Essentials of Data Collection Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Disability Statement

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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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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.

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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-2301-001 Essentials of Data Collection

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1413, PTHA 1301, and PTHA 1405 Corequisite:  PTHA 1431

Course Description

Data collection techniques used to assist in patient/client management.

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; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Measurement of Joint Motion, 5th ed. by Cynthia C. Norkin and D. Joyce White

Daniels and Worthingham’s Muscle Testing, 10th ed. by  Dale Avers and Marybeth Brown

RECOMMENDED:

Ortho Notes, 4th ed. by Dawn Gulick

Supplies

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Goniometer set (approximately $12), tape measure, purchased by the student. Blood pressure kit and stethoscope which is provided by AC, or student may purchase his/her own.

Personal Laptop computer

Security device for student locker.

Student Performance

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should demonstrate competence with components of the following requisite skills:

Patient Care Coordination and Management:

1. Demonstrate appropriate verbal communication skills with simulated patient and physical therapist interactions.
2. Utilize correct medical terminology and abbreviations in written assignments and SOAP notes.
3. Demonstrate appropriate information-gathering during patient interviews regarding current condition prior to treatments during simulated patient interactions.
4. Demonstrate the ability to perform competently and organize appropriate data collection techniques from within the physical therapist assistant plan of care for monitoring patient status.

Goniometry/MMT: 

1. Identify basic concepts of validity, reliability, and statistical significance.
2. Identify normal range of motion values for the joints of the human body.
3. Demonstrate appropriate interrater reliability compared with other students when performing goniometric measurements.
4. Describe the principles of goniometric measurement and the correct documentation of goniometric measurements.
5. Demonstrate the ability to assess joint range of motion competently using a goniometer for all major joints of the human body.
6. Demonstrate the ability to assess joint range of motion competently using inclinometers for the cervical and lumbar spine.
7. Demonstrate the ability to assess functional range of motion competently.
8. Identify abnormal joint movement, including capsular patterns.
9. Identify the structures most likely to cause abnormal movement at each joint.
10. Describe the principles of gross manual muscle testing.
11. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform manual muscle testing of each joint.
12. Recognize the presence or absence of normal muscle mass and tone.
13. Identify the purpose of special tests utilized by the physical therapist during an evaluation.

Sensory: 

1. Identify common standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales, and visual analog scales for pain.
2. Demonstrate the ability to competently administer common standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales, and visual analog scales for pain.
3. Identify dermatomal patterns for the upper and lower extremities.
4. Demonstrate the ability to competently assess upper and lower extremity dermatomes.
5. Identify and demonstrate methods for sensory testing for abnormal sensation.
6. Define various terminology used for sensory testing.

Balance/Coordination: 

1. Recognize the anatomical and physiological components of normal balance and coordination.
2. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform equilibrium and non-equilibrium testing for coordination.
3. Demonstrate the ability to competently assess balance utilizing appropriate instruments.

Posture: 

1. Identify common assessment tools and instruments utilized for postural assessments.
2. Demonstrate the ability to competently assess posture.
3. Recognize normal and abnormal alignment of the trunk and extremities at rest.
4. Describe and demonstrate the procedure for leg length discrepancy testing.

Anthropometric Measurements: 

1. Demonstrate the ability to perform anthropometric measurements for height, weight, length, and girth.
2. Calculate BMI

Muscle length: 

1. Demonstrate the ability to competently assess muscle length versus joint contracture.

Cognitive: 

1. Compare the 8 stages of the Rancho los Amigos levels of cognition and describe how each level may effect physical therapy treatment.

Environmental: 

1. Recognize safety barriers in the home and community.
2. Identify key components of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
3. Demonstrate the ability to assess physical space in the home and community for safety barriers and accessibility.

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

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 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.

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. 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 and unprofessional. 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. The contact for emergency contact during class time is the Executive Secretary for Health Professions at (806) 354-6055.

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.

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.

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 ultimately 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
• Posting of inappropriate content as an AC PTA student on social media

At all times, students are obligated to demonstrate the professional demeanor expected of any health care provider.

While in this educational program, the student must collaborate and cooperate with others in the classroom. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences will, to some degree, 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.

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 behavior may result in dismissal from the program based on recommendations of an ad hoc committee. 

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE CALCULATION

               Quizzes/ Assignments*                             5%   

                Lecture Exams**                                     55%

                Final Exam***                                          20%

                Practical Exams****                                20%                                       

*Assignments and quizzes will be graded and averaged for 5% of the course grade.

**The lecture exam grades will be averaged from lecture exam portion (55%) of the final grade. The lowest lecture exam grade MAY OR MAY NOT be dropped for the calculation of the lecture exam portion of the final grade. This is solely at the discretion of the instructor.

***The final exam is comprehensive for the semester and is not eligible to be dropped even if it is the lowest grade performance.

****The student must successfully pass all practicals. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in ALL critical safety elements before being allowed to pass the course.

Students may access grades online through the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Exam grades or practical grades may be dropped for course grade calculation for all students. This is the sole decision 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 76.0%. 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 a 76.0%. Failure of a practical exam retake will result in an “F” in the course.

LATE WORK/MAKE-UP 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. The granting of permission or the imposition of any point penalty is at the discretion of the instructor.  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”. 

GRADING SCALE

The physical therapist assistant program uses the following elevated grading scale:

A = 100% - 92.0%

B = Less than 92% – 84.0%

C = Less than 84% – 76.0%

F = Less than 76%

REQUIRED TUTORIAL SUPPORT

If the student’s exam average falls below 80%, the student will be assigned a task of attending general instructional tutoring from the Amarillo College Tutoring Center or program-specific tutoring from the designated peer/professional tutor. The student may be required to obtain both types of tutoring. In addition to the Verification of Tutoring in the Student Engagement Portal, official verification of tutoring must be uploaded by the student into the appropriate course drop box.

The student is also required to schedule a planning meeting with the course instructor. At this meeting, the student will be expected to develop an action plan for successful completion of the course. This action plan should identify any areas of weakness in understanding course content and must include methods/strategies that will be used to correct the learning deficit. Failure to meet with the instructor or to complete the action plan may result in a 10-point deduction from the final course grade. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THE TUTORING PROCESS.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

Under special circumstances, it may be necessary for a course instructor to issue a final course grade of “incomplete” to provide additional time for the student to satisfactorily complete the course. Such circumstances are rare and must be authorized by the instructor and supported by the program director. A final grade of incomplete is not appropriate to provide a second chance to finish a course when a grade of “F” seems inevitable or because the student is failing.

When a final grade of “incomplete” is appropriate, a written contract to remove the “I” will be prepared by the course instructor and signed by the instructor and student, if approved by program director. The grade of “I” must be converted to a passing grade within 90 days of the conclusion of the course. Under very rare circumstances, a time extension of an additional 90 days is possible.  Each case will be handled on an individual basis, and no one case shall set a precedent for another case. If the “I” is not removed in accordance with the contract, the final course grade will be recorded as an “F”.

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.

The instructor will take roll 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 76%.

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 will be required to complete an additional assignment that will be 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.

In conclusion, students enrolled in the PTA program are expected to attend all lectures, labs, and clinical experiences and will be held accountable for obtaining all information presented during these times. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Instructional Methods include: Lecture and lab activities.

DURING TESTING CELL PHONES AND SMART WATCHES ARE PROHIBITED FROM THE TESTING AREA.

LAB DRESS CODE: MANDATORY during each lab for participation. 

The student will be asked to leave lab if he/she is not wearing appropriate attire. If the absence exceeds 20 minutes, the student will be counted absent for that class.

Appropriate dress is required during scheduled lab times. Wear dark opaque underwear or swimsuits under shorts to maintain modesty during the movement demands of this class.

Females: shorts, sports bra, halter, or swimsuit top (fasteners need to be in the back), athletic clothing as a cover-up

Males: shorts, T-shirt, athletic clothing as a cover-up

Jeans, leggings, yoga pants or tights of any kind restrict motion and alter measurement accuracy; therefore they are NOT proper attire.

PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONS:

If the student has a history of injury, surgery, or recent pain, the student  may opt out of any palpation or mobilization or movement of a joint or body segment. The student shall notify the lab instructor and primary instructor.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: June 22, 2023 – Any student not withdrawn by June 22, 2023 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.