Lab Participation

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Students are expected to participate as a subject and as a PTA student in all lab activities unless there are identified, valid reasons why they cannot participate. Valid reasons are defined as those that would directly affect the health or safety of a student. This participation includes acting as a model, role playing as a patient, and performing lab activities in a group of students or on a partner. Physical therapist assistant students must practice and become competent in skills in the lab prior to performing the skills with patients. It is also important for students to "receive" therapy, so they will be more aware of the experiences and status of a patient and the effects of treatment. However, students should not participate in any activities that may be harmful or have high risk of injury to themselves or others.

  1. The following procedures will be followed concerning student participation in lab activities:
    1. Faculty will review Essential Functions and the student's physical history for admitted students.
    2. All students will read and sign the lab disclaimer form (attached). If for some reason, the student does not want to sign the lab disclaimer form, he or she should make an appointment to talk to the instructor for the lab regarding possible limited and alternative activities. It is the student's responsibility to notify faculty if, for any reason, he/she should not participate in any activity. If a student has any concern about a topic, it is the student’s responsibility to speak to the instructor on the first day that this topic is addressed in the laboratory.
    3. Instruction in precautions, contraindications, and correct performance of activities will be given prior to students' participation in the lab, with the exception of problem solving activities designed by the instructor.
    4. The instructor will arrange alternative learning experiences, for identified valid reasons for not participating. The experiences will be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor.
    5. The student must complete the alternative learning experiences within the time frame established by the instructor.
    6. Students must follow all safety policies for the lab as listed is this Handbook.