Course Descriptions
101. Physical Therapy Seminar I
(1 credit)
Seminar designed to orient students to salient issues in the physical therapy profession. Professional publications, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) documents, and pertinent related Internet-based information will be explored. Classroom events stress active student exploration and application of course content. Fall.
102. Physical Therapy Seminar II
(1 credit)
A continuation of 101, classroom events will encourage a deeper understanding of the foundations of physical therapy practice, and the exploration of the professional relationships between and among physical therapists and other health professionals. Guest speakers. Spring.
300. Exercise Physiology
(same as EXPH 300)
(4 credits)
The discussion of the normal physiological responses to, and the recovery from acute and chronic exercise stresses in the trained and untrained individual. The use of exercise as a means to assess fitness, improve fitness and the impacts that conditions such as ageing, obesity and lack of physical activity have on health and fitness will be discussed. Specific laboratory activities will occur to assess student’s overall fitness. Each of the following systems will be addressed: energy production, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and respiratory. Prerequisites: Enrollment in physical therapy curriculum or those pursuing a minor in Exercise Physiology or with permission of instructor; BIOL 111, 205, 206; CHEM 103, 104; or their equivalent. Fall
400. Human Gross Anatomy
(5 credits)
The study of human anatomy, emphasizing structure and function and the interrelationships between musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular structures. Primary emphasis will be on the extremities, back and neck. In addition, embryological development will be addressed. Laboratory sessions will concentrate on the dissection of the human cadaver and will sequence, integrate, and serve as a foundational science for other PT courses. Summer
401. Movement Science 1
(3 credits)
This course will investigate normal and pathological human movement using the physical laws of motion and principles of arthrology. Emphasis will be placed on isolated and gross movement patterns. Specific application of functional anatomy and kinesiological principles will be studied with respect to human locomotion. In addition, the course will investigate mechanical principles which govern human movement. Ergonomic principles will be discussed with applications to the clinical setting. Introduction to basic principles of orthotics. Lecture and laboratory format will ensure development of competencies in assessing human movement and in using technologies commonly used for movement analysis. Fall
402. Neuroscience 1
(3 credits)
A comprehensive study of the structural features and connectivity of the human central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerves. The relationships between the anatomical structures in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the physiological function of neurons within these systems will also be stressed. This basic science course serves as a foundation for understanding the functional systems throughout the brain and spinal cord, and prepares the physical therapy student to integrate this knowledge into patient/client management. Spring
403. Pharmacology
(2 credits)
The study of basic drug classes and physiologic basis of their action. Drugs grouped according to their general effects and the type of disorders they are routinely used to treat. Special emphasis on drugs that are commonly used to treat disorders seen in patients receiving physical therapy. Spring
404. Surface Anatomy/Palpation
(1 credit)
This course will introduce students to palpation skills needed in physical therapy practice. Under guidance of an instructor, students will be directed to apply knowledge of anatomy to palpate anatomical landmarks, including muscles, bones, and other anatomical structures in human subjects. Emphasis will be placed on clinical applications of surface anatomy and palpation. Summer
405. Exercise Prescription/Muscle Physiology
(2 credits)
This course will provide a comprehensive analysis of the scientific principles of therapeutic exercise commonly used in physical therapy practice. Specific exercise programs that address muscle performance, endurance, mobility, and balance impairments will be studied. Adaptations of tissue to activity and immobilization will be discussed. Fall
406. Movement Science 2
(3 credits)
This course will continue to investigate normal and pathological human movement using the physical laws of motion and principles of arthrology. Emphasis will be placed on isolated and gross movement patterns. Specific application of functional anatomy and kinesiological principles will be studied with respect to human locomotion. In addition, the course will investigate mechanical principles which govern human movement. Ergonomic principles will be discussed with applications to the clinical setting. Continue introduction to basic principles of orthotics. Lecture and laboratory format will ensure development of competencies in assessing human movement and in using technologies commonly used for movement analysis. Spring
410. Physical Therapy Procedures
(3 credits)
This course addresses clinically related topics, including proper patient and therapist body mechanics, patient positioning/draping, transfer and ambulation techniques, and wheelchair and ambulatory assistive device prescription. Theory and principles of joint goniometry and manual muscle testing of the extremities reflective of evidence-based rehabilitation will be taught. Students will be given laboratory experience to develop skill in application of these therapeutic techniques. Fall
411. Patient/Client Management 1 – Cardiopulmonary
(4 credits)
This course will address therapeutic assessment and interventions for patients with cardiovascular and respiratory causes of movement dysfunction. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s analysis and interventions for patients who have signs and symptoms of cardiac and respiratory disease that result in movement dysfunction. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in this practice pattern. The course will consist of lecture and laboratory. Emphasis will be on development of student skills in patient examination and therapeutic interventions in simulated patient-therapist situations. Emphasis will be on evidence based practice and the importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Fall
412. Clinical Pathology 1 – Cardiopulmonary
(2 credits)
This course will study common cardiopulmonary pathologies, and the response of the cardiopulmonary system to disease, exercise, and medical and surgical management. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of various cardiopulmonary pathologies on movement dysfunction. Fall
413. Physical Therapy Modalities
(3 credits)
Biophysical, physiological, and clinical principles and procedures associated with the application of the physical agents, therapeutic massage, and sensory testing used in physical therapy practice. Clinical decision-making related to the application of thermal, electrical, acoustic, light, mechanical energy, and massage in the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions and evidence based practice. Theories and principles of sensory testing are also addressed. A laboratory component will allow the student to develop skill in the application of physical agents and massage through simulated patient-therapist situations resembling the clinical setting. Emphasis on importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Spring
414. Patient/Client Management 2 – Musculoskeletal 1
(4 credits)
This course will explore musculoskeletal causes of movement dysfunction. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s analysis and interventions for patients who have signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal pathology that result in movement dysfunction. Emphasis will be on extremity orthopedic techniques. Assessments include subjective history taking, and objective data collection, including flexibility and ligamentous testing, and selected orthopedic test. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in this practice pattern. The course will consist of a lecture and laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students, under the direction of faculty and clinicians, to develop skills in patient examination and therapeutic interventions in simulated patient-therapist situations. Emphasis will be on evidence based practice and the importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Spring
415. Clinical Pathology 2 – Musculoskeletal
(3 credits)
This course will examine common musculoskeletal pathologies, and the response of the musculoskeletal system to disease, exercise, and medical and surgical management. Foundations of imaging techniques will be introduced, including conventional radiographs, MR images, CT images, and bone scans. Emphasis will be on using imaging techniques to differentiate musculoskeletal diagnoses. Radiographic evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, dislocations, joint and bone disorders will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of various musculoskeletal pathologies on movement dysfunction. Spring
420. Clinical Education Seminar
(1 credit)
This seminar is designed to orient students to clinical education and procedures that cross many aspects of the curriculum. The students will participate in the clinical site assignment process. Other classroom topics will include medical terminology, professional behavior, and safety and infection control issues and practice. Fall
430. Health Care Systems 1
(3 credits)
This course will introduce the history of the physical therapy profession, the evolution of physical therapy education and practice, and the history of the American Physical Therapy Association. Lecture, independent readings, and class discussion will be used to address the APTA structure and components, and analyze the role of the APTA in current health care issues. The course will explore and define the expanded role of the physical therapy professional, including that of the clinical specialist. It will introduce the roles and responsibilities of other health care providers in the interdisciplinary health care team. The other main component of the course will introduce the student to the medical record and to documentation skills needed for clinical practical. Workshops and assignments will assist the student in developing proficiency in documentation emphasizing a clinical decision-making model that utilizes the disablement model, Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, and APTA documentation standards. Fall
450. Special Topics in Physical Therapy
(1-3 credits)
In-depth exploration of selected subjects featuring guided work and emphasizing contemporary methodology. As needed.
502. Neuroscience 2
(3 credits)
This course for physical therapy majors will study the concepts, terms, and methods of investigating the physiology of the human nervous system. It will focus on the relationships between the anatomical structures in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the physiological function of neurons within these systems. This basic science course will serve as a foundation for understanding the functional systems throughout the brain and spinal cord, and prepare the physical therapy student to integrate this knowledge into patient evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Fall
503. Independent Study in Physical Therapy
(1-8 credits) As needed.
510. Physical Therapy Management for Select Populations
(3 credits)
This course will study physical therapy examination and interventions for patients in select populations. Topics will include wound and burn care, women’s health issues, oncology, AIDS/HIV, geriatrics, select metabolic and endocrine disorders, peripheral vascular disease, amputation rehabilitation, prosthetics and home assessment. A clinical decision-making format will be utilized to emphasize integration of information into professional practice. The course will consist of a lecture and a laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students to develop skills in application of patient examination and plan patient-directed therapeutic interventions through simulated situations. It will also allow the student to develop skill in applying select technology in a simulated therapeutic setting. Patient-practitioner interaction and evidence-based practice will be stressed as being as important as the therapeutic intervention. Spring
511. Patient/Client Management 3 – Neurology 1
(4 credits)
This course will provide a basis for interventions with the neurologic patient, from infant to adult. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s examination and interventions for patients who have signs and symptoms of neurological pathology that result in movement dysfunction. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in this practice pattern. The course consists of a lecture and laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students, under the direction of faculty and clinicians, to develop skill in patient examination and therapeutic intervention. Lab will consist of patient/client simulation as well as visits to clinics to gain experience with neurological patients. Emphasis will be on evidence based practice and the importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Fall
512. Clinical Pathology 3 – Neurology
(2 credits)
This course will study common neurological pathologies, and the response of the neuromuscular system to disease, exercise, and medical and surgical management. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of various neurological pathologies on common movement dysfunction. Fall
513. Special Topics 1
(2 credits)
An elective course that allows students to explore an area of interest and advanced study. Students work with a faculty mentor, individually or in small groups. Students choose from topics listed by the faculty or submit an independent proposal to work individually with a faculty member or clinician in area of interest. All independent proposals must have approval of the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. Topics include, but are not limited to, specialty areas of clinical practice (pediatrics, geriatrics, sports physical therapy, orthopedics, clinical electrophysiology, cardiopulmonary, and neurology), topics in select clinical practice areas (aquatics, hand therapy, industrial medicine), and topics in health promotion and wellness. Summer
514. Patient/Client Management 4 – Musculoskeletal 2
(4 credits)
This course will study complex neurological and musculoskeletal causes of movement dysfunction. It will build on foundations taught in previous patient/client management courses. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s examination and interventions for patients who have signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal pathology that result in movement dysfunction. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in this practice pattern. The course consists of a lecture and a laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students, under direction of faculty and clinicians, to develop skill in patient examination and therapeutic intervention. Lab will consist of patient/client simulation. Content will address specific musculoskeletal disorders resulting in movement dysfunction including complex spinal dysfunctions and other orthopaedic conditions. Emphasis will be on evidence based practice and the importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Spring
515. Clinical Pathology 4 – Multiple Systems
(2 credits)
Specific pathologies of the neurological, neuromuscular, endocrine, lymphatic, renal and urologic, and integumental systems, geriatric pathologies and autoimmune disorders. Response to disease, exercise, and medical and surgical management. Emphasis on understanding the impact of various pathologies on common movement dysfunctions. Spring
516. Patient/Client Management 5 – Neurology 2
(4 credits)
This course will study complex neuromuscular causes of movement dysfunction. It will build on foundations taught in previous patient/client management courses. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s examination and interventions for patients who have signs and symptoms of neuromuscular pathology that result in movement dysfunction. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in this practice pattern. The course consists of a lecture and a laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students, under direction of faculty and clinicians, to develop skill in patient examination and therapeutic intervention. Lab will consist of patient/client simulation. Content will address specific neuromuscular disorders resulting in movement dysfunction including complex neuromuscular spinal dysfunctions and other complex neurological conditions. Emphasis will be on evidence based practice and the importance of patient-practitioner interaction. Summer
520. Clinical Education 1
(3 credits)
The first clinical education experience that the student will have in the curriculum. This full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist occurs at the conclusion of the first year of professional coursework. Students will be assigned to facilities that can provide an experience in general musculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary interventions. This enables the student to emphasize competencies in the problem solving process and the areas covered in the curriculum. Summer
521. Clinical Education 2
(4 credits)
The second clinical education experience that the student will have in the curriculum. This full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist occurs in the first half of the spring semester of the second year of the professional curriculum. Students will be assigned to facilities that can provide an experience in acute care, rehabilitation or long-term care, or orthopedics. Consideration is also given to the type of experience that the student had in PHTH 520. The student will continue to emphasize competency in all areas already covered in the curriculum. Spring
522. Clinical Education 3
(4 credits)
The third clinical education experience that the student will have in the curriculum. This full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist occurs in the first half of the fall semester of the third year of the professional curriculum. Students will be assigned to facilities that can provide an experience in acute care, rehabilitation, long-term care, or orthopedics. Consideration is also given to the type of experience that the student had in PHTH 520 and 521. Students will also have the opportunity to be assigned to a facility that specializes in a particular type of patient population. The student will continue to emphasize competency in all areas already covered in the curriculum. Fall
523. Clinical Education 4
(4 credits)
The fourth clinical education experience that the student will have in the curriculum. This full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist occurs in the second half of the fall semester of the third year of the professional curriculum. Focus is on the integration of complex patient problems. Consideration is given to the type of experience that the student had in PHTH 520, 521, and 522. Students will present an in-service on their final project for Research 3. Fall
524. Clinical Education 5
(3 credits)
This course is the fifth and final clinical education experience that the student will have in the curriculum. This full-time terminal experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist occurs at the end of the spring semester of the third year of the professional curriculum. The focus is on the integration of complex patient problems. Consideration will be given to the experiences that the student had in PHTH 520, 521, 522 and 523. Spring
530. Health Care Systems 2
(3 credits)
This course will introduce basic theory and concepts in health care ethics as they apply to physical therapy practice. Students will discuss situations that arise in clinical/professional practice and will analyze the ethical implications of these situations. Case studies will be used to facilitate understanding of ethical problem solving strategies. The Code of Ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association, Standards of Practice, and other policy and position statements will be used as a foundation for analysis and discussion. Fall
531. Health Care Systems 3
(3 credits)
This course will study legal issues related to physical therapy practice. It will include a basic introduction to legal concepts. Students will examine legal issues, including malpractice, risk management, and the role of the physical therapist in the legal process. Issues related to Physical Therapy Practice Acts will be highlighted, including licensure requirements, and direct access. Emphasis will be placed on applying components of the law that impact on professional practice. An introduction to advanced legal issues, including business and employment law, contract law, and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be provided. Summer
532. Health Care Systems 4
(3 credits)
This seminar will study the health care delivery system as it relates to the practicing physical therapist. It will introduce concepts of traditional health care delivery in the United States as a foundation to the development of health care in response to changes in disease patterns, technology, funding, legal and social structures and policies. Non-traditional health care environments will be address. Specific emphasis will be on evolving managed health care structures and on healthcare financing and reimbursement systems. Students will focus on current issues in health care practice, and will analyze the impact of current trends and issues on delivery of physical therapy services. Spring
540. Research 1
(3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the procedures and clinical application of scholarly inquiry and highlights relationships between evidence and clinical practice. Lecture, class discussion, and classroom assignments will be used to explore topics including procedures of experimental and non-experimental research design, conceptually based statistical interpretation and operational definitions of reliability and validity. Ethical, legal, and financial issues relevant to research, formulation of clinical research questions, accessing research literature databases, and professional literature critique will be introduced. Using a platform presentation technique, students will defend the relevance, feasibility, and professional worth of the proposed clinical research question. Fall
541. Research 2
(3 credits)
This course will continue the study of research principles and clinical application of scholarly inquiry as they apply to evidence based physical therapy practice. Using lecture, class discussion, and practical exercises, it will introduce the student to sample selection, fundamentals of measurement, reliability and validity designs, measurement tools, and data analysis. Critical analysis of published literature continues. Data collection techniques will also be discussed and implemented. Students continue the development of a clinical research question. Using a platform presentation technique, students present evidence to support the validity and reliability of measurement tools chosen to support their clinical research question. Spring
542. Research 3
(2 credits)
This course builds on procedures and applications presented in PHTH 540 and 541. The course instructor and clinical facility develop a clinical question that is pertinent to the practice setting in Clinical Education 4. Students utilize course management software to integrate this course with clinical education. Students prepare a comprehensive review of relevant professional literature to answer the clinical question and are required to present their findings in the form of a research paper and in-service to clinicians. Fall
550. Teaching and Learning
(2 credits)
This course will address teaching and learning with specific application to professional practice. A lecture, discussion, and class participation format will be used to present learning theories, teaching methods, and principles of patient education. Summer
551. Administration
(3 credits)
Principles of management and administration of physical therapy services as part of the health care system. Human resources, operations, reimbursement, quality improvement, marketing, and planning. Emphasis on utilization of a systematic approach to problem resolution. Spring
552. Patient/Client Management 6 – Clinical Integration
(4 credits)
This course for physical therapy majors will study movement dysfunctions that occur in complex patient situations. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practiceand the Grand Rounds format will be utilized to emphasize the physical therapist’s assessment and intervention for patients who present with complex movement dysfunctions that result from multiple pathologies and/or involvement of multiple body systems. Aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and health, wellness, and fitness promotion activities will be addressed for patients/clients in multiple practice patterns. Students will work with physical therapy mentors to apply advanced clinical decision-making and integration of theory into practice. Emphasis will be on integrating information from cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and neurological systems. The course will consist of a lecture and a laboratory component. The laboratory component will allow students, under direction of faculty and clinicians, to develop skill in patient examination and treatment, and plan patient-directed therapeutic interventions through simulated patient-therapist situations. Patient-practitioner interaction and evidence-based practice will be stressed as being as important as the therapeutic intervention. Spring
553. Special Topics 2
(2 credits)
An elective course that allows additional opportunity to explore an area of interest and advanced study. Students work with a faculty mentor, individually or in small groups. Students choose from topics listed by the faculty or submit an independent proposal to work individually with a faculty member or clinician in area of interest. All independent proposals must have approval of the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. Topics include, but are not limited to, specialty areas of clinical practice (pediatrics, geriatrics, sports physical therapy, orthopedics, clinical electrophysiology, cardiopulmonary, and neurology), topics in selected clinical practice areas (aquatics, hand therapy, industrial medicine), and topics in health promotion and wellness. Spring
554. Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Care
(3 credits)
Psychological and social aspects of patient care associated with illness and wellness. Issues facing the patient, the family, and the care providers, including the health care team. Patient-practitioner interaction is emphasized; strategies to optimize the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention. Fall
555. Special Topics in Physical Therapy
(1-3 credits)
In-depth exploration of selected subjects featuring guided work and emphasizing contemporary methodology. As needed.