Physics

This is a comprehensive course that provides the physical therapist assistant student with an understanding of the basic principles of neurological rehabilitation of acute and chronic conditions. This course will teach students how to integrate their understanding of pathophysiology, fundamental principles of patient care procedures, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise, and apply them to patients with neurological diseases and injuries. This course will teach students how to devise proper patient instruction and application of specific neurological treatment techniques while demonstrating an understanding of the Physical Therapist Assistant’s role including the responsibilities, privileges and limitations of the position. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, skill development, and effective communication techniques. Successful completion of competency examinations in an ethical, safe, and effective manner is required for this course. Through the competency examinations students will perform appropriate measurement and assessment techniques, demonstrate good clinical judgment, and display a professional attitude. Prerequisites: PTA260, and/or concurrent with PTA255 Terms Offered: FL, SP

Clinical Practice is the initial field experience for physical therapist assistant students. This course affords students the opportunity to participate in the daily workings of a physical therapy clinic and better understand the roles and duties of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Students will be involved in patient care, which is performed under the direct supervision of a physical therapist, and requires that students have a sound understanding of the principles of physical therapy and a basic skill level for the procedures performed by a physical therapist assistant. Students will perform appropriate measurements and assessments, communicate effectively and display a professional attitude while on Clinical Practice. Prerequisites: PTA235 and PTA245 Terms Offered: SU, WI

The internship experience at Central Penn allows students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to the working environment. This experience is the capstone for all PTA classes and will prepare students for the National Physical Therapy Exam. Students will deliver physical therapy services in an ethical, safe and effective manner as evidenced by good clinical judgment. Students will also demonstrate a professional attitude and communicate effectively with members of the healthcare field. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses and requirements of the Physical Therapist Assistant program and to have passed all required competency tests. Terms Offered: SU, WI

An asterisk (*) denotes a C is required to progress.

This course is the first of a two-term sequence. It is intended to provide a general knowledge of the basic concepts of physics relating to mechanics, energy, rotational motion, fluids, thermodynamics, and waves. Physics is based on problem-solving that this class involves both solving work problems and performing laboratory exercises. Students will attain a conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability that they can readily apply to their knowledge to novel problems and situations. It shows to students how useful physics is in their own lives and will be in their future professions. Co-requisite: PHY200L Prerequisite: MTH105 Terms Offered: WI