Pathophysiology for the PTA Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.
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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

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Course

PTHA-1321-001 Pathophysiology for the PTA

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study of the pathophysiology of diseases/conditions encountered in physical therapy.

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

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 3rd Edition by Goodman & Fuller

Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 2nd edition by Goodman and Marshall

Supplies

Laptop computer

Student Performance

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This course is designed to give the student introductory knowledge of the pathophysiology of diseases/conditions commonly encountered by the physical therapist assistant in the clinic.

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

A. Goals: Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should:

 1. Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, signs/symptoms, and treatments of selected diseases/conditions.

 2. Identify the impact of the pathologies in physical therapy.

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final grade of 75% or higher as evaluated by the faculty of the department.

B. Objectives:

1. Identify the terminology of pathophysiology including etiology, pathogenesis, incidence, and prevalence.

2. Describe normal and abnormal cellular adaptations.

3. Recognize the etiology, signs, symptoms, treatment, and physical therapy implications for diseases and disorders of the following body systems

a. Cardiovascular system

b. Endocrine and metabolic systems

c. Gastrointestinal system

d. Genital and reproductive systems

e. Hepatic and biliary systems

f. Immune system

g. Integumentary system

h. Lymphatic system

i. Musculoskeletal system

j. Nervous system

k. Respiratory system

l. Renal and urologic systems

4. Compare the difference between signs and symptoms.

5. Identify common medical and surgical conditions, which occur throughout the lifespan, commonly seen in physical therapy.

6. Identify normal and abnormal lab values, including their clinical significance for physical therapy treatment.

7. Review health records, including lab values and diagnostic tests, prior to determining appropriate treatments from within the physical therapy plan of care for a patient case study.

8. Adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to patient status and clinical indicators for a patient case study related to a specific pathology, its effect on the human body, and physical therapy treatment.

9. Describe the effects of bed rest and immobilization on various organ systems.

10. Outline a patient's impairments, activity, and participation limitations utilizing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model.

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

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
• No jeans or tights

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:

Grading Criteria

Quizzes/Assignments        10%   

 Lecture Exams                   55%

Final Exam                           25%

Pathophysiology Project    10%  

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.

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): 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 grade, but this is up to the instructor's discretion.

• LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: April 23, 2026. Any student not withdrawn by April 23, 2026 will receive the grade earned. 

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

This is a 3 credit hour course offered by the Physical Therapist Assistant department.

This course meets Monday and Thursday from 11:30 am-1:00 pm and uses lecture, discussion, case scenarios, and problem-based learning activities.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: April 23, 2026– Any student not withdrawn by this date will receive the grade earned.

SAFETY PROCEDURES: In case of an emergency, the student needs to call the Safety and Security department at 9-371-5163.  In an emergency situation, use the nearest phone that is available.  The student should also know in case of a medical emergency, the following procedure should be performed and in the order written:

Call 9-911 for an ambulance

Call Amarillo College Police at (806)371-5163.

If a student receives a failing grade on an exam, the student must attend a tutorial session for the class.  The student will not be allowed to take any future exam/practical in the course until they complete the tutorial session.  It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the tutorials with the instructor.  As previously stated, tutorials are mandatory if a student has failed a practical or exam but will be optional for all other students in the course.