PTA 280

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COURSE SYLLABUS

1.	TITLE OF COURSE:	PTA INTERNSHIP I
	PREFIX/NUMBER:	PTA 280	CREDIT HOURS: CLOCK HOURS:	4 180
2.	PREREQUISITE:	PTA 120
3.	RESOURCES NEEDED:	PTA Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI)
	TEXT:
	SUPPLIES:

4.	COURSE DESCRIPTION:
	Initial clinical exposure providing hands on of various types of patient practicum skills and techniques. Includes application of basic patient care skills including transfers, range of motion, modalities, bandaging, aseptic techniques, and gait training. Students demonstrate professional behavior and communication principles appropriate in the physical therapy setting. A designated clinical instructor in an acute care, geriatric, or outpatient setting will provide supervision.
5.	COURSE OBJECTIVES:
	During this internship, under the supervision of the Clinical Instructor(s), the student should be able to:
	A.	Complete 160 hours in an internship experience under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor.
	B.	Under close supervision, assist the CI and other PT staff in providing patient care with a minimum of 6-8 patients. Performance will include, but is not limited to the following:
		1)	Perform selected therapeutic techniques relative to specific patient diagnosis and plan of care
		2)	Employs on-going assessment skills when monitoring a patient’s response to a treatment program
		3)	Observe and respond to acute changes in physiological state of the patient during therapeutic techniques which address the unique physical, psychological and social issues of each patient.
		4)	Practice patient care documentation
		5)	Progress patient through the established treatment plan efficiently and effectively (achieves established goals).
		6)	Employ skills and attitudes required for professional conduct when interacting with other health care professionals and patients.
		7)	Employ skills for effective communication when interacting with other health care professionals, patients and families.
	C.	Recognize individual strengths and limitations based on current ability level.
	D.	Participate in patient care in a legal and ethical manner according to current state practice act, professional APTA guidelines and third party payer regulations.
	E.	Seek opportunities that promote professional development and reinforce life-long learning.
	F.	Maintain communication with the academic program utilizing designated procedures in a timely manner.
	G.	Complete the CPI at the 50% level.

6.	EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
A.	Evaluation methods may include but not limited to the following:
	· Assignments
	· Tests (exams)
	· Quizzes
	· Group activities
	· Oral presentations
	· Class participation
	· Performance evaluations (skill checks)
	Specific methods will be provided during the course.
B.	The following is the grading scale for all of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program courses:
	93-100%=A
	85-92%=B
	78-84%=C
	65-77%=D
	0-64%=F
C.	If a class or clinical is repeated the following scale will apply: 94-100% = A 88- 93% = B 80- 87% = C
D.	To reinforce expected documentation and communication accuracy for the future PTA, ALL written assignments, and exams will be graded for spelling accuracy. One point will be deducted for 1-3 errors, two points will be deducted for 4-6 errors, etc. The instructor will highlight the spelling errors and deduct points accordingly. The student will have the option to correct the errors by the beginning of the next scheduled class. After the errors have been corrected, the student may regain the previously deducted points from the assignment or exam.
E.	Students are reminded to not discuss any quiz or test before all students have taken the quiz or test. It is in the best interest of everyone to not "assist" your friends in their education. This is considered cheating, and is justification for dismissal from the PTA program.
F.	Test questions regarding the safety or contraindications will penalize students three times the weight of the question.
G.	Students must earn a "C" (78%) or better in all PTA courses to successfully pass the course for the first time. Any repeats must be passed at 80% for the minimum "C" grade.
H.	Students earning a "D" in any PTA course must repeat that course earning a "C" or better prior to graduation. Courses within the PTA Program may only be repeated once. Continuation in the PTA curriculum will not occur if a student receives a "D" in PTA 110, 120, 135, 230, 240, 280, 281, 282.
I.	Program students will be allowed to repeat only one (1) PTA core curriculum didactic course (excluding PTA 280, 281, and 282). If a second "D" occurs in the PTA core curriculum classes the student will be dismissed from the PTA Program. The student is eligible to reapply for readmission.
J.	Students earning an "F" in any PTA didactic (except PTA 115 and 205) or clinical course will be dropped from the program. If an “F” is received in PTA 115 or 205, the student may be dropped from the PTA Program by the PTA Director. The student is eligible to reapply for readmission to the PTA Program if dismissed for an “F”.
K.	All successful repeats of any course or clinical must occur within one year.
L.	All appeal policies will be followed in the case of an appeal by a student. For PTA Grievance Procedures refer to PTA Student Handbook. College appeal process is available in the College Catalog and the PCC Student Handbook.
	ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY
	ATTENDANCE:
	The attendance policy of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be the same as Pueblo Community College's with the following additions:
A.	Ten percent (10%) absence (excused or unexcused) in lecture or lab classes will result in the student receiving an attendance-warning letter from the instructor. Any additional absences beyond the 10% will result in the lowering of that grade one complete letter grade for the class.
B.	Twenty percent (20%) absence (excused or unexcused) in lecture and/or lab classes may result in the student being dropped from the class. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absenteeism, continuation within the PTA Program will be decided by the Program Director.
C.	Excused Absence: If a student knows that he/she will be absent from a scheduled class, prior notification must be given to the instructor before the class begins. Instructors maybe reached by phone or through the Division Secretary.
	A All assignments, quizzes, and exams will be allowed to be made up. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the make-up and to schedule with the instructor. Quizzes must be made up before the beginning of the next class. The student may miss the beginning of the class to make up the quiz, but will not be considered tardy or absent. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all class materials that were presented while absent or making up any quizzes, etc.
D.	Unexcused Absence: Failure to notify the instructor that the student will be absent before the beginning of class will result in an unexcused absence. No assignments, quizzes or exams will be allowed to be made up for any unexcused absence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all class materials that were presented while absent.
	TARDY
	It is considered unprofessional behavior for students to arrive late and/or leave early from lecture, lab, or internships. Students are to be ready to begin all educational opportunities at the scheduled start of that lecture, lab, or internship. Failure to do so will result in the student being tardy.
	Students are to be ready in appropriate lab attire for the lab classes 5 minutes after the scheduled start of the lab. Failure to do so will result in the student being tardy.
A.	Excessive tardiness or leaving early (3 or more) will result in the student being placed on probation. Two (2) additional tardies or leaving early after probation may result in the student being dropped from the class. Continuation within the program, if a student is dropped for excessive tardiness, will be at the discretion of the Program Director.
B.	Tardy Excused: If a student knows he/she will be tardy, the student must notify the instructor prior to the beginning of the lecture, lab or internship to be tardy excused. Quizzes and exams will be allowed to be made up. Assignments are to be turned in as the student enters the room or as required for that class. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all class materials that were presented while absent or making up any quizzes, etc.
C.	Tardy Unexcused: If a student does not notify the instructor prior to the beginning of the class that he/she will be tardy, the student will be tardy unexcused. The student will be allowed to take any quizzes but will receive only 50% of the total earned points for that quiz. If an exam is occurring and the student arrives tardy unexcused, the student will be allowed to take the exam but WILL NOT be allowed any additional time to complete the exam beyond the scheduled completion time. Assignments will be dealt with as late assignments and the student will receive credit as stated in the syllabus. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all class materials that were presented while absent or making up any quizzes, etc.
	Students are expected to discuss their reason for being late and not notifying the instructor resulting in an unexcused tardy by the end of the class without interrupting the class. This professional courtesy will also be extended by all instructors to students if the occasion occurs.
	ASSESSMENT POLICY
	ASSIGNMENTS:
	All assignments must be turned in no later than the beginning of the scheduled class time on the due date. All assignments may be delivered to the instructor or given to the Administrative Assistant. Time, and date received will be recorded by the Administrative Assistant or the work-study and forwarded to the instructor. DO NOT LEAVE ASSIGNMENTS UNDER OFFICE/CLASSROOM DOORS, THE JANITOR MAY DISPOSE OF THEM. All graded materials will be returned to the student within one (1) week (7 days) of the due date; not seven (7) days from the date that the assignment was handed in.
A.	Late Assignments: Any assignment turned in after the due date time will be accepted until the end of the PTA scheduled class day of that date but will be lowered one complete grade. Assignments will be accepted after the end of the PTA scheduled class day, but the student will receive a "0".
B.	Early Assignments: Assignments may be turned in prior to the due date. If the assignment is received up to 7 calendar days prior to the due date, the student MAY receive 3 bonus points on selected assignments as indicated by the instructor.
	TESTS:
	All tests will be administered on the scheduled dates. If you are unable to attend class on the scheduled test day, prior notification is is required in order to take the exam. Excused absences are illnesses and emergency situations. If the absence is excused, a makeup test will be scheduled without any point reduction. Exams that are missed due to the excused absence MUST be taken in the PCC Learning Center and be completed PRIOR to the beginning of the next scheduled class period.
	Quizzes:
	Quizzes derived from required readings and lecture materials may be given at any time during the PTA courses, including lecture or lab. Students are considered absent excused from lecture and/or lab if they contact the instructor prior to the beginning of class. The student is also tardy excused if notice is given to the instructor prior to the beginning of the lecture and/or lab.
A.	Any student that is absent excused must take the quiz that was missed before the beginning of the next class that the student attends. However, the make-up quiz may be a different format than the original missed quiz. The student may miss the beginning of this lecture, but will not be considered absent or tardy. It will be the student's responsibility to obtain all class materials that were presented while absent and taking the quiz.
B.	Any student that is tardy excused will be required to take the quiz when they enter the class or lab room. The student will be responsible for all class materials presented while taking the quiz.
C.	It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to make up all quizzes as stated above. Any quiz requested after this time frame may be taken and evaluated but a "0" will be recorded.
	TEAM ASSESSMENT:
	Group activities are learning experiences designed to promote teamwork among peers. It is a process that involves organization, time management, delegation, and accountability of all members of the team.
	All members of the team will receive the same grade for their project which may be oral and/ or written presentations. In addition to the grade for the project an additional ten (10) points will be assessed for teamwork participation throughout the process. The points will be assigned as follows:
	2 points Group meets to discuss plan of action, delegate responsibilities, sets meeting dates to review progress.
	4 points Team meets on scheduled date with written proof of 50% completion of individual contribution. Team decides meeting date to finalize project.
	No points (0) will be given to team members that have NOT completed a minimum of 50% of the project.
	4 points Team meets before project is due with completed portions of the project and presents other team members with a copy. No points (0) will be given to team members that have NOT completed their portion and/or provided copies for other members.
	Each team will submit a scorecard of each team member’s points to the instructor of the course. All members MUST AGREE on the points based on the above criteria. If an agreement can not be made, a time with all members and the instructor will be set to resolve the dilemma. An additional two (2) points may be received for turning in the self-evaluation of interpersonal skills. Each team member is required to submit their own form to receive the points.
	If a member of the team is going to be absent the scheduled day for oral presentations and the instructor is notified at least 4 hours prior to the scheduled time, the presentation will be rescheduled IF possible. If less than 4-hour notification is given, the presentation will be given as scheduled and the absent student will receive 75% of the group points. If NO NOTIFICATION is given prior to the start of the class, the absent student will receive a zero (0) for the project.
7.	METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
	To be successful in this course, students are expected to participate in discussions, readings, in-class writing, and peer review activities. The instructor may assign point values to such activities.

8.	PLAGIARISM:
	PLAGIARISM (from a Latin word for "kidnapper") is the presentation of someone else's ideas or words as your own. You plagiarize deliberately if you copy a sentence from a book and pass it off as your own writing, if you summarize or paraphrase someone else's ideas (including your classmate’s homework) without acknowledging your debt, or if you buy a term paper to hand in as your own. You plagiarize accidentally if you carelessly forget quotation marks around another writer's words or mistakenly omit a source citation for another's idea because you are unaware of the need to acknowledge the idea. Plagiarism includes turning in identical assignments. Whether deliberate or accidental, plagiarism is a serious and often punishable offense. A student who plagiarizes may receive an "F" on the assignment or an "F" in the course and/or other disciplinary sanctions.
	You do not plagiarize, however, when you draw on other writers' material and acknowledge your sources. That procedure is a crucial part of honest research writing.
	Physical Rehabilitation, Assessment & Treatment, Third Edition, O’Sullivan & Schmitz, F.A. Davis, 1994, p. 265.
	EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM
		SOURCE (from Physical Rehabilitation by O’Sullivan & Schmitz)
		...In measuring cane height, the cane (or center of a broad-based cane) is placed approximately 6" from the lateral border of the toes. Two landmarks typically are used during measurement: the greater trochanter and the angle of the elbow. The top of the cane should come to approximately the level of the greater trochanter, and the elbow should be flexed to about 20 to 30 degrees.
		NOT	In Physical Rehabilitation, in measuring cane height, the cane (or center of a broad-based cane) is placed approximately 6" from the lateral border of the toes.
		BUT	In Physical Rehabilitation, O’Sullivan & Schmitz say that "In measuring cane height, the cane (or center of a broad-based cane) is placed approximately 6" in from the lateral border of the toes.
		If you are in doubt about whether you need to cite a source, the best policy is to cite it.
		O’Sullivan & Schmitz, Physical Rehabilitation, Assessment & Treatment, Third Edition, F.A. Davis, 1994, p. 265.

9.	ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
	The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Pueblo Community College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as described in the Student Handbook. Violation of academic integrity may be defined to include the following: cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Sanctions for violating the standards of academic integrity may include warning, probation, suspension, and/or failure of the course or assignment at the discretion of the instructor.
10.	ADA NOTICE:
	Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations for this class. Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549-3446 for further information.