IECC | Programs

Semester 1

Prefix/Num

Program Overview:
The Physical Therapist Assistant AAS focuses on the theory and hands-on applications required to gain entry-level employment opportunities in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) field of study. The program’s mission is to provide students with exceptional educational experience leading to competent, service-oriented patient-care providers.

Professional Licensure Information
This program of study prepares students to seek a professional licensure or certification in the state of Illinois and may not meet all requirements for other states. See the Professional Licensure Disclosure at www.iecc.edu/licensuredisclosure.

PTA students must pass all courses in the program with at least a C and maintain a minimum term GPA of 2.0 to proceed through the program.

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HEA 1225

Introduction to Medical Terminology

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This course introduces common root words, prefixes, and suffixes used in medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, spelling, pronunciation, ability to use a medical dictionary, vocabulary building, and common abbreviations.

LSC 2111

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

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This course will study the structures and functions and cells, tissues, organs, and some organ systems of the human body. These systems include: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, urinary, and reproductive. Fluids, electrolytes, acids, and bases are also discussed. Human cadavers or alternative selected mammal will be used to reinforce anatomical laboratory skills. Physiological mechanisms will also be emphasized. PREREQUISITE: LSC 1101 General Biology I is strongly recommended to be completed prior to enrolling in this course, or two years high school biology, or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

PTA 1203

PTA Clinical Processes

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Emphasizes the role of the physical therapist assistant, professional core values, professional development, HIPAA, ICF Model, special equipment, patient care settings, billing, and ethical and legal issues. Introduction to cultural competence and professional communication, evidence-based clinical procedures and documentation by the physical therapy assistant including principles of vital signs, functional movements, range of motion, body mechanics, ergonomics, infection control, and wound management. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant Program and LSC 2111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I. HEA 1225 Intro to Medical Terminology must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

PTA 1206

Functional Anatomy & Biomech.

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This course examines the functional anatomy and biomechanics behind human motion and physical performance during exercise, recreation, sport, rehabilitation, and daily activities. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program and LSC 2111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I.

Term Total

LSC 2112

Human Anatomy & Physiology II

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This course completes the study of the structure and function of human organ systems including nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and digestive. Human cadavers or alternative selected mammal will be used to reinforce anatomical laboratory skills. Physiological mechanisms will be emphasized. PREREQUISITE: LSC 2111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or its equivalent, or consent of instructor.

PTA 1205

Patient Care Interventions

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Admission into the PTA program is required prior to enrollment in this course. This course introduces basic physical therapy assistant procedures associated with rehabilitation of body mechanics. Students explore the principles and physiologic responses of heat, cold, light, water, mechanical traction, electrical stimulation, compression, pressure garments, and indications and contraindications to the use of these modalities. Students learn appropriate communication between a PT and PTA with application of physical agents in laboratory settings and documentation. PREREQUISITE: PTA 1203 PTA Clinical Processes.

PTA 1210

Field Experience for the PTA

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Introduces physical therapy through mock clinical, observations at clinical facilities, and reading appropriate professional articles. Student accompanies a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant at a facility to develop an understanding of the various roles and duties of the personnel and an appreciation of the variety of patients and their interventions. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant program, PTA 1203, PTA 1221, HEA 1202, HEA 1225, PSY 1101 and LSC 2111. LSC 2112 must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

PTA 1221

PTA Pathophysiology

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This course introduces the body systems and conditions encountered in physical therapy. For each system and its related conditions, the student will explore and write about etiology, pathology, manifestation, medical and physical therapy treatment, and prognosis.

PTA 2202

Musculoskeletal Therapy

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Students will identify muscular dysfunctions that affect the structure, function, and integration of the component parts of the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body along the lifespan. Emphasizes prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant Program and LSC 2111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I.

Term Total

ENG 1111

Composition I

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Composition I is an introductory course in composition and rhetoric emphasizing expository prose. Major focus is on organization, paragraph structure, and elimination of mechanical errors. The writing course sequence will (1) develop awareness of the writing process; (2) provide inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stress the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasize critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Grade of C or better is required for IAI transfer credit.

PSY 1101

General Psychology

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A survey of the study of human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary psychological investigation. Topics may include the biology of behavior, sensation, motivation, emotion, life-span development, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior, and individual differences. NO PREREQUISITE.

NOTE:

PSY 1101 satisfies the IECC human diversity requirement.

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Term Total

PTA 1211

Clinical I

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Introduction to clinical facilities as an active participant in the health care team. During this 8-week, full-time clinical course the student affiliates at a clinical site. Students use basic physical therapy procedures, administer modalities, as well as carry out basic exercise programs and gait training. This course will allow for physical therapist students to relate previous course work to patient care and develop skills as a multi-discipline medical team member. All treatment supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This course requires close coordination between students, clinical supervisor, and course coordinator. 160 clinical hours. PREREQUISITE: PTA 1203 PTA Clinical Processes.

PTA 2210

Multiple System Rehabilitation

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Students will apply and demonstrate treatment techniques for patients across the lifespan with various impairments involving the body systems including, but not limited to amputations integumentary burns and wounds, cardiopulmonary disorders, and peripheral vascular disorders. Students will experience and demonstrate application of these techniques during simulated patient situations in the laboratory setting. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of PTA 1203, PTA 1205, PTA 1206, PTA 1210, PTA 1221, HEA 1202, HEA 1225, PSY 1101, ENG 1111, LSC 2111, and LSC 2112.

PTA 2211

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

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Students’ physical therapy interventions skills are expanded to include the treatment of adults and children with neuromuscular conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and developmental disabilities. Students demonstrate various physical therapy interventions and discuss patient progression as outlined in patient's plan of care. Students are expected to accurately assess patient status and document patient findings. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. PREREQUISITE: PTA 1221 PTA Pathophysiology.

PTA 2212

Applied A&P for Exercise

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This course provides a comprehensive review of human anatomy with a strong emphasis on clinical relevance for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Students review anatomical knowledge and terminology essential to physical therapy practice, with focused study of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure–function relationships, movement, posture, and functional activity as they relate to therapeutic interventions. Through application-based learning and patient-centered scenarios, students integrate anatomical knowledge into clinical decision-making while recognizing the PTA’s role, scope of practice, and responsibilities within the physical therapy team. The course supports the integration of anatomy with kinesiology, pathology, and therapeutic procedures, preparing students for advanced coursework, clinical education experiences, and entry-level professional competence in accordance with CAPTE standards. Prerequisite: LSC 2111, LSC 2112 and admission into the PTA program.

PTA 2231

PTA Board Preparation I

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This course is designed to prepare Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students for successful completion of the NPTE-PTA examination and entry-level clinical practice. The course provides a comprehensive review of core PTA content areas, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems; therapeutic interventions; equipment and modalities; data collection; and professional standards related to safety, ethics, and scope of practice. Foundational concepts in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology are reinforced through clinically relevant applications. The student will gain study skills specifically to prepare for the NPTE-PTA, enhance their clinical reasoning, and prepare for job interviews and an active role in the rehabilitation profession. PREREQUISITES: PTA 1203, PTA 1205, PTA 1206, PTA 1210, PTA 1221, PTA 2202; enrollment in the PTA program.

Term Total

PTA 2232

PTA Board Preparation II

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PTA 2249

Clinical II

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Student is placed in the clinical setting full-time for 6 weeks and becomes an active participant in the health care team at a clinical site. The work experience helps develop therapeutic interventions and patient care skills. The student will demonstrate Advanced Level Clinical Performance; signified by meeting assigned skills as listed in syllabus. The assessment tool is the Physical Therapist Assistant-Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PTA MACS) used by the student and clinical instructor. At the completion of this course the students will meet student learning outcomes at an intermediate level while carrying a minimum of 75% of a full case load. Post-clinical learning experiences may include but are not limited to in person feedback from course instructor, patient care simulations, continuing education experiences, or collaborative learning experiences as deemed appropriate by the course instructor and Program Director to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be given notice of required meetings, which will be scheduled in the semester in which the clinical occurs as well as 1-2 weeks after completion of the on-site agency clinical. This course will allow for physical therapist students to relate previous course work to patient care and develop skills as a multi-discipline medical team member. All treatment supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This course requires close coordination between students, clinical supervisor, and course coordinator. 240 clinical hours. PREREQUISITE: PTA 1203, PTA 1205, PTA 1206, PTA 1210, PTA 1211, PTA 1221, PTA 2202, PTA 2210, PTA 2211, HEA 1202, HEA 1225, LSC 2111, PSY 1101, ENG 1111, LSC 2112.

PTA 2250

Clinical III

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Student is placed in the clinical setting experience and is full-time for 6 weeks becoming an active participant in the healthcare team at a clinical site. The student will demonstrate Intermediate to Advanced Level Clinical Performance; signified by meeting assigned Physical Therapist Assistant-Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PTA MACS) skills as indicated in syllabus used by the student and clinical instructor. At the completion of this course the students will meet student learning outcomes at an advanced level while carrying a minimum of 80-90% of a full case load Post-clinical learning experiences may include but are not limited to in-person feedback from course instructor, patient care simulations, continuing education experiences, or collaborative learning experiences as deemed appropriate by the course instructor and Program Director to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be given notice of required meetings, which will be scheduled in the semester in which the clinical occurs as well as 1-2 weeks after completion of the on-site agency clinical. This course will allow for physical therapist students to relate previous course work to patient care and develop skills as a multi-discipline medical team member. All treatment supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This course requires close coordination between students, clinical supervisor, and course coordinator. Upon completion of this affiliation, students are expected to be able to practice as entry-level physical therapist assistants. 240 clinical hours. PREREQUISITE: LSC 2111, LSC 2112, PSY 1101, ENG 1111, HEA 1202, HEA 1205, ENG 1111, PTA 1205, PTA 1206, PTA 1210, PTA 1211, PTA 2202, PTA 2210, PTA 2211, PTA 2249.

Term Total

Program Total

We recommend that you contact an advisor before enrolling in any degree, certificate, or transfer program to ensure all requirements are met including total hours associated with transfer courses.

This is a General Education or Elective course to be selected and therefore has no schedule link.