PHTA 2145 Orthopedics for the PTA Syllabus 010 Fall 2026

Entry-Level Skills Checklist:

In courses with a patient skills component, an Entry-Level Skills Checklist is used to evaluate each student’s knowledge, skill and safety in basic procedures and overall competency in that skill; successful completion is required prior to participating in the laboratory practical, and absolutely before participating in clinical education experiences. Entry-level Skills Checklists are not graded, thus allowing for critical feedback from peers and the faculty on the student’s current skill level. It is the student’s responsibility to see that the skill is assessed/evaluated and completed by the designated date (typically the end of the unit) and turned in completed by the respective laboratory practical exam. If the Entry-Level Skills Checklist is not turned in, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the course and not progress within the program. The Entry-Level Skills Checklist Form is retained in the student’s file in the PTA program.

• Instruction in Exercise Equipment
  • Instruction in Home Exercise Program
  • Gait Deviations with Orthopedic Conditions

Online Lectures:

Some online recorded video lectures will be available for you on CANVAS throughout this course. If an online lecture is on CANVAS, the expectation is that you have listened to the lecture prior to class. The class time will be spent applying the learned material. The purpose of an online lecture is:

1. To assist students with guiding their reading

2. To allow increased time for application in the classroom

Lab:

Any portions of the lab unable to be completed during lab time will need to be completed and submitted to Canvas by the listed due date. Active participation and engagement are very important during lab, and anyone found not to be participating in lab will have 5 points deducted from their total lab grade for that lab.

Assignments:

All assignments must be submitted by the designated due date. Assignments submitted more than two (2) days after the due date listed in Canvas will not be accepted or graded and will receive a zero (0). Students are encouraged to submit their highest-quality work, as revisions, corrections, or resubmissions will not be considered for grade changes.

Quizzes:

Quizzes will cover key concepts of assigned readings and lectures. Quizzes may precede or follow a lecture on the given topic/required readings. The purpose of quizzes is not only to help students assess whether they understand the information discussed in class, but also to encourage students to come prepared for class by completing assigned readings.

Ticket to Class:

To receive full credit, the “Ticket to Class” must be completed and submitted at the beginning of the assigned class/lab session.

EBP Article Reviews:

Please make sure each article review includes a title with the article name. The article must also be attached to the article review. You should also relate the article back to clinical practice and previous experience in the summary. The article should be cited in AMA format. You may be asked to present your summary in class.

Evidence-Based Case Study:

Students will choose a diagnosis covered in class to research and design a case scenario treatment plan including modalities, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and HEP. The treatment will be from initial evaluation through the continuum of care to discharge from physical therapy. Students must use a minimum of three (3) peer reviewed articles to support selected treatment interventions. Articles must pertain to treatment interventions being utilized within your case scenario. Cite the articles in AMA formatting within your paper. Case studies must be typed and double-spaced and submitted along with references in AMA format on Canvas in the noted drop box.

Integrated Clinical Experiences/Guest Speakers/Pediatric Lab:

All pertinent information for integrated clinical experiences, guest speakers and the pediatric lab should be reviewed prior to the activity. Full participation, engagement and respect for participants/peers are required and expected during these activities.

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 time will be spent completing assignments and reviewing content outside of class meeting time for optimal results.

Course Policies

The policies and procedures of this course will follow the 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.