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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