MCCCD Program Description

Physical Therapist Assistant Examination Review

Course: PTA295

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lecture 2.0 Credit(s) 2.0 Period(s) 2.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Preparation for the physical therapist assistant examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Topics include physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary and cardiopulmonary system diseases and complications. Therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility activities, and data collection techniques. Documentation and ethical/legal considerations in practice of physical therapy.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the testing format used by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. (I) 2. Describe patient assessment techniques used by physical therapist assistants. (II) 3. List common musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan that require the intervention of physical therapy. (III) 4. Explain the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) within the profession and within healthcare. (IV) 5. Describe the application of therapeutic exercise for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (V) 6. Describe the application of therapeutic modalities for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (VI) 7. Describe the application of functional mobility training for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan. (VII) 8. Explain ethical and legal issues that impact the practice of physical therapy. (VIII) 9. Describe specific documentation required for the care of the patient receiving physical therapy. (IX) 10. Discuss test taking strategies for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants and the Arizona jurisprudence examination of physical therapy practice statutes and rules. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Certification examination A. Time allotted B. Number of questions C. Distribution of questions II. Patient assessment techniques A. Goniometry B. Muscle testing C. Balance grading D. Levels of assistance E. Sensation testing F. Cognitive awareness G. Posture assessment H. Skin assessment I. Mobility assessment III. Musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary system disorders and complications A. Orthopedic injuries B. Neurological deficits C. Cardiopulmonary diseases D. Integumentary system conditions E. Miscellaneous diseases F. Safety considerations IV. Role of the PTA A. Supervision by the physical therapist B. State practice act guidelines C. APTA guidelines V. Therapeutic exercise A. Passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion B. Exercise with resistance C. Isotonic, isometric, isokinetic exercise D. Facilitation and inhibition E. Safety considerations VI. Therapeutic modalities A. Superficial heat and cold B. Short-wave diathermy C. Ultrasound D. Traction E. Massage and soft-tissue mobilization F. Ultraviolet, infrared, laser G. Electrotherapeutic interventions H. Indications and contraindications I. Safety considerations VII. Functional mobility training A. Transfer training B. Gait training with and without assistive devices C. Normal gait D. Gait deviations E. Prosthetics and orthotics F. Wheelchair mobility G. Safety considerations VIII. Legal/ethical issues in physical therapy A. Referral for profit B. Medical records management C. Code of conduct D. Patient`s rights IX. Documentation A. Medical record of care provided B. Record for third party payers C. Basis on which treatment decisions are made D. SOAP notes X. Test taking strategies A. NPTE B. Arizona Jurisprudence Examination

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 22, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.