This guide is a starting point for locating Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapy books, videos, journal articles, and credible websites.
Use the COD Library catalog to search the COD Library's collection of books, videos, e-books, and streaming media. Use your MyAccess/NetID user name and password to check these items out or access them online.
Need Help?
Need research help and not sure where to turn? Get help from the library via email, chat, and online appointments or stop by one of our reference desks during open hours of operation.
Want to contact your Nursing & Health Sciences Librarian or set up a virtual or F2F appointment with her? Email Debra Smith: smithkak@cod.edu
Search the Library Catalog
Use our catalog to find books, videos, and other resources in our collections.
Catalog Search Tips
When searching the Library catalog, here are some tips:
- Enter the title of a book (if you know it) putting the title in quotes
- Search by subject or keywords if you don't know a specific title
- Limit by publication type (eBooks, print, videos), publication date, location
- The Library has print and e-books available.
- Learn more about using the COD Library Catalog
Subject Searching
| physical therapy | medical rehabilitation |
| physical therapist assistants | medicine, physical |
| physical therapy -- documentation | sports injuries -- treatment |
| thermotherapy | hydrotherapy |
Call Number Ranges
Use these call number ranges to browse the General collection and the Reference collection.
Also look for e-books and streaming media.
| RD792 – RD811 | Orthopedics Surgery, Physical Rehabilitation |
| RM695 – RM893 | Physical Medicine. Physical Therapy |
| RM930 – RM931 | Rehabilitation Therapy |
| RM950 | Rehabilitation Technology |
Reference Sources
Reference materials are well indexed, up-to-date, concise, and highly credible. They provide overviews, definitions, specific information (such as causes & symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prognosis, etc) or addresses. Types of reference books include: directories, dictionaries and encyclopedias, basic health books (describing diseases and conditions), and drug resources.
Electronic Reference
- Gale eBooks
Gale eBooks is a collection of online reference books on a variety of topics including business, history, literature, health & medicine, social science, technology, and more. The inclusion of key word definitions within its concise encyclopedia entries makes this database the perfect starting point for professional and personal research.
- MedlinePlus Consumer Health
MedlinePlus is the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consumer health web portal. It contains reputable information on health topics, medical tests, drugs and supplements, genetics, the latest medical news, and more in a variety of reading levels and languages, including Spanish. Its medical encyclopedia contains images and videos. It can be linked to EHRs (Electronic Health Records) and should be the first stop when seeking health information on the internet.
- Medscape ReferenceAn online clinical reference providing in-depth drug & disease information and tools to support clinical decision making. Content is designed for practicing medical professionals and includes diagnostic medical images. Free Registration to MedScape is required. To go straight to an entry in this resource, try Googling the word emedicine and your disease/condition (i.e. emedicine pneumonia)
- Merriam-Webster Online Medical DictionaryA medical dictionary that includes audio pronunciations
- Micromedex
Micromedex is an evidence-based, multi-database drug search engine that provides summary and in-depth information for drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter products), diseases, toxicology, and alternative medicine. Its clinical tools include IV compatibility, drug identification, drug interactions, drug comparisons, and clinical calculators.
If you are looking for information on the MobileMicromedex app, please click here.
Physical Reference
Conn's Current Therapy REF RM101 .C87
Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment REF RC71 .A14
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary REF R 121.D73 (Ready Reference--located at our reference desks)
Goldman's Cecil Medicine REF RC46 .C423
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine REF RC46 .H333
Recommended Print Titles
Documentation Basics for the Physical Therapist Assistant
Complete and accurate documentation is one of the most important skills for a physical therapist assistant to develop and use effectively.
Procedures and Patient Care for the Physical Therapist Assistant
Content includes information about transfers, positioning, vital sign measurement, wheelchair fit and management, assistive devices, and gait. These skills are vital to know as a PTA, regardless of specialization or location of employment.
Biophysical Agents: Theory and Practice
Written specifically for PTAs! This easy-to-follow approach helps you learn how to successfully relate thermal, mechanical, and electrical biophysical agents to specific therapeutic goals while understanding all the physiologic ramifications.
Physical Therapy Clinical Handbook for PTAs
A concise clinical guide designed specifically to help physical therapist assistant students and practitioners easily obtain helpful evidence-based information.
Your Librarian
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425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137