Practicum I Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PTHA-2567-001 Practicum I

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1260, PTHA 1301, PTHA 1321, PTHA 1405, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1431, PTHA 2301, PTHA 2409, PTHA 2431, and PTHA 2435. Corequisites: PTHA 2317

Course Description

Practical general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(5 sem hrs; 35 clinical)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1. PTA MACS, 3rd Edition, 2018, from the Texas Alliance of Physical Therapist Assistant Educators, Inc.
2. Full Access to the clinical education web-based platform, www.trajecsys.com 

Supplies

Clinic ID badge which is purchased at the West Campus Business office for $2.00. Preferred method for payment is cash. This is required and must be worn during the clinic rotation.

Student Performance

560 Contact Hours (divided into two 7-week clinical assignments for 280 contact hours each)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1^st 7-week Assignment

1. Demonstrate the ability to consistently and safely perform selected physical therapy assessment skills and treatment interventions within the physical therapist’s plan of care for patients with the legally required supervision and guidance by the physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant.

  2. Demonstrate the ability to complete adequate documentation and communicate with the physical therapist as indicated by all aspects of patient status, patient treatment and patient response to treatment.

  3. Demonstrate the ability to assist the supervising physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant in the education of patients and family members/caregivers.

  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform appropriate patient communication in a culturally competent manner, with oversight guidance from the physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant.

  5. Demonstrate the ability to participate in scheduling, prioritizing, and other routine administrative procedures of the physical therapy department.

  6. Recognize administrative roles and duties through attendance at departmental meetings, committee meetings, and case conferences with other healthcare providers as appropriate.

  7. Demonstrate appropriate legal and ethical behavior during skill performance and interactions with patients, family members, and other healthcare providers with occasional guidance from the supervising physical therapist.

 

2^nd 7-week Assignment

1 through 7 above 

8.  The student will demonstrate entry level competency on all skill areas based on the clinical instructor's assessment.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

DISABILITY STATEMENT:  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangement in order to meet course requirements should contact disability Services (Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Students Rights and RESPONSIBILITIES:  Students are to read the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities publication with emphasis on reading the Academic Information, Student Conduct and Responsibilities, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education/Prevention Program

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students demonstrating academic dishonesty as defined in the “Students Right and Responsibilities” handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all PTA program policies regarding course failure.

Student Grievance Procedure

A student who has an issue with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the issue with the course instructor. If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the program director, Dean of Health Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President of Amarillo College - IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

Instructional Method: Observation, demonstration, return demonstration, supervised direct treatment of patients

Criteria for successful completion of PTA MACS  and Trajecsys Student Assessment during PTHA 2567

 I. PTA MACS

• Students will be expected to meet ENTRY LEVEL performance on all site-available skills in the PTA MACS as indicated with a √ or + AND be determined to be at Entry Level by the last rotation in order to successfully complete the program. THE SKILLS REQUIREMENT FOR PRACTICUM 1 ARE LISTED BELOW.

• There are a total of 34 skills or categories of skills in the PTA MACS book. The student’s grade is calculated based on the percent of the 34 categories skills at entry level upon conclusion of this rotation. The student is not penalized if a skill is not offered at this clinical rotation.

• GRADING CRITERIA FOR PTA MACS

  There are a total of 34 skills or categories of skills in the PTA MACS book. For PTHA 2567 Practicum I, the student should achieve entry level for all designated skills or a percentage of each category of skills as designated above with a score of (√ or +). The student’s grade is calculated based on the percent of the 34 categories skills at entry level upon conclusion of this rotation. The student is not penalized if a skill is not offered at this clinical rotation.

   

  If an opportunity to perform a specific skill was not available during a specific clinical assignment, the omission is not counted against the student's grade if clearly documented in the PTA MACS

•  If the student is unable to successfully address the skills at an entry level skill and it is the determined that the student has failed the rotation, the student will be given an incomplete and an additional clinical rotation will be arranged. If at the end of the second attempt the student will receive a failing grade and student will be required to repeat PTHA 1260 when it is offered again to progress in the program.

  The student will have 5 points deducted from the MACS grade for each U (Unsatisfactory). The ACCE should be notified as soon as a problem has been identified.  So that the student and ACCE can work together to resolve the matter or disciplinary action which could include failing the course, dismissal or an additional clinical assigned.

  EXAMPLE of MACS grading: Your grade will be calculated based on the number of skills checked off (√) = 1 point, NI = .5 points, and U = (-5 points). For instance: there are 60 applicable skills and you have 50 √’s and 10 NI’s, your PTA MAC grade would be: 91.6% (55/60)

• The PTA MACS is divided into six sections: Professional Behaviors, Plan of Care, Interventions in Client and Patient Management, Test and Measures, Healthcare Environment and Site Specific Skills.

Professional Behaviors:

All skills must be met at entry level for both clinical assignments. There are no exceptions to this requirement without additional investigation and inquiry.

Plan of Care:

All skills must be met at entry level for both clinical assignments. There are no exceptions to this requirement without additional investigation and inquiry. 

Interventions in Patient/Client Management:

For Practicum I, students are to check off as many skills as appropriate for their level and according to site availability. These main categories have multiple sub-categories. Students are responsible for identifying opportunities to achieve as many as possible as appropriate for the patient population and as approved by the clinical instructor. 

Tests and Measures:

For Practicum I, students are to check off as many skills as appropriate for their level and according to site availability. These main categories have multiple sub-categories. Students are responsible for identifying opportunities to achieve as many as possible as appropriate for the patient population and as approved by the clinical instructor.        

Healthcare Environments:

All skills must be checked off by the end of the second assignment. 

Site Specific Skills:

Any additional skill that is unique to the facility is encouraged to be at entry level when possible and appropriate. An extra point is earned for each of these. 

II. Trajecsys Inventory and Tracking System

• A score of 75% (3/4) must be achieved on the CI Student Assessment Evaluation. This based on the numerical ratio of the cumulative score for the each item divided the number of skills available and attempted. Only skills which were available in the setting are used for calculation of grade. 
• Each skill performance is ranked on a 4-point scale.
• Several skills are designated as mandatory for achievement of a 4 by the end of the second clinical.
• The assessment has 15 sections of skills, as listed below:
  • Plan of Care
  • Patient/Client Management
  • Data Collection (Tests and Measurements)
  • Interventions (Thermal Modalities)
  • Interventions (Electrotherapeutic Modalities)
  • Interventions (Therapeutic Exercise)
  • Interventions (Neuromuscular Reeducation or Education)
  • Interventions (Therapeutic Activities)
  • Interventions (Gait Training/Mobility Training)
  • Interventions (Other Treatment Procedures)
  • Education
  • Documentation
  • Communication
  • Resource Management
  • Fundamental Behavioral Elements in Clinical Practice
• The student is responsible for the identification of opportunities to achieve as many different aspects of the category as appropriate for the patient population and as approved by the clinical instructor.

III. ACCE 

The ACCE grade will be based by the following criteria:

• Performance on Documentation Examples ( 4 submissions) 30% of ACCE Grade
• Weekly Summary Sheets with Clinical Reasoning Examples (14 submissions) 40% of ACCE Grade
• Clinical Inservices (2 submissions graded by the rubric by the CI) 30% of ACCE Grade

IV. Course Grade:

Skills Acquisition   60%   (30% from MACS and 30% from Trajecsys)

Attendance            10% 

ACCE                      20%

Final Ranking (CI)  10%   (Based on a 10 point scale--- 5 is required for passing, 5 = 85%     

TOTAL                      100%

 GRADING SCALE:

A=100-92.5%

B=92.4-83.5%

C=83.4-74.5%

F=74.4-0%

** Grade of C or better is required to continue in the PTA program

If the student is unable to successfully address the skills at an entry level skill and it is the determined that the student has failed the rotation, the student will be given an incomplete and an additional clinical rotation will be arranged. If at the end of the second attempt the student will receive a failing grade and student will be required to repeat PTHA 1260 if determined appropriate by an ad-hoc committee of instructors, program managers, and administrators.

 

FAILURE OF PTHA 1260 will result if:

1. An inability to accomplish a passing course grade as designated above.

2. A failure to achieve entry level on mandatory skills in either PTA MACS or Trajecsys.

3. A failure to follow grievance procedures.

4. A failure to submit required evaluations through PTA MACS or Trajecsys.

5. A failure of the clinical based on the evaluation by the Clinical Instructor due to poor performance that is not resolved.

6. Non-compliance with Facility and Program Attendance Policy Requirements without special permission given by the Clinical Instructor at the Facility, as well as by the Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education of the Program who additionally serves as the instructor for PTHA 1260.

7. Request from the Clinical Instructor or representative of the Clinical Facility to withdraw the student from the facility.
8. Withdrawal of the student from the facility by the ACCE due to non-compliance with requirements of the class or extenuating circumstances.***

ALL FINAL GRADES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ACCE/PROGRAM DIRECTOR FROM AMARILLO COLLEGE AND CAN BE MODIFIED AS NEEDED TO REFLECT THE STUDENT’S OVERALL PERFORMANCE ON THIS CLINICAL.

Completion of skill checks for PTA MACS: Completion of student and CI rankings on tabbed categories.

Completion of all required evaluations on Trajecsys.  

Submission of MACS skills sheets in a sealed envelope with the CI’s initials and date.  All other documents are submitted directly through Trajecsys. These can be submitted at the school by Monday following end of the clinical or mailed directly to the ACCE.

The PTA should maintain a packet of the following documents/items in front pocket: copy of all updated immunizations, flu vaccine, CPR card, copy of liability insurance, as well as clinic ID badge.

Each student will submit 2 documentation examples for Week 2 and Week 5 during each of the two 7-week clinical rotations. These are in addition to the notes that are required by the CI during the rotation. The 2 notes are to be uploaded to Blackboard by midnight on Sunday. The notes are to be written on actual patients with all personal identifying information removed (name, address, birth date, medical record number, etc.) THE CI MUST APPROVE THE NOTES BEFORE SUBMISSION TO VERIFY CORRECT THE REMOVAL OF PHI. These notes will be used to grade documentation skills. Areas such as organization of the information, formatting of the information, use of appropriate language, placement of information in appropriate sections, and overall documentation skills will be evaluated.

***The clinical instructor maintains the right to terminate the clinical. Based on the circumstances and justifications of the termination, the student may or may not be offered another site to complete that clinical cycle, offered a chance to repeat the clinical at that site or another site, or may be dismissed from the program. This decision would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis through a faculty ad-hoc review process if the student completes and submits a formal request. 

Attendance

Attendance: "Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class." All absences must be reported to the CI per the CI's choice of method and  to Nancy Lewis PT,ScD, OCS, COMT or  Sue Grady PT , DPT, Program Director, by telephone, text, or email, prior to the start of the scheduled workday.

Attendance Policy for Clinical or Practicum Attendance

1. Attendance will comprise 10% of the final grade for the clinical or practicum. The following rules apply to unexcused absences or tardies. Any absence which has not received prior approval by the CI and the ACCE or which is validated by need will be considered unexcused and subject to these penalties.

   1. Each student begins with 100 points.

   2. Each tardy results in a 5-point deduction.

   3. Each absence results in a 10-point deduction.

   4. Each time the student leaves early will result in a 5-point deduction.

2. Routine or health maintenance appointments need to be scheduled outside of clinical and practicum times or scheduled during break times.

3. Each acute illness episode (for self or child) requires a primary health care provider’s verification to avoid a penalty.

4. Transportation failures MAY result in a penalty, if determined to be habitual, unvalidated excuses.

5. The student is required to arrive to the clinic early enough to be at the designated work station and ready to work at the start of the clinic day.

6. Each student will clock in through www.trajecsys.com upon arrival at the work station and clock out when they leave the workstation.

7. The student must recover the hours missed if the clinic is open and the appropriate licensed PT or PTA is willing, on-site, and able to provide legally required supervision of the student.

8. The student is not required to recover hours missed which were due to the clinic's closure for a holiday, for a low-census day or early closure day, or for the absence of an appropriate licensed PT or PTA to provide legally required supervision.

9. The method to recover hours will be chosen by the site clinical instructor and could result in extended days, weekend hours, extension of clinical duration, or failure of the clinical.

10. Failure of either clinical assignment for Practicum 1 (Spring) results in one opportunity for remediation with another clinical with a delay in completion and graduation. Failure of both clinical assignments results in failure of the class and the program. The student MAY be eligible to be readmitted and repeat the class at the next program cycle at the discretion of an ad hoc committee of program directors, faculty, and administrators. 

11. Extenuating or unusual situations will be decided on a case-by-case basis through a faculty ad-hoc review process if the student completes and submits a formal request.

Calendar

Additional Information

This clinical is coordinated by the ACCE of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The practicum is a clinical work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specific physical therapy theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by a licensed clinical professional.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The course is designed to develop the student's performance in physical therapy treatment within a clinical arena determined by  current standards of care and ICF model of patient status in accordance with all regulatory and statutory rules governing the practice of physical therapy. As the student masters physical therapy competencies in the laboratory setting or in the clinical setting, they will participate in the delivery of the treatment plan in a clinical environment with legally required supervision of a PT or PTA as deemed appropriate by the supervising licensed clinician.  The supervising PT or PTA has the sole responsibility for determination of the student's competency and ability to provide any single treatment to a patient to ensure the safety and efficacy of patient centered care. This course will also reinforce clinical decision-making, documentation skills, and regulatory compliance as presented throughout the curriculum.

Successful completion of the following courses:

BIOL 2401 and 2402, PTHA 1301, PTHA 1405,  PTHA 1413, PTHA 2301, PTHA 2409.

Safety Procedures: In case of an emergency the student needs to call the Safety and security department at 9-371-5163 at the Amarillo and ask for security after receiving emergency care at the clinical site or emergency facility.

Student Injury Website: www.actx.edu/allied_health/index. If an injury occurs the student needs to follow steps on this website as well as notify the ACCE.

CLINIC DRESS CODE:

The student shall follow the dress code of the specific clinic he/she is attending while adhering to AC/PTA program student handbook policies. General rules consistent with the handbook are below:

• Personal hygiene should be acceptable for maintaining a clean environment with reduction of cross contamination and appropriate for work that requires close personal contact.
• Tattoos must be discretely covered if required by the clinical site.
• Piercing jewelry is only acceptable in the ear lobes with small, discrete post earrings and/or in the top of the ear. All other visible piercing jewelry must be removed.
• Makeup should be modest.
• Long hair should tied back. 
• Fingernails must be short, clean, and kept in a natural state.
• Clothing should be clean and free of wrinkles.
• Shoes should be basically flat, closed, and clean.
• Use of fragrances in cosmetics, hair care, lotions, colognes, or perfumes needs to be minimal.

The course instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus as appropriate and needed to meet educational outcomes. The students will be notified of changes by email and announcement through both Blackboard and Trajecsys.