Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Physical Therapy

Other Arizona CTE sets

The Profession of Physical TherapyPT1.0

  • 1.1

    Describe the evolution of physical therapy in the United States from the early 1900s to present day including the impact of World War I and II.PT1.1

  • 1.2

    Define the major focus of the rehabilitation teamPT1.2

  • 1.3

    List the different members of the rehabilitation team and describe the function of eachPT1.3

  • 1.4

    Discuss the role of the physical therapy technician as it relates to working with patients with physical disabilitiesPT1.4

Career OpportunitiesPT2.0

  • 2.1

    Discuss career opportunities available to the physical therapy technicianPT2.1

  • 2.2

    Describe the training required at various levels of health care providers in the fields of physical therapy and physical medicinePT2.2

  • 2.3

    Distinguish between settings within health care facilitiesPT2.3

  • 2.4

    Discuss specialized physical therapy settings (pediatrics, women's health, neurological)PT2.4

  • 2.5

    Discuss some of the desirable personal characteristics and technical skills required of a physical therapy technicianPT2.5

  • 2.6

    Identify several potential duties of the physical therapy technicianPT2.6

  • 2.7

    List potential employers of a physical therapy technicianPT2.7

Ethical and Legal IssuesPT3.0

  • 3.1

    Delineate between medical law and medical ethicsPT3.1

  • 3.2

    Discuss the purpose for the need to license medical personnelPT3.2

  • 3.3

    Briefly discuss the Good Samaritan ActPT3.3

  • 3.4

    Demonstrate an understanding of specific patient consent formsPT3.4

  • 3.5

    State the legal implications of a patient’s medical record and how to protect patients’ rights (HIPAA, code of ethics, standard of care)PT3.5

  • 3.6

    Investigate ethical and legal issues affecting the field of physical therapy and explain the Code of Ethics that members of the physical therapy team are morally bound to followPT3.6

Medical TerminologyPT4.0

  • 4.1

    Identify specific prefixes, suffixes, and root words related to medical terms.PT4.1

  • 4.2

    Use common medical abbreviations and acronyms used in the healthcare environmentPT4.2

  • 4.3

    Identify body structure terms related to positions, directions, anatomical planes, posture, and types of movementPT4.3

  • 4.4

    Explain the importance and uses of the medical recordPT4.4

  • 4.5

    Explain the benefits of an electronic medical record (EMR) systemPT4.5

  • 4.6

    Differentiate between subjective, objective, assessment and plan information on a patient’s medical recordPT4.6

Patient Positioning and TransferringPT5.0

  • 5.1

    Explain the different types of patient positioning (supine, fowlers, trendelenburg, side-lying)PT5.1

  • 5.2

    Demonstrate proper procedure for moving a patient in a bed (log rolling, segmental rolling)PT5.2

  • 5.3

    Describe the role body mechanics plays in physical therapyPT5.3

  • 5.4

    Identify and use equipment to transfer a patient (ex. slide board, gait belt, etc.)PT5.4

  • 5.5

    Demonstrate the procedure for transferring a patient with assistance (minim0al, maximal, 2 persons)PT5.5

  • 5.6

    Identify the proper use of a pneumatic lift machine (hoyer)PT5.6

Workplace Safety and Infection ControlPT6.0

  • 6.1

    Identify Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in relation to healthcarePT6.1

  • 6.2

    Identify common safety hazards in health care settingsPT6.2

  • 6.3

    Identify the importance of a safe and sanitary treatment areaPT6.3

  • 6.4

    Demonstrate how to manage a safe and sanitary treatment area including the use of sanitation techniques, disinfectants and antisepticsPT6.4

  • 6.5

    Explain the chain of infection and modes of transmission of diseasePT6.5

  • 6.6

    Demonstrate principles of proper hand hygienePT6.6

  • 6.7

    Demonstrate necessary isolation proceduresPT6.7

  • 6.8

    Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and explain the reasoning behind using PPEPT6.8

Health Care SkillsPT7.0

  • 7.1

    Analyze routine vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate)PT7.1

  • 7.2

    Measure and record height and weightPT7.2

  • 7.3

    Demonstrate proper wound care (e.g. cleaning, bandaging, and dressing)PT7.3

  • 7.4

    Perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) procedures on infants, children, and adultsPT7.4

  • 7.5

    Demonstrate the proper use of PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation)PT7.5

Examine Health and Performance ConceptsPT8.0

  • 8.1

    Describe nutritional concepts used to evaluate dietary intake and physical composition (e.g. 6 basic components of food; protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, water)PT8.1

  • 8.2

    Analyze the safety and efficacy of dietary supplementsPT8.2

  • 8.3

    Describe exercise and nutrition considerations for special populations (medical conditions, weight management, food intolerances)PT8.3

  • 8.4

    Distinguish between general strength and conditioning training principlesPT8.4

  • 8.5

    Perform tests and interpret results used to determine cardiopulmonary endurance, strength, flexibility and body compositionPT8.5

Anatomy and PhysiologyPT9.0

  • 9.1

    Examine the structure and function of the cardiovascular systemPT9.1

  • 9.2

    Examine the structure and function of the musculoskeletal systemPT9.2

  • 9.3

    Examine the structure and function of the neurological systemPT9.3

  • 9.4

    Examine the structure and function of the integumentary systemPT9.4

  • 9.5

    Examine the structure and function of axial regions of the bodyPT9.5

  • 9.6

    Examine the structure and function of upper and lower extremities of the bodyPT9.6

  • 9.7

    Analyze the joints and their articular structuresPT9.7

Treat Common Medical DisordersPT10.0

  • 10.1

    Define the role of physical therapy in caring for patients with special medical conditionsPT10.1

  • 10.2

    Explain the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting with treatment of patients diagnosed with common musculoskeletal and neurological disordersPT10.2

  • 10.3

    Explain the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting with treatment of patients diagnosed with common cardiovascular and respiratory disordersPT10.3

  • 10.4

    Describe the role of the physical therapy technician in assisting a patient with an amputationPT10.4

Ambulation and GaitPT11.0

  • 11.1

    Define the term ambulation and summarize the physical therapy technicians role in assisting the patient with itPT11.1

  • 11.2

    Model the different phases in the gait cyclePT11.2

  • 11.3

    Identify characteristics of gait disordersPT11.3

  • 11.4

    Explain how to choose the appropriate ambulatory device for a patient’s usePT11.4

  • 11.5

    Identify basic ambulatory devices, and briefly discuss the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient to use themPT11.5

  • 11.6

    Delineate the difference between a two-point, three point, and a four point gait as each relates to crutch walkingPT11.6

  • 11.7

    Describe the difference between a swing-to and a swing-through gait, and briefly explain how each relates to crutch walkingPT11.7

  • 11.8

    Describe the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient to walk up and down stairs using an ambulatory devicesPT11.8

  • 11.9

    Explain indications, contraindications, safety precautions, and proper techniques for gait training (e.g. weight bearing assistive device, prosthetics, orthotic devices and canes)PT11.9

Therapeutic ExercisesPT12.0

  • 12.1

    State the ultimate purpose of any therapeutic exercise programPT12.1

  • 12.2

    Differentiate among various kinds of exercises (e.g. isometric, isotonic, manual resistance, isokinetic, circuit training)PT12.2

  • 12.3

    Discuss the physical therapy technician role in assisting the patient with therapeutic exercisesPT12.3

  • 12.4

    Consider indications, contraindications, and safety precautions in strength, conditioning, and exercise activities (e.g. isotonic, isometric and isokinetic)PT12.4

  • 12.5

    Describe types of stretching and flexibility strategies (e.g. static, ballistic, dynamic, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)PT12.5

  • 12.6

    Explain strength, mobility, and balance as related to performance and injury preventionPT12.6

  • 12.7

    Apply appropriate rehabilitation progression (e.g. previous functional level)PT12.7

  • 12.8

    Describe the purpose of range of motion exercises and explain the difference between passive and active range of motionPT12.8

  • 12.9

    Explain how muscle strength is gradedPT12.9

  • 12.10

    Distinguish between the different anatomical planes of motionPT12.10

Physical Therapy Agents and ModalitiesPT13.0

  • 13.1

    Prepare the patient/client for treatment expectations, physiological changes and special instructions for specific modality/therapy usagePT13.1

  • 13.2

    Explain indications, contraindications, safety precautions, and applications related to modalities (e.g. thermotherapy, cryotherapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, compression)PT13.2

  • 13.3

    Describe how to assess pain level using a rating scale (1-10 scale; smiley face scale)PT13.3

  • 13.4

    Define hydrotherapy and describe its use in physical therapyPT13.4

  • 13.5

    Explain ultrasound and describe its application in physical therapyPT13.5

  • 13.6

    Contrast the difference between cold therapy and heat therapy and briefly discuss when each should be appliedPT13.6

  • 13.7

    Demonstrate how to use deep and superficial heating agents (paraffin, hot packs/moist heat, therapeutic ultrasound)PT13.7

  • 13.8

    Explain therapeutic massage and when it is usedPT13.8

  • 13.9

    Demonstrate how to use mechanical traction and when it is usedPT13.9

Specialized Clinical ProceduresPT14.0

  • 14.1

    Identify the different types of specialized therapies used for patients with specific physiological needsPT14.1

  • 14.2

    Define the term reduction and differentiate between open reduction and closed reductionPT14.2

  • 14.3

    Describe the purpose of a cast and bracingPT14.3

  • 14.4

    Explain how pet therapy can be used with patientsPT14.4

Administrative ResponsibilitiesPT15.0

  • 15.1

    Describe basic terminology of health insurance (co-pay, third party, referrals, visit authorization)PT15.1

  • 15.2

    Demonstrate proper payment calculation and collectionPT15.2

  • 15.3

    Demonstrate answering, screening and documenting phone callsPT15.3

  • 15.4

    Interpret a patient flowsheet and modify based off patient’s needsPT15.4

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
VOCATIONALTRAINING, Grade 12, and Grade 11
Where can I read the official document?
Physical Therapy Program Standards

Keep exploring

Keep exploring CTE standards

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

More Arizona CTE sets

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