Pathophysiology for the PTA Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Allied Health Building, Room 122

Office Hours

Tuesday 1:30-3:00 pm or by appointment

 

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

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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

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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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Course

PTHA-1321-001 Pathophysiology for the PTA

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1413, PTHA 1301, and PTHA 1405 Corequisites: PTHA 1431 and PTHA 2409

Course Description

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

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

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags for the Physical Therapist Assistant by Goodman and Marshall

Supplies

Laptop computer

Student Performance

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

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

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

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

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

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final grade of 74.5% or higher as evaluated by the faculty of the department.

B. Objectives:

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

2. Describe normal and abnormal cellular adaptations.

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

a. Cardiovascular system

b. Endocrine and metabolic systems

c. Gastrointestinal system

d. Genital and reproductive systems

e. Hepatic and biliary systems

f. Immune system

g. Integumentary system

h. Lymphatic system

i. Musculoskeletal system

j. Nervous system

k. Respiratory system

l. Renal and urologic systems

4. Compare the difference between signs and symptoms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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

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 are also expected to abide by the AC PTA Program Code of Conduct and the AC PTA Policy on Plagiarism, Collusion, and Cheating.

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.

Dress Code

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

Grading Criteria

Quizzes/Assignments        5%   

 Lecture Exams                   60%

Final Exam                           20%

Pathophysiology Project    15%                                       

      The class average must be at least 76.0% for the student to successfully pass the course. The student must successfully complete all assignments and meet course objectives in order to pass the course.

  • Students who do not meet minimum proficiencies during a lab practical, scoring a 75.9% or below, will be given one opportunity to re-test before the course is completed. If the practical is repeated to achieve competency, the highest grade that can be achieved is 76.0%. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in ALL critical safety elements before being allowed to pass the course. If a student is absent on the day of a practical exam, the highest grade that can be achieved is 76.0% except in extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor. 
  • Assignments may be in the form of a quiz or submission and may be graded on a check-mark system for satisfactory completion. If unsatisfactory work is submitted, the assignment is returned to the student for correction and edits. FAILURE TO COMPLETE ANY SINGLE ASSIGNMENT TO A SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN A ZERO FOR ASSIGNMENTS GRADE TO BE CALCULATED INTO THE FINAL GRADE AS WEIGHTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. 

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 - 92.0
B = 91.9 - 84.0
C = 83.9 - 76.0
F = 75.9 - 0

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

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”.The student should expect to take the make-up exam on the day the student returns to class, unless otherwise notified by the instructor.

Exam grades or practical grades may be dropped at the discretion of the instructor. The Final exam is not eligible to be dropped.  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

 

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

PTHA 1321: Pathophysiology for the PTA

48 Contact Hours

Lecture Monday and Thursday 11:30 am-1:00 pm

Week #

Focus

Reading Assignment

Week 1

Red and Yellow Flags

Chapter 1 Introduction to Pathophysiology

Chapters 1, 2, and 4 in Pathology for the PTA

Chapter 1 in Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags for the PTA

Week 2

Chapter 1 in Red Flags Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags

Chapter 2 Problems Involving Multiple Systems

Medical Terminology Review/Pre-Test

Chapter 3 in Pathology for the PTA
Week 3

Chapter 3 Injury, Inflammation, and Healing

Chapter 4 The Immune System

Review above chapters.
Week 4Exam 1 - Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Pathology and Chapter 1 in Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags

Chapter 5 in Pathology for the PTA

Chapter 2 in Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags for the PTA

Week 5

Chapter 5 Infectious Disease

Chapter 2 in Red Flags Pain Types and Viscerogenic Pain Patterns

Chapters 6 and 7 in Pathology for the PTA
Week 6

Chapter 6 Oncology

Chapter 7 Integumentary System

Chapters 8 in Pathology for the PTA

Chapter 3 in Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags for the PTA

Week 7

Chapter 3 in Red Flags Recognizing, Documenting, and Reporting Red Flags

Chapter 8 Endocrine and Metabolic System

Review above chapters.

Chapter 14 in Pathology for the PTA

Week 8

Exam 2 - Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8  in Pathology for the PTA and Chapters 2 and 3 in Recognizing and Reporting Red Flags

Patho Project 1st Submission Items 1-13

Chapter 14 Genetic and Developmental Disorders

Chapters 9,10, and 11 in Pathology for the PTA
Week 9Spring Break 
Week 10

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

 
Week 11  
Week 12

Exam 3

 

 
Week 13  
Week 14  
Week 15

Exam 4

Completed Patho Project due April 28,11:59 pm

 
Week 16  

Week 17           Final Exam Wednesday, May 8, 8-11 am

  
The instructor retains the right to make changes/adjustments in the course schedule based on class performance and needs.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Additional Information

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

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

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: April 18, 2024– Any student not withdrawn by this date will receive the grade earned.

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

Call 9-911 for an ambulance

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

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

 

Syllabus Created on:

01/15/24 10:15 PM

Last Edited on:

01/18/24 5:09 PM