Issues in Health Care 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-2317-001 Issues in Health Care

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1260, PTHA 1301, PTHA 1321, PTHA 1405, PTHA 1413, PTHA 1431, PTHA 2301, PTHA 2409, PTHA 2431, and PTHA 2409. Corequisites: PTHA 2567

Course Description

Organizational patterns, administrative principles, legal and ethical issues in physical therapy, and preparation for licensure and employment.

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

The textbook for this course is Scorebuilders PTA Exam: The Complete Study Guide by Giles.  Students will be required to complete 2 of the PEAT Online Exams during this course as per the instructor's directions to complete this course successfully.

Supplies

 Computer with internet access

2 copies of the Academic Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT)

Access to Scorebuilders ACE program, Base Camp materials, and Online Advantage assessments

Student Performance

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  This course is designed to prepare the student for development of job placement skills, interpretation of legal and ethical issues, preparation for the national licensing exam, and exploration of organizational patterns and practices in physical therapy and health care.

Course Objectives

1.Identify the required steps for obtaining PTA licensure.

2. Design a written resume that highlights professional qualities.

3. Develop a written plan to guide the review process for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants.

4. Demonstrate the knowledge base of an entry-level physical therapist assistant by obtaining a passing grade on a mock licensure examination.

5. Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with those expected of an entry-level PTA through displaying all Professional Behaviors at the entry-level.

6. Demonstrate the importance of personal and professional growth as related to a commitment to life-long learning.

7. Integrate appropriate professional resources into a patient case study highlighting evidence-based assessment techniques and treatment interventions from within the physical therapist’s plan of care.

8. Describe the impairments, activity, and participation limitations for a patient treated during clinical education experiences utilizing the ICF model of disability.

9. Describe the process for reporting suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations (7D2).

10. Describe the process for reporting suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to the utilization of and payment for physical therapy and other health care services.

11. Compare common reimbursers for physical therapy and other health services.

12. Integrate appropriate resources on health care reimbursement for mock patient case scenarios.

13. Utilize the RIPS model of ethical decision making to implement a plan of action in response to an ethical situation, demonstrating sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values.

14. Interpret the components of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant for ethical scenarios.

15. Compose a self-assessment regarding professional performance during the program’s terminal clinical education experiences utilizing the APTA’s Value Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

16. Compare different PTA career and lifelong learning opportunities (7D14).

17.Recognize issues related to cultural and socioeconomic diversity as it relates to the health care environment (7D8).

18. Compose a letter to a policymaker advocating for physical therapy services.

19. Discuss current professional issues within physical therapy with classmates and faculty members.

20. Describe and compare organizational structures, operations, and planning within different physical therapy services.

21. Complete a Quality Assurance chart review to determine accuracy for mock patient case scenarios.

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 to Your Final Semester!

Welcome to the final semester of your 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 in-person activities for exam preparation and course review.
• Complete partial and full-length practice examinations to prepare for the NPTE.

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

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

GRADING CRITERIA:

            Journal Entries/Assignments/Discussion/Quizzes                             10%   

            Average of Basecamp Exams                                                          15%

             Resume                                                                                            15%

            Case Study                                                                                         30%

            Capstone Exam (passing score for the capstone is 600/800 or 75%) 30%

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

 No late work will be accepted; therefore, the student is encouraged to closely monitor all due dates.

Case Study:

During the semester the student will be required to submit 1 case study based on a patient treated during the final practicum experience (first 7 week practicum).  This assignment must be at least 8 pages in length (not including title page and references) and must be written in AMA format.  A minimum of 5 references must be included with at least 4 of these references from peer-reviewed articles.  If sources are not correctly cited in your paper, this will be considered plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for the assignment.  The student must adhere to all guidelines for essay submission.

Exams:

Two online practice exams will be completed during this course.  Although the student will be required to utilize computer resources to complete these exams, the student is expected to complete these exams independently with no other resources and no collaboration with peers/others during the completion of these exams.  Collaboration with another individual before, during, or after the exam will be considered a violation of the AC Honor Code.

Journal Entry Assignments:

The student will be required to complete Journal Entries for this course.  Journal Entry Assignments will generally be opened on the Monday before their due date.  Each Drop Box will contain specific instructions for its completion.  In general, journal entry assignments will be due by 11:59 pm on Sundays.

Discussion Posts:

The student will be required to complete Discussion Board Assignments for this course.  Discussion Board Assignments will generally be opened the Monday before their due date.  In addition to the original posts, students will be required to provide at least 2 meaningful responses to their colleagues each week.  These responses are due on the same day as the post (usually 11:59 pm on Sunday).  Students should be diligent in submitting their posts early in the week to allow colleagues to read and comment.  All posts and responses should reflect original thoughts/opinions.  The grading rubric to be utilized for Posts/Responses will be posted in lessons.  If a student’s posts are submitted late on Sunday without ample time to allow other students to read and comment, the grades for the posts will be negatively affected.  Posts will not be considered for grading until the initial post and the 2 responses have been completed.

Resume:

The student is required to complete a professional resume during this course. The resume will be submitted through the Assignment Dropbox as a Word Document (not a pdf file).  Although there is no specific format required for the resume, the student is encouraged to browse online examples of resumes when completing the assignment.  Please do not pay for resume services in order to complete this assignment.

Comprehensive Final:

The capstone final exam will be provided by the FSBPT in the form of the PEAT.  This computerized final will be administered in the computer lab.  All students enrolled in the PTA program are required to pass a comprehensive final.  Thus, students failing to pass the PEAT capstone final on the initial try will have one more opportunity to pass a different version of the comprehensive final during the semester.  Additional testing will be required in the summer if a student fails to pass the comprehensive final after 3 attempts.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: April 23, 2026 – Any student not withdrawn by April 23, 2026 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:

1. call 9-911 for an ambulance
2. call Amarillo College Police (806) 371-5163

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