Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha
HLTH Number
123
Course Title
Practicum in Physical Therapy Support Skills
Credits
2
Department
Allied Health Author Donna Haytko-Paoa, Caryl Hitchcock, PhD., Kathy
Ratliffe, PhD., PT
Date of Outline
02/01/2010
2. Course Description:
Effective Date Spring 2011
5-year Review Date 2016
Provides basic standard patient care skills and training in the use of common
techniques such as transfers, positioning, therapeutic exercise, mobility
and assistive devices. Values that will be promoted include a) familycentered care, b) cultural sensitivity, c) age-appropriate activities, d)
functional skills, and e) collaborative teamwork. Prepares Therapeutic
Activity Aides to work under the supervision of a registered Physical
Therapist.
Cross-list
Contact Hours/Type
3. Pre-requisites
4 hours lecture/lab
Certificate of Competence for Therapeutic Activity Aide I
Pre-requisite may be waived by consent
Co-requisites
yes
no
none
Recommended Preparation
4. Function/Designation
AS Program
AAS Program
BAS Program
AA LE - Elective
Category
Category
Category
Additional Category
List Additional Programs and Category:
List Additional Programs and Category:
List Additional Programs and Category:
______________________________________________________
______________________
Chancellor
Approval Date
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Course Outline, page 1
2
Developmental/Remedial
Other/Additional: Explain: Therapeutic Activity Aide II
Certificate of Completion
See Curriculum Action Request (CAR) form for the college-wide general education student learning
outcomes (SLOs) and/or the program learning outcomes (PLOs) this course supports.
This course outline is standardized and/or the result of a community college or system-wide agreement.
Responsible committee:
5. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): List one to four inclusive SLOs.
For assessment, link these to #7 Recommended Course Content, and #9 Recommended Course
Requirements & Evaluation. Use roman numerals (I., II., III.) to designate SLOs
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
I. Demonstrate entry-level competency in the use of physical therapy techniques to implement the plan
of care as directed by the physical therapist.
II. Demonstrate knowledge of basic client management techniques in transfers, positioning, mobility,
and assistive devices.
III.
IV.
6. Competencies/Concepts/Issues/Skills
For assessment, link these to #7 Recommended Course Content, and #9 Recommended Course
Requirements & Evaluation. Use lower case letters (a., b.…zz. )to designate competencies/skills/issues
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. Effectively communicate data and information from PT interventions in written form with the
individual, family, PT and other health care personnel in an effective, appropriate and capable manner.
b. Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, implement components of PT interventions in the plan
of care in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Components may include:
-Activities of daily living
- Skin care
- Assistive/adaptive devices
-Transfer skills - bed, chairs, automobile, bathroom
-Body mechanics
- Gait and locomotion training
- Wheelchair management skills
- Lifts
- Balance and coordination with and without assistive devices
- Range of motion
c. Identify and assess environmental, architectural, and attitudinal barriers to mobility and participation.
d. Use the teaching-learning process to work collaboratively within a team through written, oral and
nonverbal communication.
e. Educate and train the client, caregiver, family or significant others to facilitate posture, mobility, gross
and fine motor skills, strengthening, as well as promote prevention of secondary disabilities, health
maintenance, and safety in the home and community.
f. Use sound judgement in regard to safety of self and others, and adhere to safety regulations throughout
the intervention process.
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course outline
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g. Identify and/or develop activities or adaptations to facilitate inclusion of clients in family or
community-based activities, and implement these activities or adaptations as appropriate.
h. Incorporate cultural and family values/needs into the design of program accommodations and
adaptations.
7. Suggested Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #5. Student Learning Outcomes and # 6 Competencies/Skills/Issues
TOPICS/ACTIVITIES
2-3 Weeks Introduction to physical therapy techniques (I, a-h; II, a-h)
a. History and ethical practices reflecting APTA guidelines
b. Communicating data and information from PT interventions
c. Normal movement development across the lifespan
d. Characteristics of disability including influence of cultural and family values
2-3 Weeks. Assessment and safety for client management techniques (I, a-h; II, a-h)
a. Body mechanics and posture awareness
b. Range of Motion
c. Positioning
d. Transfers
e. Wheelchair handling skills & ambulation devices
f. Environmental assessment/architectural barriers
7 - 8 Weeks Implementing PT interventions identified in the plan of care (I, a-h; II, a-h)
a. Motor learning concepts
b. Movement analysis
c. Functional training
d. Therapeutic exercise including strengthening
e. Neuromuscular re-education
f. Assistive/adaptive devices
g. Gait and locomotion training
h. Prosthetics and orthotics
i. Stretching techniques and exercises
j. Breathing exercises, coughing, and postural drainage
k. Skin and wound care
l. Other current therapies (e.g. neuromuscular re-education)
2 - 3 Weeks Application of communication skills through the teaching/learning process (I, a-h; II, a-h)
a. Group interactions
b. Cognitive groups
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, and Auxiliary Materials
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include:
a. Pierson, F. M. & Fairchild, S. L. (2008). Principles and Techniques of Patient
Care (5th ed.). Philadelphia: PA, F. A. Davis
ISBN: 9781416031192.
b. Ratliffe, K. T. (1997). Clinical Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Guide for the Physical Therapy Team.
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course outline
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Text(s) may be supplemented with appropriate study guide(s).
Text(s) may be supplemented with articles and handouts prepared by the instructor.
Appropriate reference materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include:
Magazines, Journals, Websites and other peerreviewed, evidence-based media appropriate to the course.
Appropriate auxiliary materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include: Articles from magazines, journals and newspapers.
Appropriate audio/visual materials. Guest speakers and site visits.
9. Suggested Course Requirements and Evaluation
Linked to #5. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and #6 Competencies/Skills/Issues
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being offered.
Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
Activities (I, a - h; II, a - h)
Assignments (I, a - h; II, a - h)
Projects/Presentations (I, a - h; II, a - h)
Other appropriate assessment methods (I, a - h; II, a - h)
50 - 70%
10 - 30%
20 - 30%
0 - 30%
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably by instructor. Specific methods are at the discretion of the
instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
lectures and demonstrations, group discussions, student participation, role play, projects, field trips, and
other appropriate emerging modalities
11. Assessment of Intended Student Learning Outcomes Standards Grid attached
12. Additional Information:
Revised 6/28/2016
course outline