Course Descriptions

PTAP 110 – Introduction to PTA – 3 credits

Introduction to the role of the PTA, PT, and other health care providers. Study of professional behaviors such as supporting the APTA, upholding ethical practices, abiding by applicable laws, maintaining patient confidentiality, demonstrating generic abilities, and understanding the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Other topics include strategies to address personality types, learning styles, patient diversity, emotional responses, and activities of daily living. Introduction to information competencies, SOAP note documentation, and PTA MACS.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring for on-campus program; Summer for online programs
PREREQUISITES: Acceptance into the PTA Program

PTAP 115 – Musculoskeletal Focus – 2 credits

Enrollment restricted to prospective PTA students only. Basic anatomy of the musculoskeletal system including identification of anatomical surface landmarks. Introduction to osteokinematics and arthrokinematics.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Summer and Fall for on-campus and online programs
PREREQUISITES: BIOL 112

PTAP 125 – Clinical Kinesiology – 4 credits

Avanced anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Analysis of osteokinematics and arthrokinematics. Emphasis on clinical skills including palpation, manual muscle testing, goniometry, and special tests. Study of the normal gait cycle.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring for the on-campus and online programs
PREREQUISITES: Acceptance into the PTA Program

PTAP 130 – Pathophysiology – 3 credits

Introduction to the function, anatomical components, and pathologies of each system within the human body. Study of sign and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of diseases related to each system.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring for on-campus program; Summer for online program
PREREQUISITES: Acceptance into the PTA Program

PTAP 140 – Therapeutic Exercise – 3 credits

Clinical techniques related to stretching, strengthening, posture, balance, coordination, agility, and aerobic conditioning. Treatment strategies for patients with surgical and non-surgical diagnosis.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Summer for on-campus program; Fall for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 110, PTAP 125, PTAP 130, PTAP 150

PTAP 150 – Procedures I – 4 credits

Clinical procedures related to patient care including hand washing, vitals, pain assessment, body mechanics, ROM, bed mobility, and transfers. Application of modalities such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, and intermittent compression. Study of basic pharmaceuticals and medical testing.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring for on-campus program; Summer for online program
PREREQUISITES: Acceptance into the PTA Program

PTAP 160 – Procedures II – 3 credits

Clinical procedures related to patient care including massage, airway clearance techniques, and wound care. Application of modalities such as infrared, ultraviolet, and diathermy. Study of wheelchair training, gait training, cardiac rehabilitation, and architectural barriers.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Summer for on-campus program; Fall for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 110, PTAP 125, PTAP 130, PTAP 150

PTAP 210 – Principles of Rehabilitation – 5 credits

Treatment strategies for patients with complex diagnoses such as developmental disorders, CVA, TBI, SCI, AKA/BKA, and UMN/LMN lesions. Study of the nervous system and techniques related to the theories of neurological development. Study of abnormal gait, types of wheelchairs, and types of supportive devices.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall for on-campus program; Spring for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 140, PTAP 160

PTAP 240 – Part-Time Clinical Externships – 2 credits

Two part-time clinical externships provide students with the opportunity to apply clinical skills acquired in the academic setting. These externships may be completed in any geographical area provided that a legal contract is established between the physical therapy facility and San Juan College.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall for on-campus program; Summer for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 140, PTAP 160
COREQUISITES: PTAP 250

PTAP 250 – Procedures III – 4 credits

Clinical procedures related to patient care including cervical and lumbar traction. Application of electrotherapy modalities such as IFC, Premodulation, TENS, Combo, NMES, Russian, Biphasic, Iontophoresis, HVES, and Biofeedback. Study of hydrotherapy and aquatic therapy.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall for on-campus program; Summer for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 140, PTAP 160
COREQUISITES: PTAP 240

PTAP 260 – Seminar – 2 credits

Study of career related topics including obtaining licensure and developing a career plan. Other topics include identifying abuse, neglect, and harassment, maintaining quality assurance, recognizing organizational structure, and understanding finances related to physical therapy. Review outcome assessment and PTA MACS.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall for on-campus program; Spring for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 140, PTAP 160

PTAP 280 – Full-Time Clinical Externships – 13 credits

Three full-time clinical externships provide students with the opportunity to apply clinical skills acquired in the academic setting. Each externship provides five weeks of direct patient care. Students must complete one rotation in each of the following settings: acute care (hospital), neurological rehabilitation, and outpatient. These externships may be completed in any geographical area provided that a legal contract is established between the physical therapy facility and San Juan College.

SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring for on-campus program; Fall for online program
PREREQUISITES: PTAP 210, PTAP 240, PTAP 250, PTAP 260