Students learn to apply and teach proper posture, body mechanics, and lifting techniques, and receive training in universal precautions, positioning and draping, taking vital signs, transfer training, gait training, balance training, and applying therapeutic heat and cold. Additionally, personal work orientation and learning style and an introduction to psychosocial support and patient education are covered. There are no prerequisites for this course. Students also are instructed in wound care and postural drainage. Students learn how to document services rendered, how to participate in discharge planning, how to provide psychosocial support, and how to educate patients and families.
Emphasis is placed on communication skills and ethical practice.
Successful completion of the competency checklist is required to pass this course. Students receive instruction in basic assessment skills including goniometry, manual muscle testing, flexibility, sensation, reflexes, segmental length, segmental girth, segmental volume, endurance, pain, balance, and activities of daily living. They are also introduced to industrial medicine assessments. Successful completion of the competency checklist is required to pass this course. The developmental sequence and how it applies to treatment and advanced therapeutic exercise techniques is covered.