A full-time supervised clinical practicum at affiliated physical therapy departments. Students participate in patient treatment under the delegation and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students integrate classroom knowledge and laboratory experience to achieve the competencies of an entry-level physical therapist assistant as outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Professionalism: Ethical Practice
- Professionalism: Legal Practice
- Professionalism: Professional Growth
- Interpersonal: Communication
- Interpersonal: Inclusivity
- Technical/Procedural: Clinical Reasoning
- Technical/Procedural: Interventions: Therapeutic Exercise and Techniques
- Technical/Procedural: Interventions: Mechanical and Electrotherapeutic Modalities
- Technical/Procedural: Interventions: Functional Training and Application of Devices and Equipment
- Business: Documentation
- Business: Resource Management
At the completion of the course, the student will demonstrate preparation for an entry-level position as a Physical Therapist Assistant as follows:
Practices according to the Standards of Ethical Conduct; demonstrates respect for self, the patient/client, and colleagues in all situations.
Practices according to legal and professional standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management.
Accepts and is receptive to feedback; participates in planning and/or self-assessment to improve clinical performance; contributes to the advancement of the clinical setting through educational opportunities; seeks out opportunities to improve knowledge and skills.
Demonstrates professional verbal and nonverbal communication with all stakeholders (e.g., patients/clients, caregivers, intra/interprofessional colleagues); adapts to diverse verbal and nonverbal communication styles during patient/client interactions; utilizes communication resources (e.g., interpreters) as appropriate; incorporates appropriate strategies to engage in challenging encounters with patients/clients and others; facilitates ongoing communication with physical therapist regarding patient/client care.
Delivers physical therapy services with consideration for patient/client diversity and inclusivity for all regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics of identity; Provides equitable patient/client care that does not vary in quality based on the patient's/client's personal characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, socioeconomic status).
Strategically gathers, interprets, and synthesizes information from multiple sources to make effective clinical judgments; applies current knowledge and clinical judgement while supporting the physical therapist with clinical activities; ensures patient/client safety during the episode of care; presents a logical rationale for clinical decisions with all stakeholders (e.g., patients/clients, caregivers, intra/interprofessional colleagues).
Performs selected therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, airway clearance, and integumentary repair and protection techniques in a competent manner.
Applies selected mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities in a competent manner.
Performs functional training in self-care and home management, including therapeutic activities; performs application and adjustment of devices and equipment in a competent manner.
Produces quality documentation that includes changes in the patient's/client's status, a description and progressions of specific interventions used, and communication among providers; maintains organization of patient/client documentation.
Participates in the efficient delivery of physical therapy services; demonstrates appropriate understanding of time management and appropriate use of clinical supplies and equipment when supporting physical therapy services.
The 11 course objectives have been adopted and referenced with approval from the PTA CPI 3.0 performance criterion descriptions and the APTA.
Assessment and Requirements
The Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (CPI) will be used in the evaluation of student performance. It is expected that each student will receive a minimum of a mid-term and final evaluation for each clinical experience.
The grade for each rotation will be determined by the HFC instructor for PTA 295. It will be based on the completed CPI 3.0 and recommendations from the student’s clinical instructor. To successfully complete the course, by the end of the first 7-week full time rotation, the student must be at advanced intermediate in the 11 performance criteria with no areas of significant concern. At the end of the second 7-week full time rotation, the student must be at entry-level performance in 11 area with no areas of significant concern.