PAL 293CP - Cooperative Education

• Assigned to and expected to graduate from a career-based academic program    
• Completed 30 college credits with at least 12 credits in their selected or approved major
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher
• Secured a paid or unpaid internship site (minimum of one month prior to the semester)
• Have faculty, department head and academic division dean approval for course section to be added to the schedule
• Secure any clearances required by the employer/organization
• Follow established processes; complete and submit all required forms

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PAL 296CP - Cooperative Education

• Assigned to and expected to graduate from a career-based academic program    
• Completed 30 college credits with at least 12 credits in their selected or approved major
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher
• Secured a paid or unpaid internship site (minimum of one month prior to the semester)
• Have faculty, department head and academic division dean approval for course section to be added to the schedule
• Secure any clearances required by the employer/organization
• Follow established processes; complete and submit all required forms

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PHL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy

1. Develop critical analytical skills in reading and writing by constructing a philosophical essay.
2. Apply learned terms in the discipline of philosophy while assessing ideas in class discussion and debate.
3. Demonstrate the ability to present and critique arguments from presented authors and the student.
4. Identify the importance of careful analytical thinking and awareness through discussion and essay.
5. Demonstrate comfortable use of vocabulary necessary for classroom discussions via short answers in class essays.

1. Issues of philosophical analysis and description
2. Branches and methods of philosophy
3. The value of philosophy and its limits
4. Basic questions and breakthroughs of the historical eras in philosophy
5. Historically noted thinkers and theories in the discipline
6. Optional: God-existence, Ethics, Freedom, Sexuality and Gender, Knowledge

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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PHL 103 - Logic

1. Describe the complex relationships between language, thinking and existence.
2. Evaluate a variety of models of argumentation in class discussions.
3. Apply informal logic in assessing written and spoken presentations.
4. Apply the roles, structures and tests of arguments as evidenced by probability calculations.
5. Demonstrate a logically more rigorous use of language in academic and daily life.
6. Implement critical analytical skills in reading and writing via a written paper.
7. Apply formal logic to presented arguments.

1. Informal fallacies
2. Categorical propositions
3. Validity and truth values or false values in logic and statements
4. Syllogisms
5. Symbols use to logical notation

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PHL 111 - Religions of the World

1. Describe the variety and details of belief systems of the major world religions.
2. Identify the root terms of the major world religions.
3. Describe how people of different faiths practice and express their beliefs through worship and ritual.
4. Explain the relationship between religious practice and belief.
5. Relate the commonalities found in all religions.
6. Explain the sociocultural histories of the major world religions.

1. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam
2. Characteristic similarities that religions have in common
3. Sectarian developments and differences
4. Beginnings and rudiments of ancient and primal religious beliefs
5. Current international and cross-cultural changes in religions

• Culture Society & Citizenship

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PHL 155 - Ethics

1. Describe key elements of major ethical theories.
2. Assess key elements of major ethical theories.
3. Analyze ethics as a discipline and how it relates to society, law, personal growth and other branches of philosophy.
4. Apply concepts and examples from the studies when developing and assessing one’s own moral principles and habits.
5. Evaluate ethical dilemmas using theories presented in class.
6. Identify current moral problems in everyday life.

1. Awareness and appreciation of ethics as a discipline
2. Ideas and deciding as themes of alternative theories in ethics
3. Ethics, social action, public policies and the call to virtue
4. Examples of typical and current moral problems and reasoning
5. Standard controversies in moral concepts or theories in ethics

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

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PHL 157 - Existentialism

1. Define existentialism.
2. Identify key philosophical figures that have influenced the development of existentialism.
3. Assess the main themes of existentialist thought.
4. Outline the various approaches taken towards the basic themes of existentialist philosophy.
5. Critique common existentialist themes as they have been addressed in primary texts.
6. Analyze the contributions of existentialism to contemporary philosophy.

1. The writings and theories of Nietzsche
2. The writings and theories of Kierkegaard
3. The writings and theories of Husserl
4. The writings and theories of Heidegger
5. The writings and theories of Jaspers
6. The writings and theories of Sartre
7. The writings and theories of Merleau-Ponty
8. The writings and theories of Camus
9. The writings and theories of Ricouer
10. The writings and theories of Levinas
     

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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PHL 160 - Ethics in Business

1. Describe various types of ethical reasoning; consequentialist/teleological and non-consequentialist/deontological.
2. Explain the ethical objectivist’s response to the ethical relativist, and its affects on the contradictory nature of ethical egoism.
3. Apply the ethics theories/traditions that are presented in this course to the ethical challenges found in the world of business, including its effect on Affirmative Action.
4. Describe Rawls’s Theory of Justice and Nozick’s Entitlement Theory. 
5. Explain the process of change needed to address moral distress.
6. Explain the relationship Marx described between production and the social order.

1. Ethical reasoning
2. Ethical subjectivism/relativism
3. Ethical egoism
4. Ethics theories: utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, natural law theory, virtue ethics, care ethics, symphonology
5. Economic justice
6. Marx & capitalism
7. Equality & discrimination
8. Moral distress in the workplace

• Culture Society & Citizenship

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PHL 205 - Medical Ethics and Law

1. Demonstrate a general framework in philosophy from which to probe the conflicting demands and choices facing society in general, particularly in healthcare through participation in the course journal.
2. Develop diverse perspectives upon the presuppositions, values and premises brought into question by the technical and human possibility of medicine via a course term paper.
3. Apply ethics theories presented to the ethical challenges in healthcare.
4. Explain the relationship of ethics and law in healthcare.
5. Describe the ethical dilemmas related to death and dying.
6. Identify the moral issues surrounding science and technology.

 Listed Topics

1. Ethics and medicine relative to concepts of life
2. Ethics and medicine relative to death and dying
3. Moral issues concerning suffering
4. Medicine, the law, and behavior control
5. Experiments on human beings: medicine, ethics, and the law
6. Patient relationships
7. Health care delivery
8. Health professions, caregivers, neglect and malpractice
9. Genetic control and its ethical issues
10. Alternative views and concerns relative to abortion
11. Science, technologies, and human dignity
12. The issues around the natural versus the artificial

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

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PHB 101 - Clinical Phlebotomy

1. Locate and name the veins commonly used for phlebotomy.
2. List the commonly used vacuum collection tubes and the analytical tests associated with each.
3. List the CLSI recommended order of draw.
4. Explain the correct procedure for collecting and transporting blood and body fluid specimens.
5. Identify the analytical laboratory departments and tests performed in each.
6. Outline infection control procedures.
7. Describe the infection cycle.
8. Perform proper skin puncture techniques to obtain blood specimens.
9. Perform proper venipuncture techniques to obtain blood specimens.
10. Apply techniques to prevent complications in blood collection.
11. Demonstrate the ability to handle complications during blood collection.
12. Describe standard precautions as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

1. Basic anatomy and physiology of body systems
2. Medical terminology to include directional terms, anatomic regions and cavities of the body
3. Basic anatomy of the circulatory system
4. Blood and body fluid precautions
5. Documentation, specimen handling and transportation of specimens
6. Blood collection equipment
7. Procedures for collecting blood specimens
8. Preanalytic complications in blood collection
9. Pediatric procedures
10. Special collection procedures
11. Elderly, home and long-term care collections
12. Urinalysis, body fluids and other specimens
13. Forensic toxicology, workplace testing, sports medicine and related areas
14. Role of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) related to blood and body fluid specimens
15. Identification process for inpatients
16. Methods of hand hygiene
17. Identification of appropriate sites for venipuncture and situations when these sites might not be acceptable
18. Process and time limits for applying a tourniquet to a patient’s arm
19. Decontamination process and agents used to decontaminate skin for routine blood tests and blood cultures
20. Steps of a venipuncture procedure
21. “Order of Draw” for collection tubes
22. Time specimens
23. Fasting and STAT specimens
24. Capillary blood specimens
25. Procedure for making a blood smear

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Communication

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PHB 201C - Clinical Phlebotomy Practicum

 
Description
This course is a supervised, non-paid 160 hour practicum experience at a hospital or outpatient lab. Additional experience and training in phlebotomy are provided to develop knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the program. The practicum is offered weekdays during the day. Prior to the practicum current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 33/34), FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a physical examination and drug screen are required. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Demonstrate behaviors in accordance with regulations, policies, laws and patient rights.
2. Explain the importance of specimen collection.
3. Perform venipuncture and skin punctures to obtain blood specimens.
4. Prepare blood and body fluid specimens for analysis according to industry standards.
5. Demonstrate the ability to respond to verbal and non-verbal communication.

1. Telephone procedures
2. Patient records
3. Preparation of the patient personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. Laboratory organization
5. Blood specimen collection
6. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests
7. Quality control in the laboratory
8. Laboratory safety
9. Styles and types of communication
10. Cultural, environmental, developmental life stage, language and physical barriers to communication.

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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PHB 211 - Clinical Phlebotomy Seminar

1. Explain competencies required by the phlebotomist.
2. Identify traits of professionalism.
3. Discuss all levels of governmental legislation and regulation as they apply to phlebotomy.
4. Demonstrate the ability to respond to verbal and non-verbal communications.
5. Explain the importance of quality control related to blood collection.
6. Create a resume.

1. Job responsibilities
2. Health care members
3. Personal characteristics for professionalism
4. National certification
5. Employment opportunities
6. Resume writing
7. Interviewing skills
8. Ethical and legal responsibilities
9. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
10. Professional liability
11. Interpersonal communication
12. Patient with special needs

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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PHS 101 - Earth Science

1. Investigate principles and processes of physics, biology, chemistry, physical science and geology.
2. Examine standard and alternative energy sources.
3. Describe the properties of and the effects of pollution in air, land and water.
4. Outline the relative relationship of global, community and personal health of air, land and water.
5. Define the need for protection of global, community and personal health against pollution and hazardous waste materials.
6. Apply concepts through laboratory experiments and field trips.

1. Environment Problems: Past Present and Future
2. Environmental Regulations
3. Earth’s Minerals, Rocks, Structure and Plate Tectonics
4. Solid Waste Disposal
5. Ecosystems/Biotic and Abiotic Interactions
6. Species Evolution and Geologic Time
7. Populations
8. Standard and Alternative Energy Sources
9. Properties of Water and Pollution
10. Sewage and Water Treatment
11. Properties of Air, Air Pollution and Treatment
12. Hazardous Materials
13. Environment and Human Health
14. Abatement Modes and Personal Protection Re: Air, Land, Water, Hazardous Materials and Noise Pollution

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PHS 107 - Introductory Astronomy

1. Apply scientific inquiry to the study of astronomy.
2. Explain phenomena that can be observed in daytime and in the night sky.
3. List the fundamental properties of objects in the solar system, stars and galaxies.
4. Apply the basic principles and laws of physics to the Universe and its contents.
5. Explain methods used by scientists to gather information and data in astronomy.

1. The Celestial Sphere and the Night Sky
2. Kepler’s Planetary Laws, Newton’s Laws of Motion and Gravity
3. The Nature of Light and Telescopes
4. Our Moon
5. The Solar System: the Planets and their Moons, Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets
6. Our Sun
7. The Formation, Evolution and Death of Stars
8. The Milky Way and Other Galaxies
9. Cosmology
10. Other Solar Systems and Extra-terrestrial life

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Information Literacy

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PHS 108 - Introduction to Weather

1. State the nature and general composition of the atmosphere, and name the atmospheric properties that are commonly measured, and describe how they are measured.
2. Distinguish the different air masses, particularly those that affect the weather in the United States.
3. Describe the different kinds of fronts and their associated characteristics.
4. Explain the formation, characteristics and effects of thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes.
5. Describe the formation of rainbows and sundogs through atmospheric optics.
6. Apply the basic principles and laws of physics to modeling weather events in forecasting and explain how weather data and forecasts are discriminated to the public.
7. Discuss the natural causes of climatic changes, and explain how air and water pollutants affect global climates and local weather.

1. The formation, structure, and composition of the atmosphere
2. Temperature, pressure, heat, and humidity
3. The seasons and isolation
4. The hydrological cycle
5. Pressure gradients and wind
6. Cloud formation and precipitation
7. Atmospheric optics: rainbows and sundogs
8. Air masses, frontal boundaries, instabilities forming storms
9. Violent storms: tornadoes and hurricanes and their effects
10. Weather forecasting and broadcasting
11. The major climates, historical changes in the climates due to continental movement, variations in the Earth’s orbit, and changes in the solar constant and changes due to atmospheric pollutants

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PHS 161 - Physical Science for the Industries

 
Description
This is a basic course in the fundamentals of matter, its form, and properties. Matter is studied in terms of energy, power, and its changing environment. Addition topics include concepts of chemistry and their application to industrial usage.

1. Distinguish states: liquids, solids, gases and plasma.
2. Describe fundamental states of matter.
3. Know and apply Newton’s Law of Motion.
4. Define basic principles of physics, such as kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, and nuclear.
5. Apply to industry the laws of matter involving sound, light, electricity and magnetism.

1. States of Matter
2. Kinematics, Dynamics, and Newton’s Law of Motion
3. Work, Energy and Power
4. Thermodynamics
5. Electricity and Magnetism
6. Light and Optics
7. Acoustics
8. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

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PTA 101 - Introduction to Physical Therapy

1. Demonstrate competence through examination in content and learning experiences about body systems, kinesiology and related medical and surgical conditions across the lifespan commonly seen by physical therapist assistants.  (7B)
2. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (7D4 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (7D5 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (7D7 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance. (7D10 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Identify appropriate evidence based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
8. Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership. (7D13 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
9. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (7D15 – Patient/Client Management)
10. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (7D19 – Plan of Care)
11. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (7D20 – Plan of Care)
12. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include Application of Devices and Equipment, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Manual Therapy Techniques, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education and therapeutic exercise. (7D23 b, d, e, f, g, h – Intervention)
13. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (7D25 – Intervention)
14. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas:  Aerobic Capacity and Endurance, Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance and Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life. (7D24 a, c, d, e, f, g, h, m – Tests and Measures).

1. Architectural barriers
2. Assistive devices
3. Body mechanics
4. Data collection
5. Documentation
6. Gait
7. History of the physical therapy profession
8. Kinesiology and biomechanics
9. Medical vocabulary
10. Palpation of anatomical landmarks
11. Patient diversity, equity & inclusion
12. Patient draping & positioning
13. Range of motion
14. Self-help devices
15. Vital signs
16. Wheelchair mobility

• Communication
• Technological Competence

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PTA 102 - Physical Therapy Principles and Procedures 1

1. Demonstrate competence through examination in content and learning experiences about body systems and related medical and surgical conditions across the lifespan commonly seen by physical therapist assistants.  (7B)
2. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary.  (7D4 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (7D5 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D9 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance. (7D10 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Identify appropriate evidence based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
8. Participate in the education of others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (7D12 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
9. Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership. (7D13 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
10. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status. (7D15 – Patient/Client Management)
11. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (7D18 – Plan of Care)
12. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (7D19 – Plan of Care)
13. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (7D20 – Plan of Care)
14. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (7D21 – Plan of Care)
15. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include airway clearance techniques, biophysical agents, manual therapy techniques, patient/client education, therapeutic exercise, and wound management. (7D23 a, c, e, g, h, i – Intervention)
16. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas:  Aerobic capacity and endurance, anthropometric measurements, mental functions, assistive technology, Integumentary Integrity, pain, posture and Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation. (7D24 a, b, c, d, f, j, k, m, n – Tests and Measures)
17. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (7D25 – Tests and Measures)
18. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance).  (7D29 – Participation in Health Care Environment)

1. Airway clearance techniques
2. Amputee stump wrapping
3. Assistive technology
4. Biophysical agents (modalities and physical interventions)
5. Burn management
6. Data collection
7. Documentation
8. Infection control
9. Inflammatory process
10. Integumentary integrity
11. Manual therapy techniques

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Information Literacy
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PTA 103 - Physical Therapy Principles and Procedures 2

1. Demonstrate competence through examination in content and learning experiences about body systems, kinesiology and related medical and surgical conditions across the lifespan commonly seen by physical therapist assistants.  (7B)
2. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary.  (7D4 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (7D 5– Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D9 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Identify appropriate evidence-based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership. (7D13 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
8. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (7D15 – Patient/Client Management)
9. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (7D16 – Patient/Client Management)
10. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long-term goals and intended outcomes. (7D17 – Plan of Care)
11. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (7D18 – Plan of Care)
12. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (7D19 – Plan of Care)
13. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (7D20 – Plan of Care)
14. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (7D21 – Plan of Care)
15. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (7D22 – Plan of Care)
16. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include Application of Devices and Equipment, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education and therapeutic exercise. (7D23 a, b, f, g, h – Intervention)
17. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas:  Aerobic Capacity and Endurance,  Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Range of Motion and Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life. (7D24 a, c, d, e, g, h, l, m – Tests and Measures).
18. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (7D25 – Tests and Measures)

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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PTA 112C - Introduction to Physical Therapy Clinical Education

1. Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D1)
2. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D2)
3. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D3)
4. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D4)
5. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D5)
6. Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D6)
7. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D7)
8. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D8)
9. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D9)
10. Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D12)
11. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (Patient/ Client Management 7D15)
12. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (Patient/ Client Management 7D16)
13. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. (Plan of Care 7D17)
14. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (Plan of Care 7D18)
15. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (Plan of Care 7D19)
16. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D20)
17. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (Plan of Care 7D21)
18. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D22)
19. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include: Airway Clearance Techniques, Application of Devices and Equipment, Biophysical Agents, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Manual Therapy Techniques, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Wound Management. (Intervention 7D23 a-i)
20. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas: Aerobic Capacity and Endurance, Anthropometrical Characteristics, Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Neuromotor Development, Pain, Posture, Range of Motion, Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life, Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation. (Tests and Measures 7D24 a-n)
21. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (Tests and Measures 7D25)
22. Respond effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting. (Tests and Measures 7D26)
23. Contribute to efforts to increase patient and healthcare provider safety (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D27)
24. Participate in the provision of patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care. (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D28)
25. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D29)
26. Describe aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. (Practice Management 7D30)
27. Describe accurate and timely information for billing and payment purposes. (Practice Management 7D31)

1. Clinical comprehensive examination
2. Documentation as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with the student’s didactic training
3. Healthcare personnel interactions
4. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
5. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist as part of the PT/PTA team as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with the student’s didactic training
6. Participate in clinic-specific opportunities and activities
7. Patient chart review
8. Patient interactions
9. Student created clinical education goals
10. Student generic abilities and behaviors

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PTA 201 - Physical Therapy Principles and Procedures 3

1. Demonstrate competence through examination in content and learning experiences about body systems and related medical and surgical conditions across the lifespan commonly seen by physical therapist assistants.  (7B)
2. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (7D4 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (7D5 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance. (7D10 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Identify and integrate appropriate evidence based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (7D12 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
8. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (7D15 – Patient/Client Management)
9. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (7D16 – Patient/Client Management)
10. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. (7D17 – Plan of Care)
11. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (7D18 – Plan of Care)
12. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (7D19 – Plan of Care)
13. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (7D20 – Plan of Care)
14. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (7D21 – Plan of Care)
15. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (7D22 – Plan of Care)
16. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include Application of Devices and Equipment, Biophysical Agents: electrotherapeutic agents, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education, Therapeutic Exercise. (7D24 b, c, d, f, g, h – Intervention)
17. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas:  Aerobic Capacity and Endurance,  Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Neuromuscular Development, Pain, Posture. (7D24 a, c, d, e, g, h, i, j, k – Tests and Measures).
18. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (7D25 – Tests and Measures)

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PTA 202 - Physical Therapy Seminar

1. Recognize legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management. (7D1 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
2. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations. (7D2 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services. (7D3 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary.  (7D4 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (7D5 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values. (7D6 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Demonstrate effective communication with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (7D7 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
8. Respond (Identify, respect, and act) with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
9. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D9 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
10. Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance. (7D10 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
11. Identify and integrate appropriate evidence-based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
12. Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership. (7D13 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
13. Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities, including the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students (7D14 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
14. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (7D25 – Tests and Measures)
15. Describe aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. (7D30 – Practice Management)
16. Describe accurate and timely information for billing and payment purposes. (7D31 – Practice Management)

1. Career preparation and planning
2. Clinical reasoning skills
3. Continuing education
4. Culture competence
5. Documentation
6. Effective communication
7. Jurisprudence
8. Legislative advocacy
9. Malpractice insurance
10. Professional ethics
11. Clinical thinking skills

• Communication
• Culture Society & Citizenship
• Information Literacy

Course and Section Search

PTA 211C - Physical Therapy Clinical Education 1

1. Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D1)
2. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D2)
3. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D3)
4. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D4)
5. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D5)
6. Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D6)
7. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D7)
8. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D8)
9. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D9)
10. Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D12)
11. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (Patient/ Client Management 7D15)
12. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (Patient/ Client Management 7D16)
13. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. (Plan of Care 7D17)
14. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (Plan of Care 7D18)
15. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (Plan of Care 7D19)
16. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D20)
17. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (Plan of Care 7D21)
18. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D22)
19. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include: Airway Clearance Techniques, Application of Devices and Equipment, Biophysical Agents, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Manual Therapy Techniques, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Wound Management. (Intervention 7D23 a-i)
20. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas: Aerobic Capacity and Endurance, Anthropometrical Characteristics, Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Neuromotor Development, Pain, Posture, Range of Motion, Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life, Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation. (Tests and Measures 7D24 a-n)
21. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (Tests and Measures 7D25)
22. Respond effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting. (Tests and Measures 7D26)
23. Contribute to efforts to increase patient and healthcare provider safety (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D27)
24. Participate in the provision of patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care. (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D28)
25. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D29)
26. Describe aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. (Practice Management 7D30)
27. Describe accurate and timely information for billing and payment purposes. (Practice Management 7D31)

1. Clinical comprehensive examination
2. Documentation as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
3. Healthcare personnel interactions
4. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
5. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist as part of the PT/PTA team as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
6. Participate in clinic specific opportunities and activities
7. Patient chart review
8. Patient interactions
9. Student created clinical education goals
10. Student generic abilities and behaviors

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PTA 212C - Physical Therapy Clinical Education 2

1. Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D1)
2. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D2)
3. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D3)
4. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D4)
5. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D5)
6. Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D6)
7. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D7)
8. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D8)
9. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D9)
10. Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D12)
11. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (Patient/ Client Management 7D15)
12. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (Patient/ Client Management 7D16)
13. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. (Plan of Care 7D17)
14. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (Plan of Care 7D18)
15. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (Plan of Care 7D19)
16. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D20)
17. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (Plan of Care 7D21)
18. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D22)
19. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include: Airway Clearance Techniques, Application of Devices and Equipment, Biophysical Agents, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Manual Therapy Techniques, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Wound Management. (Intervention 7D23 a-i)
20. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas: Aerobic Capacity and Endurance, Anthropometrical Characteristics, Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Neuromotor Development, Pain, Posture, Range of Motion, Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life, Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation. (Tests and Measures 7D24 a-n)
21. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (Tests and Measures 7D25)
22. Respond effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting. (Tests and Measures 7D26)
23. Contribute to efforts to increase patient and healthcare provider safety (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D27)
24. Participate in the provision of patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care. (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D28)
25. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D29)
26. Describe aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. (Practice Management 7D30)
27. Describe accurate and timely information for billing and payment purposes. (Practice Management 7D31)

1. Documentation as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
2. Educational in-service or project
3. Healthcare personnel interactions
4. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
5. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist as part of the PT/PTA team as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
6. Participate in clinic specific opportunities and activities
7. Patient chart review
8. Patient interactions
9. Student created clinical education goals
10. Student generic abilities and behaviors

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PTA 213C - Physical Therapy Clinical Education 3

1. Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and fiscal management. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D1)
2. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D2)
3. Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D3)
4. Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA) and Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) to meet the expectations of patients, members of the physical therapy profession, and other providers as necessary. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D4)
5. Perform duties in a manner consistent with APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D5)
6. Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D6)
7. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D7)
8. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D8)
9. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D9)
10. Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient, caregiver or healthcare personnel. (Ethics, Values and Responsibilities 7D12)
11. Interview patients/clients, caregivers, and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status (e.g., fatigue, fever, malaise, unexplained weight change). (Patient/ Client Management 7D15)
12. Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity and participation limitations. (Patient/ Client Management 7D16)
13. Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short and long term goals and intended outcomes. (Plan of Care 7D17)
14. Review health records (e.g., lab values, diagnostic tests, specialty reports, narrative, consults, and physical therapy documentation) prior to carrying out the PT plan of care. (Plan of Care 7D18)
15. Monitor and adjust interventions in the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications. (Plan of Care 7D19)
16. Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D20)
17. Determine when an intervention should not be performed due to clinical indications or when the direction to perform the intervention is beyond that which is appropriate for the physical therapist assistant. (Plan of Care 7D21)
18. Contribute to the discontinuation of episode of care planning and follow-up processes as directed by the supervising physical therapist. (Plan of Care 7D22)
19. Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist. Interventions include: Airway Clearance Techniques, Application of Devices and Equipment, Biophysical Agents, Functional Training in Self-Care and in Domestic, Education, Work, Community, Social, and Civic Life, Manual Therapy Techniques, Motor Function Training, Patient/Client Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Wound Management. (Intervention 7D23 a-i)
20. Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures (before, during and after interventions) for the following areas: Aerobic Capacity and Endurance, Anthropometrical Characteristics, Mental Functions, Assistive Technology, Gait, Locomotion, and Balance, Integumentary Integrity, Joint Integrity and Mobility, Muscle Performance, Neuromotor Development, Pain, Posture, Range of Motion, Self-Care and Civic, Community, Domestic, Education, Social and Work Life, Ventilation, Respiration and Circulation. (Tests and Measures 7D24 a-n)
21. Complete accurate documentation that follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies. (Tests and Measures 7D25)
22. Respond effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting. (Tests and Measures 7D26)
23. Contribute to efforts to increase patient and healthcare provider safety (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D27)
24. Participate in the provision of patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care. (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D28)
25. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance). (Participation in Health Care Environment 7D29)
26. Describe aspects of organizational planning and operation of the physical therapy service. (Practice Management 7D30)
27. Describe accurate and timely information for billing and payment purposes. (Practice Management 7D31)

1. Documentation as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
2. Educational in-service or project
3. Healthcare personnel interactions
4. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
5. Implementation of physical therapy treatment plan (plan of care) under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist as part of the PT/PTA team as appropriate in each setting and commensurate with student’s didactic training
6. Participate in clinic specific opportunities and activities
7. Patient chart review
8. Patient interactions
9. Student created clinical education goals
10. Student generic abilities and behaviors

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PTA 215 - Physical Therapy Professional Exploration

1. Prepare to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant (NPTE-PTA).
2. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including patients/clients, family members, caregivers, practitioners, interprofessional team members, consumers, payers, and policymakers.  (7D7 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
3. Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients’ differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
4. Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability and level of statistical significance. (7D10 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
5. Identify and integrate appropriate evidence based resources to support clinical decision making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the physical therapist. (7D11 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
6. Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities, including the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students.  (7D14 – Ethics, Values and Responsibilities)
7. Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance).  (7D29 – Practice Management)

1. Exploratory project
2. National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant (NPTE-PTA)
3. NPTE-PTA application
4. NPTE-PTA study review course
5. NPTE-PTA target date
6. Presentation
7. Student study improvement plan project

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PHY 100 - Basic Physics

 
Description
This is a course for students with little or no high school preparation in physics. Students in programs that require college-level Physics should take this course first if they have no previous physics courses. Topics include methods of measurement, problem-solving techniques and the physical concepts of motion, forces, work and energy, electricity, waves and optics.

1. Identify elementary physical situations.
2. Use algebra in solving basic physics problems.
3. Distinguish between elementary physics situations that require a mathematical interpretation from those that do not.
4. Explain physics phenomena.
5. Apply theoretical concepts of physics in the conduction of laboratory experiments and participation in field trips.

1. Units of Measurement
2. Kinematics, Dynamic, and the Laws of Motion
3. Work, Energy and Conservation of Energy
4. Momentum and Collisions
5. Rotational Motion
6. Temperature, Heat and Thermodynamics
7. Electricity and Magnetism
8. Waves: Mechanical and Sound
9. Light and Optics
10. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Course and Section Search

PHY 120 - Physics and Society, Experimental

 
Description
This course will explore the scientific method, the distinction between science and pseudoscience, energy, climate and sustainability and the interplay between scientific and social developments in basic physics.

1. Demonstrate how the scientific method is applied.
2. Note the difference between science and pseudoscience.
3. Discuss the challenge of energy demand and sustainability.
4. Explain the advantages and risks of nuclear energy and radiation.
5. Review how historically and today science and society affect each other.

1. The scientific method
2. Science and pseudoscience
3. Energy
4. Entropy
5. Electricity magnetism and light
6. Climate
7. Water management
8. Nuclear energy: its advantages and dangers
9. Radiation
10. Resource management
11. Space travel

Course and Section Search

PHY 123 - Physics for the Health Sciences/Respiratory Therapy

1. List the fundamental laws of physics that pertain to motion, force, work, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism.
2. Explain how the fundamental laws apply to the function of the heart, lungs, circulatory system and the operation of respiratory therapy equipment.
3. Use algebra to solve problems dealing with kinematics, dynamics, pressure/flow, heat/temperature and electricity/magnetism.
4. Use specialized laboratory equipment such as viscometers and ammeters to investigate the behavior of fluids, electricity, etc.

1. Measurements: Units, Conversions and Errors
2. Kinematics
3. Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion
4. Work, Energy and Conservation of Energy
5. Properties of Liquids and Gases
6. Principles of Fluid Flow
7. Thermodynamics of Gases and Liquids
8. Electricity, Magnetism and Electrical Safety

Course and Section Search

PHY 125 - Applied Nuclear Physics

1. Describe the basic physical principles as they apply to nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
2. Differentiate between those physical situations that require a mathematical interpretation from those that do not.
3. Solve routine problems in the radiological fields of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy utilizing algebra.
4. Apply theoretical concepts learned in the course that emphasize elementary data reduction techniques commonly used in the radiological fields in the conduction of laboratory experiments.

1. Measurements
2. Motion
3. Forces in nature
4. Energy and the conservation of energy
5. Electrostatics and electricity
6. Wave theory
7. Electromagnetic radiation
8. Atomic structure
9. Atomic spectra
10. Mass and energy interchange
11. Characteristics of atomic nuclei
12. Conditions for nuclear stability
13. Decay law, half-life and statistics
14. Activity and average life
15. Biological and physical half-life
16. Chart of the nuclides
17. Radioactive processes
18. Nuclear transmutation equations and the production of secondary radiations: X-ray, Auger and conversion electrons

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 126 - Radiation Physics and Protection

 
Description
This course is for students in nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy technology. The interaction of radiation with matter and radiation protection philosophies and concepts are discussed. Topics include radiation interaction with matter, shielding of radioactivity, nuclear detection devices, dosimetry and radiation exposure. Emphasized are the safe use of radioactive sources, accelerators, X-ray machines and radionuclides. The laboratory component introduces data reduction procedures and reinforces concepts presented in lecture.

1. Describe physical situations as they apply to radiation therapy and nuclear medicine.
2. Solve routine problems in the radiological fields of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy utilizing algebra.
3. Differentiate between those physical situations that require a mathematical interpretation from those that do not.
4. Explain NRC regulations in the safe handling and monitoring of radioactive materials.
5. Apply theoretical concepts learned in the course which emphasize elementary data reduction techniques commonly used in the radiological fields in the conduction of laboratory experiments.

1. Sources of radiation: radioactive material and machine-produced radiation
2. Types of radiation: directly and indirectly ionizing radiation
3. Intensity and the inverse square law
4. Linear energy transfer, range and specific ionization
5. Mechanisms for the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter
6. Attenuation law
7. Basic means of protection from directly and indirectly ionizing radiation
8. Units of dosimetry and radiation exposure
9. Principles of radiation protection
10. Federal and state regulatory agencies
11. Permissible dosages and exposure limits
12. Detection technology
13. Imaging systems and nuclear medicine
14. Future of radiation detection

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 127 - Physics for Health Science/Ultrasonography

 
Description
This is a course in the physics of ultrasound for the student of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). Students gain a quantitative and qualitative understanding of the physical principles describing the nature of ultrasound waves, the production and characterization of waves and how ultrasound waves interact with matter.

1. Describe the physics of waves as applied to diagnostic medical sonography.
2. Explain the nature and production of ultrasound waves and how ultrasound waves interact with matter.
3. Outline the theory of operation of the basic components of generic instrumentation used in diagnostics medical sonography.
4. Predict the impact of physics factors which affect the ultrasound image.
5. Solve problems related to the physics portion of the DMS Registration exam.

 Listed Topics

1. Physical characteristics of ultrasound waves
2. The pulse-echo concept
3. Transducer construction and characteristics
4. Interaction of sound waves with tissue
5. Sound beam formation and beam shape
6. Axial and lateral resolutions and their dependence on beam width and transducer frequency
7. Factors affecting the ultrasound image

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 128 - Physics for Health Science/Radiography

 
Description
This course explores the physics of X-rays and radiography. Students gain a quantitative and qualitative understanding of the physical principles describing the nature of X-rays, the production and characterization of radiation and how X-rays interact with matter.

1. Describe the basic physical principles behind X-ray production and imaging.
2. Explain the nature and production of X-rays and how X-rays interact with matter.
3. Explain the theory of operations of basic X-ray imaging systems and various imaging modalities employing X-rays.
4. Predict the impact of physics factors which will affect the X-ray image.
5. Solve problems of the physics portion of the Radiologic Technologist Registration exam.

1. Atomic structure
2. The electromagnetic spectrum
3. Basic electrical circuitry of X-ray imaging systems
4. High voltage generation and rectification
5. The X-ray tube and thermionic emission
6. X-ray beam quantity and quality
7. Factors affecting the X-ray image
8. Imaging techniques

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PHY 141 - Physics 1

 
Description
This physics course is taught at the algebraic level. The students gain a basic understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics using algebra and trigonometry. Laboratory activities in the course reinforce the fundamental principles of physics and topics presented in the lecture section. The course is transferable to many four-year institutions. Students should consult a transfer counselor.

1. Identify the forces that affect observed motions of nature.
2. Describe the conservation laws as they apply to mechanics.
3. Solve physics problems using algebra and trigonometry.
4. Apply data analysis techniques in laboratory experiments.
5. Draw conclusions relating experiment results to appropriate lecture topics.
6. Communicate experimental findings both in written form and graphical form through laboratory reports.

1. Measurements
2. Vectors
3. One and two dimensional kinematics
4. Newton’s Laws of motion
5. Uniform circular motion and gravitation
6. Work, energy and conservation of mechanical energy
7. Linear momentum and collisions
8. Rotational kinematics and rotational dynamics
9. Vibrations and simple harmonic motion
10. Temperature, heat and thermodynamics
11. Kinetic theory of gases

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 142 - Physics 2

 
Description
This course is a continuation of PHY 141 . Students gain a basic understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics using algebra and trigonometry. Laboratory activities reinforce the fundamental principles of physics and topics presented in the lecture section. This course is transferable to many four-year institutions. Students should consult a transfer counselor.

1. Identify physical situations relating to the concepts of electricity, magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.
2. Solve physics problems using algebra and trigonometry.
3. Apply knowledge of vectors to problems of electricity and magnetism.
4. Apply data analysis techniques in laboratory experiments.
5. Draw conclusions relating experiment results to appropriate lecture topics.
6. Communicate experimental findings both in written and graphical form through laboratory reports.

 Listed Topics

1. Static electric forces
2. Electric potential
3. Capacitance, resistance, basic circuits
4. Magnetism and induction
5. Wave motion and sound
6. Nature of light
7. Geometric optics and physical optics
8. Special relativity
9. Atomic and nuclear physics

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 221 - Physics for Science and Engineering 1

1. Explain the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of the physics in mechanics.
2. Apply calculus to describe motion and other mechanical situations where algebra is inadequate.
3. Synthesize various concepts while applying them to real-world contexts seen in careers in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
4. Apply data reduction/analysis techniques used in the execution of laboratory experiments to test important concepts, theories and principles of physics.
5. Communicate ideas effectively in graphical and written form in homework solutions, examinations and lab reports. 

1. Vector algebra with applications in physics
2. One and two dimensional kinematics
3. Forces and Newton’s laws of motion
4. Work, energy and conservation of energy
5. Collisions, linear momentum and conservation of linear momentum
6. Circular motion
7. Rotational kinematics and dynamics
8. Angular momentum and conservation of angular momentum
9. Static equilibrium and elasticity
10. Oscillatory (simple harmonic) motion
11. Newton’s law of gravitation

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

PHY 222 - Physics for Science and Engineering 2

1. Explain the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of the physics in electricity and magnetism.
2. Apply calculus in problem solving to develop relationships for interpretation and attain numerical solutions where algebra is inadequate.
3. Synthesize various concepts while applying them to real-world contexts seen in careers in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
4. Apply data reduction/analysis techniques used in the execution of laboratory experiments to test important concepts, theories and principles of physics.
5. Communicate ideas effectively in graphical and written form in homework solutions, examinations and lab reports. 

1. Electric charge and Coulombs Law
2. Electric fields
3. Gauss’s Law
4. Electric potential
5. Capacitance and dielectrics
6. Direct Current and resistance
7. Magnetic fields and magnetic forces
8. Sources of magnetic fields
9. Eletromagnetic induction
10. Inductance
11. Maxwell’s equations
12. Alternating current

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PHY 223 - Physics for Science and Engineering 3

 
Description
This calculus-based physics course stresses experimental and problem-solving techniques. Heat, thermodynamics, waves, geometrical and physical optics and atomic structure are studied. Topics include temperature, thermal expansion of solids, ideal gases, kinetic theory, heat transfer and calorimetry, the first and second law of thermodynamics, transverse and longitudinal wave motion, superposition of waves, synthesis of complex wave forms, electromagnetic radiation, law of reflection, law of refraction, imaging, interference, diffraction and polarization.

1. Explain the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of thermodynamics, wave theory, light and optics.
2. Apply calculus in problem solving to develop relationships for interpretation and attain numerical solutions where algebra is inadequate.
3. Synthesize various concepts while applying them to real-world contexts seen in careers in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
4. Apply data reduction/analysis techniques used in the execution of laboratory experiments to test important concepts, theories and principles of physics.
5. Communicate ideas effectively in graphical and written form in homework solutions, examinations and lab reports. 

1. Temperature, thermal expansion and ideal gases
2. Heat and the first Law of Thermodynamics
3. Kinetic theory of gases
4. Heat engines, entropy and second Law of Thermodynamics
5. Mechanical wave motion
6. Sound waves
7. Superposition of waves and standing waves
8. Electromagnetic waves
9. Laws of Geometric Optics, Laws of Physical Optics
10. Diffraction and polarization

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PHY 224 - Modern Physics

 
Description
This course in modern physics deals with relativity, quantum mechanics and atomic structure. Major topics of study include: Special relativity, the radiation laws, matter waves, atomic structure, Schrodinger’s equation in one dimension, tunneling, electron spin, multi-electron atoms and the periodic table and nuclear physics.

1. Explain the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of relativity, quantum mechanics and atomic structure.
2. Apply calculus in problem solving to develop relationships for interpretation and attain numerical solutions where algebra is inadequate.
3. Synthesize various concepts while applying them to real-world contexts seen in careers in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
4. Apply data reduction/analysis techniques to test important concepts, theories and principles of physics.
5. Communicate ideas effectively in graphical and written form in homework solutions and examinations. 

1. Special relativity
2. Quantum theory of light
3. Particle nature of matter
4. Matter waves
5. Quantum mechanics in one dimension
6. Tunneling phenomena
7. Atomic structure
8. Electron spin
9. Multi-electron atoms and the periodic table
10. Nuclear physics

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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PLT 100 - Introduction to the Plumbing Profession

1. Identify the basic principles of plumbing.
2. Recognize the responsibilities of ensuring a safe, potable water supply.
3. Describe the types of work involved in plumbing.
4. Explain the purpose of plumbing codes and licensing.
5. Describe the requirements for licensing and certification as journeyman and as master plumber.
6. Summarize employment opportunities involved in a plumbing career.

1. Overview of plumbing principles
2. Ensuring the health, safety and comfort of society
3. History and types of work involved in plumbing
4. Overview of plumbing codes and licensing
5. Requirements for licensing and master plumber certification
6. Plumbing career opportunities

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PLT 101 - Plumbing Skills 1

 
Description
This course introduces students to residential plumbing tools, materials and fittings in both a classroom and laboratory setting. Students will learn safe usage of power tools to perform basic plumbing tasks. Conservation methods will be introduced which promote a green environment.

1. Recognize and practice safe use of power tools.
2. Describe types of pipes and identify their purpose.
3. Identify and describe common types of fittings used in residential plumbing.
4. Purchase fittings based on requirements, size and material.
5. Identify and explain valves and devices used in residential plumbing.
6. Define safety devices and explain their purpose in residential plumbing.
7. Recognize conservation methods which promote a green environment.

1. Power tools
2. Types of pipes
3. Types of fittings
4. Fitting specifications
5. Valves and devises
6. Reactionary valves and devices
7. Green conservation

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PLT 102 - Plumbing Measuring and Calculating

1. Calculate pipe length, shape and clearances.
2. Transfer calculations to plumbing material using a rule.
3. Calculate and measure volumes, pressures and capacities.
4. Differentiate specifications on manufacture data sheets.
5. Define offset, diagonal, rise and run.

1. Pipe length calculations
2. Applying plumbing calculations
3. Volume, pressure and capacity
4. Manufacture specifications
5. Sizing pipe for assembly

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PLT 103 - Plumbing 1

1. Select proper tools for the job in a safe manner.
2. Identify hazards to safety and health on the job.
3. Solder and braze joints in pipe, according to standards.
4. Apply OSHA laws and practices as they relate to plumbing safety and health.
5. Describe safe conditions and procedures.
6. Recognize conservation methods which promote a green environment.

1. Safety
2. OSHA laws and practices
3. Hazardous conditions
4. Plumbing tools
5. Brazing
6. Conservation methods

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PLT 105 - Introduction to Plumbing Code

 
Description
This course describes drainage and distribution systems designed and built for state, county and local codes and regulations. Emphasis is placed on water supply, drainage using Article XV of the current plumbing code and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) concepts.

1. Apply drainage and venting principles.
2. Utilize rules and regulations Article XV of the plumbing code.
3. Describe water general terminology with reference to water distribution, valves, sizing of water supply lines and green materials.
4. Name water treatment principles.
5. Vent drainage and distribution systems.
6. Apply safety standards to venting.

1. State, county and local plumbing codes
2. Water distribution and drainage principles
3. Sizing and selection of lines and valves within distribution systems
4. Water treatment principles
5. Venting of drainage and distribution systems
6. LEED concepts
7. Safety

Course and Section Search

PLT 106 - Plumbing Blueprint Reading

 
Description
Students will learn to interpret and communicate plumbing designs on construction blueprints. Topics include sketching, abbreviations, symbols and illustrated views of piping systems.

1. Translate basic plumbing symbols and abbreviations.
2. Interpet basic residential architectural blueprints.
3. Illustrate simple sketches of piping systems.
4. Distinguish different illustrated views of a piping system.
5. Recognize basic drafting tools and techniques.

1. Plumbing symbols and abbreviations
2. Architectural blueprints and symbols
3. Piping diagrams
4. Architectural layout and design
5. Design tools and techniques

Course and Section Search

PLT 115 - Mathematics for Plumbing 1

1. Solve pipe length calculations.
2. Differentiate builder’s levels.
3. Recognize various volumes and pressures.
4. Discuss conservation and green environments in relation to volumes and pressures.
5. Recognize angles in plumbing.
6. Offset diagonal, rise and runs.
7. Solve plumbing projects with 45 degree constraints.
8. Utilize equal spacing.

1. Length calculation
2. Builder’s level
3. Volumes
4. Pressures
5. Capacities
6. Job applictions
7. Angles in plumbing
8. Diagonals, rise and runs
9. Equal spacing
10. Conservation

Course and Section Search

PLT 121 - Plumbing Drafting/Blueprint Reading 1

1. Interpret drawings in the three-view, sectional, schematic, exploded and isometric views.
2. Recognize principles used in reading drawings and relate these drawings to job specifications.
3. Recognize and apply isometric sketching.
4. Discuss LEED concepts.
5. Plan the installation of required plumbing.
6. Recognize special problems in commercial plumbing installations.

1. Blueprint reading
2. Piping arrangements
3. Sectional, schematic, exploded and isometric views
4. Planning
5. Commercial plumbing
6. Applications
7. LEED

Course and Section Search

PLT 145 - Plumbing Code 2

1. Apply the plumbing code as it applies to water supply and drainage systems.
2. Install a safe, potable water supply and proper drainage systems according to code in a lab setting.
3. Interpret plumbing code as it applies to residential, commercial and institutional building.
4. Recognize code requirements for sewage, waste and storm water applications.
5. Describe the differences and applications of various green materials and practices in the industry.

1. Allegheny County Health Department Plumbing Code
2. Water supply and drainage
3. Safe potable water
4. Storm water applications
5. Drain pipes primer and fittings
6. Approved supplies per code
7. Water distribution pipes
8. Green applications

Course and Section Search

PLT 201 - Plumbing Skills 2

 
Description
This course introduces students to residential plumbing fixtures, faucets, drain assemblies and appliances in both a classroom and laboratory setting. Students will study and practice safe application and installation of basic residential plumbing devices. Additional conservation materials and appliances will be discussed which promote a green environment.

1. Identify and install the basic types of residential fixtures.
2. Recognize the sequence of installation during various phases of construction.
3. Describe differences in basic residential faucet design, style and finish.
4. Select and install basic residential drain assemblies.
5. Explain the different types of residential water heating systems.
6. Purchase basic residential plumbing fixtures, appliances and equipment.
7. List conservation materials and appliances that promote a green environment.

1. Plumbing fixtures
2. Installation of plumbing fixtures
3. Residential faucets
4. Residential drain assemblies
5. Residential hot water systems
6. Residential plumbing equipment and appliances
7. Conservation and a green environment

Course and Section Search

PLT 202 - Plumbing Skills 3

 
Description
This course introduces students to code requirements for sizing a drain waste and vent (DMV) system in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include residential venting types and DMV installation. Conservation materials and practices are introduced to promote a green environment.

1. Identify and describe segments of a drain, waste and vent (DWV) system.
2. Relate how a basic residential septic system operates.
3. Identify drain, waste and vent (DWV) code requirements for residential fixtures.
4. Apply drain, waste and vent (DWV) code requirements during installation.
5. Illustrate testing methods required to pass a plumbing inspection.
6. Recognize the differences and application of various green materials and practices in the industry.

1. Residential drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems
2. Residential septic systems
3. Residential code for drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems
4. Drain, waste and vent (DWV) installation
5. Drain, waste and vent (DWV) testing methods
6. Conservation and a green environment

Course and Section Search

PLT 204 - Maintenance Plumbing

1. Recognize plumbing tools and discuss related safety practices.
2. Compare and contrast replacement versus repair of leaky fixtures.
3. Detect and repair drain restrictions.
4. Analyze and service hot water systems.
5. Test, adjust and maintain automated conservation fixtures.
6. Apply conservation methods to promote a green environment.

1. Plumbing tools and safety
2. Fixture repair and replacement
3. Drain, waste and vent systems
4. Hot water systems
5. Conservation fixtures and appliances

Course and Section Search

PLT 205 - Plumbing 4

 
Description
This course delineates the installation of plumbing fixtures and code requirements for gas supply systems. Additionally, students will discuss job preparation methods and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) concepts.

1. Install commonly used plumbing fixtures and appliances including LP gas and natural gas.
2. Install a variety of gas systems in a laboratory setting.
3. Professionally communicate to a culturally diverse customer base.
4. Apply human relations techniques for optimal team projects and customer relations.
5. Determine time and cost estimates for plumbing jobs.
6. Apply work standards, preventative maintenance and production control standards.
7. Recognize the latest materials and methods related to green technologies.

1. Safety
2. Plumbing fixtures
3. Code requirements
4. Gas supply systems
5. Professional communication
6. Customer relations
7. Time and cost estimates
8. Work standards and production control
9. LEED materials and methods

Course and Section Search

PLT 206 - Plumbing Code 3

 
Description
This course will prepare students for the code exam. Students will apply theory through hands-on activities and will review the concepts of Plumbing Code 1 and Plumbing Code 2. Conservation materials and methods will be discussed.

1. Be prepared to sit for the code exam.
2. Review all code regulations.
3. Apply codes to residential and commercial codes.
4. Review Article XV of the Allegheny County Health Department’s Rules and Regulations for Plumbing and Building Drainage.
5. Apply code theory to practical projects.
6. Describe the codes that apply to green technologies.

1. Exam preparation
2. Article XV
3. Residential and commercial codes
4. Practical projects
5. Green technologies
6. Test strategies

Course and Section Search

PLT 221 - Plumbing Drafting/Blueprint Reading 2

 
Description
This course will prepare apprentices to supervise complete plumbing installations using commercial plumbing drawings. Students will prepare all appropriate documentation for the installations. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) methods will be discussed.

1. Prepare for plumbing building permit application installations.
2. Apply the inspection checklist to blueprint reading.
3. Review provisions in the International Residential Code (IRC) and Article XV of Allegheny County code.
4. Recognize implications of modification needs.
5. Recognize legal points of disposal and the implications of sewage treatment in plumbing blueprints.
6. Describe LEED methods and applications.

1. Blueprint reading
2. Fixtures, faucents and fittings
3. General regulations
4. Pipes and plumbing system components
5. Showers and urinals
6. Water supply and distribution
7. Sanitary drainage
8. Piping installations
9. Traps, interceptors and separators
10. LEED

Course and Section Search

PLT 222 - Mechanical CAD for Plumbers

 
Description
This course will improve the apprentices ability to develop, modify and interpret plumbing system design drawings, layouts and coordination of drawings from other trades. Students will use Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) software and techniques. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) methods will be discussed.

1. Layout basic system designs using CAD software.
2. Apply the fundamental of CAD drafting in designs.
3. Modify CAD drawings.
4. Use menu commands to create and save simple drawings.
5. Plot drawings.
6. Print drawings.
7. Discuss the implications of LEED methods.

1. CAD
2. Modifying and saving
3. Menu commands
4. Printing and plotting
5. Job corrections
6. LEED

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PLT 224 - Estimating

1. Estimate procedures needed to make quantity surveys of material requirements for cost estimating.
2. Plan estimate formats.
3. Extract quantities from drawings.
4. Prepare a complete bid.
5. Recognize the cost differential when utilizing green materials and methods.
6. Calculate specialty pricing.
7. Create material take-offs in quantities of unit measurement.
8. Apply safety procedures for refrigerant recovery.
9. Calculate equipment pricing.

1. Estimating
2. Unit measurement
3. Equipment and specialty pricing
4. Site work and subcontracting
5. Safe refrigerant recovery certificate
6. Quality bids
7. Green materials and methods

Course and Section Search

PLT 225 - Medical Gas

1. Apply medical gas codes.
2. Execute installation requirements for medical gases.
3. Store medical gases utilizing proper safety measures.
4. Braze medical gas lines.
5. Test medical installation system alarms.
6. Identify mechanical components in medical gas installation.
7. Discuss the utilization of green materials and methods.

1. Safety
2. Storage
3. Gas installation
4. Brazing
5. Gas codes
6. Alarm and testing
7. Mechanical components
8. Green materials and methods

Course and Section Search

POL 101 - Introduction to Political Science

1. Describe the major modern political ideologies (liberalism, conservativism, fascism and Marxism, etc.).
2. Compare and contrast the political theories of major political philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to John Rawls and Robert Nozick.
3. Identify different common forms of government found in the world today, especially representative democracy (parliamentary, presidential and semi-presidential), authoritarianism and totalitarianism.
4. Assess the different electoral systems used throughout the world (proportional representation, single-member districts, winner-take-all, majority runoff and the American Electoral College).
5. Explain the contending theories of international relations (realism, liberalism, constructivism and Marxism).

1. Introduction to political science
2. Politics and government
3. Introduction to political philosophy: Plato to John Rawls
4. Introduction to political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism and fascism
5. Comparative governments
6. Comparative electoral systems
7. Contending theoretical perspectives within international relations

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

POL 103 - American Government

1. Recognize major concepts associated with the U.S. American form of government.
2. Explain the causes of the American Revolution and the meaning of the Declaration of Independence.
3. Assess the purpose of political parties within the American political system.
4. Comprehend different theories and models of democracy and their relationship to democracy in the United States.
5. Recognize the roles and interaction of the three branches of government.
6. Expound on the relationship between media and democratic governance.
7. Compare and contrast the United States House of Representatives with the United States Senate.

1. Introduction to Government
2. Introduction to Democratic Theory
3. The Congress
4. The Presidency
5. The Judiciary
6. The Constitution
7. Civil Liberties
8. Civil Rights
9. Political Parties
10. The Media

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POL 110 - State and Local Government

1. Explain the origins and development of the American system of Federalism.
2. Describe the different variables that influence policy making at the national, state and local level.
3. Compare and contrast the structure and institutional arrangements of different state governments.
4. Identify why policies differ between states.
5. Identify the differences between unitary, confederation and federal systems.
6. List the main arguments contained within Federalist #51.
7. Compare and contrast the policy making environments of the national, state and local governments.
8. Explain the constitutional division of power between national, state and local governments.

1. Federalism
2. State constitutions
3. Parties and elections in states
4. State legislatures
5. State executives
6. State courts
7. Making state and local policy
8. Financing state and local government

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POL 111 - Civic Engagement and Local Government, Experimental

1. Explain the roles of local government and local organizations in addressing community problems.

2. Identify at least one issue facing the local community using primary and secondary sources.  

3. Apply knowledge learned from meeting with departmental leaders and primary/secondary sources to address community problems in a written proposal.

4. Describe their own capacity to participate in and influence public policy and the workings of local governance.

5. Distinguish between various approaches to leadership.

6. Analyze the extent to which discrimination, racism, sexism, power and privilege play a role, if any, in the processes of governance, decision-making and resource distribution. 

7. List the various departments of local government.

 Listed Topics
1. Role and processes of local government

2. Responsibilities of the various departments of city government

3. Creation and impact of State and local legislation

4. Financing of local government

5. how justice, equity, race, income and geographic location play a role in government policy making and execution

6. Approaches to government leadership

7. Role of government in serving local community needs

 Reference Materials
Internet Sources and Research Articles

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

POL 115 - The American Constitution

1. Explain the nature and character of judicial decision of the Supreme Court on a range of important subjects (free speech, privacy, states’ rights).
2. Compare and contrast modern Supreme Court decisions within the context of the broader historical traditions of Constitutional law.
3. Aware of the basic philosophical values and traditions embedded within the Constitution.
4. Identify the content of the different sections and articles of the Constitution.
5. Describe the basic operation of the Supreme Court of the United States.
6. Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation with the United States Constitution.

1. The Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention of 1787
2. Supreme Court decisions concerning the power of government and the jurisdiction between the various branches of government
3. The Bill of Rights and the history of decisions the Court has made with respect to them: freedom of speech, the press, religion, due process in relation to criminal justice and economic regulation, equal protection and the question of race and gender and sexual orientation

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POL 201 - Modern Political Thought

1. Explain the writings of some of the major political theorists of the 20th century.
2. Identify the continuities and cleavages within different political traditions.
3. Compare and contrast how different theorists conceptualize basic political values like freedom, equality, democracy, etc..
4. Assess contemporary politics through the lens of different political theorists and opposing political traditions.

1. Political through from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment (Machiavelli, Luther, Motesquieu, Voltaire, etc)
2. Classical Liberalism (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, etc)
3. Neoclassical and Welfare Liberalism (Spencer, Green, etc)
4. Conservatism (Burke, de Mastre, etc)
5. Socialism and Communism: Up to Marx (More, Marx and Engles, etc)
6. Socialism and Communism: after Marx (Bernstein, Lenin, Trotsky, etc)
7. Fascism and Nazism (Gobineau, Hitler, etc)
8. Recent developments (post-1960)

Course and Section Search

POL 202 - Explorations in Indian and Western Political Thought, Experimental

1. Define political philosophy and explain its relevance to modern politics.
2. Identify the major political theorists within the Western and Indian political philosophical tradition. 
3. Anaylze the foundational theoretical perspectives found in ancient and modern Indian and Western political thought.
4. Describe the shared values and discontinuities between Western and Indian political philosophy.
5. Apply knowledge learned from research of both traditions to assess contemporary politics.     

1. Introduction to political philosophy
2. Ancient Western and Indian political thought
3. Modern currents in Western and Indian political thought
4. Shared values and discontinuities between Western and Indian political philosophy
5. Contemporary politics through the lens of Western and Indian political thought

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

POL 204 - Comparative Politics

1. Define fundamental concepts in the field of comparative politics.
2. Develop familiarity with the political systems of other countries.
3. Apply political concepts to specific country case studies.
4. Define key institutions and make comparisons across different types of political systems.
5. Compare and contrast how political decisions are shaped by institutions and processes in various political systems.
6. Relate comparisons across cases in order to gain a broader and deeper understanding of political events, institutions and processes.
7. Compare and assess the impact of political decisions on individuals and groups in various political systems.
8. Appraise how participation in the political process varies across political systems.
9. Develop ability to categorize states according to the dominant typologies in the field.
10. Describe the basic concepts and steps in conducting research in political science.

1. Analytical techniques of political science
2. Political institutions and power
3. States and nations
4. Democracy: theory and practice
5. Political participation in democracies and non-democracies
6. Political culture
7. Political ideologies
8. Political economy
9. Country case studies (Americas, Africa, Europe, Middle-East and Asia)
10. Countries and leaders

Course and Section Search

POL 206 - International Relations

1. Identify the origins and nature of the nation-state system.
2. Compare and contrast the different models of foreign policy analysis and how nation states interact over time.
3. Explain the development and structure of the United Nations.
4. Analyze the international political landscape as it is shaped by globalization and ethnic nationalism.
5. Analyze the theories of “democratic peace” and “liberal peace” as they pertain to international relations.
6. Compare and contrast the basic principles of neoconservative foreign policy with liberalism and realism.
7. Compare and contrast constructivism with more traditional worldviews (i.e. realism, idealism, dependency theory, etc.)

1. Competing conceptualizations of state behavior
2. International political actors (the State, United Nations, WTO, etc.)
3. Globalization
4. Ethnic Nationalism
5. Democratic peace
6. Liberal peace
7. The future of the Nation-State system and its possible replacement
8. US foreign policy (criticism and defense)

Course and Section Search

PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology

1. Describe how psychology evolved as a science, including ethics as described by the American Psychological Association code of ethics and use of the scientific method and research results.
2. Summarize the career opportunities in the field of psychology.
3. Explain the basic elements of the brain, their functions as part of the nervous system and the role of neurotransmitters in some psychological disorders.
4. Compare and contrast learning in terms of classical and operant conditioning and the cognitive-social approaches.
5. Illustrate the types of memory including encoding, storage and retrieval plus causes and solutions for memory problems.
6. Define intelligence using the major instruments or scales used to measure it.
7. Apply the various motivational approaches to describe how behavior is directed and energized.
8. Define personality, including various theories and approaches used in the study of the structure and development of personality.
9. Analyze the etiology of the most severe forms of psychological disorders and evaluate the various treatment approaches for each. 
10. Summarize the primary concepts of social psychology: bias, social influence, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, aggression and prosocial behavior.
11. Analyze the major principles and perspectives of psychology and their application to contemporary psychology.

1. Historical antecedents of psychology, college psychology programs and careers for psychology majors
2. Research methods, scientific research and ethical principles of research
3. Biological processes underlying behavior, sensation and perception and states of consciousness
4. Learning, memory, cognition, language and intelligence
5. Motivation and emotion
6. Human development
7. Personality, psychological disorders and treatment of psychological disorders
8. Social psychology, human sexuality and gender
9. Health psychology
10. The major principles of psychology
11. Applications of contemporary psychology

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 106 - Psychology of African Americans

1. Define appropriate theoretical and research approaches dealing with psychological assumptions about African-American personality.
2. Compare and contrast the effects of historical and current social/cultural events on African-American personality.
3. Analyze the effects of proactive African-American religious, philosophical, economic and political initiatives.
4. Summarize the processes and effects of discriminatory thinking and behavior.
5. Define ethical principles of research.
6. Compare the ethics of ethnocentrism by racial or ethnic group.

1. Theoretical and research perspectives and ethical principles of research
2. African and African-American slavery, holocaust and its effects on personality development
3. African-American roots of religious and philosophical thought
4. African-American economic, educational and political organizations and initiatives
5. African-American liberation from mental slavery
6. The process of discriminatory thinking and behavior and their effects
7. African-American leadership and challenges
8. African-American culture, identity and social change

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 107 - Human Relations

1. Analyze the theories of group processes, group norms and group dynamics and ethical principles in group work.
2. Demonstrate self-confidence when dealing with others.
3. Contrast male and female gender roles and sources of these differences.
4. Explain laws dealing with gender.
5. Define cultural diversity and describe the mental and physical challenges and the laws associated with these topics.
6. Demonstrate guidelines for tolerance for individual differences.
7. Debate the needs of the organization versus individual needs.

1. The self
2. Beliefs
3. Values
4. Goals
5. Love
6. Intimate relationships
7. Leadership
8. Work and laws governing work relationships
9. Marriage
10. Sexuality
11. Physical, mental and cultural diversity
12. Ethical principles of research and group work

• Communication
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 108 - Human Growth and Development

 
Description
This course combines specific areas of human development, for example, physical, cognitive, emotional and social development and specific developmental time periods: prenatal, infant, toddler, young childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood and older adulthood. Multiple developmental theories plus biological and ecological influence in each period demonstrate how the individual and the individual’s world interact in human development. The history of the study of human development and research methodologies specific to human development are included.

1. Analyze the major physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of development at each of the major stages in life.
2. Compare and contrast the major views of development such as the Behavioristic, Psychoanalytical, Cognitive, Ethological, Humanistic, etc.
3. Summarize the major theorists in Developmental Psychology, such as Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Skinner, Vygotsky, Maslow, Jung, etc.
4. Describe the history of the study of human development incorporating the methodologies in developmental research, such as longitudinal studies, cross- sectional studies and cross-sequential studies and ethical principles of research.
5. Define intelligence and compare the major theorists and their measurement instruments across the life span.
6. Explain cultural diversity and identify the physical and mental challenges faced across the life span.
7. Evaluate the effects of poverty on health and personality and solutions to these problems.
8. Evaluate differences among the cognitive theories of development.

1. The history of the study of human development and research design, research methodology and ethical principles of research in developmental studies
2. Theoretical views of development
3. Genetic influences on pre-and post-natal development
4. Infancy health, cognition and personality
5. Early childhood health, cognition and personality
6. Middle childhood health, cognition and personality
7. Adolescence health, cognition and personality
8. Young adulthood health, cognition and personality
9. Middle adulthood health, cognition and personality
10. Late adulthood health, cognition and personality
11. Death and dying, grief and loss

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 109 - Psychology of Women

1. Define the theoretical and research approaches dealing with the psychological assumptions about female personality.
2. Analyze physiological and social/cultural effects on female personality.
3. Compare and contrast the societal pressures on female opportunities in various cultures.
4. Discuss ethical principles of research.
5. Explain several cultural rules for both genders and evaluate the outcome.
6. Analyze the etiology, classification and treatment of psychpathology in women.

1. Theoretical perspectives, research methods and ethical principles of research
2. Gender stereotypes and gender differences
3. Gender and language
4. Development across the life span
5. Abilities, achievements and motivation
6. Women and work
7. Minority women/women in many cultures
8. Biological influences on women’s behavior
9. Women’s physical and mental health issues
10. Female sexuality
11. Victimization of women
12. Women’s political issues/options
13. Women in the health, mental health and criminal justice systems

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 113 - Psychology of Death and Dying

1. Differentiate personal and cultural-religious attitudes toward death and grief.
2. Describe strategies for dealing with terminal illness.
3. Compare and contrast the psychological significance of contemporary funeral and burial rites.
4. Describe the causes, effects and preventive strategies/interventions associated with suicide and other violent deaths.
5. List various community supports dealing with grief.
6. Describe the various research methods and principles of research utilized in death and dying research.
7. Assess the value of human life.

1. Cross-cultural, religious, and historical attitudes toward death
2. Health care systems and death
3. Living with life-threatening illness
4. Euthanasia
5. Forms of grief-therapeutic interventions
6. Funerals and body disposition
7. The law and death
8. Death in the lives of children, adolescents and adults
9. Violent deaths, including suicide, homicide and risk taking behaviors– causes/intervention
10. Beyond death–life after life
11. Research methods and ethical principles of research

• Communication
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 114 - Human Sexuality

1. Explain the development of gender roles and gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual techniques and behavior patterns over the life span and across cultures.
2. Describe female and male sexual anatomy and physiology, contraception, abortion, sexual diseases and dysfunctions.
3. Identify the elements necessary for attraction, love, relationships and commercial sex.
4. List professional, digital, legal and ethical issues related to sexual behavior to include sexual coercion.
5. Discuss sexual techniques and behavior patterns for the physically and mentally challenged.
6. Evaluate various research methods and the ethics of research methods.
7. Resolve cultural differences of the definitions of sexual deviance.
8. Analyze definition and treatment for sexual dysfunction and deviance.

1. Sexuality in childhood, adolescence and adulthood
2. Female and male anatomy and physiology and the sexual response cycle
3. Contraception, abortion, sexual diseases and dysfunctions
4. Gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation, sexual techniques and behavior patterns
5. Attraction, love and relationships and commercial sex
6. Sexual coercion
7. Professional, digital, legal and ethical issues
8. Sexual techniques for people who are physically and mentally challenged
9. Research methods for studying human sexuality and the ethics of these methods

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 115 - Stress Management

1. Describe the role of the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine pathways in the acute and chronic stress response. 
2. Analyze the major psychological theories explaining the origins of stress.  
3. Identify the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physical symptoms and consequences of stress.
4. Apply the following stress management techniques to interpersonal and occupational stressors: time management, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, relaxation and effective communication.
5. Explain the necessity of proper nutrition, exercise and sleep.
6. Develop a personal program of stress management.

 Listed Topics

1. Physiological responses to stress
2. Psychoneuroimmunology
3. The relaxation response
4. Mindfulness
5. Cardiac coherence training (CCT)
6. Cognitive behavioral techniques
7. Communication skills
8. Positive Psychology
9. Care of the physical body

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PSY 116 - Organizational Psychology

1. Analyze the theory and application of motivational and leadership research in organizational psychology.
2. Discuss the application of various legal rulings on supervisory and employee behavior such as affirmative action, rights of those with disabilities and cultural diversity.
3. Develop individual strategies for handling work site dynamics and processes.
4. Define research methods used in organizational psychology and ethical principles of research.
5. Evaluate the criterion for standardized tests, psychological tests and performance appraisals in the work place.
6. Evaluate the value systems of organizations.

1. History of industrial/organizational psychology
2. Psychological research methods and ethical principles
3. Employee selection/retention principles and techniques
4. Psychological testing and performance appraisals
5. Leadership and decision making
6. Motivation, morale, job satisfaction and job involvement
7. Communication, perception, socialization, and group dynamics for all populations including minorities, women, elderly and physically and mentally challenged employees.
8. Working conditions to include stress, safety, violence, substance abuse, digital use rules and health in the workplace.
9. Organizational ethics and responsibilities
10. Cross-cultural organizations-globalization

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PSY 150 - Psychology of Intervention

1. Demonstrate implementing the helping process.
2. Describe various major theoretical approaches to the helping process.
3. Develop a personal approach to the helping process.
4. List causes and sources of stress plus techniques to cope with stress.
5. Demonstrate stress-coping techniques in personal and work situations for oneself and others.
6. Analyze the parameters of various crisis situations then demonstrate integrating crisis techniques per these parameters.
7. List ethical and legal issues involved in helping and crisis situations.
8. Evaluate the value of aggressive versus non-aggressive lifestyle.

1. The helping process
2. The skilled helper
3. Theories of helping, i.e., client-centered, Gestalt, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic
4. An eclectic view of helping
5. Stress: types, sources and causes
6. Methods of coping with stress
7. Parameters of crisis situations: general overview of emergency situations
8. Parameters of various crisis situations; domestic violence, hospitalization, spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, incestuous families, victims of rape and other violent crimes and suicidal persons
9. Legal and safety issues

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PSY 201 - Educational Psychology

 
Description
This course explores learning in an educational setting. Topics include theories of learning and teaching, the effects of digital methodologies, nature and development of the child, adolescent and adult learner, creativity, individual difference, standardized testing and classroom and on-line interaction.

1. Define the major theoretical positions central to the field of Educational Psychology.
2. Discuss ethical and practical applications of these theories in contemporary educational settings.
3. Compare parameters differentiating the child, adolescent and adult learner.
4. Analyze the characteristics of good standardized and teacher-made learning assessments.
5. Demonstrate classroom discipline strategies.
6. Analyze legal mandates for teachers and educational institutions.
7. Categorize the requirements for teacher licensing exams.
8. Explain methods of research and the ethics governing research.
9. Discuss the value of dedication to teaching.
10. Compare on-line, in-class and hybrid learning strategies.

1. Major educational development theories
2. Diversity: racial, ethnic, gender, physical and mental challenges
3. Learning, motivational, and classroom management theories
4. Characteristics used to evaluate standardized and teacher-made learning assessments
5. State and national licensing exams for teachers
6. On-line and classroom learning and discipline strategies
7. Federal and state laws regarding education
8. Research methods in educational psychology
9. Ethics in research, the classroom, school systems and with parents
10. Teacher burnout

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PSY 202 - Social Psychology

 
Description
This course is the study of individuals in their social and cultural setting.  Perception and judgment of social events, the socialization process, attitudes, values, social interaction, the individual in the group and the influences of personal and on-line culture on the development of personality are investigated.

1. Describe how scientific methodology and ethical research are applied to the study of human and social behavior.
2. Analyze the behavior of the individual as a function of social stimuli.
3. Explain social thinking - how we view ourselves and others.
4. Apply insights gained through Social Psychology to everyday life.
5. Contrast male and female gender roles and discuss causes of these differences.
6. Interpret the effects of cultural diversity, physical and mental challenges on social behavior.
7. Evaluate the application of social behavior in the health and criminal justice system.
8. Appraise humanitarianism as a social value.

1. Scientific methodology, ethical research and Social Psychology
2. Social beliefs
3. Attribution
4. Behavior and attitudes
5. Social cognition
6. Cultural influences in person and on-line
7. Conformity
8. Persuasion
9. Group influence
10. Prejudice
11. Aggression
12. Attraction
13. Altruism
14. Cultural diversity
15. Health and criminal justice systems

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citzenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 203 - Psychology of Adjustment

 
Description
This course examines the personality dynamics and affective behavior of the normal individual. Emphasis is on various personality theories and their application. Discussed are facets of interpersonal relationships and factors relating to personal and online relationships, frustration, conflict, anxiety, guilt, individual differences, and the prevention and therapy for the deterioration of adjustment.

1. Compare theories and research on normal personality and affective development and their application.
2. Examine elements of in-person and online interpersonal relationships.
3. Apply theories of adjustment deterioration, its prevention and therapy.
4. Synthesize the effects of diversity, physical and mental challenges on adjustment.
5. Evaluate how integrity relates to adjustment.
6. Evaluate theories of career development.

1. Psychosocial development and the development of self
2. Dealing with death, loss and grief
3. Moral and ethical development
4. Gender identity, gender roles, sexuality and intimate relationships
5. Attraction, love, happiness, loneliness and solitude
6. Adjustment deterioration theories, prevention and therapy
7. Sources of stress and stress management
8. Career identity development and work
9. Antipathy, anger, aggression, frustration, conflict, grief, anxiety and guilt
10. On-line relationships

• Communcation
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

PSY 204 - Adolescent Psychology

 
Description
This course examines the physical,emotional, moral, mental and social development of adolescents. Emphasis is on the personal use of information in adolescent experiences such as in-class and on-line school, career, peers, digital and family relationships.

1. Analyze the physical, emotional, moral and intellectual developmental patterns of adolescents and their interaction.
2. Evaluate the cultural forces that interact with adolescent development.
3. Summarize types of adolescent mental illness and evaluate therapy options.
4. Describe the interaction of cultural diversity, physical and mental challenges and their effect on adolescents.
5. Analyze research and the ethics of research in adolescent psychology.
6. Synthesize adolescent commitment to value systems.

1. Historical perspective on adolescent psychology
2. Research methods and the ethics of research
3. Biological processes and physical development
4. Cognitive development and social cognition
5. Cultural diversity, physical and mental challenges
6. Family, peer and school relationships
7. Adolescents and the criminal justice system
8. Self and identity
9. Gender and sexuality
10. Online learning and relationships
11. Moral development, values and religion
12. Achievement, careers and work
13. Mental problems and therapy
14. Health, stress and coping

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citzenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 208 - Abnormal Psychology

 
Description
This course explores the psychological and physiological dynamics behind mental illnesses. Various psychological theories are integrated and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding mental illness.

1. Describe the science of contemporary abnormal psychology.
2. Discriminate the various major psychological disorders including known or theorized origins, symptoms, dynamics and treatment.
3. Differentiate the scientific approaches to studying abnormal behavior.
4. Identify the challenges of sufferers of mental disorders.
5. List the legal requirements and ethical principles in abnormal psychology.
6. Describe how cultural diversity and physical challenges interact with mental challenges and their treatment.
7. Describe ways to develop societal respect for people with mental challenges.

1. Brief history of the definitions and study of abnormality
2. The major theories of abnormality
3. Diagnostic criteria
4. Research in abnormality
5. The major mental health disorders, including anxiety, mood and personality disorders
6. Chemical dependency
7. Disorders of infancy, childhood and adolescence, early, middle and late adulthood
8. Legal issues and hospitalization
9. Various cultural definitions of abnormality

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 210 - Child Psychology

 
Description
This course is a study of the child’s physical/biological, cognitive and psychosocial growth under a variety of environmental conditions. Topics include theories of development, physical/biological development, cognitive development and theories of personality formation, normal and abnormal development.

1. Explain the physical, emotional, moral and intellectual developmental patterns of children.
2. Explain the interrelatedness of the physical, emotional, moral and intellectual domains on the development of children.
3. Analyze the role of cultural forces that interact with child development.
4. Describe the educational challenges of children, including achievement.
5. Describe mental illness of and therapy options for children.
6. Explain the scientific method and various research methods used by researchers of children, including the ethical guidelines and implications of using children as subjects in research.
7. Compare and contrast gender identity development and the role that it plays in children’s overall development.
8. Describe the process of moral development in children.
9. Explain the issues relevant to peer relationships and conflict between and among children.
10. Describe some basic skills in relating to children.
11. Describe the influence of parents and the effects and outcomes of various parenting styles.
12. Explain various effective discipline approaches.
13. Analyze the value of children in several cultures.

1. Historical perspective on child psychology
2. Research methods
3. Biological processes and physical development
4. Cognitive development and social cognition
5. Information processing and intelligence
6. Family relationships, parenting styles and types of discipline
7. Peers: friendships and conflicts
8. School, educational problems and solutions
9. Culture
10. Self and identity development
11. Gender
12. Sexuality
13. Moral development and values
14. Achievement
15. Atypical development and treatment and therapy
16. Health, stress and coping

• Communication
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 214 - Psychology of Adulthood

 
Description
This course studies physical, cognitive, emotional and social issues from young adulthood to the last years of life. Topics include significant adult-life crises, coping strategies, marital status, vocational choice, the family and sexuality.

1. Define personal identity as an adult.
2. Analyze early, middle and late adulthood’s physical and mental health issues, neurocognitive changes, social adjustments, grandparenting, financial issues and retirement.
3. Describe the grief processes.
4. Explain the scientific method and various research methods used by researchers of adults, including the ethical guidelines and implications of using adults as subjects in research.
5. List standards for child, adolescent and adult behavior

1. The meaning of adulthood
2. Development of intimacy
3. Value of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
4. Shared roles in marriage and partnerships
5. Physical, mental, cognitive and emotional changes in adulthood
6. What it means to be old
7. Financial and lifestyle adjustments in adulthood and retirement
8. Stereotyping of the aged
9. Living arrangements and community services available for the aged
10. Preparing to die
11. Bereavement in families
12. Research methods and ethical principles of research

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citzenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 216 - Psychology in the Movies

 
Description
This course provides an overview of various forms of mental illness.  Discussion is complemented by the use of full-length movies.  Symptoms and treatments of mental disorders are discussed and compared with their portrayal in the movies.

1. Describe the science of contemporary abnormal psychology.
2. Analyze the current classification scheme for mental disorders.
3. List major categories of mental disorders and their symptoms.
4. List treatment options for various mental disorders.
5. Describe accuracies and inaccuracies in the portrayal of mental disorders in the movies.
6. Analyze how cultural diversity and physical challenges interact with mental challenges and their treatment and how these are portrayed in the movies.
7. Compare treatment options and discuss legal and ethical issues and how they are presented in the movies.
8. Identify ways to encourage acceptance, compassion and understanding toward those suffering from mental disorders.

 Listed Topics

1. Classification of mental disorders
2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
3. Treatment and therapy options
4. Legal and ethical issues

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 230 - Counseling the Addict

 
Description
This course provides an in-depth look at counseling techniques as they relate to drug and alcohol use. Topics include case management, intervention techniques and assessment.

1. Identify types of treatment: individual, group and twelve steps currently used in the field for addiction.
2. Demonstrate assessment and case management models.
3. Define the role the family plays in the etiology and treatment of all addiction.
4. Discuss other addictive disorders including gambling, workaholism, exercise, sex, financial, nicotine and eating disorders.
5. Define the concept of codependency.
6. Define research methods and ethical principles of research with this population.

1. Treatment modalities for individuals and families impacted by drug and alcohol use
2. Assessment and case management
3. Family roles and codependency
4. Prevention, cessation and relapse
5. Current interventions used in treatment
6. Methods and ethical principles of research

• Communiction
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

PSY 240 - Health Psychology

 
Description
Health psychology is the study of biopsychosocial processes in health, illness and health care. This course is an investigation into the unity of the mind and body and their combined role in healing.  Students will explore the mind’s role in illness, the impact of negative emotion, the placebo effect and effective methods of treatment.

1. Describe the principles of mind-body medicine.
2. Research the underlying premise of mind/body medicine.
3. Explain the role of emotions in illness.
4. Discuss the impact of stress on the immune system.
5. Differentiate the impact of the mind and emotions on various body systems: circulatory, respiratory, endocrine,  digestive, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, skeletal and excretory systems.
6. Describe the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system.
7. Identify the treatments available within integrative medicine to address illnesses at the mind-body level.
8. Discuss the role a support system plays in health.
9. Describe the role of psychotherapy in creating optimism, hope and control.

1. Research design, research methodology and ethical principles of research in health psychology
2. Theoretical views on the role of health psychology
3. Genetic influences on health and mental health
4. The biopsychosocial model
5. The role of stress on health-related ailments
6. Primary prevention and positive psychology
7. Biological foundations of health and illness
8. Exercise, sleep and injury prevention
9. Nutrition, obesity and eating disorders
10. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
11. Cancer and HIV/AIDS
12. Substance use, abuse and addiction
13. Pain
14. The role of health psychology in health care settings and integrative medicine

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Information Literacy

Course and Section Search

PSY 270 - Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences

 
Description
This course introduces concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics used in the behavioral and social sciences. It includes: central tendency, variability and distributions; correlation, regression, chi square and other non-paramentic tests; hypothesis testing and sampling; type I error, type II error, confidence intervals and power; statistical packages and their application to hypothesis testing.

1. Analyze statistical choices in published research.
2. Compute and interpret statistical formula.
3. Identify the uses and limits of specific statistics.
4. Choose appropriate statistics for analyzing data.
5. Analyze the type of data that is appropriate for hypothetical research studies.
6. Perform statistical analysis using software packages.
7. Describe the relationship between samples and populations.
8. Identify levels of measurement and statistics appropriate for the levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio.
9. Describe the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics.

1. Samples and populations
2. Levels of measurement, chi square tests for nominal data, non-paramentic tests for ordinal data
3. Using frequency distributions to summarize data
4. Measures of central tendency and dispersion
5. Z-scores and z-test
6. The standard normal curve and elementary probability
7. Correlation coefficients and regression
8. Proportion of variance
9. Null and alternative hypotheses and hypothesis testing
10. Type I and type II error
11. Single sample t-test, independent samples t-test, related samples t-test
12. Effect size
13. One-way within subjects ANOVA, one-way between subjects ANOVA
14. Post-hoc tests

• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
• Technological Competence

Course and Section Search

PSY 290 - Research Methods and Applications

 
Description
This course explores scientific research methodology of the behavioral sciences covering descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, experimental, single IV, basic factorial and single case designs. The scientific method is used to study group and individual attitudes and behavior. Topics include research ethics, establishing construct plus internal and external validity, sampling techniques, research error, control of variables and data analysis by statistical methods. Students also study methods of conducting a literature review, generating ideas and hypotheses, collecting, grouping, analyzing and reporting research findings, experience running labs and debriefing “live” subjects.

1. Retrieve materials from research journals and other sources of scientific research.
2. Define the various kinds of research methods/designs employed in behavioral science studies and ethical principles of research.
3. Analyze methods of maintaining validity and manipulating variables plus analyzing data.
4. Write research proposals and reports using the accepted journal format.
5. Describe ways to address deceptions and abdications in research.

1. Goals and limitations of research
2. Library and other informational tools to develop a literature review
3. Research designs
4. Sampling
5. Construct validity, external validity, internal validity and reliability
6. Experimental control measures
7. Hypothesis formulation
8. Research error
9. Hypothesis testing
10. The formal proposal and report
11. Ethical principles of research
12. Running experiments and debriefing subjects

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Information Literacy
• Communication

Course and Section Search

RTH 101 - Introduction to Radiation Therapy

 
Description
This is an introduction to the principles of radiation therapy. The student learns the duties and responsibilities of a radiation therapist and the types of equipment and procedures used in patient care. The laboratory portion of this course focuses on performance of basic patient care skills and utilization of immobilization.  This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Examine the basic principles of cancer and cancer pathology
2. Categorize equipment used for radiation therapy treatment and demonstrate thier uses
3. Explain basic principles of radiation for therapeutic treatment
4. Apply techniques of proper infection control practices
5. Identify surface anatomy to demonstrate proper body mechanics and patient positioning techniques
6. Perform patient assessments to interpret and document accurately in medical record
7. Justify ethical principles applicable to the healthcare setting
8. Demonstrate proper body mechanics to perform various treatment procedural set-ups
9. Outline the process of x-ray production

1. Overview of cancer and pathology
2. Immobilization devices
3. Body mechanics
4. Medical imaging and x-ray production
5. Legal and ethical principles
6. Infection control
7. Emergencies in healthcare
8. Surface anatomy and positioning
9. Treatment procedures
10. Other treatment modalities
11. Patient assessment, care and education
12. The medical record and charting

• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

RTH 102 - Radiation Therapy Principles & Procedures 1

1. Describe radiation therapy as a standard of cancer treatment.
2. Explain the importance of patient-centered care.
3. Summarize professional standards of practice in radiation therapy. 
4. Analyze the history of radiation therapy through modern times. 
5. Compare and contrast methods of treatment equipment, procedures and techniques. 
6. Outline the procedure for providing optimal therapeutic delivery. 
7. Define key radiation therapy terminology.
8. Describe radiation therapy procedures. 
9. Prioritize the steps for the computed tomography (CT) simulation process. 

1. Introduction to cancer and causes of cancer 
2. The responsibilities of the radiation therapist 
3. Historical development of radiation therapy 
4. Therapeutic equipment 
5. Immobilization devices and techniques 
6. Treatment techniques and procedures 
7. CT simulation 

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Course and Section Search

RTH 112C - Radiation Therapy Clinical Practicum 1

 
Description
This course provides an introductory hands-on experience in a radiation therapy clinical setting.  Under direct supervision of a certified radiation therapist, students observe and practice basic technical, professional and critical thinking skills while interacting with patients and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.  This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems, indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

Course and Section Search

RTH 120C - Radiation Therapy Clinical Practicum 2

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems, indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

Course and Section Search

RTH 201 - Radiation Therapy Principles & Procedures 2

1. Differentiate dosimetry terms and concepts for isocentric and nonisocentric calculations.
2. Analyze the need for percentage depth dose, tissue-air ration, tissue-phantom ration and tissue-maximum ratio tables.
3. Evaluate the differences in calculation models for isocentric and non-isocentric calculations.
4. Compare the concepts of and calculate equivalent square, weighted fields, geometric gap, Mayneord’s F factor and dose to points of interest.
5. Relate the nature and characteristics of isodose distributions of single photon fields with combinations of multiple fields used to produce cumulative isodose distributions.
6. Differentiate treatment planning concepts and definitions for target volumes, organs at risk (OARs) and margins to account for uncertainties.
7. Evaluate the rationale for three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
8. Compare and contrast imaging techniques used in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
9. Examine advanced therapeutic procedures to determine applications for use.
10. Investigate current quality assurance and improvement standards for clinical radiation therapy.
11. Research applications of targeted therapy for multimodality treatments.

1. Photon beam dosimetry concepts such as output, depth, scatter factors, equivalent square and inverse square law
2. Tissue absorption factors: percentage depth dose, tissue-air ratio, tissue-phantom ratio, and tissue-maximum ratio
3. Separation of adjacent fields
4. Weighted field
5. Mayneord’s F factor for extended distances
6. Percentage depth dose curves for photon beams
7. Photon beam profiles
8. Isodose distributions
9. Wedged techniques and wedge effect
10. Heterogeneity corrections
11. Therapeutic ratio
12. Inverse planning and forward planning
13. Treatment planning techniques: 3D, IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic
14. Treatment planning volumes: gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical tumor volume (CTV), internal target volume (ITV), planning target volume (PTV)
15. Digitally reconstructed radiograph
16. Dose volume histogram
17. Dose wash

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

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RTH 202C - Radiation Therapy Clinical Practicum 3

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems, indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

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RTH 203 - Radiation Therapy 1

1. Describe radiation therapy as a standard of cancer treatment.
2. Explain the importance of patient-centered care.
3. Summarize professional standards of practice in radiation therapy.
4. Define procedures a radiation therapist may legally and ethically provide within scope of practice.
5. Analyze the history of radiation therapy through modern times.
6. Compare and contrast treatment equipment, procedures and techniques.
7. Outline the procedure for providing optimal therapeutic delivery.
8. Define key radiation therapy terminology.
9. Describe radiation therapy procedures.
10. Evaluate radiation safety and protection practices.
11. Analyze components of a quality assurance/management program.
12. Prioritize the steps for the computed tomography (CT) simulation process.
13. Relate imaging methods with treatment techniques.
14. Discuss multimodality approaches to support radiation therapy treatments.

1. Introduction to cancer and causes of cancer
2. Responsibilities of the radiation therapist
3. Radiation therapist scope of practice
4. Ethical and legal considerations
5. Historical development of radiation therapy
6. Therapeutic equipment
7. Immobilization devices and techniques
8. Treatment techniques and procedures
9. CT simulation
10. Quality assurance and improvement
11. Imaging in radiation therapy
12. Advanced procedures
13. Medical oncology and targeted therapies

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

Course and Section Search

RTH 204C - Clinical Radiation Therapy 1

Or, at minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Medicine and a passing score of, at minimum, 80% on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Nuclear Medicine examination. 

Applicants with, at minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree and a background in clinical radiation oncology will be considered. 

 
Co-requisites: RTH 203  

Description
This course provides an introductory hands-on experience in a radiation therapy clinical setting. Under direct supervision of a certified radiation therapist, students observe and practice basic technical, professional and critical thinking skills while interacting with patients and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.  This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems and indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

Course and Section Search

RTH 211 - Radiation Therapy Principles & Procedures 3

1. Identify dose tolerances for various organs and critical structures.
2. Analyze a dose volume histogram for the planning target volume and critical structure doses.
3. Describe radiation therapy treatment planning approaches that maximize dose to various anatomical regions of the body while limiting dose to organs at risk (OARs).
4. Design standard field parameters for various anatomical regions of the body.
5. Evaluate given treatment scenarios for effective tumor control while considering OAR limitations.
6. Design treatment scenarios for effective tumor control while considering OAR limitations.

1. Treatment planning techniques: Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic
2. Treatment planning volumes: gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical tumor volume (CTV), internal target volume (ITV), planning target volume (PTV)
3. Digitally reconstructed radiograph
4. Dose volume histogram
5. OARs and tolerance doses
6. Dose wash
7. Standard field borders
8. Photon and electron beams
9. Brachytherapy
10. Treatment volumes and doses
11. Critical structures and side effects

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

RTH 212C - Radiation Therapy Clinical Practicum 4

 
Description
This course provides students with a continuing hands-on experience in a radiation therapy clinical setting.   Under direct supervision of a certified radiation therapist, students continue to develop technical, professional and critical thinking skills through observation, practice and performance while interacting with patients and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.  This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems and indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

Course and Section Search

RTH 213 - Radiation Therapy 2

1. Differentiate dosimetry terms and concepts for isocentric and nonisocentric calculations.
2. Analyze the need for percentage depth dose, tissue-air ratio, tissue-phantom ratio and tissue-maximum ration tables.
3. Explain the effect on the treatment time calculations with the use of wedge filters, compensators and blocking trays.
4. Calculate monitor units given radiation therapy prescription information for isocentric and non-isocentric calculations.
5. Perform advanced dosimetry calculations such as extended field distances using Mayneord’s F factor.
6. Differentiate the characteristics of percentage depth dose curves, beam profiles and isodose distributions for single photon beams.
7. Compare and contrast single isodose distributions vs. multi-field isodose distributions.
8. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for treatment planning.
9. Identify dose tolerances for various organs and critical structures.
10. Analyze a dose volume histogram for the planning target volume and critical structure doses
11. Distinguish characteristics of an electron beam isodose distribution compared to a photon beam isodose distribution.
12. Describe radiation therapy treatment planning approaches to maximize dose to various anatomical regions of the body while limiting dose to OARs.
13. Design field parameters for various anatomical regions of the body.

1. Photon beam dosimetry concepts: output, depth, scatter factors, equivalent square and inverse square law
2. Tissue absorption factors: percentage depth dose, tissue-air ratio, tissue-phantom ratio and tissue-maximum ratio
3. Separation of adjacent fields
4. Weighted fields
5. Mayneord’s F factor for extended distances
6. Percentage depth dose curves for photon beams
7. Photon beam profiles
8. Isodose distributions
9. Wedged techniques and wedge effect
10. Heterogeneity corrections
11. Therapeutic ratio
12. Inverse planning and forward planning
13. Treatment planning techniques: 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic
14. Treatment planning volumes: gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical tumor volume (CTV), internal target volume (ITV), planning target volume (PTV)
15. Digitally reconstructed radiograph
16. Dose volume histogram
17. OARs and tolerance doses
18. Dose wash
19. Electron beam isodose distributions
20. Standard field borders

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Course and Section Search

RTH 214C - Clinical Radiation Therapy 2

1. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with patients.
2. Implement strategies to address challenging patient-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
3. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
4. Identify psychological and physiological effects of radiation on human body systems and indications and contraindications for radiation therapy.
5. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of radiation therapy equipment and supplies.
6. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the radiation therapy environment.
7. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of radiation therapy.
8. Apply ethical principles while accessing patient treatment records.
9. Fabricate positioning and immobilization devices.
10. Assess patients for radiation therapy side effects.
11. Practice, under direct supervision, treatment setups and procedures on patients using the appropriate equipment.
12. Perform quality assurance procedures.
13. Practice appropriate radiation protection and safety techniques.
14. Develop case studies on multiple radiation therapy patients.
15. Analyze various cancers for diagnostic workups, symptoms, treatment options, dosing regimens, tissue tolerances and consequences of radiation.

1. Communication development
2. Patient assessment and side effect management
3. Immobilization techniques
4. Imaging concepts
5. Dose delivery
6. Radiation safety practices
7. Documentation procedures
8. Equipment sanitation, safety and quality assurance
9. Ethical and legal practices
10. Oncology case analyses

• Technological Competence
• Communication

Course and Section Search