vcc.ca
OPTA 1242: MSK Principles and Practice - PTA
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
The course focuses on the practical skills required to successfully assist the Physical Therapist and their clients with musculoskeletal conditions. The course emphasizes physiotherapy treatments and interventions to promote of functional mobility, balance and strength for clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Credits
3.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTA 1133.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Use strategies and devices to optimize functional mobility for clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
- Apply principles of stability, balance and proprioception when assisting clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
- Apply thermal modalities and edema management to clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
- Demonstrate safe and effective use of physiotherapy equipment for musculoskeletal treatment and intervention.
- Implement common musculoskeletal outcome measures.
- Respond to changes in client status during simulated musculoskeletal treatment sessions.
- Complete accurate health record documentation based on a simulated clients treatment session.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, seminar, on-line learning, assignments, problem-based learning, videos, small group discussions, student-led review sessions, and guest speakers. Lab activities optimize student learning of the practical skills required to work as a PTA.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B- (68%) in both written and practical components of course
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Lab Work |
5-15 |
Lab work |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
40-50 |
Quizzes/Tests |
|
Clinical Examination |
40-50 |
Clinical Examinations |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- Goniometry
- Gait
- Ambulation and ambulatory devices
- Stability, balance, proprioception and core
- Thermal modalities
- Exercise for arthritis and osteoporosis
- Edema management
- Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries
- Mobilization post orthopaedic surgeries
- Documentation - Transfer of function
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.