PTA 280A Co-op Ed: Physical Therapist Assistant - First Clinical Experience

Second year PTA students apply PT interventions under PT/PTA supervision at a contracted clinical site. Students progress toward advanced beginner and intermediate PTA practice by demonstrating communication and critical thinking for the workplace. This is the first of three off-campus clinical learning experiences.

Prerequisite

PTA 104 and (PTA 104L or PTA 104LR), PTA 133 and (PTA 133L or PTA 133LR), all with a C or better (all may be taken as corequisites)

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Safety. Recognize and maintain a safe work environment through knowledge of safety policies and procedures for patient, self, and others (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
2. Clinical Behavior (CAPTE 7D7). Demonstrate workplace and value-based behaviors during the clinical experience by arriving prepared and on time, wearing proper attire, maintaining patient confidentiality and dignity, and accepting feedback from supervisor(s) without defensiveness (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
3. Accountability. Observe established legal, professional, and ethical standards of the school, clinical site, and PT profession (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
4. Cultural Competence (CAPTE 7D8). Recognize and take into consideration patients’ differences, values, preferences, and needs during all aspects of care (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
5. Communication. Practice effective communication strategies (verbal, non-verbal, and written), including active listening, with all parties in the healthcare environment (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
6. Self-Assessment and Life-Long Learning. Acknowledge and seek opportunities to self-assess and improved knowledge, skills, and abilities for personal and career growth (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
7. Clinical Problem Solving. Demonstrate sound rationale through clinical problem-solving seeking guidance and clarification, as appropriate (Approaching Intermediate Level Performance on the final CPI)
8. Interventions: Therapeutic Exercise. Select, instruct, and modify appropriate exercises interventions and body mechanics training, including associated data collection, within the plan of care. (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
9. Interventions: Therapeutic Techniques. Select, apply, and modify appropriate manual therapy, airway clearance/breathing, and integumentary repair and protection techniques, including associated data collection, within the plan of care (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
10. Interventions: Physical Agents and Mechanical Modalities. Select, apply, and modify appropriate thermal agents and mechanical modalities, including associated data collection, within the plan of care (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
11. Interventions: Electrotherapeutic Modalities. Select, apply, and modify appropriate electrotherapeutic modalities, including associated data collection, within the plan of care (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
12. Interventions: Functional Training and Equipment. Select, apply, and modify/adjust appropriate functional training techniques and equipment devices, including associated data collection, within the plan of care (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
13. Documentation. Document all aspects of patient care accurately and efficiently in no more than double the time of the clinical instructor in the preferred documentation format of the site (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)
14. Resource Management. Participate in effective and efficient delivery of physical therapy services through appropriate resource management (Approaching Advanced Beginner Level Performance on the final CPI)