Physical Therapy
12 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PTA 1 Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture-only course introduces the history, organizational structure, and principles (moral, legal, ethical) of evidence-based physical therapy practice in a multicultural society. Students will learn the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and competencies, along with the personal and professional characteristics needed by a physical therapist assistant to be a safe, effective, and efficient healthcare team member.
PTA 11 Documenting Red Flags
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture-only course builds on knowledge of pathophysiology to recognize and document normal and abnormal findings encountered in the clinical setting. Students will learn to review the medical record, produce defensible documentation, and develop critical thinking skills in observing and reporting clinical and psychosocial flags.
PTA 12 Patient Care
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course focuses on foundational principles and techniques to provide safe and effective patient care. It emphasizes patient and environment preparation and handling strategies to build a therapeutic relationship. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to assess physiological status, create and maintain a safe and clean environment, and describe devices and equipment encountered in a clinical setting and for mobility and gait training.
PTA 13 Biophysical Agents and Modalities
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course presents the application of biophysical agents and modalities to achieve therapeutic goals. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical principles, application, and physiological responses of established and developing therapeutic modalities, soft-tissue mobilization, and massage techniques used in physical therapy.
PTA 14 Orthopedics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course focuses on biomechanical principles, regional anatomy, and normal and abnormal movement patterns associated with musculoskeletal impairments. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to recognize, assess, and manage orthopedic conditions.
PTA 21 Professionalism and Ethics
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture-only course addresses professional, ethical, legal, and social issues encountered by a physical therapist assistant. Students will explore topics related to personal and professional career development, patient advocacy, quality assurance, administrative, fiscal, and legal applications, implications, and limitations of physical therapy practice.
PTA 22 Therapeutic Exercise
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course addresses the pathological and physiological considerations for the integration, modification, and progression of therapeutic exercise. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement therapeutic exercise for movement-related disorders and for health and wellness.
PTA 23 Acute Care
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course addresses psychosocial and other special considerations, management, and physical therapy interventions for individuals with acute and complex conditions. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement interventions, tests, and measures within the scope of practice in intra and interprofessional practice settings.
PTA 24 Neuromotor Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This lecture and laboratory course describes normal and abnormal neuromotor development related to the aging process. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage neuromuscular and nervous system disorders.
PTA 31 PTA Licensure Preparation
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course assists in preparation for the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant (NPTE-PTA). Students will complete self-assessment activities, develop test-taking and study skills, and review content to facilitate preparation for licensure.
PTA 32 Clinical I
- Units
- 5
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the first of two full-time seven-week clinical experiences. Students will perform delegated tasks as appropriate for the clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The clinical setting may include acute, sub-acute, outpatient, skilled nursing, or another type of physical therapy or rehabilitation facility.
PTA 33 Clinical II
- Units
- 5
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PTA 32
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the second of two full-time seven-week clinical experiences. Students will perform delegated tasks as appropriate for the clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and achieve entry-level performance. The clinical setting may include acute, sub-acute, outpatient, skilled nursing, or another type of physical therapy or rehabilitation facility.