PT 700 Clinical Neuroscience
Provides an in-depth study of the central nervous system, including changes that occur during development as a result of aging and injury. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and their application to the development of human posture and movement are included. Problem-based, patient-centered cases in class, as well as from PT 701, provide early linkages of content across courses. Laboratory work includes human brain and spinal cord dissection, when possible. Offered fall semester only. Corequisite: PT 701. (5)
PT 701 Applied Pathophysiology
Examines the effects of pathological and age-related changes of major organ systems on general health and human movement. Basic pharmacological principles and medical terminology are included in course content. Problem-based, patient-centered cases guide the learning activities, link the content across courses, and link the content to clinical practice. Offered fall semester only. Corequisite: PT 700. (6)
PT 702 Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society
An overview of the demographic, social, economic, historical, and legislative forces affecting the delivery of health care in the United States and in other countries. The students will develop an understanding of the roles of the consumer as well as the role of the health care provider in the current system. Cultural, sociological, educational, and ethical issues that influence roles and responsibilities of consumers and health professionals are emphasized. Offered fall semester only. (3)
PT 710 Gross Anatomy
Provides an in-depth study of the gross anatomical structures and kinesiological principles underlying movement of the neck, upper extremity, thorax, abdomen, lumbosacral region, lower extremity, head, and face. Problem-based, patient-centered cases from PT 711 provide linkages of content across courses. Laboratory work includes human cadaver dissection and use of prosected cadaver materials. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702. Corequisites: PT 711 and PT 712. (6)
PT 711 Foundations of Physical Therapy Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
Includes fundamental patient care skills (safety, patient handling, transfers, etc.), basic kinesiology and muscle physiology as they relate to therapeutic exercise, and basic evaluation and treatment procedures. Problem-based, patient-centered cases guide the learning activities, link content across courses and to clinical practice. One-half day per week is spent in supervised clinical practice. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702. Corequisites: PT 710 and PT 712. (6)
PT 712 Critical Assessment of Information
Develops skills in critical examination of information essential for clinical practice and research. These skills assist students in becoming good consumers of physical therapy assessment and research literature, including synthesizing information from a variety of literature sources to begin planning research thesis topics. Students critically examine physical therapy interventions and measurement tools commonly used in practice. Both the processes of clinical decision-making and research evaluation enhance the critical problem solving of students. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702. Corequisites: PT 710-711. (2)
PT 720 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Peripheral Musculoskeletal Disorders
Focuses on the management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders particularly affecting the appendicular skeleton. Emphasis is on outpatient rehabilitation to normalize movement and prevent injury recurrence. Problem-based, patient-centered cases guide the learning activities. The theory and practice of manual therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and progressive orthopedic rehabilitation are major components of the course. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, 710-712. Corequisite: PT 721. (5)
PT 721 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Spinal Musculoskeletal Disorders
Emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with vertebral joint dysfunction of the axial skeleton. The Maitland approach is emphasized. The laboratory activities focus on the safe and competent application of evaluation procedures and treatment interventions associated with the axial skeletal region, emphasizing orthopedic manual techniques. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, 710-712. Corequisite: PT 720. (5)
PT 722 Physical Agents and Electrotherapeutics
Provides a theoretical foundation and evidence from contemporary literature for selection and application of therapeutic modalities, e.g., heat, cold, massage, and electrical equipment utilized in clinical practice. In addition, electrodiagnostic procedures are introduced as components of patient examination and evaluation. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712. Corequisites: PT 720-721. (3)
PT 723 Research Principles and Design
Focuses on the development of research questions, designs, and methodology. Emphasis is on the relationships between the component parts and their purpose within a research proposal. This course focuses on the development of skills needed by the physical therapist to effectively fulfill the role of participation in the research process. Ethical considerations in conducting research are stressed. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712. (3)
PT 730 Evaluation and Management of Patients in Acute Care
Focuses on PT management of patients with acute medical and surgical conditions, emphasizing PT practice in the acute care hospital, subacute treatment center, and early phase home care. Long-term rehabilitation and preventative aspects of care of patients with cardiac and pulmonary conditions and amputations are included. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723. Corequisite: PT 731. (5)
PT 731 Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients in Acute Care
This course includes laboratory activities focusing on the safe and competent application of physical therapy examination procedures and treatment interventions associated with the content of PT 730. Problem-based, patient-centered cases guide the learning activities, as students participate in small-group tutorial sessions twice weekly. One-half day per week is spent in supervised clinical practice. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723. Corequisite: PT 730. (5)
PT 732 The Physical Therapist as a Manager
In this course, students apply concepts and principles of management in the delivery of physical therapy services to the individual patient, selected health care organizations, and the community. The student also gains exposure to contemporary health care administration practices in representative segments of the health care industry and to the historical basis from which the current system evolved. The course also includes a quality assurance program, concepts of accountability, cost-effectiveness and efficacy of services, organizational behavior, marketing strategies, facility planning, and outcome assessment measurement and utilization. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723. (3)
PT 733 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
Prepares health care students to apply principles of evidence-based practice (EPB) in making patient-focused decisions in day-to-day clinical practice. The use of “Current Best Evidence” is emphasized as well as the balancing of best scientific evidence with patient preference/values and expert opinion. This course includes the basic principles of epidemiological research, as commonly used in EBP decision-making. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PT 712 or permission of instructor. (2)
PT 734 Thesis Seminar I
The development, implementation, and reporting of the thesis research project occurs over multiple semesters. Students working in small groups will prepare a research proposal to investigate a question within the research expertise of the faculty and pertinent to physical therapy practice. This course guides students through the identification of a researchable question, preparation of a thesis proposal (including methods selection and identification of data analysis), and submission of a completed proposal to the Institutional Review Board. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PT 712. (1)
PT 740 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders
Supports the development of proficiency in the physical therapy examination and management of patients with neurological dysfunction. Emphasis is on post-acute or rehab management of the patient, which typically occurs in a rehabilitation setting, long-term care facility/skilled nursing facility, home care environment, school setting, or adult day care/community re-entry setting. Utilization of a consistent framework for examining and evaluating patients and justification of intervention/evidence-based practice will be emphasized throughout the course. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734. Corequisite: PT 741. (5)
PT 741 Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders
An applications and laboratory course focusing on safe and competent examination and treatment techniques used in the management of the adult or child patient with neurological dysfunction. The lecture component of this course follows the organization of PT 740. Visiting patients and clinical opportunities will allow students to apply knowledge and skills to actual patients. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734. Corequisite: PT 740. (5)
PT 742 Special Populations in Physical Therapy
Focuses on specialized patient assessment and intervention activities frequently encountered in geriatrics, home care, and school system PT. Students practice the consultative and screening role of PT for older adults and for children. Emphasis is on effective patient management for these special populations. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734. (1)
PT 743 Thesis Seminar II
The development, implementation, and reporting of the thesis research project occurs over multiple semesters. This course guides students through the data collection, reduction, and analysis aspects of the group thesis project. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734. (1)
PT 750 Sport Physical Therapy
Physical therapists have particular roles to play in the specialized area of sports medicine. This role involves not only analysis of the causes and effects of injuries occurring in athletes, but also an overall understanding of the management of different types of injury. This course will focus on the evidence-based application of appropriate assessment and treatment techniques used in the management of soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders suffered by this specialist client group. The course will further develop the student’s understanding of the effects of physical training with regard to preparation before and after training, and the importance of appropriate rehabilitative exercise. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (4)
PT 751 Geriatric Physical Therapy
This elective course prepares graduates for practice settings that focus primarily on geriatrics. This course emphasizes PT management of the well-elder, the older athlete, and the frail and near-frail elder. Evidence-based application of the patient/client management model is emphasized. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (4)
PT 752 Neurological Physical Therapy
This elective course prepares students for clinical practice in an environment that specializes in neurological physical therapy. The general Physical Therapy curriculum provides a foundation in neurological physical therapy. This course content is considered beyond entry-level knowledge with a focus on understanding the complexities associated with neurological patients with motor-control problems. Students will delve more deeply into both the physical and psychological/emotional aspects of neurological disability. Students will become familiar with the repertoire of standardized assessment tools available for neurological patients and some of the specialized equipment designed to enhance the mobility and lifestyle of neurological patients. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (4)
PT 753 Pediatric Physical Therapy
This elective course provides an in-depth study of pediatric practice in physical therapy. This course will advance concepts regarding development of motor control within infants and children with abnormally developing nervous systems. Both habilitation and rehabilitation techniques of infants and children with congenital and acquired central nervous system disorders will be compared and critically analyzed. Classroom conversations will be enhanced through student-directed discussions on selected relevant journal articles read and analyzed by students prior to class. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (4)
PT 754 Capstone Seminar
Students apply and synthesize evidence-based clinical practice principles and demonstrate their role as a professional and scholarly practitioner. It prepares the students for the role of a physical therapist as a primary care practitioner in a “doctoring” profession. Current practice, professional issues, and the changing role of the physical therapist will be emphasized. Students present a poster of their thesis research and are introduced to the concept of case reports. A comprehensive examination, aimed at preparedness for general, entry-level practice, is included in this course. Students must successfully pass this exam to graduate. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (3)
PT 770 Screening for Medical Disorders
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program addresses the PT’s role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding appropriate referral of a patient to a physician for emergency or nonemergency evaluation of medical conditions outside the scope of physical therapy. A well-developed examination scheme guides structured decision-making processes to efficiently and effectively collect and evaluate examination data for an informed differential diagnosis and subsequent referral decision. Proficient communication with the patient and other health care professionals will be emphasized. A series of patient cases are presented as a means of applying differential diagnostic principles and promoting clinical decision-making. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (2)
PT 771 Medical Imaging and Rehabilitation
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program provides the PT clinical doctoral learner with the tools needed to interpret and apply specialized medical imaging information to the rehabilitation patient. Musculoskeletal imaging is emphasized. A basic introduction of imaging techniques for other physiological systems (CNS, heart, lung, vascular tree) will also be incorporated (Doppler ultrasound, V/Q scan, echocardiography, radioisotope testing, etc.). This course strengthens physical therapist clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and physician interaction. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (2)
PT 772 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program will provide the PT clinical doctoral learner with the primary drug classes and the physiologic basis of their action. Drugs will be grouped according to their general effects and the type of disorders they are routinely used to treat. Special emphasis will be placed on drugs that are commonly used to treat people receiving physical therapy. This course will, likewise, address how drug therapy interacts with physical therapy, and how drugs can exert beneficial effects as well as adverse side effects that impact on rehabilitation. A specific area of focus will include geriatric pharmacology. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 773 Legal and Ethical Issues for PTs: Considerations in Risk Management
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program provides the PT clinical doctoral learner with foundational information regarding legal, ethical, and administrative decision-making processes often facing physical therapists in clinical practice. Specific topics include medical malpractice, employment law, the legal aspects of documentation; informed consent; sexual conduct and sexual harassment; professional responsibility; preparation for a deposition; and managed care issues. Utilizing theoretical frameworks, case-based decision-making situations are presented. Analysis and application of the ethical/legal responsibilities of the PT as an autonomous practitioner are covered in depth. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 774 Clinical Decision Making: Guide to PT Practice
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program will provide the PT clinical doctoral learner ways to utilize of the Guide to PT Practice for effective and efficient clinical decision making. The Guide to PT Practice is an organizational tool that summarizes physical therapist rights, roles, and responsibilities in treating patients/clients and in providing the PT a framework for clinical decision making. The patient/client management model utilizing examination methods, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, length of visits/stay, outcome measures, and discharge planning are covered. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 775 Business and Marketing
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program is designed to enhance the PT clinical doctoral learner’s appreciation of business and management practices needed to succeed within the current health care landscape. Students will examine physical therapy as a health care business that is becoming increasingly autonomous. Applying general business principles to this evolving practice environment will include: finance, productivity, reimbursement, business planning, marketing, human resources, leadership, flexibility, and corporate compliance. This content will assist the therapist and the profession in preparing for the future. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 776 Coding and Reimbursement
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program is designed to educate the PT clinical doctoral learner in analyzing reimbursement of current billing, accounts receivable, collection procedures, and use of proper coding. Documentation, coding, review of current payor’s contracts, and billing audits necessary to succeed in today’s health care landscape. The material will assist the therapist and the profession in preparing for the future. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 777 Professionalism: the Doctoring Profession
This seminar course in the transitional D.P.T. program provides the PT clinical doctoral learner the opportunity to analyze and discuss the roles/responsibilities and challenges/opportunities inherent in doctoral-level physical therapy practice. Development of practitioners who view their education as a route to engaged professionalism is emphasized. The components of a doctoring profession in PT are examined: autonomous practice, direct access, evidence-based practice, practitioner of choice, and professionalism. Professionalism, articulated in the APTA’s Core Values in Physical Therapy, is grounded in seven core professional values: accountability, altruism, excellence, compassion/caring, social responsibility, integrity, and professional duty. Each of these values will be explored in this seminar. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (2)
PT 778 Critical Assessment and Application of Best Evidence
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program develops skills in the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) as a model for effective clinical decision making. The critical assessment of scientific information, an essential element of evidence-based practice, is included in this course. PT clinical doctoral learners apply principles of evidence-based practice in the use of current “best evidence” to make patient-focused decisions in day-to-day clinical practice. The course includes an analysis and application of secondary literature sources for time-efficient, valid, and reliable tools for engaging in EBP. Basic principles of epidemiological research commonly used in EBP decision making are included. Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. (3)
PT 780 Capstone Project Proposal
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program focuses on the development of the skills needed by physical therapists to fulfill their role as effective participants in the research process. This course requires the student to carefully review the “case reports” that are provided as study samples. The samples will help the students prepare themselves for their own capstone project. After selecting a topic for their capstone project the students will prepare a basic “case report” outline that will require the approval of a faculty advisor. Following advisor approval of the outline, a thorough literature review (using APTA guidelines for publication) is required and must be approved by a faculty advisor. A basic case description including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, intervention, and outcome measure(s) that are proposed should also be included in the final document. This course runs concurrently with “Evidence-Based Practice.” Prerequisite: Physical therapy licensure in U.S. Corequisite: PT 778. (1)
PT 781 Capstone Project
This course in the transitional D.P.T. program guides students through the capstone project completion process. Students complete the written “case report” document using established guidelines. Prerequisites: PT 778, PT 780, and physical therapy licensure in U.S. (3)
PT 782 Capstone Project Completion
Should a student not complete his/her “case report” in the Capstone Project course, enrollment in this course is required. This course guides students through the capstone project completion process. Students complete the written “case report” document using established guidelines. Prerequisites: PT 778, PT 780, PT 781, and physical therapy licensure in U.S. (1)
PT 799 Independent Study
Allows a PT student to investigate — under the direction of a faculty member — a topic of interest, relevance, and importance to his/her own professional development as a physical therapist. Prerequisite: approval of department chair. (1-4)
PT 800 Clinical Practicum I
Provides 8 weeks of full-time supervised clinical education. It takes place between the second and third academic years. This course will provide in-depth exposure and hands-on experience in the clinical setting. The clinical sites will include acute care medical centers, subacute centers, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. Offered summer semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734. (3)
PT 801A-801B Clinical Practicum II
Provides 12 weeks of full-time supervised clinical education. It takes place during the third academic year, after completion of the fall semester. This course will provide in-depth exposure and hands-on experience in the clinical setting. The clinical sites will include acute-care medical centers, subacute centers, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. (2)(2)
PT 802 Clinical Practicum III
The final, 12-week, full-time supervised clinical education experience, this course takes place during the third academic year. This course will provide in-depth exposure and hands-on experience in the clinical setting. Students may have the opportunity to develop areas of special interest, such as pediatrics in the school system, hand therapy, burns, or sports medicine. The clinical sites will include acute care medical centers, subacute centers, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, and specialized practice centers. Offered summer semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 754. (4)
PT 803 Clinical Case Reports
Builds upon information learned in the specialty electives, PT 750-PT 753. For this course students write and present, in journal article format, a patient case report, using APTA guidelines for publication. Offered summer semester only. Prerequisites: PT 700-702, PT 710-712, PT 720-723, PT 730-734, PT 740-743, PT 800. Corequisite: PT 802. (1)