Physical Agents Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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

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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-1431-001 Physical Agents

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1413, PTHA 1301, and PTHA 1405 Corequisites: PTHA 1321 and PTHA 2409

Course Description

Biophysical principles, physiological effects, efficacy and application of physical agents.

Student ResourcesStudent 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

REQUIRED TEXTS: 

Cameron M. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Approach to Practice 6th Ed., 2023.  ISBN: 9780323761949

ADDITIONAL TEXTS FROM PREVIOUS COURSES: (These will be integrated into the course.)

Mansfield and Neumman. Essentials of Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2019.

Reichert B. Palpation Techniques: Surface Anatomy for Physical Therapists, 2nd ed. Thieme, 2015.

Access to the AC Library Ebooks as detailed in Reading Assignments

Supplies

Laptop Computer

Student Performance

General Considerations for Physical Agents

1. Demonstrate appropriate teaching strategies for patient-centered instruction regarding disease/condition, treatment interventions, and HEP in a role-play situation.
2. Demonstrate the ability to implement and modify a treatment session based on patient status within bio-psychosocial and ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) models as described in the physical therapist’s plan of care by communicating the rationale for the modifications to the physical therapist.
3. Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment while considering appropriate physical agents for a patient as described on the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
4. Integrate appropriate evidence based resources to support clinical decision making for modality choices for the patient within the physical therapist’s plan of care.
5. Identify normal and abnormal integumentary changes associated with physical agents.
6. Demonstrate the ability to competently assess a patient for absent or altered sensation before applying physical agent modalities.
7. Demonstrate proper draping techniques to enhance patient privacy while utilizing physical agent modalities.
8. Recognize activities that aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms (ventilation, respiration, and circulation examination).
9. Recognize when an intervention should not be provided due to changes in the patient’s status, and communicate these changes to the physical therapist.
10. Recognizes when performance of an intervention is beyond the scope of practice or skill of a physical therapist assistant.
11. Identify the indications, contraindications, and precautions of using the following physical therapy interventions:
    1. Direct contact, immersion and ultrasound
    2. Hydrotherapy (whirlpool, aquatic pool)
    3. Compression therapies (Intermittent Compression, Game Ready)
    4. Hot packs
    5. Cold packs and ice massage
    6. Paraffin
    7. Phonophoresis and Iontophoresis
    8. Contrast baths/pack
    9. Lumbar traction
    10. Cervical traction
    11. Laser/Ultraviolet/Infrared
    12. Diathermy
    13. Fluidotherapy
12. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform the following physical therapy interventions:
    1. Direct contact, immersion and ultrasound
    2. Compression therapies (Intermittent Compression)
    3. Hot packs
    4. Cold packs and ice massage
    5. Paraffin
    6. Phonophoresis and Iontophoresis
    7. Lumbar traction
    8. Cervical traction
13. Identify the indications, contraindications, and precautions for performing the following electrotherapy interventions:
    1. TENS
    2. Interferential Current
    3. Biofeedback
    4. NMES
    5. Iontophoresis
    6. High Volt
14. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform the following electrotherapy interventions:
    1. TENS
    2. Interferential Current
    3. NMES
    4. High Volt
15. Compare the mechanisms of heat transfer and how they apply to the application of physical agents.
16. Identify the laws of physics related to the use of physical agents.
17. Identify the physical principles of water related to aquatic therapy.
18. Design a treatment session from within the physical therapist’s plan of care for a patient treated in a therapeutic pool.
19. Recognize common treatment goals for the application of biophysical agents.
20. Describe the rationale for the selection of physical agents based on clinical goals and patient responses.
21. Identify the appropriate parameters required to accomplish specific treatment goals with utilizing physical agents.
22. Describe potential adverse responses to the application of a physical agent.
23. Accurately compose a SOAP note summarizing a treatment session utilizing a physical agent.
24. Describe the properties of electricity, (including conductance, resistance, and capacitance), related to the application for electrotherapy.
25. Compare the physiological effects of different physical agents.
26. Identify the indications, contraindications, and precautions for performing therapeutic massage and soft tissue mobilization techniques.
27. Compare the physiological effects of different massage techniques and soft tissue mobilization techniques.
28. Demonstrate the ability to competently perform therapeutic massage.
29. Identify the mechanisms of pain reception and transmission according to various theories.
30. Discuss pain management with physical agents, exercise, and pharmacological approaches.
31. Identify tissues and patterns which are typical causes of motion restrictions.
32. Recognize activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate, relieve pain or alter sensations.
33. Exlain the healing stages in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.

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

Expected Student Behavior

Dress Code

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 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. If a student expects that there may be some type of emergency, the student should inform the instructor prior to the beginning of class. Unauthorized use of cell phones in class will result in the student being asked to leave the class and being counted absent for lecture/lab class.

Students in the PTA Program are expected to dress conservatively and professionally, as expected in the clinic. The student will attend class in clothing that is clean and neat. At times the student may be required to wear business professional dress including black, navy, or khaki pants and polo-type shirts. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with non-slip soles in good, clean condition should be worn during all class and lab activities. Amarillo College Badge/ID's should also be worn during all off-campus class and clinical activities.

Student’ hair must be clean, secured back off the face, and styled in a manner that is professional in appearance. Hair color must be a naturally occurring color. All jewelry and cologne should be conservative and limited to a minimal amount. Hats must not be worn at any time in the practicum setting. Fingernails should be short and clean. Facial hair must be kept neatly trimmed to the standards required by the clinical setting. Students will always maintain good hygiene, with daily bathing/showering, oral hygiene, and use of antiperspirant required. The student's professional dress is subject to approval by the course instructor. If professional dress code is not followed, the student may not be able to participate in the scheduled activity, may receive an attendance penalty for the day, and/or may not have the option to makeup the assignment.

 

Participation

All students enrolled in the physical therapist assistant program are expected to participate in laboratory and classroom activities. Students may be asked to simulate patients or therapists during these activities. All students have the right to be informed of the activities required by a specific course and any limitations that would preclude them from participation. All students have the responsibility to inform the course instructor of any limitation(s) that may limit their ability to participate in an event. Students may be videotaped, audio taped, photographed, or otherwise recorded or imaged for instructional purposes.

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.

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. . Designated assignments are to be done individually. Failure to complete these assignments independently may result in a failing grade for the assignment.

Academic Honesty

Students who demonstrate academic dishonesty as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all policies for course failure. If there is evidence of any type of cheating on an exam, the student will receive an “F” in the course. Any assignment that is indicated to be submitted individually must be completed on an individual basis, or the student will receive a grade of “0” on the assignment. If any written assignment submitted through plagiarism software receives a score above 30%, it will be subject to further review and may receive a penalty or “0” for the assignment, at the discretion of the instructor. All students in the Amarillo College Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be expected to abide by the PTA Department Policy on Plagiarism, Collusion, and Cheating.

Student Grievance

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

Participation/Assignments, and In-Class Quizzes*                             10%

Research Presentation                                                                          5%

Lecture Exams**                                                                                    40%

Final Exam***                                                                                         20%

Practicals****                                                                                          25%

*Assignments and quizzes will be completed prior to or within the classroom or lab meeting. If the submission is not acceptable for a check mark, the submission will be returned to the student until an acceptable submission meets the approval of the instructor. The student will have 1 week from the time that the original submission is returned to submit an acceptable submission. After 1 week, a 5-point deduction is applied to the assignment grade.

Hand-written notes may be used for in-class quizzes. Notes on lap tops or tablets or notes that are copied may not be used.

**The lecture exam grades will be averaged from lecture exam portion (40%) 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 who do not meet minimum proficiency and achieve a grade of 76 during the lab practicals will be given one opportunity to re-test as soon as possible based on the instructor's schedule. The highest grade which can be granted for a re-test is 76 and the student must obtain at least a score of 76. Please note that failure of the second attempt for a practical results in failure of the class and dismissal from the program.

The students are required to achieve all course objections and demonstrate proficiency in ALL critical safety elements and performing modalities before being allowed to pass the course. 

Any student scoring a 79 or lower on an exam or practical is REQUIRED to contact the instructor to discuss remediation. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE THIS SESSION. The student will be required to schedule and attend tutoring at one of AC’s tutoring centers. Locations for tutoring can be found at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/. The required number of tutoring sessions will be determined at the discretion of the instructor. The student will be required to bring verification of attendance at tutoring to the instructor.

GRADING SCALE:
A = 100-92
B = <92-84
C = <84-76
F = <76-0

Note: A grade of C or better is required to complete the PTA major.

MAKE-UP POLICY: There will be NO make-ups on quizzes or final exam.  Absence for a test or practical exam results in a five-point deduction from the earned grade.  All absences (tardiness) will be treated equally, regardless of the reason. The make-up test or make-up application exam may vary in format from the original examination/application. The student should expect to take the make-up exam/application on the day the student returns to class, unless otherwise notified by the instructor. 

Students must have access to all required class textbooks.

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.

Calendar

Additional Information

ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are due on the assigned due date and time.  NO LATE HOMEWORK OR QUIZ/ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

REQUIRED READING: The student is expected to complete all reading assignments. All assigned material is considered testable information, however, may not be covered during lecture; therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification of material with the instructor.

LAB DRESS CODE: Appropriate dress is required during scheduled lab times.

Females: shorts, halter or swimsuit top (fasteners need to be in the back), lab coats or sweat suits for a cover-up

Males: shorts, tee shirts, lab coats or sweat suits for a cover-up.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: April 18, 2024.  The student has the responsibility to analyze the current status of the lecture exam average and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of withdrawal and subsequent options of resuming studies. Any student not withdrawn by this date will receive the grade earned.

Instructional aids: use of equipment, handouts, electronic media

Instructional methods: lecture and lab, demonstration and return demonstration

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. Amarillo College Police (806)371-5163

Amarillo College Resources link: http://www.actx.edu/resources/

PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONS: The activities presented in this course may have medical contraindications.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor know if any of these restrictions apply.

If you have:

Cardiac problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure – Cryotherapy is contraindicated.

Cardiac pacemaker – Diathermy and electrical stimulation is contraindicated.

Metal implants - Diathermy is contraindicated. Traction may be contraindication depending on location. 

Pregnancy- NO modalities can be performed over the trunk area.  If you have maternal heart disease, hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes, modalities are contraindicated.

Thermo-regulatory problems – Inform the lab instructor and lab partners. Extra surveillance is required during any exposure to thermal modalities.

Autoimmune disorders - Inform the lab instructor and lab partners. Before any modality, especially traction, is applied, approval from the instructor must be obtained.

Coagulation therapy - Inform the lab instructor and lab partners. Some physical agents treatments, especially traction, may be contraindicated. 

Peripheral Vascular Disease - Inform the lab instructor and lab partners.  Before any modality is applied, approval from the instructor must be obtained. 

Diabetes/hypoglycemia - Stay prepared for management of insulin reactions or hypoglycemic events.

Decreased sensation - Extra care must be implemented in the use of modalities.

Latex sensitivity - Seek non-latex alternatives within the lab. Inform any lab partner of the allergy.

Current pain or illness or injury - Inform the instructor and lab partner. Do not proceed with any application to an injury site. 

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