Certificate Course in Physical Therapy Assistant

Share |

COURSE CODE & TITLE	PTA 46 PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
COURSE DURATION	180 hours
COURSE AVAILABILITY	Weekend/Evening*
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION	English
MAXIMUM INTAKE	20
PREREQUISITES (General)	Certificate of Completion of High School
PREREQUISITES (Additional)	TOEFL score of 500
AWARD	18 CE units

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Physical Therapy Assistant program is 10 months in length (Phase I & II). During this course, initially the students will receive basic instruction in skills required in any health care setting. The students will receive an understanding of the health industry and its various career paths, both traditional and nontraditional. Competency based areas include medical law and ethics, communications, medical terminology, medical math, body system review and pathology of disease, human growth and development including life continuum. Instruction and practice will be provided in basic skills used in most health care settings, including specific skills such as the taking of vital signs, basic patient intake skills, documentation skills, computer input and retrieval skills, understanding of quality control and quality assurance, dermal puncture and venepuncture, universal precautions, laboratory safety, as well as others.

This course is designed to prepare students for employment as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Students will learn the body mechanics, vital signs, reporting, charting, patient interaction skills, and the use of equipment and techniques to aid patients in rehabilitation.

COURSE OUTCOMES: At the end of this course the student should be able to:

1. Discuss the role and responsibilities of the physical therapy aide including scope of practice.
2. Identify safety hazards commonly found in a setting where physical therapy is practiced, including standard precautions and blood-borne pathogens.
3. Discuss and understand the patient rights and responsibilities, including confidentiality of health information, requirements and negligence.
4. Demonstrate appointment scheduling, filing, and record keeping using basic computer skills.
5. Correctly define, spell, abbreviate and pronounce key terms associated with physical therapy cases.
6. Identify the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular structures of the human body, and discuss the physiological components and functions of each.
7. Discuss the interrelation of muscle, bone, and connective tissue in force production.
8. Discuss the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
9. Demonstrate administration of vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
10. Record vital signs accurately, including blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
11. Discuss contraindications and precautions for common physical therapy modalities.
12. Describe career opportunities for physical therapy aides and demonstrate job search and retention skills.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE COURSE Those seeking careers in physical therapy in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports centers, Gyms etc.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to Physical Therapy Aide - Rehabilitation Major Human Body Systems Personal & Occupational Safety Structure and Function of the Muscular, Nervous, and Skeletal Systems Medical Ethics & the Physical Therapy Aide Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Administrative Skills of the Physical Therapy Aide Vital Signs Medical Terminology Observation, Reporting and Charting Physical Therapy Modalities Job Search and Retention

COURSE METHODOLOGY: Lectures & Lab Course work Instructor led discussions Worksite learning VENUE OF STUDY Information & Learning Center, Gulf Medical University GMC Hospital, Ajman

ASSESSMENT: Pretest / Post-test

For academic advising and planning of their study schedule applicants are requested to contact: The Academic Coordinator, Office of the Assistant Director, Center for Continuing Education & Community Outreach, Gulf Medical University, Al Jurf, Ajman, UAE. Continuing Education Credits The course has been accredited for eighteen continuing education (CE) units awarded by the University. Although these CE units cannot be transferred to satisfy credit requirements in any diploma or degree level courses in which the candidates may enroll at a future date, they could be counted in advancement of career by the relevant institutions.

CONTACT DETAILS: PHONE: 06 743 1333 Ext: 384 FAX: 06-7431222 Email: cceco@gmu.ac.ae

Share |