Physical Therapy

This course focuses on physical therapy's evolution in becoming an autonomous, doctoring profession, and investigates physical therapists' leadership and professional development through the American Physical Therapy Association's core documents and resources.

This course focuses on medical terminology, an essential foundation in communication of physical therapists. Using a body systems approach student will learn the building blocks of prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms and abbreviations. Through self-directed learning students will define, interpret, and pronounce medical terms related to structure and function, pathology, movement, examination, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and clinical procedures.

This is an advanced human anatomy lecture/laboratory course that provides the student with foundational knowledge of human gross anatomy. The course will focus on human embryology, histology, and functional anatomy with emphasis on the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb, to include associated osseous, muscular, nervous and vascular structures. Students will develop a thorough foundation in human gross anatomy through lectures and laboratory prosection experiences. Three-dimensional anatomy software, basic imaging modalities such as CT, MRI and radiographic films, living/surface anatomy, and synthetic human anatomical models in lab sessions will be used to further enhance students' knowledge of human anatomy.

This course is the first of a two-course sequence that emphasizes the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, hepatobiliary, immune, integumentary, lymphatic, pulmonary, renal, and urogenital body systems; as well as infectious, neoplastic and transplant disease processes. Students are presented with approaches to basic medical assessments (e.g. diagnostic testing and laboratory values), management approaches that consider activity and exercise guidelines, and common medical interventions for conditions related to physical therapy practice. Clinical cases are discussed by students to reinforce the relevance to physical therapy practice.

This course focuses on managing individual needs during illness and disease as well as ways to successfully interact with and enhance wellness of patients and families in health care settings. The course will provide a review of psychosocial aspects of illness and disability to include: (1) responses of the PT, individual/client, family, and support network to the stress of terminal, chronic, and acute illness and disability; (2) developmental tasks and changes common to various stages in the life cycle of the family; (3) cultural influences on the individual and family responses; (4) impact of cognitive challenges on physical therapy practice; (5) indicators of physical and sexual abuse and neglect, resource and support networks, and influence on treatment plans; (6) key aspects of various mental health issues, when to refer out, and how to promote positive interactions and changes in behavior and compliance; (7) impact of poverty on family stress and health; (8) stages and impact of death, grief, and mourning for the client, family, support network, and therapist; (9) optimal management of psychosocial issues in client, social networks, peer, and supervisory relationships; (10) maintaining psychological health within the professional environment.

This course will examine the structural, functional and developmental features of the human nervous system with reference to different disease states. It establishes an anatomical basis for the study and understanding of the nervous system. A study of the basic principles and concepts related to the nervous system. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nervous system in normal physiologic function, with particular emphasis on sensorimotor behavior. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and an introduction to neuropathology are included.

The movement system is the term used to represent the collection of systems (cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, integumentary, nervous and musculoskeletal) that interact to move the body or its component parts. This course is a study of the basic principles and concepts related to human movement science. The development and changes the individual experiences across the life span provides the foundation for understanding human movement. Emphasis is placed on the role of multiple systems in movement, with particular emphasis on sensorimotor behavior inclusive of motor development, motor learning and motor control theory. The course will focus on the systematic evaluation of movement behavior and the possible impairments that can impact individuals' ability to move in the context of function and performance.

This course introduces general research principles and evidence-based practice. This course is designed to present critical analysis of literature pertaining to different components of the Patient/Client Management Model and use the findings to effect clinical care. Common research methods and designs are discussed and applied to clinical problems with integration of patient values as influenced by culture, ethnicity, lifestyles, gender and age into patient-centered clinical decision-making consideration. This course provides a framework for assignments in subsequent courses in which evidence-based foundations of physical therapy are presented.

This is a foundational science course that introduces physical therapy students to the study of Biomechanics and Kinesiology. This course will examine the basic principles of human motion based on anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics. Students will examine the static and dynamic relationship between structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system under normal and abnormal conditions. The laboratory portion of this course includes participation in both qualitative and quantitative movement analyses of each joint complex and of the entire body during functional activities and gait. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision making skills related to tissue mechanics, joint function and gait.

This course is the second of a two-course sequence that emphasizes for physical therapy students to recognize the physiology and pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems; as well as developmental, genetic, metabolic and neurologic disorders. Students are presented with approaches to basic medical assessments (e.g. diagnostic testing and laboratory values), management approaches that consider activity and exercise guidelines, and common medical interventions for conditions related to physical therapy practice. Clinical cases are discussed by students to reinforce the relevance to physical therapy practice.

This course provides the foundation for the evaluative process in physical therapy. Physical therapy evaluation includes history, systems review, tests/measures, prognosis, physical therapy diagnosis, goals and intervention plans. Students gain knowledge of how to organize and interpret results from a basic examination of non-complex patient problems. They gain understanding and practical skill in patient questioning and history taking, completion of pain and assessment tools, measurement of vital signs, goniometric examination, manual muscle strength testing, limb girth and limb length measurements and sensory examination. This course also introduces documentation in physical therapy practice, and students will learn how to document the results of the history, systems review and physical examination in a format suitable for a patient's medical record. By the end of this course students are expected to be able to document, select, and perform appropriate components of an initial evaluation of a given, non-complex patient problem. Finally, students are expected to generate a problem list and begin to interpret the results (prognosis and diagnosis) of data gathered during the examination. Material in this course will be delivered using a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions.

This course introduces the use of biophysical agents such as superficial heat, cold, ultrasound, intermittent compression, shortwave diathermy, laser, mechanical modalities, massage and electrotherapy techniques in the management of patients with impairments, functional limitations, activity limitations and participation restrictions. The course will stress a clinical decision-making approach for the selection and application of appropriate biophysical agents within the patient/client management model. Throughout the course evidence supporting the optimal use of biophysical agents will be discussed. This course will also focus on developing therapeutic interventions based the foundational principles of therapeutic exercise. Students will learn to develop physical therapy plans of care to: (1) remediate or prevent impairments, (2) enhance function, (3) reduce risk, (4) optimize overall health, and (5) enhance fitness and well-being. Students will apply clinical decision-making models to address interventions to meet patient/client goals and meet desired outcomes. The goal of the course is to prepare students in this foundational knowledge and skill, so they are able to develop and deliver comprehensive plans of care across the lifespan.

This course further develops and elaborates tools and procedures used in clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice. Students will appraise articles on Outcome measures, learn principles of measurement and apply them to patients and clinical decision making. Basic statistics will be introduced, and practiced and appraised in current literature and applied to clinical decision making. Students will begin their Critical Inquiry Project with faculty mentorship including developing question, literature review, methodology, IRB submission (if applicable) and beginning data collection.

This course provides a general overview for physical therapy student recognition and understanding of pharmacologic principles, common pathological processes, and to discuss with course colleagues the impact these have on patient management in physical therapy across the lifespan. An overview of drug classifications, the physiologic basis for their actions, and an examination of the synergistic and/or adverse effects to patients' rehabilitation goals are provided to students to recognize and discuss with course colleagues.

This is part I of a 2-course series in musculoskeletal physical therapy. Learners will begin to build a foundation in orthopedic examination and intervention based on the elements of patient/client management (Guide to Physical Therapist Practice) for the cervical spine, temporomandibular joint, head/face, thoracic spine and upper extremity. Patient cases will be used to teach the learner about physical therapy management of musculoskeletal conditions across the continuum of care and throughout the lifespan. Learners will be introduced to musculoskeletal differential diagnosis, regional interdependence, and will utilize clinical decision making in patient scenarios. Management of the patient/client will be related to principles of tissue healing, impairments, and knowledge of pathology and pathomechanics. These principles are applied to musculoskeletal dysfunction of the cervical spine, temporomandibular joint, head/face, thoracic spine and upper extremity regions in this course, but also serve as a foundation for future courses in the management of patients with other system- or lifespan-related disorders.

This is the first of two courses focusing on the physical therapy examination and intervention of patients/clients with neuromuscular dysfunction. Students will learn key skills as part of the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention process to improve overall function, activity and participation of their clients with peripheral nerve dysfunction, spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury. Environmental and personal factors will be considered. This course addresses the examination and interventions for adults with neuromuscular disorders. Students will apply knowledge from Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience to the clinical management of patients with neurological conditions.

The Integrated Clinical Experience I course occurs in the spring semester, Year 1. Students will develop, implement and reflect on a Professional Practice Opportunity focused on observing physical therapy practice in a community-based setting. During onsite intensives, students will assist academic faculty in the provision of care focused on wellness of a healthy population.

This course provides an overview of the related pathologies, diagnostic and medical-surgical procedures of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Students are instructed in the basic examination, evaluation, intervention, and outcome assessment of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy. Physiological principles of exercise will be applied to cardiovascular and pulmonary examination and intervention for given pathologies. Students will demonstrate PT cardiovascular and pulmonary examination, procedures, treatment planning, documentation and outcome measurement across all clinical settings and explore interventions related to exercise, functional activities and airway clearance. The relevance of clinical laboratory values and medical/surgical diagnostics and interventions associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunctions will also be covered. Particular attention is focused on exercise prescriptions, patient management in various clinical settings, current medical and surgical procedures, guidelines, and education associated with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for individuals with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary impairments. Students will use evidence-based practice to guide decisions for developing a physical therapy plan of care.

The integumentary system is an integral part of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary practice. Because of this widespread influence, physical therapists should be well informed regarding how the integumentary system fits into all phases of practice. This course is structured to provide the student with basic knowledge of the integumentary system, what to examine and how to intervene when pathology is present. Selected modalities are reviewed and discussed as specific interventions for the integumentary system. The content is primarily delivered in lecture format and analysis of selected cases presented to the student. Common pathologic integumentary conditions are presented in relation to other musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular pathologies. Students are also exposed to common skin conditions and cancer.

This is part II of a 2-course series in musculoskeletal physical therapy. Learners will apply and build on their foundation in course I as they learn examination and intervention techniques for the lumbar spine, pelvis, pelvic floor, and lower extremity. Patient cases will be used to teach the learner about physical therapy management of musculoskeletal conditions across the continuum of care and throughout the lifespan. Clinical decision making and regional interdependence are emphasized in all patient scenarios.

This is the second of two courses focusing on the physical therapy examination and intervention of patients/clients with neuromuscular dysfunction. Students will learn key skills as part of the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention process to improve overall function, activity and participation of their clients with Degenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Cerebellar degeneration, Movement disorders, vestibular dysfunction, and several other specially chosen neurologic diagnostic categories. Environmental and personal factors will be considered.

This course will also focus on the physical therapist as a teacher and learner in various contexts highlighting roles in the clinic and community and the patient's role in effecting health behavior change. The course will explore and develop teaching and professional communication skills across a variety of settings. The course provides the foundation for systematically designing, implementing, communicating, and evaluating learning experiences used in the education of clients, family and caregivers, students, colleagues, community members and self.

This course introduces students to the physiologic changes of aging and the sociologic and economic consequences of an aging population. Significant time is dedicated to the natural aging process and how complicating factors such as chronic and comorbid disease processes, malnutrition and frailty can negatively impact the aging adult. Emphasis is placed on the positive and negative effects of lifestyle choices on preventing or accelerating decline in the aging process. The physical therapist's role in application of evidenced based education tools, plan of care development and appropriately graded therapeutic exercise interventions, will be a formative factor in this progression of decline or wellness. Students learn to evaluate, treat, and manage common diseases and disorders in the aging adult population. Topics range from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, to common types of osteoarthritis with total joint replacements, postural defects associated with osteoporosis, comprehensive fall management and neuromuscular changes in the aging adult population. Lab intensive hours are focused on the development of patient management skills related to the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the aging adult patient. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in the management of older persons during a concurrent clinical education experience. The general goal of this course is to enlighten student attitudes towards geriatric populations for optimal wellness promotion and advocacy in order to modify disease risk factors impacting older adult's lifespan at large.

This course is an introductory course in the physical therapy management of pediatric patients. This course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children with musculoskeletal, neurological, and/or cardiopulmonary impairments. A framework of normal development and aging from birth to young adult is presented and serves as a course foundation. Students apply the elements of patient/client management in physical therapy practice, including screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, and outcomes related to the pediatric patient. Topics included but are not limited to: developmental delay and disability, family-centered care, legislation related to provision of pediatric physical therapy services, orthotics, prosthetics, and assistive technologies. The student will be able to provide services to children in a manner consistent with family-centered care that is respectful of cultural diversity, occurs in the natural environment when appropriate, and fosters collaborative partnerships.

This course examines the application of prosthetic and orthotic components including alignment, fabrication, and fitting, gait analysis and exercise programs. Students are facilitated to integrate new information with previous knowledge to enable them to select appropriate examination tests and measures, evaluate, diagnose, prognosticate, create functional goals, and create a comprehensive plan of care for clients who use a prosthesis or orthosis. In this course, students will acquire the skills necessary to evaluate need, analyze pathological gait, develop a plan of care, and treat patients for whom prosthetic or orthotic devices are indicated from a medical or rehabilitation standpoint.

With most states allowing clients to directly access physical therapy (PT) without a physician referral, therapists must be able to identify signs and symptoms of disease that can mimic neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction. Given a clinical environment in which therapists are frequently expected to assume the role of autonomous practitioner, this course seeks to aid integration of didactic knowledge, clinical problem solving, and the intuitive process into a scheme useful in the formation of a PT clinical diagnosis and intervention program. This course focuses on the differential diagnostic process within physical therapy and screening for the presence of medical disease or other pathologies whose treatment is beyond the scope of physical therapist practice. Emphasis is placed on the use of problem-solving and clinical decision-making for the process of determining when it is most appropriate to: 1) implement physical therapy care, 2) consult with other healthcare providers regarding patient care while implementing PT, or 3) refer the patient to another healthcare provider. This course presents a comprehensive review of advanced techniques and applications of diagnostic tests and imaging in the major systems and joints of the body related to physical therapy practice. The fundamentals of imaging, as well as the more sophisticated techniques and their diagnostic utility, are presented in this course. Specific content provides review of diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and radiographs. Content is also presented on general medical diagnostic tests and how to interpret laboratory studies.

This course provides an overview of managing patients with chronic pain syndromes through the integration of general concepts related to chronic pain, multidimensional PT management, patient education and the multi-disciplinary nature of chronic pain.

This course introduces students to the unique aspects of the acute and critical care environment and patient management principles, to include medical equipment, effects of prolonged hospitalization, and their role in multidisciplinary care. Students develop examination, treatment planning, intervention, and discharge planning skills for medically complex patients in acute care settings. This course will explore the therapist's role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. Inherent in the responsibilities associated with this role is the ability to recognize clinical manifestations that suggest that physician contact is warranted regarding a client's health status. Equally important is knowing what one can omit from the examination scheme on a given day, while placing the client at minimal risk. A proposed examination scheme will provide the structure for our discussion. Presenting the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to more efficiently and effectively collect and evaluate the examination data, will be the focus of this course. Professional communication with the client and other health care professionals will also be a central theme. Patient cases are presented as the final part of this course as a means of applying differential diagnostic principles and promoting clinical decision-making.

This course provides an overview of the US Health Care System and how health policy influences medical practice and patient access to services. Learners will begin to develop an understanding of the reimbursement system and how it's integrated within each major setting that physical therapists practice.

This course introduces students to the basic business practices common to entrepreneurship in health care and the leadership practices that support success in management and team development. Students will apply these principles and practices by developing a mock physical therapy business.

This course is the first course in a two-course sequence. This course integrates knowledge obtained throughout the curriculum across the 4 physical therapy systems: Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, and Integumentary. Complex patient cases will each have a primary diagnosis in one of the systems and secondary diagnoses in at least one other system. Students will learn how to identify priorities for patient management using complex cases. Clinical decision-making models will be used to guide evaluation and intervention. Students will engage in simulated and clinical experiences to apply their clinical decision-making skills. Students will complete and present their Critical Inquiry Project initiated in EBP 2 In addition, students will learn how to analyze and write a case report for publication. Special instructions: half of this course will address complex cases, and the other half will focus on case reports. Please concentrate your efforts towards the development of the case report section of this course.

This course will focus on preparing the students for the national physical therapy examination. Students will complete a National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Prep Course as part of this course and are required to pass a simulated NPTE board examination to validate comprehension of material in preparation for the national licensure exam.

This course provides an overview of basic concepts related to health informatics and health information technology. Students will recognize and understand the influential factors that currently shape the health informatics landscape, the key elements of effective health care information management, the regulatory and system security measures required to protect health care information, as well as their expected electronic health record management challenges and responsibilities as a physical therapist. Students will collaborate as a small group to develop and present a practical community outreach application of the use of evolving health information technology specialization of specifically an EHR or telehealth program to enhance patients' education and engagement, influence patients' rehabilitation goals, and support better health outcomes for rural or underserved areas.

The Integrated Clinical Experience II course occurs in the summer semester, Year 2. Students will develop, implement and reflect on a Professional Practice Opportunity focused on observing physical therapy practice in a medically-complex setting. During onsite intensives, students will assist academic faculty in the provision of care focused on assessing fall risk for an at-risk population and making recommendations. Student participation in patient care during onsite intensives assessing falls-risk will include a multi-factorial approach, including examination and review of contributors to fall risk (environmental hazards, reviewing medications, mobility limitations, visual impairment, etc.).

This is the second course in a two-course sequence. This course continues to build upon cases presented in the first course. Students will integrate complex clinical presentations across the 4 physical therapy systems: Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, and Integumentary, as appropriate to the complex patient case. Students will learn how to identify priorities for patient management while incorporating practice management issues related to life span development, cultural competence, ethics, varied practice setting, and reimbursement. Clinical decision-making models will be used to guide evaluation and intervention decisions. The final course in the curriculum requires the student to integrate and apply previous didactic knowledge, clinical internship experiences, and evidence-based practice principles. Students use clinical internship experiences to prepare patient case reports for professional presentation and discussion. Students complete case reports in written manuscript, scientific poster, and PowerPoint presentation formats.

The 16-week full-time clinical experience requires the student to apply knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors acquired throughout the didactic coursework to the clinical setting. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, the student will practice in a complex medical setting or a community-based setting to demonstrate competence in physical therapy skills related to all aspects of patient care, team-based collaboration, and clinical functions.

The 16-week full-time clinical experience requires the student to apply knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors acquired throughout the didactic coursework to the clinical setting. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, the student will practice in a complex medical setting or a community-based setting to demonstrate competence in physical therapy skills related to all aspects of patient care, team-based collaboration, and clinical functions.