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 PTA practice by demonstrating communication and critical thinking for the workplace. This is the first of three off-campus clinical learning experiences.

Credits

4-8

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. Practice according to the Guide for Conduct; demonstrate respect for self, the patient/client, and colleagues in all situations
2. Practice according to legal and professional standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management
3. Accept and be receptive to feedback; participate in planning and/or self-assessment to improve clinical performance; contribute to the advancement of the clinical setting through educational opportunities; seek out opportunities to improve knowledge and skills
4. Demonstrate 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., translators) 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
5. Deliver 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; provide equitable patient/client care that does not vary in quality based on the patient’s/client’s personal characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, socioeconomic status)
6. Strategically gather, interpret, and synthesize information from multiple sources to make effective clinical judgements; apply current knowledge and clinical judgment while supporting the physical therapist with clinical activities; ensure patient/client safety during the episode of care; present a logical rationale for clinical decisions with all stakeholders (e.g., patients/clients, caregivers, intra/interprofessional colleagues)
7. Perform selected therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, airway clearance, and integumentary repair and protection techniques in a competent manner
8. Apply selected mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities in a competent manner
9. Perform functional training in self-care and home management, including therapeutic activities; perform application and adjustment of devices and equipment in a competent manner
10. Produce quality documentation that includes changes in the patient’s/client’s status, a description and progressions of specific interventions used, and communication among providers; maintain organization of patient/client documentation
11. Participate in the efficient delivery of physical therapy services; demonstrate appropriate understanding of time management and appropriate use of clinical supplies and equipment when supporting physical therapy services