THAS – Therapist Assistant
THAS 101
Normal Development of Speech, Language and Literacy
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This course provides students with an overview of normal speech and language development. The normal developmental milestones and sequence of typical language development from birth through to the school aged years are presented. Emergent literacy skills and literacy development are reviewed. General techniques for facilitating early speech, language and literacy development are identified.
THAS 102
Communication Disorders
4 Credits Weekly (4-0-0)
This course introduces speech, language, fluency and voice disorders. Developmental, genetic and acquired disorders of communication in both children and adults are reviewed. Basic speech and hearing anatomy and physiology, including the respiratory system, vocal apparatus, oral cavity, ear and neurological system are also discussed.
THAS 103
Pathology
4 Credits Weekly (4-0-0)
Students are introduced to the terminology, etiology, signs and symptoms, progression, and effects of common human disorders experienced by clients undergoing occupational and physical therapy treatments.
THAS 104
Role and Responsibilities of Paraprofessionals in an Educational Setting
2 Credits Weekly (2-0-0)
This course focuses on the knowledge, skills and attitudes paraprofessionals need to support both teachers and children in early education and primary (K-3) classrooms. Students explore the role of a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in the educational setting. Beginning with an analysis of their own educational beliefs, students analyze role guidelines and professional ethics. Students study best practices in effective classroom communication and teamwork. Through a review of the components of an Individualized Program Plan/Learner Support Plan, students explore the documentation of children's progress in cooperation with other members of the educational team. The adaptation and modification of programming is explored, and students develop learning activities and materials.
THAS 115
Human Development
4 Credits Weekly (3-2-0)
Students examine typical and non-typical human growth and development across the lifespan. Rehabilitation strategies to address deficits in mobility, cognition, and socialization with emphasis on pediatrics and geriatric populations are discussed. The effects of declining health associated with aging are addressed through rehabilitation interventions. Students are introduced to geriatric focused interventions that occur in a variety of settings. Rehabilitation strategies that address the pathological manifestations affecting the neurosensory system are introduced and practiced. Perspectives on rehabilitation measures for persons with cancer include discussion of contraindications and precautions.
THAS 116
Functional Anatomy and Orthopedics
4 Credits Weekly (3-3-0)
An introduction to functional anatomy as it relates to human movement and common orthopedic conditions. Clinical measurement techniques, documentation and development of intervention strategies are included.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in HLSC 104, HLSC 105 and THAS 103.
THAS 117
Principles and Techniques of Client Contact
3 Credits Weekly (2-3-0)
Students are introduced to client contact including procedures to ensure provider and patient safety and dignity, along with techniques and devices designed to improve patient mobility. Implementation of the health record for data collection and information sharing is introduced. Methods for effective management of challenging behaviors and situations are presented. Ethical and professional standards as well as interdisciplinary teamwork, are discussed.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in HLSC 104, HLSC 105 and THAS 103.
THAS 201
Therapeutic Interventions I: Articulation and Phonology
5 Credits Weekly (5-0-0)
This course focuses on learning styles and therapy techniques to implement articulation and phonological therapy. Activities and strategies reflective of various treatment approaches are discussed. Session planning, reporting progress and organization of the therapy interaction are introduced. Cueing, reinforcement, feedback and choosing materials are covered. This course also reviews therapy approaches for children and adults with neuromotor speech disorders.
THAS 202
Therapeutic Interventions II: Introduction to Clinical Role and Skills
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This course highlights the role and responsibilities of a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. The SLP/SLP Assistant relationship is also reviewed. This course also introduces students to various clinical skills including the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students learn how speech sounds are produced and classified. Students refine their abilities to distinguish individual speech sounds and transcribe normal and disordered spontaneous speech. Clinical skills to enhance voice and fluency disorders are reviewed. Students also learn to complete hearing screenings. Amplification systems for hearing impaired individuals are reviewed.
THAS 203
Field Placement I
5 Credits Total (0-0-295)
This course is a seven week field placement under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist. The field placement allows the student to practice skills related to articulation and phonology. Students are required to practice in a self-reflective manner and participate in on-line seminars.
Prerequisites: TAST 102, and minimum grade of C- in THAS 201 and THAS 202.
THAS 210
Field Placement I
4 Credits Total (0-0-205)
Students integrate knowledge and skills to demonstrate competent, safe, and ethical practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist Assistant and/or Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant. Students implement treatment interventions, develop confidence, and collaborate in inter-professional teams. Students demonstrate accountability, responsibility and professional values. Students use clinical skills and attributes including reflection on practice and participation in ongoing learning.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 220, THAS 221, THAS 222 and THAS 223 and successful completion of all lab exams in THAS 116, 117, 220, 221, 222, 223.
THAS 211
Field Placement II
4 Credits Total (0-0-205)
Students continue to develop their integration of knowledge and skills to demonstrate competent, safe, and ethical practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist Assistant and/or Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant. Students implement treatment interventions and collaborate in inter-professional teams. Students demonstrate accountability, responsibility and professional values. Students develop clinical skills and attributes including reflection on practice and participation in ongoing learning.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 220, THAS 221, THAS 222 and THAS 223 and successful completion of all lab exams in THAS 116, 117, 220, 221, 222, 223.
THAS 212
Field Placement III
4 Credits Total (0-0-205)
In this placement, students consolidate knowledge and skills to demonstrate competent, safe, and ethical practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist Assistant and/or Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant. Students implement the skill set of a Physical Therapist Assistant/Occupational Therapist Assistant, develop confidence, and collaborate interprofessionally. Students demonstrate accountability, responsibility and professional values. Students further develop clinical skills and attributes including reflection on practice and participation in ongoing learning.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 220, THAS 221, THAS 222 and THAS 223, and successful completion of all lab exams in THAS 116, 117, 220, 221, 222, 223.
THAS 213
Therapeutic Interventions III: Language
5 Credits Weekly (5-0-0)
This course explores language intervention approaches. Students are introduced to therapy techniques appropriate to implementing treatment for language delays and acquired disorders with toddler, pre-school, school-aged and adult populations. Choosing age-appropriate materials and activities is practiced. Students acquire skills to document progress. This course encompasses strategies for working with clients one-on-one and in groups.
Prerequisites: PSYC 104, THAS 101, THAS 102, THAS 104, THAS 115.
THAS 214
Therapeutic Interventions IV: Clients with Concurrent Diagnoses
4 Credits Weekly (4-0-0)
Students learn speech and language therapy techniques in order to provide communication intervention to clients with a range of concurrent diagnoses. Augmentative and alternate communication devices are reviewed. Students are also introduced to therapy approaches for adults with voice and fluency disorders.
THAS 215
Field Placement II
5 Credits Total (0-0-295)
This course is a seven week field placement under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist. The field placement allows the student to practice skills related to language interventions. Students are required to practice in a self-reflective manner and participate in on-line seminars.
Prerequisites: TAST 102, and a minimum grade of C- in THAS 233, THAS 234 and THAS 237.
THAS 216
Sign Language
2 Credits Weekly (2-0-0)
This course prepares students to use basic manual signing skills such as American Sign Language (ASL) and Signing Exact English (SEE) with clients who have hearing loss or are experiencing communication delays. The most important basic aspects of ASL and SEE that are appropriate for stimulating language development are covered.
THAS 220
Exercise in Physical Therapy
5 Credits Weekly (3-4-0)
Students apply focused therapeutic exercise and gait re-education in response to identified treatment goals in physical therapy environments. Techniques covered include range of motion, stretching, pool therapy, aerobic exercise, strengthening (including core stability), ergonomics and work evaluation, posture and gait, group exercise, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation). The role of therapeutic exercise principles in the treatment of a variety of conditions and the use of exercise software in the formulation of exercise programs are covered. Emphasis is placed on the purpose, benefits, safe instruction, and progression of activities.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 115, THAS 116 and THAS 117.
THAS 221
Modalities and Acute Care Interventions in Physical Therapy
4 Credits Weekly (3-2-0)
Students discuss and practice the use of electrotherapy and other commonly used rehabilitation modalities including heat, cold, ultrasound, laser, TENS, muscle stimulation, interferential current, traction, and compression therapy. The purposes, benefits, and contraindications of these modalities and their safe implementation are stressed. Students are introduced to the theory and practice of aspects of acute care rehabilitation interventions for pulmonary and post-surgical conditions.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 115, THAS 116 and THAS 117.
THAS 222
Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
4 Credits Weekly (3-2-0)
The role of the Occupational Therapist Assistant is discussed and practiced in relation to occupational therapy services for persons with disorders in the psycho-emotional and socio-adaptive perspectives. Utilizing a client-centered approach, students practice the implementation of individual, family and group occupational engagement, addressing a variety of ages and disorders. Attention is given to provider and client safety issues. Information gathering, reporting and documentation are included.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 115, THAS 116 and THAS 117.
THAS 223
Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction
5 Credits Weekly (4-2-0)
Students apply occupational therapy interventions under the direction of an Occupational Therapist in the sensory motor, self care, productivity and leisure performance components. Environmental contexts are considered.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAS 115, THAS 116 and THAS 117.
THAS 233
Therapeutic Interventions III: Language
4 Credits Weekly (5-0-0)
This course explores language intervention approaches. Students are introduced to therapy techniques appropriate to implementing treatment for language delays and acquired disorders with toddler, pre-school, and school-aged children . Choosing age-appropriate materials and activities is practiced. Students acquire skills to document progress. This course encompasses strategies for working with clients one-on-one and in groups.
Prerequisites: PSYC 104, THAS 101, THAS 102, THAS 104, THAS 115.
THAS 234
Therapeutic Interventions IV: Clients with Concurrent Diagnoses
4 Credits Weekly (4-0-0)
Students learn speech and language therapy techniques in order to provide communication intervention to clients with a range of concurrent diagnoses. Augmentative and alternate communication devices are reviewed. Students are also introduced to basic sign language skills and resources.
THAS 237
Therapeutic Interventions V: Adult Populations
3 Credits
This course examines therapy approaches for adults with various communication disorders. Activities and strategies reflective of various treatment approaches are discussed in addition to cueing, feedback and documenting progress. Communication intervention approaches for adults with fluency and voice disorders will also be reviewed.