PTAS 2500 - Seminar for Physical Therapist Assistants

Credit Hours: 2.00

Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss in depth the role of the physical therapist assistant and the relationship with the physical therapist in various clinical settings.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Analyze and compare/contrast the role of the PT/PTA by utilizing APTA core documents including the APTA Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant
2. Describe the roles of the PTA/PT observed in clinical settings.
3. Review and understand the Michigan Physical Therapy Practice Act and legal implications.
4. Discuss the role of the PTA in advocacy for the physical therapy profession through membership and participation in APTA/MPTA

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss contemporary issues that affect the practice of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Review and be able to apply “The Guide to PT Practice” in physical therapy practice
2. Analyze and describe Hippocratic physical therapy practice through: self-analysis, effective verbal and communication strategies, ethical decision making practices, risk management (law and liability), and health care reimbursement patterns.
3. Discuss the role of the PTA in health promotion and wellness
4. Discuss the role and challenges of culture and gender in the workplace
5. Discuss domestic violence and role of the PTA in reporting and in victim advocacy

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe in depth the relationship between the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Describe academic depth and breadth for PT and PTA education
2. Describe effective collaboration and supervision in physical therapy
3. Coordinate and create a student directed learning experience to provide PT/PTA students an opportunity to work and learn together about their education, roles, and responsibilities as team members

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to Design, create and complete a resume and a cover letter.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Understand the principles and presentation styles of cover letters and resumes.
2. Review examples of various styles of cover letters and resumes.
3. Develop a cover letter and resume appropriate for presentation to potential employees.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate interview skills appropriate for an entry level PTA position.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Demonstrate appropriate verbal and non-verbal cues during an interview
2. Recognize appropriate and inappropriate questioning during an interview
3. Describe appropriate post-interview follow-up.

1. Preferred PT/PTA relationships and ethical utilization
2. School to work transitions, challenges, skills and risks
3. Licensure, competency, mentorship, and life-long learning
4. Advocacy for self, profession, and patient
5. Special topics in physical therapy
   1. Health promotion and wellness
   2. Culture and gender in the workplace
   3. Domestic violence
   4. Roles of PT/PTA in clinical practice
6. Self-actualization: self and others