Revised 5/2025

PTH 105 - Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces the physical therapist assistant student to the field of physical therapy practice and develops basic patient care skills for application in the initial physical therapy clinical experience. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 4 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting is designed to prepare the student to administer basic patient care skills, directed by an instructor, which consistently demonstrates safety, professionalism defined by the APTA Core Values, and complies with the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

Further, the course prepares the student to identify him/herself appropriately in the role of the physical therapist assistant and guides the student in forming effective relationships with other members of the health care team.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

  • Admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
  • Students who are enrolled in PTH 105 must have previously completed, or be concurrently enrolled in, PTH 151 Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
  • Students must be concurrently enrolled in PTH 121 Therapeutic Procedures I

Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting requires ongoing communication, both verbal and written, with instructors, patients, patient families and other members of the health care team. Therefore, the student must be able to demonstrate reading and writing abilities at the ENG 111 level, including accurate spelling and proper sentence structure. Further, the student must be able to comprehend verbal information and must be able to deliver verbal information in a manner which is understood by others, including the hearing impaired patient.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • utilize basic clinical problem solving skills during simulated or actual patient treatments
  • identify the role and scope of work of a physical therapist assistant
  • define the practice of physical therapy in his/her own words
  • describe the structure and function of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • become familiar with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the APTA Core Values.
  • differentiate the role of the PTA from other members of the health care team
  • compare the role of the PTA with the role PT and the PT aide and identify proper utilization of personnel resources
  • demonstrate an attitude of respect for patients and all members of the health care team
  • demonstrate proper use of selected equipment used in basic physical therapy patient care
  • select, accurately measure and instruct patients in the proper use of ambulation aids and
  • gait patterns
  • apply the principles of body mechanics and stability and mobility during basic patient care
  • accurately perform, assess and record vital signs including HR, BP, RR and Oxygen saturation
  • read, organize and synthesize patient information obtained from chart review
  • given a simulated or actual patient treatment situations, demonstrate: 
    • an understanding of the patient diagnosis/condition
    • concern for the needs of the patient
    • ability to adapt treatment to meet individual patient needs
    • appropriate safety measures for self and patient
  • in simulated/actual patient situations, demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal
  • communication
  • relate attitudes of professional pride, service and respect to simulated/actual patient
  • situations
  • use correct medical terminology in oral and written communication
  • categorize relevant treatment data in SOAP note format and submit timely documentation
  • interpret treatment data, guided by an instructor, to formulate an accurate patient assessment

Major Topics to Be Included

Lectures focus on the definition, history, ethics and legal aspects of physical therapy practice, as well as the role of the PTA as a member of the rehabilitation team. Lecture also includes documentation of physical therapy services.

Laboratory sessions topics include: basic principles of patient care, body mechanics, balance, positioning and draping, bed mobility, vital signs, transfer and transport techniques, ambulation including gait patterns and gait training and tilt table.

Clinical sessions allow students to apply skills and knowledge acquired in lecture and laboratory in an assigned clinical setting.

Optional Topics

  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Psychological aspects of disability
  • Gross manual muscle testing
  • Documentation and Reimbursement