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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