PHTA 2001 Professional Standards of the PTA Syllabus 010 Summer 2026

Credit Hours 1.00 Lecture Hours 1 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
51.0806
Course Meeting Time

May 19th, 20th, 21st, and 27th from 8:00 am-12:30 pm

Course Description

Professionalism through effective verbal and nonverbal communication with all members of the healthcare delivery team, the patient-caregiver interaction, interpersonal skills, and cultural sensitivity will be further reinforced. Students will learn techniques to provide psycho-social support for patients, families, and classmates. Individual cultural, religious and socio-economic differences will be explored, as will how these impact a person's response to therapy. Emphasis is placed on developing students' awareness of contributing positively to society and the patient care experience through their individual roles as Physical Therapist Assistants.

Prerequisites

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Regina VanDeVelde
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
1-815-802-8817
Faculty Office Number
M132
Faculty Student Support Hours

*Student Support Hours by appointment

Faculty Information

Faculty
Co-Lead Instructors:

Regina VanDeVelde, PT, DPT 
T: 815-802-8817
E: rvandevelde@kcc.edu

Kim Libby, PT, DPT 
T: 815-802-8816
E: klibby@kcc.edu

Course Information

Course Outcomes

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

  1. Course Outcome Goal 1A: Communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team and involved parties. (7D7)
  2. Course Outcome Goal 2G: Demonstrate proficiency in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the physical therapy plan of care as directed by the supervising Physical Therapist Mental Health
  3. Course Outcome Goal 4A: Adhere to legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care and safety. (7D1, 7D2, 7D3)1. Describe mechanisms for reporting suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations2. Describe mechanisms for reporting suspected fraud and abuse related to payment and utilization of physical therapy services.
  4. 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 with value- based behaviors and standards for ethical conduct in the profession. (7D4, 7D5, 7D6)
  5. 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)
  6. Course Outcome Goal 5A: Achieve and maintain clinical and professional competence that sustain career development and lifelong learning to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant, including the role of clinical education of the physical therapist assistant students. (7D14)
  7. Course Outcome Goal 6A: Participate in professional and community organizations and the available opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. (7D13)
  8. 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. Professionalism
  2. PTA/patient Interactions
  3. PTA student/CI Interactions
  4. Ethical Dilemmas
  5. Health Care Team
  6. Social Responsibility, Civility, Advocacy
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Textbook(s)/Resources
Various handouts, articles, and materials will be made available to students throughout the course as appropriate, either in hard copy or online.
 

Methods of Evaluation

Evaluation 
Methods of Assessment:

Attendance/Class ParticipationXIndividual Projects and PresentationsX
Case Study/ScenariosxPractical Demonstrationx
Exams/Tests Written AssignmentsX
Group Projects and PresentationsXQuizzes 
Papers OtherX

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 satisfactory academic progress:
 Students who earn less than 80% on written exams are required to complete the remediation process. See exam remediation policy below. 
 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.
 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
  • Additional details regarding assignment requirements and completion are available in Canvas.

 

Planning for Student Success

For every hour you spend in class, you will need to spend 2-3 hours outside of class, depending on your ability to comprehend and recall content. This class meets for approximately 8 hours per week, so you should anticipate spending approximately 16-24 hours per week completing assignments and reviewing content outside of class meeting time for optimal results.

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.
Course Calendar

Topical Outline:

  • Implicit Bias, Health Equity, Cultural Humility, JEDI
  • Self-Awareness
  • Gender
  • Mental Health
  • Professionalism
  • PTA/patient Interactions
  • PTA student/CI Interactions
  • Ethical Dilemmas
  • Health Care Team
  • Social Responsibility, Civility, Advocacy

Assessment Criteria/ Tentative Course Calendar:

Mode of Delivery: Face to Face

This course is delivered in-person and includes a lecture component. 
Class meets in Room W109 on:

May 19, 20, 21, and 27th from 8:00 am-12:30 pm

DATE

TOPIC

Instructor

Tuesday

May 19th

Module 1

  • Research Round-up Article Review- various JEDI topics in Physical Therapy

-Pre-class assignment: read and summarize the assigned research article

-In class: student presentation of research articles and discussion

  • Health Equity Microlearning

-Pre-class assignment: Complete microlearning and submit certificate of completion

-In class: Health Equity and Implicit Bias Quiz

  • Harvard Medical Project Implicit

-Pre-class: Completion the survey and reflect on your results

-In-class: Class discussion

  • Cultural Humility/Competence

-In class assignment: Cultural Humility Worksheet

  • Spectrum of Gender

-Pre-class: Read article and complete reflection

-In class: Guest Speaker: Cari Stevenson –10:30-11:30 am, Discussion

  • American Like Me “Reflections on Life Between Cultures”

-Pre-class assignment: Read the chapters outlined in assignment

-In class: Graded discussion

 

To Do: Module 1 Written Assignment, Listen to “The Danger of a Single Story” before tomorrows class, Work on presentation on different healthcare professions (for module 3), Final Group Presentations (for module 4)

Professor VanDeVelde

Wednesday

May 20th

Module 2

  • Social Responsibility, Civility, Advocacy at MCA Senior Adult Day Center: 7:45 am-11:00 am (see assignment for details)

-Assignment: Post participation reflection

  • Mental Health

-In class: Guest Lecturer: Joe Phillips, Transformative Growth, 12:00-12:30

-Assignment: Mental health research assignment

  • “The Danger of a Single Story”-TED talk

-Pre class assignment: watch video prior to class

-In class: Discussion

To Do: Watch Self Awareness Video, continue to work on presentations for different healthcare professions and final group presentations

Professor VanDeVelde and Libby

Thursday

May 21st

7:30 am-12:00 pm

***Class time change

Module 3

  • Self-Awareness

-Pre- class: Watch Video

-In class: What’s so about me, Lecture

  • Health Disparity

-In class: Guest Speaker: Tiffany Eck, 9:00-10:00

-Assignment: Reflection

  • Professional Interactions

-In Class: Presentations

  • Communication
  • Professional Abilities

-In Class: Review APTA Core Values and complete Core Values Self-Assessment

-Assignment: Professional abilities assessment and Professional Development Plan

  • Ethics

To Do: Self Awareness & Mental Health discussion/ reflection, Professional Abilities/PDP, Final Group Presentation Project

Professor Libby

Wednesday

May 27th

Module 4

  • Navigating Bias and Cultural Humility

-In class: Guest Speaker: Tierra Sullivan-Dixon, 8:00-8:45 am

  • Final project presentations

 

Professor VanDeVelde and Libby

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.