This course introduces the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) student to basic patient and healthcare team considerations critical to the professional role. Data collection essential to the discipline are stressed while concepts and purposes of therapeutic exercise and treatment strategies are presented. A focus on the characteristics and components of normal movement serve to assist the student in understanding the abnormal. Within the course the development of effective communication and interpersonal skills is fostered. During student-to-student practice in the on-campus laboratory setting students use simulated patient scenarios to demonstrate competency attainment in fundamental assessments, patient care skills and procedures. This course is subject to a course fee.