The Physical Therapist Assistant program at SIUC is designed to prepare the individual to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist. These services are specified in the plan of care developed by the physical therapist and may include preparing the patient, treatment area, and/or equipment, implementing the treatment program, and modifying the treatment program as outlined in the plan of care.

Due to standards for accreditation, limitations of facilities/internship sites, and faculty-student ratio, enrollment in the program is limited. In order to be considered for admission to the program, a physical therapist assistant application must be completed. Students should initiate the application process in September and submit a completed application by February. Selected applicants will be admitted into the program the following fall.

Physical therapist assistant students have the opportunity to apply for scholarship awards from the Elk's Club and numerous college and university organizations. These awards are based upon scholarly achievement and the active support of the professional association. Many scholarships are available from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Counseling for financial assistance may be obtained at the Office of Financial Aid, Woody Hall, (618) 453-4334. For further information, visit their World Wide Web site at: http://www.siu.edu/~fac/

Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities through membership in the student organization, Southern Illinois Physical Therapist Assistants. Students also have the opportunity to join the American Physical Therapy Association and to attend district and state meetings.

Physical therapist assistants are employed in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, out-patient clinics, public schools, and extended care facilities. They are also employed in industrial settings, home health agencies, and sports medicine clinics.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program assists graduates in finding employment through maintaining a job file, providing addresses to potential employers, and working with the Career Planning and Placement Office.

Human Anatomy
Psychology
Medical Terminology
Physiology/Lab
*Physical Agents I
*Introduction to Physical Therapy

Third Semester (Fall)

Interpersonal Communication
Physiological Basis of Human Movement
*Therapeutic Exercise I
*Pathology
*Physical Agents II

Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice and Procedures. Students will be able to describe the historical background, professional, ethical, and legal aspects of physical therapy practice. They will be able to describe the relationship of physical therapy to total health care. They will explain and demonstrate basic skills such as sterile technique, wound care, and vital signs monitoring. They will be able to perform massage techniques to selected patients.

Physical Agents I Theory. Students will be able to describe the theories and physiological effects of massage and thermal physical agents such as, superficial and deep heat, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and laser therapy.

Physical Agents I Application. Students will be able to safely and effectively apply therapeutic massage and physical agent interventions such as, superficial and deep heat, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and laser therapy.

Human Neuromusculoskeletal Anatomy. Student will be able to describe and identify the structure, function, and integration of the component parts of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems of a human body.

Physical Rehabilitative Techniques Theory. Students will be able to understand and explain the need for and concepts involved in physical rehabilitation interventions that assist patients in obtaining a state of optimal function.

Physical Rehabilitative Techniques Application. Students will demonstrate competency in performing patient care skills and treatment interventions that assist patients in obtaining a state of optimal function. Techniques covered include: range of motion, goniometry, transfers, chest physical therapy and utilization of assistive devices.

Pathology. Students will be able to describe the fundamental basis of disease including inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases, orthopedic conditions and repair of bone and soft tissue injuries. Emphasis will be placed on those conditions treated through physical therapy procedures.

Physical Therapist Assistant, Practicum I. Students will be able to carry out routine physical therapy procedures with selected patients. They will be able to demonstrate skills in massage, hydrotherapy, range of motion therapeutic exercises, activities of daily living, and the safe application of heat, cold, and radiant energy. Students will also be able to assist in maintaining records and equipment.

Physical Therapy Science. Students will be able to describe selected medical and surgical conditions from the standpoint of etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and physical therapy treatment.

Therapeutic Exercise Theory. Students will be able to understand neuroanatomy and theoretical concepts related to therapeutic exercise. Students will identify treatment principles and special tests related to specific orthopedic impairments.

Neurologic Therapeutic Exercise Theory. Students will understand the principles of advanced therapeutic exercise for patients with neurologic dysfunction. Theories behind motor control, motor reflexes, motor learning, sensory integration, motor development, and utilization of synergies are covered as well as the need for adaptive equipment.

Neurologic Therapeutic Exercise Application. Students will be able to demonstrate, through supervised application, advanced therapeutic exercise interventions such as sensory integration, motor reflexes, motor development and utilization of synergies for specific clinical neurological conditions.

Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise Theory. Students will understand the relationship of neuroanatomy to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, peripheral joint and soft tissue mobilization, muscle balancing and body mechanics.

Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise Application. Student will be able to safely administer advanced therapeutic excercise interventions for specific orthopedic conditions through demonstration and supervised application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, peripheral joint and soft tissue mobilization, muscle balancing and stabilization exercises.

Physical Agents II Theory. Students will be able to understand and describe the physiological effects, indications and contraindications for electrotherapy, traction and intermittent compression. Students will also explain the different theories and mechanics of pain.

Physical Agents II Application. Students will be able to demonstrate the safe and appropriate application of: electric currents, electrical muscle stimulation and electrotherapy for pain and healing functions, traction and intermittent compression. Students will administer standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales or visual analog scales for pain.

Practicum II. Students will be able to perform the skills acquired in Practicum I as well as more complex interventions with selected patients. They will demonstrate skills in therapeutic exercise, application of physical agents and record keeping.

Clinical Internship. Students will be able to apply previously learned theories and techniques of patient care through closely supervised practicum experience in two separate physical therapy facilities. a) First six week internship. b) Second six week internship.

Clinical Seminar. Students will be able to discuss with the program director or program faculty, patient care and problems encountered during internships. They will have the opportunity to evaluate their educational experience at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and their clinical internship experience.