Physical Therapy Assistant Program

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Physical Therapy Assistant Program

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Physical Therapy Assistant Program is designed to provide the student with the necessary tools to successfully enter the message industry as an entry-level massage therapist or a physical therapy aide. The 900 hour program consist of ten self-contained modules that , which the student will learn Anatomy and Physiology terminology, medical terminology, body mechanics, therapeutic modalities, effective communication, ethics and the standard of practice of a massage, therapist and a physical therapy aide, while learning skills competencies in performing massages and routine treatments. The institutions introduces principles and best practices necessary to, not only, attain skills proficiency as a message therapist and physical therapy aid, but also the development of professionalism and life skills. All students, prior from entering an externship site and before having client interaction, are required to have CPR and First Aid certification and Infection Control and Standard Precautions. This program is divided into modules consisting both of lectures and skills laboratories with the last module as externship.

OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Although the duties of massage therapists and/or physical therapy aides may vary depending on the type of practice and location, the training provided by AMA addresses the skills requirements for both massage therapist and physical therapy aide equipping the student more employable skills in these forms of therapy. The student is also provided training in basic office procedures in a clinical setting and the technical know-how to start a private practice.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSITANT

AMA-MTP 101 Anatomy/Physiology and Medical Terminology Hours (Lect 60 Lab 20)

This module presents the anatomic structure, regions, composition, functions and disorders of each body system, including signs and symptoms of disease and the healing mechanisms of the body. Student will also learn the components of a medical term and how to break down a term by prefix or suffix and individual parts and definitions. Prior to performing actual massage, student will train for CPR/First Aid Certification/First Aid and Infection Control and Standard Precautions. An emphasis is given to infection and common pathogens and safety precautions, practices, and procedures for massage therapists and physical therapy aides. Professional Development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP 102 Massage Therapy Fundamentals

This module presents the effects and benefits of massage on various systems of the human body, the common conditions generally relieved by massage, and the major contraindications for massage. The student will learn minimum studio dimensions, ideal temperature, and tips for lighting the massage room; the factors in choosing a massage table and other equipment and supplies. The student will learn how to conduct a preliminary assessment and develop a treatment plan, SOAP charting and other documentation requirements as well as guidelines in client privacy and confidentiality. A short overview of the history of massage serves as module introduction.

AMA-MTP 103 Body Mechanics and Injury Prevention Hours (Lec 40 Lab 40)

This module provides an overview of the general rules of good body mechanics in order to reduce the risk of injury and illnesses, enhance productivity and improve ones quality of life. Students will learn how to hold the body when seated, standing, lifting, carrying, bending and sleeping and how these affect the spine and the abnormal stresses it is subjected to leading to disc and joint injuries and unnecessary wear and tear. Topics also include kinesiology and pressure ulcers. Professional Development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP104 Therapeutic Modalities Hours (Lec 20 Lab 60)

This module presents the theories and principles of physical therapy modalities including heat and cold, traction, massage and hydrotherapy. Students will integrate the theories learned for the practice of physical therapy. Skills in safe and effective application of the different modalities will be conducted during skills laboratory. Professional development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP 105 Safety and Patient Care Hours (Lec 20 Lab 60)

This module presents the basic patient care skills for clients/patients such as transfer techniques, wheel chair management, teaching the use of assistive gait devices including the abnormalities of gait patterns. The module also gives students an overview of exercise techniques and outcome measurements as a result of therapeutic exercises. Skills laboratory includes competency in taking vital signs. Professional development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP106 Athletic and Sports Massage Hours ( Lec 20 Lab 60)

This module provides an overview of the general problem areas common to athletes including the purposes and range of benefits and techniques applicable to them. This module also provides training for those with special need population such as prenatal, infant, children and clients/patients with illnesses. The student will learn the history of massage in medicine, the benefits of integrative medicine and the indications and contraindication of common medical problems that can benefit from massage; and contraindications for massage in a healthcare setting. Professional Development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP107 Communication and Ethics Hours ( Lec 60 Lab 20)

This module provides an in depth discussion of how a therapist interact with a patient, family members or members of the rehabilitation team. It includes verbal and non-verbal methods of communication, laws and code of ethics of a massage therapist and physical therapy aide, HIPAA, negligence and malpractice.

AMA-MTP 108 Office Procedures Hours (Lec 60 Lab 20)

This module provides the student the basic elements of office procedures and management such as records management, correspondence, and overview of insurance processing and patient billing. For those wanting to open their own business, the topics on entrepreneurship and business practices are included. Professional development is taught throughout the module.

AMA-MTP 109 LS Life Skills Hours( Lec 20 Lab 0)

This course, designed by the ATC Student Services Department in the form of workshop/lecture/lecture-discussion and one-on-one counseling, addresses matters that impact a student’s performance while on training and at work. Topics include work ethics, professionalism, time management, job interviews, resume preparation, computer applications, financial management, time management, job seeking, and professional development.

AMA-MT110 Clinical Externship Hours (240 Externship)

Upon completion of the classroom and skill lab training, the student will participate in a 200 hours of clinical externship. Serving an externship at an approved facility offers the student the opportunity to apply the principles and techniques gained in the classroom and skills laboratory as well as improve their hands-on skills, critical thinking skills, charting, confidence, and other elements critical to becoming a professional massage therapist and/or physical therapy aide. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel in participating institution. Externs will be evaluated by supervisory personnel. Students must successfully complete their externship training in order to fulfill the requirements for graduation.