PTA 140 - Physical Agents (4 Credits)

This course is designed to provide the basic science, clinical reasoning and effective use of physical agents by the PTA under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Topics include scientific principles, precautions, indications and contraindications for use, and the assessment of patient response to applied agents. Students who complete this course can demonstrate the application of compression therapies, cryotherapy, superficial and deep thermal agents, electrotherapeutic agents, athermal agents, hydrotherapy, light agents, mechanical motion devices and traction. Competency will include the incorporation of prior learned principles of proper patient positioning and draping, and the proper documentation of delivery of applied agents. Lecture Hours: 39. Laboratory Hours: 39. Prerequisite(s): PTA 101 , PTA 110 and permission of the department head. Course Fee: $80. Laboratory Fee: $35. Usually offered in the spring.