Course Sequence - Riverland

Physical Therapy Assistant Course Sequence

Prerequisite - Semester 1

List of Courses for Program
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PHYS1000
Introduction to Physics (Goal 2 & 3)

This is a one-semester survey course covering basic physics concepts and laws that govern everyday physical phenomena. This course is intended for students with no previous physics experience. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves, and electricity. Students will learn to apply basic physics principles through problem solving and laboratory experiments. The algebra skills required for this course are met by two years of high school algebra.

  • Prerequisite: Student meets placement criteria for MATH 1050 (Math for Liberal Arts) or a higher-level math course.

  • Corequisite: Students who do not meet math placement criteria will be required to take PHYS 0010 concurrently with PHYS 1000.

  • MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

3
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PSYC1240
Developmental Psychology (Goal 5 & 9)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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SPCH1310
Communication in a Diverse World (Goals 1 & 7)

This course examines the interconnections between communication and culture and the need for intercultural communication competency in our global and ever-changing world. Students will assess the impact of cultural perceptions and bias, and how they affect communication behaviors in real contexts. Students read, observe, discuss, listen, and present about how culture impacts communication processes and shapes cultural identity and communication. There will be an emphasis on learning communication skills to better enable students to communicate with people from other cultures.

  • MnTC (Goals 1/C and 7A/HD);
  • (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)
3
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CHEM1121
General, Organic, and Biochemistry (Goal 3 & 10)

This is a laboratory science course covering the principles of general, organic and biological chemistry with emphasis on chemical applications in biological systems.  Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory, chemical bonding, organic functional groups, biological chemicals, and metabolic processes.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

3

Prerequisite - Semester 2

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BIOL2021
Anatomy and Physiology I (Goals 2 & 3)

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the scientific method, anatomical terminology, cell structure and function, metabolism, histology, the integumentary system, the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.

  • Prerequisite: CHEM 1121 or 1202.

  • MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT);

  • (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

4
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BIOL2022
Anatomy and Physiology II (Goals 2 & 3)

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the endocrine system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system, and acid-base balances. Human embryology and development may also be covered.

  • Prerequisite: BIOL 2021.

  • MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT);

  • (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

4

Semester 1

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BIOL1080
Medical Terminology

This course introduces the definitions, spelling, pronunciation and building of medical words including prefixes, suffixes, combining forms from Greek and Latin word parts, and the rules for connecting them to form medical terms. A foundation is created for the continued development of medical vocabulary. Medical abbreviations are also presented for each medical specialty.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

2
Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting
2
Fundamentals of Physical Therapist Assisting
4
Musculoskeletal System and Techniques
4

Semester 2

List of Courses for Program
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Kinesiology for Physical Therapist Assistants
3
Therapeutic Exercise I
2
Pathophysiology for Physical Therapist Assistants
2
Clinical Education I
5

Semester 3

List of Courses for Program
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Ethics and Special Topics in Healthcare and Physical Therapy
3
Advanced Techniques for Physical Therapist Assistants
3
Orthopedics for Physical Therapist Assistants
2
Neurology for Physical Therapist Assistants
2
Therapeutic Exercise II
2

Semester 4

List of Courses for Program
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Professional Preparation and Board Review
2
Clinical Education II
10

Last Updated: August 11, 2026