Special Topics in Physical Therapy Syllabus for 2024-2025
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1391-001 Special Topics in Physical Therapy

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course will cover advanced knowledge and skills within the scope of practice of the entry-level physical therapist assistant, particularly in the area of orthopedics. The focal point of the special topics covered in this course would concentrate on orthopedic knowledge, concepts, conditions, injuries, disorders, skills, and related physical therapy interventions relevant to the professional development of the physical therapist assistant. 

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

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Mark Dutton. Orthopaedics for the Physical Therapist Assistant, second ed. Jones and Bartlett

ISBN-9781284139310

Supplies

Laptop or tablet computer with internet access

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is focused on the management and treatment of primary and secondary issues of orthopedic patients using a biopsychosocial model.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Successful completion of the Amarillo College PTA Program and achievement of a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination allows the graduate eligibility for licensure as a physical therapist assistant in all 50 states of the United States.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

1. Identify common orthopedic diagnoses and symptoms seen in a physical therapy setting.

2. Describe how injury, pathology, and co-morbidities affect orthopedic structures in the human body and outcomes in management of orthopedic primary and secondary issues.

3. Demonstrate the ability to educate a patient in common treatment plans for orthopedic conditions and post-operative physical therapy protocols.

4. Design a treatment session and progression for a patient with an orthopedic diagnosis from within the physical therapist's plan of care, utilizing appropriate evidence-based methodology.

5. Integrate knowledge of joint specific structure and function of joints in the design of a treatment session according to the physical therapist’s plan of care. 

5. Describe the general and applied concepts of non-thrust peripheral joint mobilization.

6. Identify adverse responses and complications associated with orthopedic conditions, which requires additional assessment and management by the physical therapist.  

Students 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

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students shall read the Amarillo College "Student Rights and Responsibilities" information with emphasis placed on the Academic Information, Student Conduct and Responsibilities, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education/Prevention Program sections.

Students will not use cell phones in the classroom unless the instructor allows use for a specific activity. All such devices must be placed on silent mode and kept stored. If a student expects an emergency, they should inform the instructor before class begins. Unauthorized use of cell phones in class will result in the student being asked to leave the class and being counted absent for the lecture/lab.

Courtesy and respect are expected between the student and instructor. Students are expected to be attentive to instructor, guests, and other students during presentations. Students are required to extend the highest respect to patients/clients/others when making off-campus contact. Lack of regard to this expectation at any time by any single student or group of students may result in immediate dismissal of the student/s from the situation by the instructor, guest lecturer, or patient/client/other.

Dishonesty in the classroom or in completing any assignment will not be tolerated. Students demonstrating academic dishonesty as defined in the "Student Rights and Responsibilities" publication will receive a grade of "F" in the course and will be subject to all PTA Program policies regarding course failure.

A Physical Therapist Assistant student’s conduct shall be respectful, attentive, responsible, and professional. Without the cooperation of the local institutions, this program would not be possible. Misconduct by one student reflects on the entire program and jeopardizes other students’ use of such services. Students may be required to obtain drug testing for cause as a condition for attendance at clinical settings. The clinical instructor or supervisor has the authority to dismiss a student exhibiting improper or questionable behavior. Once a student has been dismissed from a clinical, the student may request a formal review by the program director. An ad hoc committee consisting of the program faculty, dean’s representative, and other program director may be convened to determine a plan of action and responsibility. Examples of factors included in professional conduct are the following:

· Showing respect for the patient’s needs, desires, and person

· Preserving the confidentiality of patient records and information (this is a federal legal requirement and could result in litigation and punitive consequences if not met)

· Showing respect for clinical supervisors and hospital/facility personnel

· Performing duties described by the clinical instructors

· Arriving for clinical experiences on time and leaving at the institution’s typical shift change

· Following the facility’s policies and guidelines

· Abstaining from the posting of inappropriate statements on social media

Appropriate student conduct is imperative for classroom success as well. Students will be held responsible for their actions. If at any time a student behaves in manner which is inappropriate, unprofessional, disrespectful, argumentative, or endangers the health or safety of fellow students,

instructors, patients, or the health care team, they will be referred to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and/or Amarillo College Campus Police.

The following examples of unprofessional conduct will result in disciplinary measures and may result in removal from clinic sites, probation, or withdrawal from the PTA program.

· Verbal or nonverbal language, actions or voice inflections, or insubordination which compromises a rapport or working relations with peers, faculty, patients and their family or healthcare team members.

· Any behavior that may compromise contractual agreements and/or working relations with clinical affiliates or constitute violations of legal or ethical standards.

· Using or being under the influence of any drug (OTC, prescription, illegal) that may alter judgment and/or interfere with safe performance.”

· Dishonesty in either the academic or clinical settings

PROFESSIONALISM

Students must always demonstrate the professional demeanor expected of any health care provider. Students must follow the rules outlined in the PTA Program’s Code of Conduct presented to them at the beginning of each semester.

While in this educational program, the student must collaborate and cooperate with others in the classroom. At times, classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences will be performed as a class. What one class member does may reflect on all other members. Designated assignments are to be done individually. Failure to complete these assignments independently may result in a failing grade for the assignment.

Students are prohibited from social media contact with AC faculty and/or clinical staff. All communication with AC faculty will be through email or the class GroupMe account. Communication concerning regular classes between students and faculty should be through email, not text messages.

It is the student’s immediate responsibility to work cooperatively with peers and faculty. Active participation in the educational environment is essential to success in this program. All matters of non-participation, hindrances to the learning environment, and non-cooperation will be addressed by the faculty through a disciplinary process.

The faculty who teaches on-campus courses and those who will supervise students in the off-campus clinical setting will be closely observing each student’s communication skills, psychomotor skills, and his/her ability to demonstrate professionalism. Unprofessional or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from the program based on recommendations of an ad hoc committee.

STUDENT COMPETENCE

Prior to clinical assignments, the program will provide time for demonstration of clinical skills. Students will be allowed to practice the skills in lab and “open lab” sessions under the supervision of the course instructor. Students will then be expected to demonstrate a

representative sampling of clinical skills in “skills check-off” sessions until a self-check, peer check, and instructor check indicate successful mastery. In the event a student fails to pass a practical exam, the student will be given the opportunity to retake the practical exam one time; however, the maximum earned grade will be 75.0%.

To further assure student competence prior to clinical assignment, students who fail a course and wish to be re-admitted to the program will be required to demonstrate continued proficiency in all previously approved skills.

Likewise, students must inform all patients of their status as a student before intervention. Clinical instructors are informed of this requirement and are expected to ensure that students represent themselves as students.

Grading timelines for lecture exams will be within 48 hours from the exam time. Due to the processes involved in grading practical exams, practical exams will be graded within 7 calendar days of the testing time

DRESS CODE

Students in the PTA Program are expected to dress conservatively and professionally, as expected in the clinic. Students will attend class in clothing that is clean and neat. At times, the student may be required to wear business professional dress including black, navy, or khaki pants and polo-type shirts. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, or athletic clothing are not allowed on field trips. Amarillo College Badge/ID's should also be worn during all off-campus class and clinical activities. Students are required to adopt the following rules during lecture, lab, skill checks, practical exams, practicums, and field trips:

1. Neat clean, appropriate clothing that would be acceptable in a work environment.

2. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with non-slip soles in good, clean condition.

3. Hair that is clean, secured back off of the face, and styled in a manner that is professional in appearance. Hair color must be a naturally occurring color.

4. All jewelry and cologne should be conservative and limited to a minimal amount.

5. No hats/caps.

6. Fingernails should be short and clean.

7. Facial hair must be kept neatly trimmed to the standards required by the clinical setting.

8. Students will always maintain good hygiene, with daily bathing/showering, oral hygiene, and use of antiperspirant required. No offensive body odor.

9. No excessive make-up.

The above is applicable to lab activities. Additionally, the following rules for lab attire must be followed:

1. Clothing must be clean and in good condition, with no rips, holes, or stains.

2. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with non-slip soles in good, clean condition.

3. Athletic wear including shorts, tank tops, and sports bras. Compression shorts are required under shorts for modesty. Tights/leggings, jeans, crop tops, and tight clothing items are not appropriate during labs.

4. Students must come prepared to each lab session to reveal the entire treatment area.

5. Sweatshirts/sweatpants can be worn as needed for warmth during lab activities but must be removed when necessary for lab activities.

6. Each student is required to utilize appropriate draping techniques as needed during all lab activities to protect other students’ modesty, in order to demonstrate appropriate professional behavior and responsibility.

The student's professional dress is subject to approval by the course instructor. If professional dress code is not followed, the student may be excluded from participation in the scheduled activity or lab, may receive an attendance penalty for the day, and may/may not have the option to makeup the assignment. This decision is at the instructor's discretion.

Regulations for exams include the following:

1. Sleeves must be above elbows.

2. Jackets must be fully zipped.

3. All watches must be removed.

4. No hats/caps.

5. Cell phones will be used for Duo verification and then will be turned off and stored in backpacks or at the instructor’s desk.

6. No paper will be brought into the testing area. Scratch paper will be provided by the instructor.

7. Seating will be assigned by the instructor.

PARTICIPATION

All students enrolled in the physical therapist assistant program are expected to participate in laboratory and classroom activities. Students may be asked to simulate patients or therapists during these activities. All students have the right to be informed of the activities required by a specific course and any limitations that would preclude them from participation. All students have the responsibility to inform the course instructor of any limitation(s) that may limit their ability to participate in an event. Students may be videotaped, audio taped, photographed, or otherwise recorded or imaged for instructional purposes.

It is the student’s immediate responsibility to work cooperatively with peers and faculty. Active participation in the educational environment is essential to success in this program. All matters of non-participation, hindrances to the learning environment, and non-cooperation will be addressed by the faculty through a disciplinary process.

Courtesy and respect are expected between the student and instructor. Students are expected to be attentive to instructor, guests, and other students during presentations. Students are required to extend highest respect to patients/clients/others when making off-campus contact. Lack of regard to this expectation at any time by any single student or group of students may result in immediate dismissal of the student/s from the situation by the instructor, guest lecturer, or patient/client/other. . Designated assignments are to be done individually. Failure to complete these assignments independently may result in a failing grade for the assignment.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students who demonstrate academic dishonesty as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all policies for course failure. If there is evidence of any type of cheating on an exam, the student will receive an “F” in the course. Any assignment that is indicated to be submitted individually must be completed on an individual basis, or the student will receive a grade of “0” on the assignment. If any written assignment submitted through plagiarism software receives a score above 30%, it will be subject to further review and may receive a penalty or “0” for the assignment, at the discretion of the instructor.

TECHNOLOGICAL USE

Students will be required to bring a Wi-Fi compatible laptop for all PTHA coursework for testing and academic purposes. Students shall come prepared for lab and lecture with the laptop. In addition, computers are available for student use at the West Campus in the Building D computer lab. Use of cell phones during instructional time except with instructor approval is prohibited. The unauthorized use of cell phones during class time and clinical time is disruptive, unprofessional, and hinders the educational process. The contact for emergency contact during class time is the Executive Secretary for Health Professions at (806) 354-6055. Unauthorized use of cell phones in class will result in the student being asked to leave the class and being counted absent for the lecture/lab. If the student anticipates an emergency during practicum time, he/she can leave a message with faculty so that the student can be taken out of the clinical rotation by the PTA faculty. Student recording of lecture and/or lab time is prohibited without specified accommodations from the Disability Services department.

No Bluetooth-enabled devices (including head phones and earbuds) will be allowed during instructional (lecture and lab) time. Foam earplugs or noise-canceling headphones without electronic capability may be used during exams as needed.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

A student who has a problem with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor. If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the PTA Program Director, Dean of Health Professions/Division Committee, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the President – IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

Quiz/Assignments                       10% **

Lecture Exams                             60%*

Final Exam                                    20% ***

Project                                           10% 

• The class average must be at least 75.0% for the student to successfully pass the course. The student must successfully complete all assignments and meet course objectives in order to pass the course.

  · Students who do not meet minimum proficiencies during a lab practical, scoring below 75.0%, will be given one opportunity to re-test before the course is completed. If the practical is repeated to achieve competency, the highest grade that can be achieved is 75.0%. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in ALL critical safety elements before being allowed to pass the course. If a student is absent on the day of a practical exam, the highest grade that can be achieved is 75.0% except in extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor.

  · Assignments may be in the form of a quiz or submission and may be graded on a check-mark system for satisfactory completion. If unsatisfactory work is submitted, the assignment is returned to the student for correction and edits. FAILURE TO COMPLETE ANY SINGLE ASSIGNMENT TO A SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN A ZERO FOR ASSIGNMENTS GRADE TO BE CALCULATED INTO THE FINAL GRADE AS WEIGHTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.

• ***Final exam is comprehensive and is not considered for exclusion for the final course grade.

Any student scoring a 79 or lower on an exam or practical is REQUIRED to contact the instructor to discuss remediation. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE THIS SESSION. The student will be required to schedule and attend tutoring at one of AC’s tutoring centers. Locations for tutoring can be found at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/. The required number of tutoring sessions will be determined at the discretion of the instructor. The student will be required to bring verification of attendance at tutoring to the instructor.

GRADING SCALE:
A = 100-92.0
B = less than 92-84
C = less than 84-75
F =  anything below 75 

Note: A grade of C or better is required to complete the PTA major.

LATE WORK/MAKEUP POLICY

Late work will not be accepted without written permission specifying a new due date from the course instructor following a written request by the student. The course instructor may not grant an extension of the due date. There will be no rescheduling of quizzes. Missed lecture or practical exams may be rescheduled under all the following conditions:  the student must request a makeup exam in writing; the student must provide verification of the reason the exam was missed; and written permission is received from the instructor. Granting permission or imposing any point penalty is at the instructor's discretion.  Makeup exams will be scheduled based on the availability of the instructor. If permission for a makeup exam is not granted, the student will receive a grade of “0”.

Exam grades or practical grades may be dropped at the discretion of the instructor. In the event a student fails to pass a practical exam, the student will be given the opportunity to retake the practical exam one time; however, the maximum earned grade will be 75.0%. Failure of a practical exam retake will result in an “F” in the course.

Assigned skill checks must be completed prior to the practical exam date. Failure to complete the skill checks will result in a “0” grade on the first attempt of the practical exam. The student will be allowed to have a second attempt on the practical exam, with the maximum earned grade of 75.0%. Failure of a practical exam retake will result in an “F” in the course.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attend class in accordance with the course requirements established by the instructor. (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication). Absences and tardiness will be monitored and evaluated in the Student Engagement Portal to determine a student's final course grade.

The instructor will take attendance for each class and note absences for each student. Students who are not present at the beginning of class are counted absent. A student will receive TWO bonus points to the final grade for perfect attendance for all lecture and lab classes with a prior passing minimum average of 75%.

Students are expected to be present for the entire class/lab time. Students must report any anticipated class/lab absence to the instructor.

Habitual late arrivals after the scheduled start time of class, extended breaks during class, or early departures are disruptive to the class.  The student must directly report the reason for any tardiness to the instructor. For each unexcused absence or for every 3 instances of missing class time, the student must complete an additional assignment included in the grade calculation.

If a student is asked to leave a class due to disruption or lack of participation, the student will be counted absent for that entire class and will have an additional assignment.

An excused absence is granted at the discretion of the instructor. Verification documentation may be required. A period of extended absences may be considered for approval upon submission of a written request by the student. This will be determined by an ad hoc committee of the 3 faculty members.  

Following an absence, the student is responsible for obtaining missed notes, assignments, copies of handouts, etc. from classmates. The student is also responsible for obtaining any needed clarification of missed information from the course instructor.

If there is a period where remote access to classes is required because of public health situations, the attendance policies will be revised.

Calendar

Additional Information