Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
- Academic Year: 2020-2021
- Division / Department: Health Professions / Physical Therapist Assistant
- Degree Code: PTA
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education {CAPTE} of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA} {The Commission Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Department of Accreditation, American Physical Therapy Association. 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. VA 22314; www.apta.org/CAPTE; 703-706-3245)
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares assistants who contribute to physical therapy services by performing a variety of functions under the supervision of a physical therapist. The curriculum provides theory, lab practice and clinical experience to prepare students to perform quality patient care. A student completing the program is eligible to sit for the licensing examination administered by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Job opportunities exist in a wide variety of health care settings. If developmental courses are needed for Texas Success Initiative requirements, such courses must be completed before entry into the program.
A student has five years to complete the Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum after official enrollment in the first Physical Therapist Assistant course. Contact the program director for more information.
Although the program can be completed in 5 semesters/ 80 academic weeks; students are STRONGLY encouraged to complete ALL of the GENERAL ACADEMIC course work prior to applying to the PTA program.
Marketable Skills:
An entry-level physical therapist assistant and graduate of the program will demonstrate:
1. The ability to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner that reflects an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the PTA within the physical therapy delivery system.
2. The ability to use critical thinking, clinical reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving skills to apply evidence-based physical therapy interventions.
3. The ability to work both intra- and inter-professionally by the effective use of written, oral and nonverbal communication with patients, families, colleagues, health care providers, and the public.
4. The ability to interact with patients and families in a manner which provides the desired psychosocial support including the recognition of cultural differences.
5. The ability to be a lifelong learner by keeping current with evidence-based professional practice.
6. Active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy.
Completion of BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology 1, with a C or better is required prior to starting the PTA program.
| BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
Course Description× BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. NOTE: Must have passed the reading and writing portion of the TSI Assessment or have credit for INRW 0402. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| Total hours: | 4 hours |
Semester I
| PTHA 1409 Introduction to Physical Therapy
Course Description× PTHA 1409 Introduction to Physical Therapy Lab Fee: $15.00 Introduction to the profession of physical therapy,including the exploration of the historical and current scope of physical therapy and lab procedures basic to patient handling and functional skills and data collection techniques. Prerequisite: Admission to PTA program. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/4 lab) |
4 hours |
| PTHA 1413 Functional Anatomy
Course Description× PTHA 1413 Functional Anatomy Lab Fee: $15.00 Studies the relationship of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system to normal and abnormal movement. Integration of skills related to the kinesiological assessment of the human body. Prerequisites: Admission/Acceptance into PTA program. Corequisite: PTHA 1225, 1409, and 2301. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/4 lab) |
4 hours |
| PTHA 2301 Essentials of Data Collection
Course Description× PTHA 2301 Essentials of Data Collection Lab Fee: $10.00 Special Fee: $45.00 Studies data collection techniques used to assist in patient/client management. Prerequisite: Admissions/Acceptance into PTA program. Corequisite: PTHA 1225, 1409, and 1413. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/3 lab) |
3 hours |
| PTHA 1225 Communications in Health Care
Course Description× PTHA 1225 Communications in Health Care Communication theories and principles for optimal delivery of health care. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Corequisite: PTHA 1409, 1413, and 2301. Semester Hours: 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
| ENGL 1301 Composition I
Course Description× ENGL 1301 Composition I Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis is on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus is on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communication, and critical analysis. Prerequisite: TSI complete in Reading and Writing or the equivalent. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 16 hours |
Semester II
| PTHA 1431 Physical Agents
Course Description× PTHA 1431 Physical Agents Lab Fee: $15.00 Studies the biophysiological principles, assessment, and application of therapeutic physical agents with specific emphasis on indications, contraindications, medical efficacy, and physiological effects. Prerequisites: PTHA 1409 and 1413. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/4 lab) |
4 hours |
| PTHA 2409 Therapeutic Exercise
Course Description× PTHA 2409 Therapeutic Exercise Lab Fee: $15.00 Special Fee: $60.00 Examines concepts, principles, and application of techniques related to therapeutic exercise and functional training. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/4 lab) |
4 hours |
| PTHA 1321 Pathophysiology
Course Description× PTHA 1321 Pathophysiology Study of the pathophysiology of disease/conditions encountered in physical therapy; including the pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of disease/conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy practice. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II
Course Description× BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab Fee: $15.00 Anatomy and Physiology II is the second part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive (including nutrition), urinary (including fluid and electrolyte balance), and reproductive (including human development and genetics). Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 2401 with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 4(3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| 15 hours |
Summer Semester
| PTHA 2205 Neurology
Course Description× PTHA 2205 Neurology Study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as it relates to neurological conditions. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first two semesters of PTA program. Semester Hours: 2 (2 lec/1 lab) |
2 hours |
| PTHA 2431 Management of Neurological Disorders
Course Description× PTHA 2431 Management of Neurological Disorders Lab Fee: $10.00 Integrates previously learned and new skills/techniques into the comprehensive rehabilitation of selected neurological disorders. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first two semesters of PTHA courses. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| 6 hours |
Semester III
| PTHA 1361 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant I
Course Description× PTHA 1361 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant I Special Fee: $91.00 Provides a health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first-year PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (15 clinical hours/week) |
3 hours |
| PTHA 2435 Rehabilitation Techniques
Course Description× PTHA 2435 Rehabilitation Techniques Lab Fee: $10.00 Integrates previously learned and new skills/techniques into the comprehensive rehabilitation of selected diseases and disorders. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first-year PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development
Course Description× PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing human from conception to death. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or consent of instructor. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 10 hours |
Semester IV
| PTHA 2362 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant II
Course Description× PTHA 2362 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant II Special Fee: $13.00 Provides a health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisites: Successful completion of previous four semester of PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (15 clinical hours/week) |
3 hours |
| PTHA 2217 Issues in Health Care
Course Description× PTHA 2217 Issues in Health Care Explores the organizational patterns, administrative principles, legal and ethical issues in pysical therapy, and preparation for licensure and employment. Prerequisites: Successful completion of previous four semesters of PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
| PTHA 2363 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant III
Course Description× PTHA 2363 Clinical - Physical Therapist Assistant III Provides a health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisites: Successful completion of previous four semesters of PTA courses with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (15 clinical hours/week) |
3 hours |
| PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics
Course Description× PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and standards of value. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) Language, Philosophy, & Culture elective or Creative Arts elective |
3 hours |
| 11 hours |
| Total hours: | 58 hours |
Creative Arts
| ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation
Course Description× ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century)
Course Description× ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century) A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ARTS 1304 Art History II (14th Century to the Present)
Course Description× ARTS 1304 Art History II (14th Century to the Present) A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from the 14th century to the present day. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| DRAM 1310 Theater Appreciation
Course Description× DRAM 1310 Theater Appreciation Survey of theater including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures, and relation to other art forms. Participation in major productions may be required. Applies as a required Humanities or Visual & Performing Arts course for all students. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| DRAM 2361 History of Theater I
Course Description× DRAM 2361 History of Theater I Study of the history of the theater from primitive times through the Renaissance. Required of theatre majors; open to non-theatre majors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| DRAM 2362 History of Theater II
Course Description× DRAM 2362 History of Theater II Study of the history of the theater from the Renaissance through today. Required of theatre majors; open to non-theatre majors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| HUMA 1315 Fine Arts Appreciation
Course Description× HUMA 1315 Fine Arts Appreciation This course is an exploration of the purposes and processes in the visual and performing arts (such as music, painting, architecture, drama, and dance) and the ways in which they express the values of cultures and human experience. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MUSI 1306 Music Appreciation
Course Description× MUSI 1306 Music Appreciation Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements. Illustrated with audio recordings and live performances. (Does not apply to a music major degree.) Applies as a required humanities or fine arts course for all students. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MUSI 1308 Music Literature I
Course Description× MUSI 1308 Music Literature I Survey of the principal musical forms and cultural periods as illustrated in the literature of major composers. Surveys music literature from Gregorian chant to the early classical period. Emphasis is on music materials and listening skills through recorded music and scores. Required for music majors and minors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MUSI 1309 Music Literature II
Course Description× MUSI 1309 Music Literature II Survey of the principal musical forms and cultural periods as illustrated in the literature of major composers. Surveys music literature from the classical period to the present. Emphasis is on music materials and listening skills through recorded music and scores. Required for music majors and minors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MUSI 1310 American Music
Course Description× MUSI 1310 American Music General survey of various styles of music in America. Topics may include jazz, ragtime, folk, rock, and contemporary art music. Satisfies general humanities elective requirements. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
Language, Philosophy, & Culture
| ENGL 2321 British Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2321 British Literature A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2322 British Literature I
Course Description× ENGL 2322 British Literature I A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Eighteenth Century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2323 British Literature II
Course Description× ENGL 2323 British Literature II A survey of the development of British literature from the Romantic period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2326 American Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2326 American Literature A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2327 American Literature I: Up to the Civil War
Course Description× ENGL 2327 American Literature I: Up to the Civil War A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement through the Civil War. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2328 American Literature II: Civil War to the Present
Course Description× ENGL 2328 American Literature II: Civil War to the Present A survey of American literature from the Civil War to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2331 World Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2331 World Literature A survey of world literature from the ancient world to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2332 World Literature I: Up to the 17th Century
Course Description× ENGL 2332 World Literature I: Up to the 17th Century A survey of world literature from the ancient world through the 16th century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2333 World Literature II: 17th Century to the Present
Course Description× ENGL 2333 World Literature II: 17th Century to the Present A survey of world literature from the 17th century to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| ENGL 2341 Forms of Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2341 Forms of Literature The study of one or more literary genres including, but not limited to, poetry, fiction, drama, and film. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| FREN 2311 Intermediate French I
Course Description× FREN 2311 Intermediate French I Review and application of skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasizes conversation, vocabulary acquisition, reading, composition, and culture. Prerequisite: FREN 1412, three years of high school French, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school French are encouraged to see a French instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| GERM 2311 Intermediate German I
Course Description× GERM 2311 Intermediate German I Review and application of skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasizes conversation, vocabulary acquisition, reading, composition, and culture. Prerequisite: GERM 1412, three years of high school German, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school German are encouraged to see a German instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| HUMA 1301 Introduction to Humanities I
Course Description× HUMA 1301 Introduction to Humanities I This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create. Team taught by faculty from diverse departments as a colloquium (academic seminar led by a different lecturer and on a different topic at each session). Works may include studies, journals, novels, poems, treatises, graphic novels, films, plays, paintings, musical compositions, etc. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| HUMA 1302 Introduction to Humanities II
Course Description× HUMA 1302 Introduction to Humanities II This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create. Team taught by faculty from diverse departments as a colloquium (academic seminar led by a different lecturer and on a different topic at each session). Works may include studies, journals, novels, poems, threatises, graphic novel films, plays, paintings, musical compositions, etc. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy
Course Description× PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| PHIL 1304 Introduction to World Religions
Course Description× PHIL 1304 Introduction to World Religions A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Semester hours 3 |
3 hours |
| PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics
Course Description× PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and standards of value. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SPAN 2311 Intermediate Spanish I
Course Description× SPAN 2311 Intermediate Spanish I The consolidation of skills acquired at the introductory level. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis is on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 1412, three years of high school Spanish, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school Spanish are encouraged to see a Spanish instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I
Course Description× SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I Review and application of conversational skills in American Sign Language and interpreting from signing to voice as well as from voice to signing. Introduction to American Sign Language literature and folklore. Prerequisite: SGNL 1402 with a grade of C or better or consent of the program director. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |