The Profession of Physical Therapy

1. Appreciate the historical foundation of physical therapy (F1, F2, F11):
   1. Define physical therapy.
   2. Discuss and order the major historical events contributing to the development of physical therapy as a profession.
   3. Discuss the factors that have influenced the development of Physical Therapist Assistant.
2. Value professionalism as an essential attribute of a physical therapist assistant (F1, F2, F10, F11):
   1. Describe the characteristics of a profession.
   2. Describe the “Values-based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant”.
   3. Compare the “Values-based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant” to the “Core Values” of the physical therapy profession and relate them to physical therapy practice.
   4. Describe the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students.
3. Understand the role of professional associations in the advancement and regulation of physical therapy (F1, F2, F10, F11):
   1. Discuss the mission, goals, and vision of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
   2. Describe the organization and governance of the APTA.
   3. Evaluate the effects of professional associations on the practice of physical therapy
   4. Describe other selected organizations and their relevance to physical therapy.
   5. Identify current issues pertinent to physical therapy and discuss the role of the APTA in regards to the issues.
4. Understand the role of the physical therapist assistant in the provision of physical therapy (F1, F2, F10, F11, F12):
   1. Describe and differentiate the roles and supervisory relationships of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy aides.
   2. Identify specific activities that PTAs in Texas are allowed to do and are prohibited from doing.
   3. Evaluate circumstances and patient scenarios to determine if the physical therapist assistant needs to contact the supervising physical therapist for additional guidance before proceeding with patient care.
5. Understand the role of physical therapy in the provision of health care (F1, F2, F10, F11):
   1. Describe and differentiate the acute medical delivery system and the post-acute care delivery system.
   2. Describe and differentiate typical physical therapy practice settings and practice specialties.
   3. Identify members of the multi-disciplinary health care team and describe their roles.
   4. Categorize specific signs/symptoms according to Nagi’s disablement model.
   5. Describe organizational planning strategies and challenges in physical therapy settings.
6. Understand the legal issues pertinent to physical therapy (F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, C5, C7):
   1. Relate law and professional ethics.
   2. Describe the law governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Texas.
   3. Discuss selected sections of the PT Rules particularly relevant to obtaining and maintaining licensure and apply the rules to various physical therapy scenarios.
   4. Describe selected components of civil law and health care malpractice.
   5. Describe selected civil liability issues related to physical therapy.
   6. Discuss the organization and purpose of the Executive Council of PT and OT Examiners and the Texas Board of PT Examiners.
   7. Demonstrate the ability to access the PT Rules and FAQs on the ECPTOTE website.
   8. Describe the licensure and facility registration processes and requirements
7. Understand the ethical issues pertinent to physical therapy (F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, C5, C7):
   1. Define professional ethics.
   2. Describe and differentiate selected ethical theories.
   3. Discuss the four biomedical ethical principles and relate them to physical therapy.
   4. Describe the APTA documents and processes concerning the ethical conduct of members.
   5. Describe ethical decision making methods and apply them to ethical issues.
   6. Describe the legal concepts of confidentiality and informed consent and their application in physical therapy.
8. Prepare to implement an evidence-based physical therapy practice model.
   1. Discuss the application and limitations of evidence-based practice.
   2. Describe specific strategies for implementing evidence-based practice.
   3. Define selected terms found in research studies and discuss their significance.
   4. Analyze specific research studies to determine significance and relevance as evidence in PT practice.
9. Understand reimbursement concepts and issues pertinent to physical therapy.
   1. Describe and differentiate selected health care reimbursement models and payment strategies.
   2. Define selected terms pertinent to physical therapy reimbursement.
   3. Describe Medicare requirements and benefits related to physical therapy.
   4. Differentiate the Medicare, Medicaid and Workers Compensation programs.
   5. Describe the relevance of the Correct Coding Initiative and Functional Limitation Reporting to physical therapy.

Teaching Methods and Learning Experiences

Lectures, laboratory activities, reading assignments, individual and/or group projects and assignments.  Some components of this course will be computer based.  Student access to a computer/printer will be required for completing assignments. Computers are available to students in the Academic Support Center in the Mineral Wells Education Center.