PHTA 1110 Syllabus

Subject Code

PHTA

Course Number

1110

Course Title

Introduction to Physical Therapy

Prerequisites

Program admission

Corequisites

Terms Offered

Offered Fall

Credit Hours

(1-2-2)

Course Description

This course introduces students to the profession of physical therapy. Topics include professional responsibilities and core values; legal and ethical responsibilities in physical therapy practice; current trends in physical therapy; communication skills; cultural competency and health disparities; and research and evidence-based practice.

Course Outcomes

Introduction to the Profession of Physical Therapy


Order


Description

1

Define physical therapy.

2

Describe the characteristics of a profession.

3

Discuss the history of the profession of physical therapy and the APTA.

4

Describe the structure and function of the APTA.

5

Describe the benefits of belonging to the APTA and the rights and privileges of the PTA.

Professional Responsibilities and Core Values


Order


Description

1

Describe the behaviors, conduct, actions, attitudes, and values consistent with the roles, responsibilities, and tasks of the PTA.

2

Consider and discuss professionalism and the core values of the profession of physical therapy.

3

Consider the importance of integrity in all interactions with patients, family members, caregivers, supervising physical therapists, coworkers, other health care providers, students, other consumers, employers, and payers.

4

Consider the importance of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities.

Cultural Competency and Health Disparities


Order


Description

1

Discuss cultural competency and the best practices for providing culturally competent and culturally proficient care.

2

Describe the effect of culturally competent care on improving health care delivery systems in varied settings, with persons of different ages, across the lifespan.

3

Anticipate the importance of identifying, respecting, and acting with consideration for the patient's differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all physical therapy activities.

4

Discuss the health disparities in health care and strategies to reduce and eliminate health disparities.

Current Trends in Physical Therapy


Order


Description

1

Discuss practice issues having an impact on the PTA.

Research and Evidence Based Practice


Order


Description

1

Discuss importance of research, health care literature and evidence-based practice.

2

Describe human and material institution-based resources and services to provide high-quality, efficient and cost-effective physical therapy services.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Physical Therapy Practice


Order


Description

1

Discuss the laws, federal and state regulations, policies and standards of practice related to practice of physical therapy.

2

Discuss legal liability relative to physical therapy practice.

3

Relate Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, Code of Ethics, Guide for Professional Conduct, Standards of Ethical Conduct, Guide for Conduct of the PTA.

4

Relate the process of ethical decision-making.

5

Discuss ethical and legal elements of death and dying.

Communication Skills


Order


Description

1

Appreciate expressive and receptive communication in a culturally competent manner with physical therapists, patients, family members, caregivers, other health care providers, students, interdisciplinary team members, administrators, payers, and consumers.