Physical Therapy

The Profession of Physical Therapy

Career Opportunities

Ethical and Legal Issues

Medical Terminology

Patient Positioning and Transferring

Workplace Safety and Infection Control

Health Care Skills

Examine Health and Performance Concepts

Anatomy and Physiology

Treat Common Medical Disorders

Ambulation and Gait

Therapeutic Exercises

Physical Therapy Agents and Modalities

Specialized Clinical Procedures

Administrative Responsibilities

Describe the evolution of physical therapy in the United States from the early 1900s to present day including the impact of World War I and II.

Define the major focus of the rehabilitation team

List the different members of the rehabilitation team and describe the function of each

Discuss the role of the physical therapy technician as it relates to working with patients with physical disabilities

Discuss career opportunities available to the physical therapy technician

Describe the training required at various levels of health care providers in the fields of physical therapy and physical medicine

Distinguish between settings within health care facilities

Discuss specialized physical therapy settings (pediatrics, women's health, neurological)

Discuss some of the desirable personal characteristics and technical skills required of a physical therapy technician

Identify several potential duties of the physical therapy technician

List potential employers of a physical therapy technician

Delineate between medical law and medical ethics

Discuss the purpose for the need to license medical personnel

Briefly discuss the Good Samaritan Act

Demonstrate an understanding of specific patient consent forms

State the legal implications of a patient’s medical record and how to protect patients’ rights (HIPAA, code of ethics, standard of care)

Investigate ethical and legal issues affecting the field of physical therapy and explain the Code of Ethics that members of the physical therapy team are morally bound to follow

Identify specific prefixes, suffixes, and root words related to medical terms.

Use common medical abbreviations and acronyms used in the healthcare environment

Identify body structure terms related to positions, directions, anatomical planes, posture, and types of movement

Explain the importance and uses of the medical record

Explain the benefits of an electronic medical record (EMR) system

Differentiate between subjective, objective, assessment and plan information on a patient’s medical record

Explain the different types of patient positioning (supine, fowlers, trendelenburg, side-lying)

Demonstrate proper procedure for moving a patient in a bed (log rolling, segmental rolling)

Describe the role body mechanics plays in physical therapy

Identify and use equipment to transfer a patient (ex. slide board, gait belt, etc.)

Demonstrate the procedure for transferring a patient with assistance (minim0al, maximal, 2 persons)

Identify the proper use of a pneumatic lift machine (hoyer)

Identify Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in relation to healthcare

Identify common safety hazards in health care settings

Identify the importance of a safe and sanitary treatment area

Demonstrate how to manage a safe and sanitary treatment area including the use of sanitation techniques, disinfectants and antiseptics

Explain the chain of infection and modes of transmission of disease

Demonstrate principles of proper hand hygiene

Demonstrate necessary isolation procedures

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and explain the reasoning behind using PPE

Analyze routine vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate)

Measure and record height and weight

Demonstrate proper wound care (e.g. cleaning, bandaging, and dressing)

Perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) procedures on infants, children, and adults

Demonstrate the proper use of PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation)

Describe nutritional concepts used to evaluate dietary intake and physical composition (e.g. 6 basic components of food; protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, water)

Analyze the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements

Describe exercise and nutrition considerations for special populations (medical conditions, weight management, food intolerances)

Distinguish between general strength and conditioning training principles

Perform tests and interpret results used to determine cardiopulmonary endurance, strength, flexibility and body composition

Examine the structure and function of the cardiovascular system

Examine the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system

Examine the structure and function of the neurological system

Examine the structure and function of the integumentary system

Examine the structure and function of axial regions of the body

Examine the structure and function of upper and lower extremities of the body

Analyze the joints and their articular structures

Define the role of physical therapy in caring for patients with special medical conditions

Explain the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting with treatment of patients diagnosed with common musculoskeletal and neurological disorders

Explain the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting with treatment of patients diagnosed with common cardiovascular and respiratory disorders

Describe the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting a patient with an amputation

Define the term ambulation and summarize the physical therapy technicians role in assisting the patient with it

Model the different phases in the gait cycle

Identify characteristics of gait disorders

Explain how to choose the appropriate ambulatory device for a patient’s use

Identify basic ambulatory devices, and briefly discuss the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient to use them

Delineate the difference between a two-point, three point, and a four point gait as each relates to crutch walking

Describe the difference between a swing-to and a swing-through gait, and briefly explain how each relates to crutch walking

Describe the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient to walk up and down stairs using an ambulatory devices

Explain indications, contraindications, safety precautions, and proper techniques for gait training (e.g. weight bearing assistive device, prosthetics, orthotic devices and canes)

State the ultimate purpose of any therapeutic exercise program

Differentiate among various kinds of exercises (e.g. isometric, isotonic, manual resistance, isokinetic, circuit training)

Discuss the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient with therapeutic exercises

Consider indications, contraindications, and safety precautions in strength, conditioning, and exercise activities (e.g. isotonic, isometric and isokinetic)

Describe types of stretching and flexibility strategies (e.g. static, ballistic, dynamic, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)

Explain strength, mobility, and balance as related to performance and injury prevention

Apply appropriate rehabilitation progression (e.g. previous functional level)

Describe the purpose of range of motion exercises and explain the difference between passive and active range of motion

Explain how muscle strength is graded

Distinguish between the different anatomical planes of motion

Prepare the patient/client for treatment expectations, physiological changes and special instructions for specific modality/therapy usage

Explain indications, contraindications, safety precautions, and applications related to modalities (e.g. thermotherapy, cryotherapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, compression)

Describe how to assess pain level using a rating scale (1-10 scale; smiley face scale)

Define hydrotherapy and describe its use in physical therapy

Explain ultrasound and describe its application in physical therapy

Contrast the difference between cold therapy and heat therapy and briefly discuss when each should be applied

Demonstrate how to use deep and superficial heating agents (paraffin, hot packs/moist heat, therapeutic ultrasound)

Explain therapeutic massage and when it is used

Demonstrate how to use mechanical traction and when it is used

Identify the different types of specialized therapies used for patients with specific physiological needs

Define the term reduction and differentiate between open reduction and closed reduction

Describe the purpose of a cast and bracing

Explain how pet therapy can be used with patients

Describe basic terminology of health insurance (co-pay, third party, referrals, visit authorization)

Demonstrate proper payment calculation and collection

Demonstrate answering, screening and documenting phone calls

Interpret a patient flowsheet and modify based off patient’s needs