vcc.ca
OPTA 1232: Physical Therapist Assistant 1
Effective date
September 2022
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. The course emphasizes physiotherapy treatments and interventions to promote of functional mobility, balance and strength for clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Credits
4.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
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 orthopaedic injuries and conditions
- Apply principles of stability, balance and proprioception when assisting clients with orthopaedic injuries and conditions
- Apply thermal modalities to clients with orthopaedic injuries and conditions
- Apply electrophysical agents (EPA) to clients with orthopaedic injuries and conditions
- Demonstrate professional behavior in a simulated environment
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 90
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 90
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 comprise a minimum of 50% of the course in order to 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 |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
45 |
X 3 |
|
Clinical Examination |
40 |
X 3 as per evaluation tool |
|
Lab Work |
10 |
formative skills assessment |
|
Participation |
5 |
as per rubric |
Course topics
- 1. Gait
- 2. Ambulation
- 3. Stability, balance and proprioception from an orthopaedic perspective
- 4. Thermal modalities
- 5. Edema management
- 6. Electrophysical agents (EPA)
- 7. Range of Motion
- 8. Sling suspension
- 9. Treatment of orthopaedic injuries
- 10. Treatment and management of low back pain
- 11. Exercise for arthritis and osteoporosis
- 12. Mobilization post orthopaedic surgeries
- 13. Professional behavior
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.