Standard

PTA 101 - Introduction to Physical Therapy

Course Description

This course provides an explanation of the philosophy and history of the physical therapy profession and its relationship to other health care agencies and providers. Topics include: introduction to the American Physical Therapy Association, development of the American Physical Therapy Association, medicolegal aspects and professional ethics, and communication skills.

Competency Areas		Hours
Introduction to the American Physical Therapy Association		Class	5
Development of the American Physical Therapy Association		D. Lab	0
Medicolegal Aspects and Professional Ethics		P. Lab/O.B.I.	0
Communication Skills		Credit	5
Prerequisite:	Program admission
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
INTRODUCTION TO THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION (APTA)		7	0	0
APTA role and function	Discuss the role and function of the APTA in the physical therapist assistant profession.
Physical therapy profession	Explain the purpose, philosophy, and history of the physical therapy profession.
	Discuss the relationship between the physical therapy profession and other health care agencies and providers.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION		7	0	0
History	Discuss the history of the APTA.
Structure	Discuss the structure of the APTA.
MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS		18	0	0
Laws	Describe the Georgia laws governing the practice of physical therapy.
	Differentiate between statutes and ethics.
	Define tort law.
	Define negligence and malpractice.
	Explain the impact of malpractice and negligence relative to the physical therapy profession.
Ethics	Discuss the medicolegal issues and professional code of ethics regarding the physical therapy profession.
	List the Patient Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics, and Guide for Conduct of the affiliate member.
Responsibilities	Discuss the responsibilities of the physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant, and physical therapy aide
	Identify architectural barriers encountered in the wheelchair experience.
	Discuss modifications which would eliminate architectural barriers for wheelchair clients.
	Identify concerns of the elderly.
	Identify elements of death and dying.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS		18	0	0
Therapeutic communications	Identify and role-play therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
Stress management	Discuss elements and concerns of death and dying. Identify and practice stress management techniques.

Suggested Resources

Books

O'Sullivan, S. B., & Schmitz, T. J. (1988). Physical rehabilitation: Assessment and treatment (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.

Purtilo, R. (1990). Health professional and patient interaction (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders.