Programs

Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate Degree

Credits:

65.00

Financial Aid Eligible

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

English Composition 1 Course: 801-136Credits: 3.00

Alternate course English Composition 1 (801-136), English 1 (801-201) or another approved related course.

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Gen Anatomy & PhysiologyCourse: 806-177Credits: 4.00

Examines basic concepts of human A & P as they relate to health sciences.Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross & microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body A & P to informed decision-making & professional communication with colleagues & patients. (This course also provides the foundation, and is a prerequisite to Advanced Anatomy and Physiology).

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Strengths SeminarCourse: 890-106Credits: 1.00

This course supports learners as they make the transition to college, as appropriate to their area of interest. Students will investigate their strengths to adopt successful academic habits, explore career goals, build digital literacy, navigate campus resources, and foster community, belonging, and wellness.

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Second Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

PTA Patient InterventionsCourse: 524-139Credits: 4.00

An introduction to basic skills and physical therapy interventions performed by the physical therapist assistant.

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PTA Professional Issues 1Course: 524-140Credits: 2.00

Introduces the history and development of physical therapy profession, legal and ethical issues, the interdisciplinary health care team, and professional communication skills.

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PTA Applied Kinesiology 1Course: 524-156Credits: 4.00

Introduces basic principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, kinematics, and clinical assessment. Students locate and identify muscles, joints, and other landmarks of the lower quadrant in addition to assessing range of motion and strength.

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Intro to Psychology Course: 809-198Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Intro to Psychology (809-198), General Psychology (809-231) or another approved related course.

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Third Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

PTA Therapeutic ExerciseCourse: 524-142Credits: 3.00

Provides instruction on the implementation of a variety of therapeutic exercise principles. Learners implement, educate, adapt, and assess responses to therapeutic exercises.

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PTA Biophysical AgentsCourse: 524-143Credits: 4.00

Develops the knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform various biophysical agents likely to be used by a PTA.

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PTA Applied Kinesiology 2Course: 524-157Credits: 3.00

Applies basic principles from PTA Kinesiology 1 to the axial skeleton and upper quadrant including location and identification of muscles, joints and other landmarks. Assess range of motion and strength of the axial skeleton and upper quadrant. Integrate analysis of posture and gait.

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Intro to Diversity Studies Course: 809-172Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Intro to Diversity Studies (809-172), Race, Class, Gender (809-217), Intro to World Religions (809-223) or another approved related course.

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Fourth Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Oral/Interpersonal Comm Course: 801-196Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Speech (801-198), Public Speaking (810-201) or another approved related course.

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Developmental PsychologyCourse: 809-188Credits: 3.00

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

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Fifth Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

PTA Princ of Neuro RehabCourse: 524-144Credits: 4.00

Integrates concepts of neuromuscular pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.

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PTA Princ of Musculo RehabCourse: 524-145Credits: 4.00

Integrates concepts of musculoskeletal pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.

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PTA Cardio & Integ MgmtCourse: 524-146Credits: 3.00

Integrates concepts of cardiopulmonary and integumentary pathologies, physical therapy interventions, and data collection in patient treatment.

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PTA Clinical Practice 1Course: 524-147Credits: 2.00

Provides a part time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills pertinent to physical therapy practice.

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Sixth Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

PTA Clinical Practice 2Course: 524-148Credits: 3.00

Provides another part time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.

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PTA Rehab Across the LifespanCourse: 524-149Credits: 2.00

A capstone course that integrates concepts of pathology, physical therapy interventions and data collection across the lifespan. In addition, the Physical Therapists Assistant's (PTA's) role in health, wellness and prevention; reintegration, and physical therapy interventions for special patient populations will be addressed.

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PTA Professional Issues 2Course: 524-150Credits: 2.00

Incorporates professional development, advanced legal and ethical issues, healthcare management and administration, and further development of professional communication strategies.

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PTA Clinical Practice 3Course: 524-151Credits: 5.00

Provides a full time clinical experience to apply foundational elements, knowledge, and technical skills required of the entry level physical therapist assistant in various practice settings.

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