PTA106

Introduction to Physical Therapy

Introduces students to the field of physical therapy and the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Explores interpersonal skills and professionalism relevant to the health care environment. Addresses interactions between PTA and patients, therapists, and other health care team members. Advances concepts of social and cultural competency, confidentiality, HIPAA, and professional responsibilities. Addresses state laws and professional therapy association positions and their integration into clinical policies and procedures. Covers computer literacy, on-line medical research, effective study skills, and continuing professional development. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the PTA program. Co-requisites: PTA 101 and PTALB1.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally, or non-verbally) with patients and other stakeholders.
2. Identify health disparities and outcomes impacted by cultural or socioeconomic differences and relate to concepts of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).
3. Reflect on personal development of metacognition strategies (good study habits, time and stress management techniques) and methods to excel as a lifelong learner.
4. Discuss ways in which patient and family interactions are affected across the lifespan, including those with disability and disease.
5. Access current health care literature and evidence-based resources via electronic sources (Internet and on-line journals) as well as hard copy resources.
6. Explain the PTA’s role, including required levels of supervision, when practicing in various settings (acute care, SNF, home care and pediatric) as per the NYS Practice Act.
7. Discuss national, state and district American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) organization and its role in the oversight of the physical therapy profession.
8. Identify the multidisciplinary team concept and the various professional roles and responsibilities in today’s health care system.
9. Utilize the on-line APTA resources for professional development purposes, such as the identification of preferred PT / PTA relationships, decision making algorithms, practice guidelines, and implementation of JEDI in various healthcare settings.
10. Implement APTA Values Based Behaviors framework to determine appropriate actions in addressing hypothetical ethical dilemmas, consistent with the APTA’s Code of Ethics for Physical Therapist Assistants.
11. Identify key principles of reimbursement specific to physical therapy settings (private insurance, managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, and worker’s compensation).
12. Interpret the PT plan of care and access resources to guide in selecting treatment options, treatment progression, and need for further PT consultation.
13. Describe the PTA scope of practice, which could include NYS Practice Act, rules for the clinical education process, and career opportunities such as specialization.
14. Identify strategies for the identification and protection of vulnerable populations and conditions for reporting cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
15. Utilize the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) terminology to accurately describe a client’s impairments, activity, or participation limitations.
16. Describe various aspects of a health care organization including hiring /staffing, reimbursement considerations, financial and operational planning related to physical therapy.

Effective Term: Fall 2025

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