PTA-107C Clinical Practicum III
General Information

ACCE Contact Information

Carol Morodomi, MPT, ACCE
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
cmorodomi@ohlone.edu
(510) 979-7481

Course Description

This course is a continuation of the clinical education of the PTA. It builds on the skills learned in PTA 107B. This course focuses on the collection and interpretation of clinical data and includes exposure to various testing devices for strength, balance, and coordination. Students are expected to adjust patient treatment plans based on the test results and to communicate these to the Clinical Instructor for the purpose of modifying treatment plans. The student will conduct an inservice or case study to present to the staff of their assigned clinical facility. The purpose of the inservice is to acquaint the student with the current trends in patient intervention and expand knowledge of the health care delivery system. Laboratory experiences may include opportunities in more than one setting as designated by the instructor.

Clinical Grading Guidelines

Students are evaluated in each full-time clinical placement using the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) for physical therapist assistants. Students should be exposed/participate in all 20 Performance Criteria during all full-time clinical placements. It is the student’s responsibility, in conjunction with the Clinical Instructor, to seek out experiences that can lead to completion of the Performance Criteria. No student will be penalized for lack of patient contact if the facility has a slow period.

The Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) will determine the final grade for each clinical placement in accordance with the California Education Code. All clinical placements, both part-time and full-time, are graded "credit/no credit" only. The grade will be based on the information listed below, as indicated by course, as well as information gained during the clinical phone call/visit.

Clinical Instructors and students need to be aware that the following list contains reasons that a student may receive a failing, or "no credit" grade, for a clinical course. They may also result in the immediate removal of a student from the clinical site.

• Violation of the Physical Therapy Practice Act
• Violation of the Federal or State Laws as they relate to patient care
• Injury or negligence to the patient
• Failure to follow the clinical policies and procedures of the clinical site
• Safety errors
• Non-completion of Performance Criteria in the CPI
• Failure to follow directions of the Clinical Instructor or other staff at the clinical site
• Inappropriate behavior such as sexual harassment; violation of confidential material; inappropriate dress; poor work habits related to schedules, assignments, or charting
• "Significant concerns" box checked for any Performance Indicator by final evaluation
• Not meeting "entry level" rating on Performance Criteria #1-5 by final evaluation
• Failure to submit forms requested on time
• Not achieving >75% rating on VAS on Performance Criteria #6-20 by final evaluation
• Expired immunizations, health tests, CPR cards

Other reasons may be determined at the time of the clinical visit, or by arrangement of the Clinical Instructor and ACCE.

Specific Criteria for Grade of "Credit" in PTA 107C

• Receives "entry-level" rating on Performance Criteria #1-5 on CPI
• Receives no check off in "significant concerns" boxes for any CPI Performance Criteria by final evaluation.
• Receives markings at 75% on VAS (+ or - 5%) on Performance Criteria # 6-20 for final evaluation.
• Turns in all forms by date requested
  1. CPI (assessment by CI)
  2. Student Evaluation of Experience at Clinical Facility (by student)
  3. Additional Feedback on PTA Program (by CI)
  4. ACCE Student Evaluation Form (by student)
  5. CPI Self Assessment (by student)
• Provides the clinical facility an in-service or case study report. Copies of the project chosen must be turned into ACCE by date requested. See Guidelines in PTA Student Handbook
• No more than 1 absence.
• Attends both mandatory pre-clinical information meeting and debrief meeting

Student Materials

• PTA Student Kit
• White Lab Coat (dependent on clinical facility)
• PTA Student ID Badge
• Clinical Performance Instrument, APTA (two copies distributed by instructor at Information Meeting)

Outline of Course Sequence

• MANDATORY Pre-Clinical Meeting: Location and Time TBA
  1. Grading Requirements
  2. Midterm Visit Procedures
  3. Expectations
  4. Clinical Performance Instrument Use
  5. Inservice/Case Study
  6. Questions/Concerns
  7. Methods to contact ACCE
• Rotation Dates 2007: April 30 - May 25, 2007
• MANDATORY Debriefing Meeting Location and Time TBA
  1. Turn in all paperwork
  2. Discuss rotation with faculty and students
  3. ACCE Evaluation
  4. Celebration/Potluck