Physical Therapist Assistant
22 courses · Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PTA-1 Physical Therapy Practice for the PTA
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Corequisite
- PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce the students to the profession of Physical Therapist Assistant by covering the history, laws, and ethics of the profession; professional/medical documentation and quality assurance issues; and research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). Students will also study communication techniques, interpersonal relationships, and psychosocial considerations in health care. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-2 Pathology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Corequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce the pathophysiology of all major organ systems of the body. The etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and interventions related to common diseases and disorders seen in the physical therapy setting will be covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-3 Patient Care Skills Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Corequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L
- Transfers to
- CSU
The course will introduce students to the theory of basic patient care skills performed by the physical therapist assistant including positioning, monitoring vital signs, infection control techniques, transfer training and gait training. Students will also be introduced to the assessment and treatment processes of the physical therapist assistant. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-3L Patient Care Skills Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Corequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 4, and PTA 4L
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide practical training in basic care skills performed by the physical therapist assistant including position, monitoring vital signs, infection control techniques, transfer training, and gait training. Students will also begin assessment and intervention techniques for the physical therapist assistant in this laboratory course.
PTA-4 Clinical Kinesiology Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Corequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, and PTA 4L
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover kinesiology and anatomy of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Emphasis will be on musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology including arthrokinematics, static and dynamic movement systems, and associated clinical applications. Principles of goniometry and manual muscle testing will also be introduced. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-4L Clinical Kinesiology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Corequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, and PTA 4
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will consist of the laboratory component of the Clinical Kinesiology lecture course. Students will apply kinesiology and biomechanics principles of Clinical Kinesiology in a practical setting. Assessment of joint range of motion, muscle strength, posture and gait will be performed. Surface palpation skills will also be developed in this laboratory course.
PTA-5 Therapeutic Exercise Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L with a grade of C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 5L, PTA 6, PTA 6L, and PTA 20
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover the use of exercise as a preventative and rehabilitative modality for the treatment of pathological conditions. Emphasis is placed on the physiologic effects of exercise as well as the design and application of exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. This course will also address exercises specific to cardiac rehabilitation, aquatic physical therapy, and work hardening. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
PTA-5L Therapeutic Exercise Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L with a grade of C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 6, PTA 6L, and PTA 20
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide the practical training for the use of exercise as a preventative and rehabilitative modality for the treatment of pathological conditions. It is the laboratory component of PTA 5 Therapeutic Exercise Theory and will allow for application of concepts taught in that course. Therapeutic exercise principles will be illustrated through practice for strength, flexibility, posture and balance. More specific programs of therapeutic exercise for cardiac rehabilitation, aquatic therapy and work hardening will also be covered.
PTA-6 Physical Agents Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L with a grade of C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6L, and PTA 20
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover the use of physical agents in the treatment of common conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. Various thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic agents will be presented with corresponding indications and contraindications. Evidence based rationale for use of physical agents will also be addressed. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-6L Physical Agenta Lab
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 3, PTA 3L, PTA 4, and PTA 4L with a grade of C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 20
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will instruct students in the safe and effective use of physical agents in the treatment of common conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. Students will learn correct set up and application of thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic agents. This course is the laboratory course that corresponds with PTA 6 Physical Agents Theory.
PTA-7 Orthopedics Management Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 6L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 20 with a grade of P/C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 7L, PTA 8, PTA 8L, and PTA 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will focus on dysfunction, disease and trauma of the musculoskeletal system. Concepts of tissue healing, signs and symptoms of orthopedic dysfunctions, surgical interventions, and physical therapy interventions will be addressed. Students will be expected to integrate knowledge and skills from previous PTA coursework to the orthopedic patient. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-7L Orthopedics Management Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 6L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 20 with a grade of P/C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 8, PTA 8L, and PTA 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide the practical training for assessment and treatment of the orthopedic conditions seen in the physical therapy setting. It is the laboratory component of PTA 7 Orthopedic Management and will focus on application of concepts taught in that course. Treatment strategies for disorders of the spine, upper extremity, and lower extremity will be covered. Students will be expected to integrate knowledge and skills from previous PTA coursework and apply it to the orthopedic patient.
PTA-8 Neurology and Development Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 6L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 20 with a grade of P/C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8L, and PTA 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with a focus on human growth and development from birth to the aged adult. It will cover the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes with aging and their impact on functional movement. The process of motor development through motor control and motor learning will be addressed and applied to treatment of neurologic conditions through the lifespan. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-8L Neurology and Development Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 6L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 20 with a grade of P/C or higher
- Corequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide the practical training for the assessment and treatment of normal and abnormal neurodevelopment. It is the laboratory component of PTA 8 Neurology and Development and will focus on neurodevelopmental treatment techniques for pediatric patients and continuing through the lifespan. Fundamentals of treatment for neurological conditions in the adult and general treatment strategies related to geriatric patients will also be covered.
PTA-9 Neurological Management Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 21 with a grade of P
- Corequisite
- PTA 9L, PTA 10, PTA 10L, PTA 11, and PTA 22
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover physical therapy interventions for common neurologic conditions. Additionally, assessment, medical management, environmental barriers, adaptive equipment, psychosocial issues, and effective interdisciplinary management will also be covered as they apply to the patient with a neurologic condition. Students will apply neuroanatomy and developmental concepts learned in PTA 8 Neurology and Development to the adult patient with a neurologic condition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-9L Neurologic Management Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 21 with a grade of P
- Corequisite
- PTA 9, PTA 10, PTA 10L, PTA 11, and PTA 22
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover the practical training for the assessment and treatment of common neurologic conditions by the physical therapist assistant. It is the laboratory component of PTA 9 Neurologic Management Theory and will apply principles of patient management taught in that course. It will incorporate treatment principles and progression from previous courses through the use of case studies.
PTA-10 Advanced Procedures Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 21 with a grade of P
- Corequisite
- PTA 9, PTA 9L, PTA 10L, PTA 11, and PTA 22
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover physical therapy care for unique patient populations including patients with respiratory dysfunction, women’s health patients, oncology patients, amputees, patients with vestibular dysfunction, chronic pain patients, and those with complex multi-system pathology. Topics include diagnoses, medical and physical therapy interventions, special considerations, and equipment needs for these patient populations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-10L Advanced Procedures Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 21 with a grade of P
- Corequisite
- PTA 9, PTA 9L, PTA 10, PTA 11, and PTA 22
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide the practical training for physical therapy care for unique patient populations including patients with respiratory dysfunction, women’s health patients, oncology patients, amputees, patients with vestibular dysfunction, patients with wounds and/or burns, patients with chronic pain and those with complex multi-system pathology. This is the laboratory portion of PTA 10 Advanced Procedures Theory. The focus of this course will be the application of concepts and interventions to patient treatment scenarios. This course may be taught in a distance education manner, but only in the event of a declared emergency.
PTA-11 Professional Integration
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher, and PTA 21 with a grade of P
- Corequisite
- PTA 9, PTA 9L, PTA 10, PTA 10L, and PTA 22
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover issues related to practice management and encourage problem-solving skills to integrate all knowledge and skills learned throughout the PTA Program. The course will be discussion-based and focus on learning through case studies. This course will also prepare students for licensure as PTAs and include a comprehensive exam covering all information taught in the PTA Program. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-20 Clinical Preparedness
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 81 lab total
- Prerequisite
- PTA 5, PTA 5L, PTA 6, and PTA 6L with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe physical therapy evaluation and treatment of patients by PTA Program Faculty and through assigned observation hours in selected clinical sites. Through observation, discussion, reflection, and documentation, students will apply skills and techniques from current and previous PTA program courses to patient intervention and progression based on the physical therapist plan of care. Students will develop and enhance professional skills appropriate for clinical education experiences during semesters 3 and 4. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
PTA-21 Clinical Practicum I
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 320 clinical total*
- Prerequisite
- PTA 7, PTA 7L, PTA 8, and PTA 8L with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe and participate in patient care as directed by a clinical instructor. Students will be placed in a clinical setting for a full time (40 hrs/wk), eight-week clinical experience where they will apply knowledge and skills learned in semesters one, two and three of the PTA Program. Students will provide care as directed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for uncomplicated and complicated patients with the degree of supervision and guidance based on the patient and the environment.
PTA-22 Clinical Practicum II
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 320 clinical total*
- Prerequisite
- PTA 9, PTA 9L, PTA 10, PTA 10L, and PTA 11 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide students with the opportunity to observe and participate in patient care as directed by a clinical instructor. Students will be placed in a clinical setting for a full time (40 hrs/wk), eight-week clinical experience where they will apply knowledge and skills learned in semesters one through four of the PTA Program. Students will provide care as directed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for uncomplicated and complicated patients with the degree of supervision and guidance based on the patient and the environment. Students are expected to provide patient care and fulfill the role of the physical therapist assistant at entry level during this clinical experience.