the treatment plan H. Achievement of goals and discharge IV. Psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation A. Responses to physical impairment B. Coping mechanisms C. Stages of recovery V. Community resources A. Equipment B. Support groups C. Special organizations D. Other VI. Case management A. Stroke patient B. Joint replacement patient C. Patient with symptoms of pain D. Amputee E. Cerebral palsy patient VII. Physical therapy and the medical community A. Practice issues B. Survey of related professions VIII. Pratice settings - PT/PTA A. Facility based practice B. Private practice C. Home physical therapy D. Other IX. Areas of clinical competence - PT/PTA A. Thermal and electrical modalities B. Therapeutic exercise C. Functional mobility skills D. Wound management E. Research X. Interpersonal communication A. Sender B. Message C. Receiver D. Environment E. Implications for physical therapy XI. Influences onf physical therapy practice - current/future A. Government regulation B. Reimbusement issues C. APTA guidelines

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