PTA-102: Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Physical Therapy Assistant
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Physical Therapist Assistant
Course Number
102
Course Title
Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Admission to the PTA program
Catalog Course Description

Introduces the field of physical therapy. Discusses the roles of various health professionals, the concept of the rehab team, the history and scope of physical therapy, legal and ethical issues related to communication and the practice of physical therapy, and organizational structures of various types of physical therapy facilities. Also covers the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), various methods of documentation used in physical therapy, and the structure and function of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Examines current issues and trends in physical therapy and the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. History and Scope of Physical Therapy Practice
  2. Professional Roles in Health/Care Rehabilitation Team
  3. Role of The PTA
  4. Guide to Physical Therapy Practice
  5. APTA / Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA)
  6. Cultural Competence in Health Care
  7. Ethical and Legal Issues in Physical Therapy
  8. Reimbursement in Physical Therapy
  9. Communication
  10. Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy
  11. Documentation
  12. Laws, Regulations, and Policies
  13. Research and Evidence Based Practice
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Outline important events in the history and development of the scope of physical therapy practice, specifically the PTA.
  2. Describe the structure and function of the APTA.
  3. Identify the role of the Physical Therapist (PT), PTA, and other members of the health care team and define their areas of responsibility utilizing the APTA Standards of Practice.
  4. Differentiate between state regulations of both the PT and the PTA.
  5. Explain the general organizational structure of a physical therapy department.
  6. Identify the various settings where PT’s and PTA’s work.
  7. Discuss and identify medical ethics and biomedical ethical principles in health care.
  8. Be able to identify unethical behavior.
  9. Explain the guide for conduct that PTA’s are morally bound to follow.
  10. Demonstrate good verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills and describe the significance of effective communication.
  11. Describe the purpose of medical records and legal issues related to their use.
  12. Differentiate between the various types of documentation used in physical therapy practice.
  13. Describe the various components in The Guide to PT Practice.
  14. Describe the current advocacy issues related to the physical therapy profession.
  15. Explain the difference between the types of insurance coverage for physical therapy services.
  16. Identify the role of the PTA in obtaining insurance reimbursement, quality assurance, and supervision.
  17. Explain the standards of billing and coding practices used in physical therapy services.
  18. Demonstrate awareness of components of culture and belief systems relative to self and others.
  19. Recognize the importance of understanding self and issues of personal biases and influences that affect self.
  20. Identify specific laws, regulations, and policies related to the practice of physical therapy.
  21. Access research literature from various sources, both print and electronic, and discuss the main elements of a research study.
  22. Explain different research methodology, levels of evidence, and measurement science including reliability and validity.
  23. Identify types of abuse and identify the appropriate authorities in which to report suspected abuse cases.
  24. Describe the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.
  25. Identify statements of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
  26. Define the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  27. Identify the social determinants of health that affect patient/client management in physical therapy.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through a series of quizzes, written midterm, written final exam, written assignments, presentations, discussions, and group activities.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations
Students must pass this course with a “B-” or better to remain in the PTA Program.  They must also pass at least one of the written exams with an 80% or higher in order to pass this course.  For each written exam the student does not pass, he/she will also be required to complete a written review of the exam to be submitted to the instructor prior to taking the final exam. Instructors (or their designees) reserve the right to require students to provide picture identification for test taking, graded papers or projects or other appropriate purposes.
Texts
To be determined by program faculty.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No
Effective Term
Fall 2025