PTA 200 — Pathophysiology & Complex Systems
This course introduces the remaining body systems and conditions encountered in physical therapy: integumentary, endocrine, immune, hematological, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and metabolic. For each system and its related conditions, the student will explore etiology, pathology, manifestation, medical and physical therapy treatment, and prognosis. Realistic complex patient care and multi-system involvement is explored through an integration with orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, and neurologic conditions routinely treated by the physical therapist assistant as the patient progresses through the acute care, inpatient rehab and/or SNF, home care, and outpatient physical therapy settings. Upon completion, students should be able to safely, correctly, and effectively apply and document tests, measurements, and interventions in clinical practice related to conditions involving complex system interactions within in the plan of care and scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) under the supervision of a physical therapist. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.