PT-301. Human and
Clinical Anatomy
This course involves a detailed study of the human body
through lecture, laboratory presentations, and cadaver
dissection. The emphasis is on gross anatomy and the
relationships between the musculoskeletal, neurological, and
vascular systems of the human body. In addition, the course
introduces the student to the surface anatomy and palpation
skills of clinically pertinent anatomical structures of the
head, trunk, and upper and lower limbs. Emphasis is placed on
the location and differentiation of bony landmarks, muscle
bellies, tendons, ligaments, bursas, nerves, arteries, and
joint cavities of a live subject.
Back to
top PT-302.
Palpation
Back to
top PT-303.
Histology, Embryology & Tissue Biomechanics
This course covers tissue structure and major function of
the cells and tissues of the body. Topics in this course
include: structure and function of the cells and tissues of
the body, tissue diversity, histology of major organs, basic
cellular anatomy, developmental biology / embryology, cell
structure, function, cell diversity and cell communication.
The course covers topics of embryology from conception through
birth. The course also presents the basic science of tissue
biomechanics, and the response of muscle, bone, joints, and
soft tissue to disease and injury. The normal repair process
and the effects of physical therapist's interventions
including rest, stress, stretch, resistance, immobilization
and work is discussed. Complications and benefits of
interventions, the effects of nutrition, aging, exercise and
immobility are discussed.
Back to
top PT-304. Human
Development
This course covers normal human development from birth to
death including the physical, psychological, cognitive,
social, and economic aspects. Emphasis in the course is on
physical development. This course highlights the diversity of
development among individuals and cultures.
Back to
top PT-305.
Physical Therapist Interventions I
In this course, students are introduced to the basic
physical therapist patient interventions and examinations used
to ensure safe patient interaction, including: patient
communication, safe and effective patient positioning and
movement, monitoring of vital signs, use of assistive
ambulatory devices, protective bandaging/taping. An emphasis
is placed on psychomotor performance including transfers, gait
training, positioning, and basic patient handling skills.
Back to
top PT-306.
Practice Management/Health Delivery Systems
In this course, students are introduced to the role and
function of the physical therapist in contemporary health care
with an awareness of ethical principles, historical
foundations of the profession, current health care issues, and
health economics. Introduction to the patient management model
in physical therapy including patient examination, evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcomes. The course
includes a discussion of practice policies, models of
disability, models of clinical decision-making and
documentation. Students develop initial skills in patient
interviewing.
Back to
top PT-307.
Movement Sciences I/Biomechanics
This course addresses basic concepts relating to the
architectural design and function of synovial and non-synovial
joints, the morphology and function of skeletal muscle,
observational joint and movement analysis, anthropometry, and
biomechanical force systems. Free body diagrams as well as
trigonometric and algebraic functions are used to solve
biomechanical problems related to physical therapy practice.
Emphasis is on static analysis of both stationary and moving
bodies.
Back to
top PT-308.
Clinical Experience I
This course will serve as the initial entry point into the
clinical environment. A variety of patient types and settings
will be observed during four full day (8 hour) experiences.
Emphasis will be placed on integrating didactic information
and developing psychomotor skills in the clinical setting.
Students will also be exposed to a variety of professional
practice issues and roles of physical therapists. Licensed
clinical and/or academic faculty will provide direct
supervision of the students. The supervisory model for this
course will not exceed 4 students: 1 clinical instructor.
Back to
top PT-311.
Neurosciences
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human
central nervous system. The students are introduced to
concepts and terminology in basic and applied neuroscience.
Detailed accounts of the surface and internal anatomy of the
central nervous system are presented. Neural mechanisms of
electrical excitability and synaptic transmission are examined
in detail. The neurophysiological basis of movement and motor
control is addressed, including a comprehensive examination of
the somatic sensory and motor systems. In addition, the other
special sensory systems are reviewed, as are plasticity in
developing and adult nervous systems and the neural basis of
cognition. The course will comprise lectures, laboratory
exercises, clinical case presentations and student-lead,
special topic conferences.
Back to
top PT-312.
Pathology
In this course, an introduction to diseases commonly seen
in patients receiving physical therapy is presented. Body
responses to injury and disease is traced from the cellular
level to the systems level. Typical disease processes in these
areas are covered: pulmonary, cardiac, neurological,
infectious, genetic, immunosuppressive, metabolic, and
metastatic.
Back to
top PT-313.
Physical Therapists Intervention II
This course covers strategies and techniques to manage
pain, edema, loss of normal motion, soft tissue dysfunction
and weakness through direct interventions. Interventions
include: basic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, relaxation,
splinting and compression garments, thermal modalities,
cryotherapy, deep thermal modalities, electrotherapeutic
modalities, and hydrotherapy.
Back to
top PT-314.
Integumentary Practice Management
The practice management model for patients with pathology
or impairments to their integumentary system is presented.
Medical lectures and clinical physical therapist lectures
combine to present current management of patients who have
skin lesions. Direct physical therapist intervention for wound
examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and
intervention is presented.
Back to
top PT-315.
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Practice Management
This course gives an overview of the related pathologies of
the cardiopulmonary system, examination and evaluation
procedures, diagnostic procedures, goal setting,
interventions, and patient management. A major focus of this
course is laboratory sessions with cardiac and pulmonary
patients, applying examination and evaluation procedures, and
the direct interventions related to exercise and airway
clearance. This course covers the principles of training,
exercise and health promotion as related to the cardiovascular
system.
Back to
top PT-316.
Clinical Examinations, Evaluations, Diagnosis and Prognosis
This course prepares students for clinical practice by
providing the basis of and rationale for the five elements of
patient/client management that lead to optimal patient
outcomes. Lectures and laboratories cover examination (history
and interview, systems review, gross observation, gross
functional testing, active motion, passive motion, palpation,
muscle performance, selected special tests, and upper and
lower quarter screening), evaluation, developing hypotheses of
diagnosis, and prioritizing impairments as a guide to
intervention selection. Students are encouraged to approach
patient examination and evaluation from a global,
full-body/total-person perspective rather than focusing
narrowly on a specific system or joint complex.
Back to
top PT-317.
Evidence-Based Practice I
This course covers the theory and methods of the research
process in physical therapy including research designs,
research methods, and basic data analysis. The course
emphasizes the student's ability to access literature, read
and critically evaluate research findings.
Back to
top PT-318.
Clinical Experience II
This course will continue to reinforce principles learned
throughout the program to date. Under the guidance of licensed
clinical faculty, students will integrate concepts, principles
and techniques with emphasis on interventions learned during
the first Spring semester. The structure of this phase of
clinical education will consist of four full days in the
clinic. The focus will be on the practice areas of cardiac and
pulmonary, and integumentary care. Students will spend two
days in each of the above practice areas where they can
experience and learn how physical therapists function in these
environments. The supervisory model for this experience will
not exceed 3 students: 1 clinical instructor.
Back to
top PT-321.
Movement Science II/Motor Control
Current concepts of motor control and motor learning are
synthesized from multiple disciplines to provide a framework
for physical therapy practice. Neurological mechanisms are
examined and integrated with other physiological,
psychological, and biomechanical contributions to movement and
function. The role of task and environment in the control of
movement also is analyzed.
Back to
top PT-322.
Arthrological and Pathological Movement Science I
A critical examination of the morphology and function of
the articulations of the axial skeleton, including the
temporomandibular and lumbosacral joints. Course content
stresses normal musculoskeletal biomechanics of the cervical,
thoracic, and lumbar segments as well as the pathomechanics of
common spinal deformities. The course exposes student to
normal and pathological orthopedic radiology of the trunk
pertinent to clinical practice.
Back to
top PT-323.
Diagnostic Imaging
This course covers study of the principles, procedures and
interpretation of diagnostic imaging techniques. Emphasis is
on plain film radiography, myelograms, CT scans, magnetic
resonance imaging and nuclear medicine.
Back to
top PT-324.
Musculoskeletal Practice Management I
This course starts with the introduction to principles of
orthopedic medicine, the general concepts of selective tissue
evaluation, and joint mobilization. The course goes on to
cover the etiology, pathology, specific evaluation treatment
prognosis, and prevention of common musculoskeletal problems
of the temperomandibular joint (TMJ), cervical spine, and
upper extremities. Included is the basis of medical and
surgical treatment of patients with spinal and TMJ pathologies
as well as physical therapist intervention. The course
includes lecture, laboratory, mock practicals, clinical hours,
case problems, and outside projects.
Back to
top PT-325.
Medical Practice Management
In this course, students will learn about the medical and
physical therapy management of patients with general medical
conditions that are not readily categorized as
musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, or
integumentary. Thus, the course will cover rheumatic diseases,
metabolic diseases, some malignancies, psychiatric problems,
renal disorder, hepatic disorders, eating disorders,
gynecologic disorders, and organ transplantation.
Back to
top PT-326.
Physical Therapist Intervention III
The final physical therapist intervention course introduces
the direct interventions of therapeutic exercise and
ambulation, functional training in self-care and home
management, functional training in community and work
integration, and the prescription and application of
assistive/orthotic/prosthetic devices and equipment. The
effects of exercise across the lifespan is discussed. Specific
patient populations is discussed as they are impacted by
exercise training.
Back to
top PT-327.
Patient/Client Management Seminar I
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to
integrate and present medical and physical therapy management
related to patients with general medicine conditions,
cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal diseases. Students
contrast different approaches to examination and intervention.
They analyze the influence of medical, social, and behavioral
issues as well as age and developmental stage and discuss the
clinical decision making process for specific patients.
Back to
top PT-328.
Clinical Internship I
This first full time clinical experience will consist of a
four-week learning experience in an inpatient setting,
including acute care, subacute, or skilled nursing. The focus
of the experience will be the development of psychomotor
skills, professional behaviors, gross & specific
examination, intervention procedures and documentation skills.
Exposure to the multiple roles of the PT will be emphasized
(e.g. administration, case management, consultation). The
student will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist.
The supervisory model for this experience will not exceed 2
students: 1 clinical instructor.
Back to
top PT-402.
Arthrological and Pathological Movement Science II
A critical examination of the structure, morphology, and
functions of each of the articulation of the upper and lower
limbs. Course content stresses normal and pathological
musculoskeletal biomechanics of each region and provides
exposure to clinically pertinent orthopedic radiology of each
segment. The last section of the course addresses the
kinematics and kinetics of normal and pathological locomotion
and provides opportunities for gait analysis of normal
subjects and patients.
Back to
top PT-403.
Musculoskeletal Practice Management II
This course covers the etiology, specific evaluation,
diagnosis, assessment, prognosis, treatment and prevention of
common musculoskeletal problems of the thoracic spine, lumbar
spine, sacroiliac joint and lower extremities. The class
includes specific joint testing, joint mobilizations, medical
and surgical management, prevention, and physical therapy
intervention. The class is composed of lecture, laboratory,
mock practicals, written patient evaluations and clinical
cases.
Back to
top PT-404.
Neurologic Practice Management I
This is the first part of a two semester/session course.
Management of children and adults with complex central nervous
system (CNS) and multisystem disorders will be presented.
Neuropathology, examination, evaluation, physical therapy
diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention will be stressed.
Acquired injuries (e.g. acquired brain injury and
cerebrovascular disease), and congenital disorders (e.g.
cerebral palsy) will be included. Availability and appropriate
use of wheelchair and assistive technologies will be
presented. Students will be required to attend three-four
half-day shadowing experiences with a neurorehabilitation
physical therapist.
Back to
top PT-405.
Evidence-Based Practice II
In this course, principles of teaching and learning are
covered and applied to the health care setting. Students learn
to use a variety of teaching methods selected and developed
for a specific audience. Students formulate and implement a
plan for personal and professional development as well as
techniques for facilitating behavioral change.
Back to
top PT-406.
Patient/Client Management Seminar II
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to
integrate and present medical and physical therapy management
related to patients who have disorders of several systems
(e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular).
Students meet with an instructor to present a patient,
including the patient history, examination, evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention as well as objective
determination of success of intervention. Students articulate
and justify their clinical reasoning as they contrast
different approaches to examination and treatment.
Back to
top PT-411.
Psychosocial Aspects of Care
In this course students survey the various factors
affecting the patient, the family, and the patient therapist
relationship in situations of chronic illness and loss.
Students increase their skills in developing an effective
helping relationship with other people. Experiential learning
experiences and self-observation are used to promote this
development.
Back to
top PT-412.
Neurological Practice Management II
This is the second part of a two semester/session course.
This section continues focus on the management of children and
adults with complex central nervous system (CNS) and
multisystem disorders, and also will consider peripheral
nervous system (PNS) and neuromuscular disease.
Neuropathology, examination, evaluation, physical therapy
diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention will be stressed.
Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis), spinal
cord disorders (e.g. traumatic spinal cord injury, spinal
bifida), peripheral neuromuscular diseases (e.g. muscular
dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Guillian Barre syndrome,
peripheral nerve injury and degeneration), vestibular
disorders, and balance disorders will be included. Use of
nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG),
availability and appropriate use of assistive devices, and use
of aquatic therapy will be presented. Class discussion of
contemporary research and panel discussion of clinical
practice will be used to focus students attention on the
undergirding principles of neurorehabilitation and their
practical application.
Back to
top PT-413.
Educational Theory & Practice
In this course, principles of teaching and learning will be
introduced and applied to the health care setting. Students
will learn to use a variety of teaching methods, selected and
developed for a specific audience. Students will formulate and
implement a plan for facilitating personal behavioral change.
Back to
top PT-414.
Administration I
Administration topics include concepts and methods for the
recruitment and effective utilization of personnel in a team
atmosphere and identification of factors encompassing
professional practices.
Back to
top PT-415.
Patient/Client Management Seminar III
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to
present studies to demonstrate integration of medical and
physical therapy management of patients with medical,
musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders. Students identify
sequelae of these disorders, e.g., musculoskeletal impairments
with neurological injury, and articulate management approaches
that encompass both the acute management and the sequelae to
the disease process.
Back to
top PT-416.
Clinical Internship II
This 20 week clinical internship may occur in varied
settings under the supervision of a licensed clinical mentor.
The required focus of this clinical experience will be in
either the musculoskeletal or neuromuscular practice areas.
Under supervision, students will learn skills in all
components of the physical therapy practice management model,
including conducting patient examinations and evaluations,
establishing patient diagnoses and prognoses, conducting
patient interventions, and measuring patient outcomes. When
possible, students will experience patients in these practice
patterns who are across the range of acute to chronic
conditions. Students will practice all administrative aspects
of ethical and efficacious practice. Performance expectations
will include safe and effective examination, evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and patient management
skills. Students will complete a variety of learning
experiences related to patient care, education,
administration, service and research. The maximum supervisory
ratio for this course will be 2 students: 1 clinical
instructor.
Back to
top PT-501.
Clinical Pharmacology & Nutrition
This course introduces students to the basic principles of
pharmacology and nutrition. Study of pharmacologic
intervention and nutritional practices for patients commonly
seen in physical therapy are included.
Back to
top PT-502.
Administration II
The knowledge and skills required for planning and
implementing a physical therapy practice in multiple settings,
is covered in this course. Students are introduced to the
primary legal and management issues required of physical
therapy practices, including strategies to ensure safe and
effective delivery of high quality services.
Back to
top PT-503.
Primary Care Practice
This course guides the student in exploring the related
concepts of direct access to physical therapy care,
autonomous/independent physical therapist practice, and
physical therapists in the role of point-of-entry providers or
primary care providers. Examples of autonomous physical
therapist practice in the United States are covered as well as
the historical, legal, political, ethical, and liability
issues surrounding the concept of autonomous practice. In this
course, the student will integrate the coursework and clinical
experiences thus far in the curriculum into the context of the
practice of physical therapy without physician referral. Using
case examples, the students apply their knowledge of screening
for medical diseases/conditions and practice decision-making
regarding the need for referral to a physician or other health
care provider. In addition, several practitioners of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lecture and
discuss their disciplines with the students. The disciplines
include acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine, dietary
supplements, massage therapy, chiropractic, mind-body
medicine, meditation, and hypnosis. The goals of these
sessions are to familiarize the students with the educational
background, requirements for credentialing/licensure, risks
and benefits, and types of care patients receive when being
treated by a CAM practitioner.
Back to
top PT-504/505.
Practice Electives I and II
In these courses students choose two electives in which to
deepen their knowledge base for practice. Advanced practice
electives are offered in: Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Orthopedics,
Sports, Cardiopulmonary, Neurology, Education, Research, and
Administration.
Back to
top PT-506.
Clinical Internship III
This 20 week clinical internship may occur in varied
settings under the supervision of a licensed clinical mentor.
The required focus of this clinical experience will be in
either the musculoskeletal or neuromuscular practice areas.
Under supervision, students will learn skills in all
components of the physical therapy practice management model,
including conducting patient examinations and evaluations,
establishing patient diagnoses and prognoses, conducting
patient interventions, and measuring patient outcomes. When
possible, students will experience patients in these practice
patterns who are across the range of acute to chronic
conditions. Students will practice all administrative aspects
of ethical and efficacious practice. Performance expectations
will include safe and effective examination, evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and patient management
skills. Students will complete a variety of learning
experiences related to patient care, education,
administration, service and research. The maximum supervisory
ratio for this course will be 2 students: 1 clinical
instructor.
Back to
top PT-507.
Professional Practice Development & Evaluation
In this course, students will read about and discuss the
concept of professionalism and interpret this concept for
their own careers. Students will integrate the didactic,
clinical and research components of their experience in
preceding course work, with the goal of evaluating their
strengths and weaknesses for professional practice. Students
will develop skills in self assessment and planning for
continuous professional development in five areas of physical
therapy: teaching, research, administration, clinical practice
and service.
Back to
top PT-508.
Evidence-Based Practice III
In this third course in the sequence, the student will
finalize their research or scholarly project in written form,
and will complete a formal research presentation of their
project results. Class time will also be spent discussing the
role of critical inquiry in the first few years of practice.
Back to
top PT-509. Health
Promotion and Injury Prevention
In this course the student learns to identify and assess
the health needs of individuals, groups, and communities
through screening for prevention of injury, developing
wellness programs, and triaging appropriate patients for
physical therapy. The student is able to design and execute
programs to promote optimal health by providing information or
consultation on many aspects of health risks and disability.
The student is exposed to a multidisciplinary approach to
health promotion and injury prevention and participates in an
existing program.
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