Management of Neurological Disorders Syllabus for 2025-2026
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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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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-2431-001 Management of Neurological Disorders

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

Comprehensive rehabilitation techniques of selected neurological disorders.

Student Resources Student 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

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

O'Sullivan & Schmidt's Physical Rehabilitation by Fulk & Chui, 8th ed.

Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques by Kisner, Borstad, and Colby, 8th ed.

Neurologic Interventions for Physical Therapy by Martin and Kessler, 4th ed.

Supplies

 Laptop computer

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Advanced course integrating previously learned and new skills/techniques into the comprehensive rehabilitation of selected neurological disorders. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:   This course is designed to give the student the knowledge needed to treat patients with neurological conditions.  It also provides the student the opportunity to integrate their knowledge of treatment approaches from previous courses with new information 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.

OBJECTIVES:

Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should be able to do each of the following on a written and/or practical examination with accuracy of 75.0% or higher as evaluated by faculty of the department:

1. Outline the impairments, activity limitations, and participation limitations utilizing the ICF model for a patient with a neurological diagnosis.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform muscle strength and muscle tone assessment techniques for a patient with a neurological condition.
3. Develop a physical therapy treatment session and progression for a scenario study utilizing interventions from within the physical therapist's plan of care, supported by at least one peer-reviewed journal article.
4. Assess the statistical and clinical significance of peer-reviewed journal articles regarding treatment interventions for neurological patient populations.
5. Demonstrate appropriate teaching strategies for a patient with a neurological diagnosis regarding disease/condition, treatment interventions, and home exercise program in a role play situation.
6. Identify stages for exercise progression within the established physical therapy plan of care for a given example of a patient with a neurological diagnosis..
7. Identify situations where the supervising physical therapist should be consulted due to change in status or lack of progress of a neurological patient.
8. Recognize when the direction to perform an intervention for a patient with a neurological condition is beyond that which is appropriate for a physical therapist assistant.
9. Describe the safety, status, and progression of patients with neurological conditions while engaged in gait, balance, wheelchair management, and mobility activities.
10. Identify methods to produce or relieve trauma to the skin that may be caused by assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, supportive or prosthetic devices and equipment for a patient with a neurological diagnosis.
11. Compose a home exercise program for a patient with a neurological disorder utilizing interventions from within the supervising physical therapist's plan of care.
12. Demonstrate the ability to perform NDT techniques related to basic neurodevelopmental sequencing and identify abnormal patterns of movement
13. Demonstrate the ability to perform common PNF interventions for patients with neurological conditions
14. Demonstrate the ability to modify treatment from within the physical therapist’s plan of care due to changes in patient status and accurately document these changes for a patient with a neurological diagnosis
15. Demonstrate appropriate education techniques for a patient with a neurological disorders while addressing safety and functional issues
16. Compose a clear and concise SOAP format note documenting various physical therapy interventions from within the physical therapist’s plan of care
17. Recognize orthopedic disabilities common to pediatric and adult patients with neurological conditions
18. Recognize the common use of orthotic devices and assistive devices for pediatric and adult patients with neurological conditions
19. Recognize common balance, gait, and functional instruments used by physical therapists to assess patients with neurological conditions.
20. Recognize common strategies for the treatment of a patient with a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
21. Demonstrate the ability to progress a mock patient through a basic treatment progression as stated in the physical therapist’s plan of care for a patient with a CVA
22. Identify the eight levels of recovery following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as identified in the Ranchos Los Amigos Cognitive Rating Scale and how these levels effect physical therapy treatment
23. Recognize common strategies for the treatment of a patient with a TBI
24. Recognize common strategies for the treatment of a patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI) including therapeutic exercise and activities of daily living training.
25. Demonstrate the ability to educate a patient with a spinal cord injury on balance, bed mobility, home exercise, transfers, range of motion, skin care and respiratory management
26. Compare the different theories of treatment related to upper and lower motor neuron lesions
27. Recognize common assessment techniques and treatment interventions used for patients with neurological conditions
28. Recognize activities, positioning, postures, assistive devices, and adaptive devices that can produce associated skin trauma in patients with neurological conditions
29. Identify changes in a patient’s arousal, attention, mentation, and cognition
30. Demonstrate the ability to assess arousal, orientation, cognition, attention, and memory.
31. Identify common pediatric conditions treated in physical therapy
32. Recognize common physical therapy assessment tools and interventional strategies used for the treatment of pediatric patients
33. Given a case scenario, create a functional training program for domestic, education, work, community, social, and civic life
34. Outline the disabilities associated with lesions at various segments of the spinal cord
35. Identify characteristic signs/symptoms of various mental health disorders
36. Identify characteristics and physical therapy implications of dementia

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

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Guidelines

Your Guide to Professional Success

Welcome!

Welcome to the PTA Program! These guidelines will help you develop the professional skills and habits you'll need as a healthcare provider. Your success is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Academic Excellence

Why it matters: Building strong academic habits now prepares you for your healthcare career.

What we expect:

• Review the "Student Rights and Responsibilities" handbook (focus on Academic Information, Student Conduct, and Alcohol/Drug Prevention sections)
• Complete all work honestly and independently
• Ask for help early if you're struggling

Academic integrity: Any form of cheating results in course failure. Individual assignments must be completed independently.

Professional Behavior

In the Classroom

• Technology: Keep devices on silent and stored unless we're using them for learning. If you expect an emergency call, let me know before class
• Engagement: Your participation helps everyone learn
• Respect: Show courtesy to instructors, guests, and classmates

In Clinical Settings

• Patient care: Always introduce yourself as a student and prioritize patient needs and confidentiality (legally required)
• Professionalism: Arrive on time, follow facility policies, and respect all staff
• Social media: Maintain professional standards in all online activity

Skills Development

Our support system:

• Practice in lab and "open lab" sessions with instructor supervision
• Skills check-offs using self, peer, and instructor evaluations
• One retake opportunity for failed practical exams (max grade: 75%)
• Timely feedback: lecture exams within 48 hours, practicals within 7 days

Professional Appearance

Purpose: Looking professional builds confidence and earns respect from patients and colleagues.

Please refer to handbook and program faculty instructions for any specific requirements.

Daily standards:

• Clean, neat, conservative clothing appropriate for healthcare
• Closed-toe, closed-heel non-slip shoes
• Hair clean and secured, natural colors only
• Minimal jewelry and fragrance, good hygiene, short clean nails

Field trips/professional events:

• Business attire: black scrub pants and shirts
• Amarillo College ID badge
• No jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or athletic wear

Lab activities:

• Clean athletic wear (shorts okay with compression shorts underneath)
• Be prepared to expose treatment areas for practice
• Removable layers as needed

Exams:

• Sleeves above elbows, no watches/hats
• Cell phones for verification only, then stored
• Jackets zipped
• Black scrubs required for practical exams

If dress code isn't followed, you may miss activities for that day.

Technology & Communication

Stay connected:

• Email: Primary contact for course questions
• GroupMe: Class announcements and peer communication
• Emergency during class: Health Professions Secretary at (806) 354-6055

Required: Wi-Fi laptop for all coursework and testing

During class: Cell phones and Bluetooth devices stored unless specifically needed for learning activities

Participation & Collaboration

Healthcare is collaborative! We expect you to:

• Contribute to discussions and group work
• Support classmates while developing your own skills
• Participate in role-playing and simulated patient activities
• Work cooperatively with peers and faculty

Need accommodations? Speak with your instructor privately so we can work together to meet your learning needs.

Our Commitment to You

We're invested in your success! If you're struggling academically, professionally, or personally, please reach out early. Asking for help shows professional maturity.

This program will challenge you and prepare you for a meaningful career helping others. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Questions? Ask during class or email me directly. Your success matters to us!

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

Understanding Your Grades & Policies

Knowing how your grades are calculated and what's expected is key to succeeding! Here’s a breakdown:

How Your Grades Are Calculated

Your final grade in this course will be based on the following:

• Quizzes & Assignments:  10%

• Lecture Exams:  45% (This is an average of your lecture exam grades, not including the final.)

• Final Exam: 25% (This exam covers everything and can't be dropped.)

• Practical Exams:  20%

Passing the Course: The Basics

To pass this course, you need to:

• Average at least 75.0% for your overall grade.

• Complete ALL assignments successfully and meet all course objectives.

Practical Exams: Getting It Right

• Skill Checks: If you score below 75.0% on a lab practical, you'll get one chance to re-test before the course ends.

• Retake Grade: Even if you ace the retake, the highest grade you can earn is 75.0%.

• Safety First! You must show proficiency in ALL critical safety elements to pass the course. No exceptions! 

Assignments & Quizzes: Completing Your Work

• Quizzes & Assignments: These can be quick quizzes or assignments you submit. Sometimes they're graded with a simple check mark for satisfactory completion (such as skill checks).

• Correcting Your Work: If your work isn't satisfactory, we'll send it back for you to correct and edit.

•  Failing to complete any single assignment satisfactorily will result in a ZERO for your entire Quizzes & Assignments grade. 

If You Score Low on an Exam or Practical (79% or Below)

• REQUIRED Contact: If you score 79% or lower on any exam (lecture or practical), you MUST contact your instructor to talk about ways to improve. 

• Your Responsibility: It's your job to schedule this meeting.

• Tutoring Required: You'll also be required to schedule and attend tutoring at one of AC's tutoring centers. You can find locations here: www.actx.edu/tutoring/.  It is preferred that you schedule with the instructor, lab assistant, or peer tutor.

• Proof of Attendance: You'll need to bring proof of your tutoring attendance to your instructor. The number of sessions you'll need will be decided by your instructor.

Grading Scale

Here's how your final letter grade will be determined:

• A = 100-92.0%

• B = less than 92-84.0%

• C = less than 84-75.0%

• F = less than 75%

Important Note: You need a grade of C or better to successfully complete the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) major.

Late Work & Make-Up Policy

• Late Work: Late work is generally not accepted. If you have a serious reason, you must ask your instructor in writing for a new due date, but they don't have to grant it.

• Quizzes: Quizzes cannot be rescheduled.

• Missed Exams (Lecture or Practical): You might be able to reschedule a missed exam if:

  1. You request it in writing.

  2. You provide proof of why you missed the exam.

  3. You get written permission from your instructor.

  • Instructor's Call: Your instructor decides if she will allow a makeup and if there will be any point penalty.

  • Scheduling: Makeups are scheduled based on when your instructor is available.

  • Zero Grade: If permission isn't granted, you'll get a "0" for the exam.

  • Return to Class: Expect to take your makeup exam on the day you return to class, unless your instructor tells you otherwise.

• Dropping Grades: Your instructor may choose to drop an exam or practical grade, but this is entirely up to her.

• Practical Exam Retakes: If you fail a practical exam, you get one chance to retake it, but the highest grade you can get is 75.0%. Failing the practical exam retake will result in an "F" in the entire course.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the
student to attend class in accordance with the requirements of the course as 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.

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.

To minimize absences and lecture/lab disruptions, the student will earn points that will affect the final course grade. Upon earning 4 points, the final course grade will be dropped one letter grade. Points are earned as follows:

• Missing an entire lecture/lab class = 1 point
• Arriving late** to lecture/lab = 1/2 point
• Leaving lecture/lab early = 1/2 point
• Leaving class for any reason and returning = 1/2 point
• Working on non-class/lab materials in class/lab =  1/2 point

** The student is "late" to class if the student is not in the seat when class begins.

A student who plans to succeed in this course should also plan to regularly attend all lecture and laboratory sessions. Cases of excessive tardiness and absence will be handled on an individual basis and will require a formal counseling session.  Following this session, a departmental counseling form will be placed in your file.  The purpose of this form is to document that the student has been made aware that excessive absences are jeopardizing successful completion of this course. 

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.

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

96 Contact Hours

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW:  November 25, 2025. Any student not withdrawn by November 25, 2025 will receive the grade earned.

THE LEAD INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE SYLLABUS AS NEEDED DURING THE SEMESTER.  ANY MODIFICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS.