ROANE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DIVISION OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS HOURS;
SEMESTER OFFERED:
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
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Clinical Preparation II
PTA 239
2 hybrid
F 8:00 – 12:00 + 32 clinic hours (W)
Spring, 2015
Emily DeLozier, PTA, BS
Oak Ridge Campus Office, B-131
T, R: 8:00-1:30, 2:30-3:30; F: 12:30-2:30
865-481-2008
delozierea@roanestate.edu
DESCRIPTION
This course is a continuation of PTA 238 as it prepares the PTA student for his/her clinical
experiences and entry into the field as a physical therapist assistant. Strategies for obtaining
employment are discussed. Effective techniques for cover letter/resume writing and interview
performance are presented and practiced. Other important employment issues including benefits,
management/employee relations, and sexual harassment will be presented. Fiscal management
and reimbursement issues are introduced and discussed. The student will learn how to develop
and present an inservice. There will be continued assessment and planning of professional
behavior development. During this course, the student will continue to participate in a variety of
clinical experiences: 1) Development of comprehensive patient care with mock clinic
assignments, 2) Development of his/her skills as a PTA in the areas of wellness and prevention
by participating in the Fitness Lab, 3) Participation in an integrated clinical affiliation during
the last four Wednesdays of the semester.
FUNDAMENTAL CLASSROOM ROLE RELATIONSHIP PRINCIPLES
See current RSCC PTA Student Handbook
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the academic learning units of the course (listed below), the student
will be able to perform the related objectives as indicated by passing
scores:
 On all major course assignments and tests (see GRADING section).
 Maintained for the course (70% of total points accrued to date) in order to
participate in an integrated clinical.
Upon completion of the clinical learning unit, the student will be able to perform related
objectives as indicated by a passing score on the Integrated Clinical Student Performance
Evaluation Form (6 or greater out of 10 for all performance criteria.)
Academic Learning Units
Written & oral communication
Managing Psychosocial Issues
Reimbursement
Wellness & Prevention
The role of the PTA beyond pt care
Career planning & the work setting
Professional Behaviors/Commitment
Clinical Learning Unit Transition to the clinic
Written and Oral Communication
1. Define and use selected terminology and documentation abbreviations.
2. Demonstrate the skills acquired in PTA 238, in order to create and present an inservice.
3. Demonstrate continued development in written documentation.
The Role of the PTA Beyond Patient Care
4. Discuss the possible role of the PTA in program development & organizational planning.
5. Discuss the possible role of the PTA in quality assurance programs.
6. Discuss the possible role of the PTA as a clinical instructor for PTA students.
7. Discuss the possible role of the PTA as a supervisor.
a. Describe the characteristics of a good leader
8. Describe appropriate PTA interaction with other members of the health care team.
a. Identify other possible team members
b. Identify patient care & non patient care situations
c. Discuss the use of collaboration by the PTA
d. Describe the characteristics of a good team player
Managing Psychosocial Issues
9. Discuss selected psychosocial issues/problems in terms of:
a. Definition and clinical presentation
b. Clinical presentation
c. Treatment (ID if PT is part of accepted rx & how)
d. How it can impact PT intervention & how to manage
Career Planning and the Work Setting
10. Discuss the interviewing process in terms of:
a. Goals and expectations of the interviewer and interviewee
b. Limitations of the interviewer and interviewee
c. Methods of a successful interview
11. Schedule, participate in, videotape, and evaluate a mock interview
12. Apply effective interviewing techniques during mock interview.
13. Recognize the necessary components of a resume and cover letter.
14. Write a resume and cover letter suitable for use in employment search as a newly-graduated
PTA.
15. List and describe common job benefits offered to the physical therapist assistant.
16. Analyze personal priorities and benefits for first job as a PTA.
17. Discuss sexual harassment in terms of recognition, rights & recourse in the work setting.
18. Become more aware of different management styles and the impact certain styles may have
on staff. Become aware of one’s own learning/operational style.
19. List five characteristics of a good employee.
Reimbursement
20. Discuss the role of the PTA in the fiscal management of the PT clinic.
21. Define the following reimbursement terms:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Medicare
Medicaid
Third party payer
HMO
PPO
PPS
CPT codes
h. RUG
i. HCFA
j. SNF
k. TCU
l. ICD codes
m. MDS
n. ICDM codes
22. Discuss delivery of physical therapy for the Medicare patient in terms of:
a. Part A or B
b. PPS systems, RUGS, MDS
c. Setting: inpatient, outpatient, home health, SNF, TCU
d. Limitations placed on PTA students when treating patients in different settings
Professional Behaviors/Commitment
23. Assess one’s performance and behavior in the classroom in terms of successful development
appropriate for professional behaviors as a PTA.
24. Develop goals in professional behavior development that could enhance performance in the
clinical setting and for assuming the role of a PTA.
25. Ethics:
a. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the
Physical Therapist Assistant.
b. Given a clinical scenario: Discuss and formulate response options using strategies
outlined in the “Ethics In Action” column, PT Magazine by Nancy R. Kirtsch PT, DPT,
PhD.
Professionalism: List and describe the core values of the PT profession
26. Develop one’s abilities as a self-directed learner through successful completion of course
requirements.
27. Investigate and consider individual goals in the area of professional commitment and
development.
Wellness & Prevention
28. Demonstrate adequate concept and skill development needed for the role of the physical
therapist assistant in wellness and prevention.
29. Develop habits and behaviors necessary to complete an individualized fitness program.
Transition To The Clinic
30. Demonstrate adequate concept and skill development needed for comprehensive patient care
during mock clinic assignments (in preparation for clinical practice).
31. Demonstrate effective use of the forms used for performance assessment during clinical
experience:
a. For integrated clinical in PTA 239
b. The PTA CPI for PTA 256 & 257
32. Explain the clinical course requirements for PTA 239, 256, 257.
33. Discuss methods used by and the responsibilities of the student for effective learning during
clinical affiliations.
34. Investigate one’s own developing attitudes and behaviors professionally and compare them
with that of the clinical faculty.
35. Develop a greater understanding of the role of the PTA, by observing and assisting the
clinical instructor.
36. Performance: As documented by completed performance assessment forms:
a. Demonstrate adequate transition of performance expectations from the controlled
classroom setting to the more complex clinical setting that includes skills/abilities that cannot
be fully addressed in the academic environment. For example: multitasking, time
management, complex interpersonal skills with staff, clients and caregivers.
b. Demonstrate clinical practice that is safe & effective (therapeutic & timely) as an
intermediate-novice student physical therapist (SPTA); comparable to an entry-level PTA.
IDEA OUTCOMES
4. Developing specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals
in the field most related to this course. ESSENTIAL
5. Acquiring skills in working with others as a member of a team. IMPORTANT
8. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally or in writing. IMPORTANT
10. Developing a clearer understanding of, and commitment to, personal values. IMPORTANT
11. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
IMPORTANT
GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Understand that the writing and/or speaking processes include procedures such as
planning, organizing, composing, revising and editing.
2. Manage and coordinate basic information gathered from multiple sources for the purpose
of problem solving and decision-making.
3. Recognize the use of evidence, analysis, and persuasive strategies, including basic
distinctions among opinions, facts and inferences.
4. Recognize, describe and explain social institutions, structures and processes and
complexities of global culture and diverse society.
5. Take ethical stands based on appropriate research in the social and behavioral sciences.
6. Collect and analyze data and interpret results in a laboratory setting.
7. Apply mathematical and/or basic statistical reasoning to analyze data and graphs.
TEACHING METHODS
Lecture, class discussion, self-directed opportunities, practice sessions will be used. Facultysupervised mock clinic practice will be assigned. Ongoing participation in an individual fitness
program per instructor guidelines is required. Supervised patient care and clinical observation
under a clinical instructor in an integrated clinical affiliation will also be scheduled. Students
will be evaluated by attendance, written exams, written assignment, special project participation
and completion of clinical evaluation forms by the student and clinic instructor (C.I.). The
academic coordinator of clinical education (ACCE) will have the final responsibility for the
grade assignment.
TEXTS
1. Selected handouts included: current RSCC PTA Student Handbook.
2. Tamparo, Carol D., Lewis, Marcia A.: Diseases of the Human Body, FA Davis.
3. APTA publications and member-only website information
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
In order to successfully complete the course, each student must:
1. Complete all written assignments by due date. Grades will be adjusted for late assignments.
2. Complete reading assignments by due date on class outline.
3. Participate in class discussion and laboratory experiences per the instructor’s guidelines. See
current RSCC PTA Student handbook: Confidential & Sensitive Information, Standard
Precautions, Student Participation & Health Status, Laboratory Guidelines & Safety
Considerations, Dress Code, Video/Audiotaping Classroom Activities.
a. For mock clinic sessions: Each student will wear lab clothes and bring personal lab
equipment .
4. Attendance and participation in all class sessions is required. See attendance policy of current
PTA Student Handbook.
5. Complete and pass one exam on:
a. Psychosocial issues
b. Reimbursement/Medicare
c. Sexual harassment (on Momentum, certificate required)
d. Integrated spring clinical requirements (with a grade of 80% or better)
e. Summer clinicals’ requirements (with a grade of 80% or better)
6. Complete two class projects:
a. Professional Horizons project: Attend a APTA event in either the fall or
spring semester and investigate one physical therapy practice option/specialty.
b. An inservice as a class project, per instructor’s guidelines.
7. Participate in one professional development meeting with an academic faculty. These
meetings will be by appointment and in the privacy of the faculty’s office:
a. Prior to scheduled meeting, the student must complete the professional development
form.
b. During the meeting:
1) The student will compare self-assessment to assessment by PTA faculty and previous
assessment(s).
2) The student will develop goals (with the assistance and recommendations of the PTA
faculty) for continued development of adequate professional behaviors.
3) It will be determined if a follow-up meeting is indicated.
c. At any time if the PTA faculty identify that the student’s performance in the program
warrants a ‘0’ rating in any professional behavior:
1) A meeting with the student will be scheduled immediately.
2) A probationary contract may be initiated to assure adequate remediation of the
concerns before the student is allowed to continue in the clinical education
portion of the course. Remediation during the clinical may also be included.
3) The clinical faculty will be notified of the student’s progress in this area with
the Student Information Sheet, a phone call from the ACCE for special
concerns and a performance contract for special concerns.
8. The student will complete one self-efficacy form.
9. Complete and pass mock clinic scenarios:
a. A PTA faculty member will supervise mock clinic time.
b. For ½ scenarios, the student will act as PTA, for the other ½, the student will act as
patient.
c. Partners will be assigned by the instructors.
d. If the student is acting as PTA, she/he must write a SOAP note and bill for the rx
including code and complete record of rx.
e. If the student is acting as a patient, she/he must complete a feedback form.
f. The student may have to manage medical equipment and/or deal with a first aid
situation at any time.
g. If a student is absent for a mock clinic session, it cannot be made-up and the student
will receive a ‘0’ for the assignment.
10. Complete necessary fitness and wellness requirements outlined in the current Fitness
Center Handbook for PTA Students (Fitness Center Requirements for PTA 238, 239
Section):
a. Complete individual pre- & post fitness testing at the beginning & ending of the semester
respectively
b. Assist Classmate in their pre-post-fitness testing
c. Participation in a & b must be verified by completion of necessary attendance procedures.
1) A PTA student log is available in the Fitness Center, to track the
individual student’s participation in the class workouts.
2) An exercise log for activity done outside of the fitness center during the
semester is due Monday May 4, 2015.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTEGRATED CLINICAL AFFILIATION
STUDENT ELIGIBLILTY
1. The student must have and maintain a passing grade (‘C’ or higher) in all other PTA courses
she/he is currently enrolled, in order to participate in the integrated clinical.
If a student is not academically eligible at the time of the first clinical session:
The ACCE will cancel the clinical.
The student will meet with the academic faculty to develop a plan to improve
academic performance.
The student will receive an ‘I’ incomplete grade for this course.
If the student passes the other PTA courses he/she is enrolled in for the semester.
A make up clinical will be scheduled by the ACCE in May before the start of the
summer clinicals, dates and location to be determined by the ACCE.
With successful completion of this make-up clinical, per course guidelines, the
student’s grade will be changed from ‘incomplete’ to ‘C’ and the student will
continue with the PTA curriculum.
If the student fails the clinical, per course guidelines, the student’s grade will be
changed to ‘F’ and the student is dismissed from the PTA program.
2. The student has completed the clinical requirements in the areas of liability insurance, health
clearance, immunization/TB testing, criminal background check, online orientation. Student
records are on file in the ACCE’s office. Documentation verifying this information is available
in the student’s clinical folder.
ATTENDANCE
3. The student will participate in an integrated clinical affiliation scheduled on four Wednesdays
for eight hours/day: April8, 15, 22, and 29, 2015.
4. The student must notify the C.I. of any absence/tardy before his/her report time. See
Attendance policy, RSCC PTA Student handbook.
5. The student must complete 32 hours. Any missed time must be made-up and will be
scheduled by the ACCE.
FORMATTING THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
6. CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR The CI must be a TN-licensed physical therapist or physical
therapist assistant with more than one year’s clinical experience and selected by the CCCE.
7. STUDENT ACTIVITIES The student will:
Observe the CI performing patient care and other job-related duties of a PTA.
Assist the CI in performing selected patient treatments or parts of treatments.
Perform selected patient treatments or parts of patient treatments.
The student must be assisting/performing selected patient care every clinic day.
8. THE SELECTION OF PATIENT CARE ACTIVITIES The selection of patient care
treatments that the student assists with or performs will be made by the CI. It will be in
accordance to the skills the student has completed academically (a list is provided in the second
mailing, also available in student’s clinical folder) OR to the training/instruction/supervision of
the CI for new skills. The CI will plan repeat treatments of the same patients by the student as is
possible.
9. DOCUMENTATION The student will perform notewriting out of the patient’s chart.
10. PATIENT CHARTS The student will participate in chart review and be familiar with the
plan of care (POC) including the LTG’s and STG’s of the patients being treated.
11. BILLING The student may participate in other administrative activities related to the role of
the PTA. (Billing, for example.)
12. PT/PTA ROLE The student should participate in activities delineating the supervisory role
of the Physical Therapist. Observing initial evaluations for example.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (FORMATIVE & SUMMATIVE)
13. WEEKLY/Formative Performance Evaluation: Every week the Clinical Skills Inventory for
Integrated Clinicals Form and the Integrated Clinical Daily Performance Report will be
completed and signed.
14. FINAL/Summative Performance Evaluation: On the last Wednesday, the Integrated Clinical
Student Performance Evaluation form and the Student Evaluation of Clinical Experience form
will be completed and signed.
15. MINIMAL PASSING SCORES The student must receive a 6 or higher/10 on all
performance criteria on the Student Performance Evaluation, Fall & Spring Clinicals form in
order to pass the course.
16. PROBLEMS WITH THE STUDENT Identifying Performance Concerns: If the CI has
concerns, the CI will mark the ‘did not meet CI’s expectations’ on the Integrated Clinical Daily
Performance form and describe the circumstances. This will initiate a process outlined in the
RSCC PTA Student Handbook, “Clinical Performance and Evaluation”
STUDENT WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
17. The student’s clinical notebook is due every Friday after a clinical day, 8:00 AM.
The clinical notebook will contain the completed forms and written assignments due for that
day (See Integrated Clinicals Preparation & Assignment Guidelines handout)
18. The student will have a Discussion entry and e-mail to complete weekly. (See Integrated
Clinicals Preparation & Assignment Guidelines handout)
19. The student will participate in a weekly class discussion managed by the ACCE. (See
Integrated Clinicals Preparation & Assignment Guidelines handout)
COMMUNICATION
20. PRECLINIC: The ACCE will provide the CI with the necessary forms and information with
the second mailing about one month before the start of the clinical.
21. FIRST DAY:
The CI will provide the student with an orientation.
The student will present a completed Student Information Sheet and the ACCE’s business
card to the CI.
For any special concerns, the ACCE will contact the clinical faculty by phone before the
start of the clinical.
22. STUDENT AND CLINICAL FACULTY
The student will contact the CCCE or CI no later the 2 weeks before the start of the clinical.
See Integrated Clinicals Preparation & Assignment Guidelines handout.
During the clinical: ongoing discussion and completion of daily forms.
Final: per final meeting and completion of summative forms.
23. The ACCE or another member of the RSCC PTA faculty will be available by phone during
clinical hours for both student and CI contact.
The ACCE’s phone number is available in the PTA Student handbook, the student’s
clinical folder, and the business card.
The ACCE is available for meetings on the RSCC campus or at the clinical facility by
request of the clinical faculty or student.
24. Student/ACCE: See Student Responsibility section RSCC PTA Student handbook.
The student, academic and clinical faculty will comply with all policies relating to clinical
education as outlined in the RSCC PTA Student handbook
PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, Plagiarism, Cheating, Fabrication
and Facilitation. Academic misconduct is prohibited. Upon identification of misconduct,
an instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a zero for the exercise, the examination, or
the entire course. Students guilty of academic misconduct that would typically result in the
grade of “F” for the course will not be permitted to drop the class in which the academic
misconduct occurred. The instructor will contact the appropriate Division Dean who will
then contact Records and request that an administrative hold be placed on the course in
question. The instructor will notify the student of the appropriate due process/appeal
procedure. The administrative hold will remain in place until the academic misconduct
matter is concluded.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic
accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services office staff.
Prior to granting disability accommodations in the course, the instructor must receive written
verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services
office staff. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the disability services staff
and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the
instructor. Students requiring modifications due to documented disability must notify faculty
within the first two weeks of classes.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES
CTAT/HELP DESK: If you are having problems logging into your course on Momentum,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools please call CTAT at 865-8824556, M-F, 9-5 EST. For all other technical problems call Help Desk at: 865-3543000 Ext
4357.
Other1:
SYLLABUS CHANGES
The Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as long as the students are
notified.
GRADING
Grading for the classroom component of the course will be calculated on a total point
system. Approximate point values are:
1
Includes Library, Counseling, and Learning Center.
Type
Interview project
Resume & cover
letter**
Inservice
Quizzes
Other assignments
Tests**
Fitness Lab
# of Assignments
1
2
Points/Assignment
15
10
1
2
10
4
Log, attendance hrs
Testing
4
4
20
20
5
20-50
10
10
15
45-60
Total
15
20
20
40
50
124
10
10
Mock clinic
60
Clinicals
195
TOTAL
544
**Major Academic Assignments/tests that must be passed in maximum of 2 tries.
Grade Scale (% of total points)
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
F
less than 70
See current RSCC catalogue: Grades, Allied Health Science Retention Policies.
See current RSCC PTA Student Handbook: Grading Policy, Testing Protocol, Cheating,
Attendance policy, Clinical Education.
Additional Grading for the clinical component of the course will be calculated as follows:
1. The student must demonstrate minimum competency for this clinical with a rating of ‘6’
or higher on all performance criteria (12) listed on the Clinical Performance Evaluation
form.
2. A rating of less than ‘6’ on one or more of the performance criteria results in an ‘F’ for
the course regardless of the grade accrued in the classroom portion of the course.
3. The student must complete 32 hours of clinical experience or an incomplete ‘I’
grade will be assigned. If the hours are completed, the grade will be changed to a ‘C’.
4. The academic coordinator of clinical education (ACCE) will have the final responsibility
for the clinical grade assignment.
PTA 239 CLINICAL PREPARATION II
COURSE OUTLINE SPRING, 2015
Friday 8:00 AM-12 Noon
DATE TOPIC
Jan 23 Introduction to course
Resumes & Cover Letters
Jan 30 Abbreviation quiz 1 (A-K)
Other Roles of the PTA
Job benefits, job planning
Feb 6
Feb
13
Feb
20
Abbreviation quiz 2 (L-Z)
Sexual Harassment/Abuse/Restraint
Psychosocial Issues/Dementia
Test: Psychosocial issues
Interviews
Medicare & Reimbursement
Mock Clinic: Circulation and
Wound Lab
Feb
27
CPT worksheet
Conflict Management
Guide to PT Practice
Mar 4
WED JOB FAIR
Mar 6 Test: Medicare/reimbursement
Spring clinical prep
Mar13
SPRING BREAK
Mar
20
Mar27
Apr 3
Apr 8
Apr
10
Apr15
Apr22
Apr29
May 7
Mock Clinicals: Stroke Rehab
Spring Clinical pretest
Summer Clinical Prep
GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY
Clinic Day 1 (Wednesday)
Summer Clinical Pretest/Mock
Clinicals: Cardiac Rehab, Ortho
Clinic Day 2 (Wednesday)
Clinic Day 3 (Wednesday)
Clinic Day 4 (Wednesday)
Mock Clinic (Thursday)
ASSIGNMENTS
Spring & Summer Clinical choices due
Other roles of the PTA worksheet
1st cover letter & resume due
Job Benefits Audiolecture
Ethics Online Assignment 1
Psychosoc Audiolecture & Worksheet due
Restraint Video & Post-Test
Ethics Online Assignment 2
Sign-up professional dev mtgs
Ethics Online Assignment 3
2nd cover letter & resume due
Medicare reading
Professional dev mtgs this wk
Ethics Online Assignment 4
CPT worksheet due
Ethics Online Assignment 5
12:30-3:30 GOFF BLDG
Read & bring necessary forms
NO CLASS
In class Mock Clinic Assignment due
Interviews due
Read & bring necessary forms – CPI + summer
NO CLASS
In class Mock Clinic Assignment due
In class Mock Clinic Assignment due
Fitness Ex Logs Due
*Please note that Clinic Days, April 8, 15, 22, and 29, are Wednesdays. Students will alternate Wednesday schedule
for Fridays on these weeks.