| Course Code | Title & Description | Credits | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTA 100 |
Fundamentals of Physical TherapyIn this course, students are introduced to the roles and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant. Areas of study will include the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant with emphasis on the State of Michigan's standards, ethical behavior, interpersonal communication, patient motivation and basic documentation. Students a... |
(2 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 150 |
Therapeutic Procedures IThis course introduces physical therapist assistant students to the fundamental skills of patient care and management under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will learn to safely and appropriately apply these skills in various patient conditions. The development of clinical decision-making skills and time mana... |
(3 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 160 |
Therapeutic Procedures IIIn this course, students will practice the therapeutic management skills for safe and appropriate use with patients in their role as a physical therapist assistant. Lecture, demonstrations, lab practice, patient simulations, and additional resources will be used to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills with an emphasis on safety. Topic... |
(2 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 180 |
Clinical KinesiologyIn this course, students learn about human movement, including the principles of basic physics and biomechanics. Students examine the relationship of structures (skeletal, joint, neural, muscle) to function and examine normal and abnormal movement. Emphasis will be placed on functional application to provide a foundation and rationale for therapeut... |
(4 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 195 |
Introduction to DiseaseIn this course, students are introduced to the study of disease processes in humans. Areas of study will include the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and urologic, integumentary, lymphatic, endocrine and metabolic, gastrointestinal, genital and reproductive, immune, and hepatic and biliary systems. Medical conditions acros... |
(2 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 198 |
Soft Tissue ManagementIn this course, students apply and build on the knowledge of human anatomy and clinical kinesiology and learn the safe and appropriate use of soft tissue techniques. These include, but are not limited to, basic soft tissue massage and compression to be performed under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Lecture, demonstr... |
(2 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 200 |
Therapeutic ModalitiesIn this course, physical therapist assistant students are introduced to the principles and skills necessary for the safe and appropriate administration of physical therapy modalities under the guidance and direction of a licensed physical therapist. Correlating lecture and laboratory experience topics will include therapeutic heat and cold as well ... |
(4 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 220 |
Therapeutic Exercise IIn this course, students are introduced to the theory, principles and procedures of therapeutic exercise. Students apply this foundation to the safe and appropriate selection, administration, monitoring and adjustment of exercise programs such as balance, strengthening and posture. Students develop skills in data collection and reporting techniques... |
(4 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 225 |
Therapeutic Exercise IIThis course continues the study and application of theory, principles and procedures necessary for patient treatment using goal-directed exercise as a treatment modality, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. General exercise as well as exercise for specific populations and diagnoses will be included. Students will p... |
(4 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 230 |
Clinical Education IIn this course, qualified physical therapist assistant students will observe and participate in structured and supervised experiences in health care settings. Students will be placed by their program clinical education coordinator in off-site locations and given limited opportunity to safely and appropriately apply therapeutic interventions. This i... |
(1 Credit) | View Schedule |
| PTA 240 |
Clinical Education IIIn this course, students will participate in their second clinical experience. Qualified physical therapist assistant students will participate in supervised clinical learning experiences with the opportunity to further develop and practice necessary clinical decision-making, treatment and documentation skills. Students will be assigned to varied o... |
(2 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 250 |
Clinical Education IIIIn this course, qualified physical therapist assistant students will perform activities of supervised patient care, documentation and family instruction, acting as a member of the health care team with the purpose of achieving entry-level competency. This third clinical experience consists of two, six week, full-time clinical placements in off-site... |
(5 Credits) | View Schedule |
| PTA 280 |
Clinical ConceptsIn this capstone course, students build on classroom and clinical education experiences to examine ethical considerations associated with patient care, departmental organization and its effects on the role of the physical therapist assistant. Students continue preparation for employment, develop a plan for professional growth and present a critical... |
(1 Credit) | View Schedule |
Revised on February 5, 2026