Clinical I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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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 .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

PTHA-1260-001 Clinical I

Prerequisites

Course Description

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. 

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

(2 sem hrs 30 clinical)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED:

Full Access to the clinical education web-based platform, www.trajecsys.com 

This is be purchased directly as one-time purchases which will be used for Summer 2025 as well as in the Spring 2026 class also.

Supplies

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

Student Performance

 

160 Contact Hours

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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

  2. Demonstrate the ability to perform adequate documentation and communication with the physical therapist, given extra time and guidance, regarding all aspects of patient status, patient treatment and patient response to treatment.

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

  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform appropriate patient communication in a culturally competent manner, with moderate guidance from the physical therapist.

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

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

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

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

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

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

Expected Student Behavior

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

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

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

Student Grievance Procedure

A student with a concern 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 program director, Dean of Health Sciences/Division Committee, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President of Amarillo College - IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

 

Instructional Method: Observation, demonstration, return demonstration, supervised treating of patients

The student is required to be at near entry or entry level on 75% of the skills which were available at the site. Essential skills designated by the red asterisk by the skill are required to be an entry level. Failure to obtain a 4 on these skills results in failure. A higher percentage results in a higher grade for the course.

Any additional skill that is unique to the facility is encouraged to be at entry level when possible.

II. ACCE 

The ACCE grade will be based by the following criteria:

• Performance on Documentation Examples (1 submissions) 15% of ACCE Grade

• Weekly Journal Entries (4 submissions) 40% of ACCE Grade

• Daily Log Sheet (20 submissions) 30% of ACCE Grade

• Submit Inservice Information 15% of ACCE Grade

Course Grade

• Skill Acquisition       60%

• Attendance               20%

•  ACCE Grade             20%

•  TOTAL                   100% 

GRADING SCALE:

A=100-92 %

B=Less than 92-84%

C=Less than 84 - 75%

F=Less than 75%

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

For PTHA 1260 Clinical I, the student should achieve entry level for a designated skill as designated above for this rotation with a score of 4. Not all skills are appropriate or routinely used in all clinics. The student is not penalized if a skill is not offered at this clinical rotation.

Two scores will be averaged for the SKILL ACQUISITION on the skills available at the facility.

• Performance score: Ratio of acquired points divided possible points. This is calculated by Trajecsys. A skill that is scored as not applicable or not observed does not impact the score. The student is only responsible for the skills available at the clinical site which he/she had an opportunity to demonstrate competency.
• Skill Score: Percentage of skills which meet near entry or entry level (3 or 4):  Each 3 will equal .85 and 4 will equal 1.00. These will be added together for a total that will divided by the total number of attempted skills. This score does not count any skill with a a 2 or 1. 

If the student is unable to be successful in the clinic and it is the determined that the student has failed the rotation, the student will be given an incomplete and an additional clinical rotation will be arranged. If at the end of the second attempt the student will receive a failing grade.

Acceptance for each approved skill will be subject to the following:

FAILURE OF PTHA 1260 will result if:

1. An inability to accomplish a minimum of skills as designated above.
2. A failure to submit required evaluations due at the end of the clinical through Trajecsys.
3. A failing evaluation by the Clinical Instructor due to poor performance that was not be resolved or remediated
4. Non-compliance with Facility and Program Attendance Policy Requirements without special permission given by the Clinical Instructor at the Facility, as well as by the Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education of the Program who additionally serves as the instructor for PTHA 1260.

5. Request from the Clinical Instructor or representative of the Clinical Facility to withdraw the student from the facility

6. Withdrawal of the student from the facility by the ACCE due to non-compliance with requirements of the class or extenuating circumstances.***

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

Completion of all required evaluations on Trajecsys.  

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

Each student will submit 1 documentation example for Week 3. These are in addition to the notes that are required by your CI during your rotation. The note is to be uploaded to Blackboard by midnight on Friday of the Week 3. The notes are to be written on your actual patients with all personal identifying information removed (name, address, birth date, medical record number, etc.) YOUR CI MUST APPROVE THE NOTES BEFORE YOU SUBMIT TO VERIFY THE CORRECT REMOVAL OF PHI. These notes will be used to grade documentation skills. Areas such as organization of the information, formatting of the information, use of appropriate language, placement of information in appropriate sections, and overall documentation skills will be evaluated.

The student must provide an in-service to the site employees. The student must submit a copy of the handout for the presentation under Week 4.

The student is required to complete and submit all assignments as listed on Blackboard by the deadline stated in assignment.  *Students are required to check into Blackboard and Trajecsys every day.

Attendance

Attendance: "Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class." All absences must be reported First to Pamela Quintanilla, PTA, BGS, ACCE and then to the CI in a method acceptable to the CI by telephone, text, or email, prior to the start of the scheduled workday.

Attendance Policy for Clinical or Practicum Attendance

 

1. Attendance will comprise 20% of the final grade for the clinical or practicum.

   1. Each student begins with 100 points.

   2. Each absence results in a 10-point deduction. (Even if time is made up or the absence is excused and approved by ACCE.)

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

3. Transportation failures may result in a penalty.

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

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

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

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

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

9. Failure of Clinical 1 (Summer) results in dismissal from the program.

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

Calendar

Additional Information

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

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The course is designed to provide an opportunity for the students to observe physical therapy as it is being applied in the clinical area. As the student masters PT competencies in the laboratory setting, they can assist the Physical Therapist in administering therapy in a clinical environment.This course will also reinforce the documentation skills learned in Basic Patient Care Skills by requiring notes on patients seen in the clinical environment.

Successful completion of the following courses:

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

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

The student is responsible for the disclosure of any medical restrictions, ADA accommodations, or work limitations to the clinic with the necessary documentation required by the clinic to maintain a safe working environments for the student, the patients, and the staff. This applies to both temporary and long-term restrictions, ADA accommodations, or work limitations.

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

Phones

Cell phones are disruptive and unprofessional.  If cell phone is on you it must be kept on silent and messages, etc checked during break times only.  This is the PTA Program policy but you must also adhere to the individual clinic policy where you are doing the rotation. 

CLINIC DRESS CODE:

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

• Apparel: garments must not interfere with the students work process or cause risk.  Clothing should be clean, fit properly, and be free from wrinkles.
• Amarillo College Physical Therapist Assistant Program badges must be worn at all times while on clinical rotation. 
• Personal hygiene should be acceptable for maintaining a clean environment with reduction of cross contamination and appropriate for work that requires close personal contact. Body odors and/or bad breath can be obnoxious to someone who is ill. 
• Tattoos must be discretely covered if required by the clinical site.
• Piercing jewelry is only acceptable in the ear lobes with small, discrete post earrings and/or in the top of the ear. All other visible piercing jewelry must be removed.
• Makeup should be modest.
• Hair should be neat, clean and appropriate at all times.  Long hair should be tied back and not interfere with the ability to treat a patient. Facial hair must be clean and neatly trimmed at all times. 
• Fingernails must be short, clean, and kept in a natural state. (no artificial nails)
• Shoes should be basically flat, closed, and clean.  No opened toe shoes in clinical areas. 
• Use of fragrances in cosmetics, hair care, lotions, colognes, or perfumes needs to be minimal as these can cause respiratory irritation or distress.

Student Conduct

A student's conduct should be above question at all times.  At all times, students are obligated to demonstrate the professional demeanor expected of any health care provider.

Factors included in professional conduct are:

• showing respect for the patient's needs, desires, and person
• preserving the confidentiality of patient records and information
• showing respect for clinical supervisors and hospital/facility personnel
• performing duties described by the clinical instructors
• arriving for clinicals on time and leaving at the clinical instructors shift change
• following the individual facility's policies and guidelines 

Appropriate student conduct is imperative for success.  Students will be held responsible for their actions. If at any time a student behaves in a 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 Office of Enrollment Management and/or Amarillo College Campus Police.

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

• Verbal or non verbal language, actions, or voice inflections, or insubordination which compromises a rapport or working relationship with peers, faculty, clinical instructors, 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. 

 

• Contact Information

  ACCE Contact Information

  Pamela Quintanilla, PTA, BGS, ACCE

  Email address: pamela.quintanilla@actx.edu

  Office Phone: 806-354-6092

  Cell: 806-717-9732