PHTA 2293 PTA Fundamentals V Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 2 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
CIP Code
51.0806
Course Meeting Time

Course Calendar: 1st 2 weeks at start of semester and 1st 2 week after spring break

Class times Wednesday 8:00-11:30 am and 1:00-4:30 pm; Thursday 8:00-11:30 am and 12:00-3:30 pm

Course Description

This course expands upon previous Physical Therapist Assistant program coursework with an emphasis on special patient populations and topics in physical therapy. Students will develop the ability to safely and effectively implement, progress, adjust, and document interventions for these selected patient populations utilizing critical thinking while following the established plan of care developed by the physical therapist.

Prerequisites

PHTA 2145, PHTA 2156 and PHTA 2185 - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Communication
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Responsibility
Explanation of Course Alignment

At this level, performance in required concepts and skills is performed given complex patient scenarios in a controlled laboratory setting. The student demonstrates progression toward proficiency by demonstrating consistency with simple concepts with less than 5% supervision in clinical problem solving, interventions, and related data collection of newly learned concepts and desired behaviors. Student can complete the tasks in the allotted time provided. Student is a competent clinician with mentoring.

Safety is not compromised.

Documentation: The student has all the required documentation, the documentation is thorough, concise, accurate, and timely. Assessment and Plan are well crafted and easy to understand and follow.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kim Libby PT, DPT, Regina VanDeVelde
Faculty Phone
815-802-8816
Faculty Office Number
M132
Faculty Student Support Hours

Monday 1-2

Wednesday 1-2

Thursday 12-1 

Faculty Information

Regina VanDeVelde PT, DPT

T: 815-802-8817 / F: 815-839-5200
E: rvandevelde@kcc.edu

Kim Libby PT, DPT

T: 815-802-8816 / F: 815-839-5200

E: klibby@kcc.edu

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Course Outcome Goal 1C: Educate others using established techniques and methods commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience. (7D12)
  2. Course Outcome Goal 1D: Produce quality documentation in a timely manner to support the delivery of physical therapy services that follow the profession's requirements and guidelines, health care systems, regulatory agencies, and the practice setting. (7D25)
  3. Course Outcome Goal 2A: Use established classification models within the profession to describe patient/client's pathology, impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions.
  4. Course Outcome Goal 2B: Interpret the physical therapy diagnosis or statement of problem and plan of care established by the physical therapist for safe, effective, patient-centered care to achieve physical therapy goals, intended outcomes, discharge or discontinuation and follow-up needs.(7D17, 7D22)
  5. Course Outcome Goal 2D: Collect and compare data from multiple sources, including the medical record, for pertinent information to initiate and carry out the physical therapy plan of care. (7D18)
  6. Course Outcome Goal 2E: Apply current knowledge, theory and sound clinical judgment within the physical therapy plan of care to maximize interventions, reporting mechanisms, safety of all involved, and patient progression when monitoring, adjusting, and/or withholding an intervention based on patient/client preference and/or status, clinical indications, environmental emergencies, delegation and supervision concerns. (7D9, 7D19, 7D20, 7D21, 7D26)
  7. Course Outcome Goal 3A: Participate in the provision of patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care that contributes to increased patient and healthcare provider interaction and safety. (7D27,7D28)
  8. Course Outcome Goal 3D: Complete accurate and timely billing consistent with reimbursement and payment guidelines. (7D31)
  9. Course Outcome Goal 3E: Acquire, appraise, and integrate evidence-based resources to support problem-solving and clinical decision-making in the provision of best practices in physical therapy. (7D11,7D10)
  10. Course Outcome Goal 4B: Perform duties in a manner consistent with the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA), Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (APTA), and value-based behaviors and standards for ethical conduct the profession. (7D4, 7D5, 7D6)
  11. Course Outcome Goal 4C: Identify, respect, and act with consideration for patients’/clients' differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs in all work-related activities. (7D8)
  12. Course Outcome Goal 6A: Participate in professional and community organizations and the available opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. (7D13)
  13. Course Outcome Goal 6B: Promote health and wellness by modeling a healthy lifestyle and participating in activities that encourage the public to adopt healthy behaviors, optimize mobility, and improve fitness.
Topical Outline
  1. Chronic Pain: Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CRPS, Guided Imagery/Relaxation
  2. Yoga in Physical Therapy
  3. Health and Fitness
  4. LSVT Big
  5. Pelvic Floor, Incontinence, Pregnancy/Obstetrics
  6. Vestibular/Balance
  7. Functional Training/Exercise
  8. Special Patient populations Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, ESRD, Obesity, Frailty, and Cancer
  9. Geriatrics
  10. Work Hardening/Conditioning
  11. Pharmacology
  12. Mental health
  13. Oncology
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Required Equipment/Tools/Materials

  1. Computer/internet access
Methods of Evaluation

Methods of Assessment

Attendance/ Class ParticipationXIndividual Projects and Presentationsx
Case Study/ScenariosXPractical DemonstrationX
Exams/TestsXWritten AssignmentsX
Group Projects and PresentationsXQuizzes 
PapersXOtherX

 

Grading Standard

Please refer to the PTA Student Guidebook for PTA program grading standards.

A final grade of 75% or higher is mandatory for continuation in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The following standardized grading scale will apply to all PTA core (suffix PHTA) courses:

93 – 100% A

84 – 92% B

75 – 83% C

66 - 74% D

Below 66% F

  • As pertains to grades, the following are expectations of all PTA students to demonstrate academic satisfactory progress:
  • Earn at least 80% of the total points on each practical exam (in courses with a patient skills component) with demonstrated proficiency on all required skills for each core course. See remediation policy in your student guidebook
  • Earn a minimum grade of “C” for each PTA core course after exams/tests, practical exams and all other graded activities are averaged together.
Academic Division

Health Careers

Dean, Brad Wood; 815-802-8815; M107; bwood@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8800

Course Policies

The policies and procedures of this course will follow policies and standards outlined in the College Catalog as well as the PTA Student Guidebook. All work should reflect the student’s efforts. Group collaboration is encouraged, however, each student must demonstrate personal competence and individual expression in all work submitted to be graded.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Guest speakers are an invaluable part of this course, bringing unique insights, expertise, and real-world perspectives that enrich your learning experience. To ensure a respectful and engaging environment:

  1. Full Attention Required: Students must actively listen and give their full attention to the guest speaker. This includes being present—actively engaging with the material, maintaining eye contact, and being attentive throughout the session.
  2. No Electronic Devices: To minimize distractions and demonstrate respect, all cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away during the guest speaker's presentation. Exceptions may be made that require the use of such devices.
  3. Participation and Professionalism: Students are encouraged to participate by asking thoughtful questions at appropriate times and engaging in the discussion when invited by the speaker. Professionalism is expected at all times.

Classroom/ Online Behaviors: Please see Student Guidebook for Profession Behaviors 

Course Calendar
DATETOPICREADINGS/ASSIGNMENTS

Week 1

Wednesday

1/14

8:00-11:30am

Daniel Kelleher – Geriatrics 8:00am central (be at class at 7:55 am please)

dkelleher@emersonhosp.org

Anne Reilly: IP Care techniques

Syllabus Review

Practical Review (Etta Jones)

EXXAT profiles need to be completely updated and all documents uploaded. You should be in communication with your clinical sites and shared your profile with your clinical instructor/SCCE.

Wednesday 1/14

1:00-4:30 pm

Kim Libby – Dry Needling, Cupping and finish Practical review (Etta Rose)Review posted DN article

Thursday

1/15

8-11:30am

Comprehensive Lab Practical

Lab Practical will be in the Simulation Lab

Simulation Patients: Megan Winterrowd, Mary Raila

See Canvas for schedule and rubric.

Note: If unsuccessful on 1st attempt, must remediate on 1/21 and retake by Thursday, 1/22.

Thursday

1/15

12-3:30 pm

Comprehensive Lab Practical

Pt 1: Mary Raila

Pt 2: Megan

 

Week 2

Wednesday

1/21

8:00-11:30 pm

Tierra Sullivan- Inclusive Communication and LBGTQ+ Patient Care- 9-10:30 am

tsullivan@rhc.net

Orthopedic Bootcamp

Clinical Orientation – 11:30-12:30

Reflection/Paper on EDI

Wednesday

1/21

1:00-4:30 pm

Emily Heuermann – LSVT BIG – confirmed on 11/24/25Progress Note documentation


 

Thursday

1/22

8-11:30am

Rachel Lucas- Mens Pelvic Health, Post-partum and Cancer Rehabilitation- confirm with Rachel 

Thursday

1/22

12-3:30 pm

Megan Arpin - megan.m.arpin@gmail.com

Acute Care Review

 

 

Clinical Practicum II

 

Week 3

Wednesday

3/18

8:00-11:30

IP Simulation-student assignment:
  • Everyone needs to submit their documentation from their participation in IP Simulation.
  • Make sure you are in communication with your Clinical III Site and CI. Did you send your profile link and letter to the SCCE/CI?

Wednesday

3/18

1:00-4:30 pm

IP Simulation-student assignment: 

Thursday

3/19

8:00-11:30 am

Carle Home Health, IP Lecture-Heidi Morris and Michelle Best, 8:00-9:30

Kara Meegan, School Based Physical Therapy, 10:00-10:45 am

Ortho Boot Camp continued (as time allows)

 

Thursday 3/19

12-3:30 pm

Erin Walsh-Libby- Home health – Zoom

Diagnostic Imaging Cases – PhysioU

 

 

 

Week 4

Wednesday 3/25

8-11:30am

Julie Fox, PTA, CLT- Lymphedema

Juliefox82@gmail.com

Pharmacology Cases/ Metabolic Lecture

-Pharmacology Cases

Program survey

Wednesday

3/25

1-4:30pm

Bob Mota – BFR, ASTYM, Pain Science Confirmed on 11/24/25Legislative and Polical Advocacy

Thursday

3/26

8-11:30am

Vestibular? 

Thursday

3/26

12-3:30pm

Final Research Review Presentations

Legislative and political Advocacy discussion

 
TBDClinical Orientation 
   

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.