vcc.ca
OPTA 1351: Group Principles and Practice - PTA
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
Building on previously learned knowledge and skills, this course continues to focus on the practical skills required to successfully assist the Physical Therapist and their clients. This course emphasizes physiotherapy treatment and interventions in a group setting to promote balance, strength, cardio-pulmonary health and functional mobility for a wide variety of clients.
Credits
1.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTA 1242, OPTA 1245.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop and deliver physiotherapy treatment sessions, individually and with a co-leader, for a group of simulated clients with varying ages and conditions.
- Use effective communication to educate simulated client's on correct therapy techniques.
- Respond to the simulated client's performance within the therapeutic group session.
- Employ strategies to enhance client motivation for participation in the therapeutic group session.
- Respond to common challenging behaviours in groups in a professional and therapeutic manner.
- Complete accurate health record documentation based on a physiotherapy group treatment session.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 5
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, seminar, on-line learning, assignments, problem-based learning, videos, small group discussions, student-led review sessions, field trips 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 |
|
Assignments |
5-15 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
10-20 |
Lab work |
|
Clinical Examination |
65-80 |
Clinical examinations |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- Group planning and implementation
- Considerations for leading groups for different populations
- Responding to challenging behaviours
- Communication in a group setting
- Documentation for therapeutic groups
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.