PTA PATIENT INTERVENTIONS I

PTA -120 Section: [Insert]

[Insert other course information (optional): blended, honors]
Credit Hours: 4 Lab Hours: 6 Lecture Hours: 2

Semester: [Insert] Course Begins: [Insert] Course Ends: [Insert]

Days: [Insert] Times: [Insert] Room: [Insert]

Instructor: Angela Wallace PTA, MA and Michael Duchaj PT, MPT, ATC
E-mail: [Insert your @mchenry.edu e-mail address or LMS information]
Phone: [Insert]
Office Hours: [Insert]
Office Location: [Insert]
Other Contact Information: [Insert]
Website (optional): [Insert]
Required Course:
Textbook(s):

Dreeben-Irimia, Olga. Introduction to Physical Therapy for Physical Therapist Assistants. 2nd edition.
Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2011.

Pierson, F and Fairchild SL. Principles & Techniques of Patient Care, 5th edition. Elseveier 2013
Magee, David Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 6th Edition WB. Elseveir 2014

Biel, Andrew Trail Guide to the Body, Books of Discovery, 5th Ed

Manske, Robert Fundamental Orthopedic Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 4th Edition
2016

Behrens B. and Beinert, H Physical Agents: Theory and Practice. 3rd ed. FA Davis Company, 2014.
Philadelphia, PA.

Kisner C and Colby LA. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques 6th Edition. F.A. Davis
Company. 2012. Philadelphia, PA.

O’Sullivan SB and Schnmitz TJ. Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 6th Edition. 2013
FA Davis Company.

National Safety Council Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens, McGraw Hill Higher Education 2013

Supplies (if desired): [Insert]

Course Description:
PTA Patient Interventions I prepares students to implement components of the plan of care established by
the physical therapist. Students will relate the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to short and
long term goals and intended outcomes. Students will learn how to implement functional training,
perform selected therapeutic exercise interventions, and apply superficial heat and cold modalities. They
will also learn how to incorporate effective teaching strategies during interventions, how to consult with
the physical therapist and how to contribute to patients’ discontinuation of care from facilities or service.
Course Note:

Course Prerequisite: Admission to the PTA program or written consent of PTA program director.

Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate a level of understanding of the plan of care developed by
the physical therapist, to achieve short term goals, long term goals, and intended outcomes through a
case study assignment for interventions covered in this course.
2. Identify standard precautions for infection control.
3. Demonstrate competent standard precautions for interactions with a mock patient.
4. Identify common pain scales and standardized questionnaires for pain utilized within physical
therapy.
5. Demonstrate the ability to competently administer appropriate pain scales to mock patients and
caregivers .
6. Describe correct body mechanics which should be utilized during functional activities covered in
this course (bed mobility, transfers, ROM, strengthening and stretching).
7. Demonstrate correct body mechanics during patient care activities covered in this course (bed
mobility, transfers, ROM, strengthening and stretching).
8. Compare the different levels of patient function during bed mobility, transfers, and gait training.
9. Identify the bony prominences at risk for tissue breakdown during patient positioning.
10. Recognize appropriate positioning to prevent and/or relieve pain, prevent and/or relieve altered
sensation and/or prevent skin breakdown for a mock patient.
11. Competently demonstrate proper positioning to prevent and/or relieve pain, prevent and/or relieve
altered sensation and/or prevent skin breakdown for a mock patient .
12. Recognize common assistive devices used in gait training.
13. Recognize when a change in patient gait status may require a different assistive and/or adaptive
device.
14. Demonstrate the ability to competently educate the individual and/or caregiver on the ability to care
for assistive and/or adaptive, devices including identification of the patient and/or caregiver’s ability
to care for the device(s).
15. Recognize common orthotic devices including their indications.
16. Identify the patient and caregiver’s ability to care for assistive devices.
17. Recognize potential safety factors, including changes in skin integrity, while utilizing assistive
devices.
18. Identify how normal and abnormal movement patterns can affect the ability of a patient to perform
mobility activities.
19. Competently demonstrate appropriate cuing for normal and abnormal movement patterns which can
affect the ability of a mock patient to perform mobility activities .
20. Recognize the purpose of different wheelchairs and wheelchair components.
21. Identify common problems with wheelchair fitting and positioning.
22. Identify the correct sequence for performing the following therapeutic interventions for patients with
non-complicated diagnosis:
a. Bed mobility.
b. Patient positioning and draping.
c. Transfer training.

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 d. Gait training, including accurate fitting of assistive devices and proper guarding.
e. Wheelchair management and mobility.
23. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform the following therapeutic interventions for mock
patients with non-complicated diagnosis:
a. Bed Mobility.
b. Patient positioning and draping.
c. Transfer training.
d. Gait training, including accurate fitting of assistive devices and proper guarding.
e. Wheelchair management and mobility.
24. Utilizing a mobility simulation project, create a presentation that acknowledges the physical
limitations and feelings encountered and reflect on potential emotional long term impact of use of an
assistive device.
25. Identify the components of a skin assessment related to superficial heat and cryotherapy.
26. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform a skin assessment before and after applying
superficial heat and cryotherapy .
27. Recognize the treatment principles, parameters, indications, contraindications, and precautions for
the following physical agents.
a. Cryotherapy (Cold packs and ice massage).
b. Hot packs.
c. Paraffin Bath.
d. Whirlpool – heat/cold (aka: hydrotherapy).
e. Fluidotherpy.
f. Cold laser.
28. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform the following physical agents:
a. Cryotherapy (Cold packs and ice massage)
b. Hot packs
c. Paraffin Bath
d. Whirlpool (aka: hydrotherapy)
29. Recognize the different types of basic stretching exercise, and the effects stretching has on elastic
and non-elastic tissue.
30. Recognize the types, and effects of, various strengthening exercises utilized within physical
therapy, including: isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, open chain, and closed chain.
31. Identify the principles, parameters, indications, contraindications, and precautions, for the following
therapeutic exercise interventions:
a. Active, active assistive and passive range of motion for the major joints of the upper and
lower extremities.
b. Basic Stretching exercises for the upper and lower extremities.
c. Common strengthening exercises for the upper and lower extremities.
32. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform the following therapeutic exercise interventions:
a. Active, active assistive and passive range of motion for the major joints of the UE and LE
b. Basic stretching exercises for the upper and lower extremities
c. Common strengthening exercises for the upper and lower extremities
33. Identify the components of a home exercise program.
34. Effectively develop a home program for gait training for a patient with a non-complicated diagnosis.
35. Demonstrate the ability to effectively educate a mock patient/caregiver a home exercise program for
gait training.
36. Compose a SOAP note documenting a mock treatment session utilizing learned therapeutic
interventions covered in this course.
37. Competently identify how to safely monitor and adjust interventions covered in this course, in
response to patient/client status and clinical indications.
38. Demonstrate the ability, using assessment skills covered in this course, to report changes in the

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 status and progress of a mock patient to the supervising physical therapist and any team member as
indicated, utilizing appropriate verbal and/or written communication.

Assignments and Grading Criteria

Case Study - Groups of 4 - 5 students written and oral presentation 10%

Mobility project 5%

Mid-term written examination 15%

Midterm Practical Examination 20%

Final written examination 15%

Final Practical Examination 20%

Class participation (lecture, discussion, role play, and lab) 10%

Patient Interview (recorded) 5%

Non-graded skills check list – student must be able to perform 70% on skills check list in order to
continue with course. If the student is unable to perform 70% of skills he/she will be allowed to repeat
skills check list one time prior to remediation. Remediation will be determined by faculty and or program
director and may include but is not limited additional laboratory work, case studies, clinical observation
and/or tutoring.

Policies

Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes. If unable to attend because of illness or
family issues, students are expected to contact course instructor prior to the start of class.

Late work/Make–up Policy: Students with excused absences may submit assignments for feedback and
grading electronically or in person within 24 hours of the missed class. Students with excused
absences who need to make-up work will consult with the course coordinator to develop a
mutually acceptable plan.

Course Outline

I. Plan of Care
a. Goals
i. Short term
ii. Long term
b. Communication

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 c. Literature review
II. Exercises for developmental activities
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
c. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
d. Documentation
e. Progression and regression
III. Exercises for active, passive and active assistive range of motion
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
c. Joint end feel (appropriate resistance)
d. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
e. Documentation
f. Progression and regression
IV. Exercises for resistance, conditioning and reconditioning
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
c. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
d. Documentation
e. Progression and regression
V. Exercises for stretching
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
c. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
d. Documentation
e. Progression and regression
VI. Exercises for aerobic conditioning
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner

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 iii. Body mechanics
c. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
d. Documentation
e. Progression and regression
VII. Gait training
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Gait mechanics
c. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
d. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
e. Documentation
f. Progression and regression
VIII. Wheelchair management
a. Appropriate mobility aides
b. Wheelchair/mobility aide adjustments
c. Gait/safety belts
d. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Device
1. Wheelchair
2. Mobility aides
iv. Body mechanics
e. Levels of assistance
i. Independent
ii. Min assist
iii. Moderate assist
iv. Maximal assist
v. Total assist
f. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
g. Documentation
IX. Superficial heat/cold
a. Indications, precautions, contraindications
b. Skin screening
c. Types of thermotherapy
i. Hot pack
ii. Whirlpool
iii. Fluidotherapy
iv. Paraffin
v. Diathermy
vi. Infrared
d. Types of cryotherapy
i. Ice bath

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 ii. Ice massage
iii. Cold pack/ice pack
iv. Contrast bath
e. Positioning
i. Patient
ii. Practitioner
iii. Body mechanics
f. Education of patient
i. Verbal, visual and tactile cues
ii. HEP
g. Documentation
h. Progression and regression
X. Modification to treatment
a. Status changes of patient
b. Stopping-holding treatments
c. Communication with supervising PT
d. Beyond scope/ability of PTA
XI. Emergency plan of action
a. Patient safety
b. Practitioner safety
c. Facility policies
d. Documentation

Weekly Course Schedule

Dates of Class Course Schedule Book Instruc

Meetings Lecture Lab tor
Week #1 Intro to interventions Chapter AW
Review the Plan of Care
Body mechanics
Positioning and draping
Safety
Pain scales
Week #2 Active and passive exercises UE and AW
head/neck
Week #3 Active and passive exercises spine and AW
LE
Lab skills check list
Week #4 Aerobic Exercises MD
Field trip to gym
Week #5 Resistance exercises MD
Week #6 Conditioning and re-conditioning MD
exercises
Lab skills check list
Case study
Week #7 Stretching exercises MD

Week #8 Midterm AW
Lab practical

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 Developmental activities
Week #9 Transfer training AW
Weight bearing – Full, WBAT, partial
WB, TTWB, NWB
Week #10 Gait training without AD AW
Gait training partial WB with walker,
crutches, cane
Week #11 Gait training NWB walker, crutches, AW
forearm cane
Gait training NWB rolling aides

Week #12 Lab skills check list AW

Case study
Week #13 Wheelchair management AW
Mobility project
Week #14 Thermal agents MD
Superficial heat/cold
Lab skills checklist
Week #15 Mobility presentation AW
Week #16 Final exam AW/
Lab practical final exam MD

Teaching Schedule
The scheduling of the activities and teaching strategies on this syllabus, but not the objectives or content,
may be altered at any time at the discretion of the instructor.

Withdrawals: The last day to withdraw from this course is [Faculty: Insert date according to “Important
Class Dates List” for term [found on https://mymcccatalog.mchenry.edu/syllabi/Pages/default.aspx].
Failure to attend class does not constitute official withdrawal. If students are considering a withdrawal, they
should consult directly with the instructor and an academic advisor. Students may withdraw from a class
through the Registration Office, either in person or by fax: (815) 455-3766. In their request, students should
include their name, student ID number, course prefix, number and section, course title, instructor, reason for
withdrawing, and their signature. Withdrawal from a course will not be accepted over the telephone.

Academic Support for Special Populations Students

Students with Disabilities:

It is the policy and practice of McHenry County College to create inclusive learning environments. If you
are a student with a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act – Amended
(ADAA) and require accommodations, please contact the Access and Disability Services office for
information on appropriate policies and procedures for receiving accommodations and support.
Disabilities covered by ADAA may include learning, psychiatric, and physical disabilities, or chronic
health disorders. Students should contact the Access and Disability Services office if they are not certain
whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. To receive accommodations, students must make a
formal request and must supply documentation from a qualified professional to support that request.
However, you do not need to have your documentation in hand for our first meeting. Students who
believe they qualify must contact the Access and Disability Services office to begin the accommodation
process. All discussions remain confidential. The Access and Disability Services office is located in
Room A260 in A Building in the Atrium. To schedule an appointment to speak with the manager, please

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call (815) 455-8766. Information about disabilities services at MCC can be found at:
www.mchenry.edu/access

For Students in Career/Technical Programs

As a student enrolled in a career or technical education program at McHenry County College, you may be
eligible for services and assistance under the Carl D. Perkins III Grant. Grant funds are used, in part, to
assist students who are at risk of not succeeding in their educational pursuits. The traits that often prevent
students from succeeding are: economic disadvantage, academic disadvantage, disability/disabilities,
single parent, displaced homemaker, enrollment in a program in which their gender is under represented,
and limited English proficiency (LEP). The definitions of each trait are available in the Access and
Disability Services office. Students with one or more of these traits are referred to as Perkins Special
Populations Students.

If you would like to know if you are eligible for services at any time during the semester, please do not
hesitate to contact the Manager, Access and Disability Services. The office is Room A260, and phone
number is (815) 455-8676.

Additional syllabus information and resources can be found at www.mchenry.edu/syllabusinfo

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING ALL SYLLABUS INFORMATION.

CD&R/ Master Syllabus Template 05-07-18.doc