Health Sciences: Physical Therapy Course Descriptions

Graduate 2020-2021

PT 601 Foundational Science (4)
This course is the first in a series of basic science courses for physical therapists that lay a foundation for the patient management courses. Students will review the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and medical management for selected pathologies. Additional emphasis will be placed on the impact of pharmacology and medical imaging on physical therapy management.

PT 603 Surface Anatomy (1)
This course is exploration of the human musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. Superficial and deep palpable anatomical features will be explored while students develop their palpation skills to locate bony landmarks muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, peripheral nerves on the living human body.

PT 605 Clinical Exercise Physiology with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 605A
Principles of exercise physiology are presented including exercise testing and prescription for cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal fitness including consultation for health and wellness amongst diverse populations most commonly seen by physical therapists. Normal and abnormal responses to exercise are examined. In addition, students will identify at risk populations and barriers to health, wellness, and exercise.

PT 605A Clinical Exercise Physiology (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 605
Course description as stated on PT 605

PT 608 Biomechanics/Kinesiology with LAB (4)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 608A
This course is a study of the principles of musculoskeletal biomechanics and kinesiology including mechanical behavior and properties of bone, tendon, ligament, joint, cartilage, and skeletal muscle as applied to the human body. In this course, analysis of forces and identification of muscle functions involved in human movement, including normal posture and gait are modeled as a foundation for evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Students integrate foundational sciences with current scientific literature to substantiate biomechanical principles for clinical reasoning development.

PT 608A Biomechanics/Kinesiology (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 608
Course description as stated in PT 608

PT 610 Basic Patient Care Skills with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 610A
This course introduces the students to the principles and application of basic patient care skills, including positioning/draping, bed mobility, transfers, gait training, infection control, body mechanics, OSHA safe patient handling, basic wheelchair measurement and mobility, and documentation. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills necessary to select and perform basic patient care skills on a varied patient population safely and effectively.

PT 610A Basic Patient Care Skills (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 610
Course description as stated in PT 610

PT 611 Therapeutic Modalities with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 611A
Students will integrate information from foundational course work into new material on the principles, theories and evidence for effective use of thermal, electrical, light and mechanical agents as they apply to the clinical practice of physical therapy in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions. Skills in safe and effective application of clinical modalities will be developed during laboratory sessions that emphasize clinical decision making and patient education. . Students are introduced to leadership roles of a physical therapist through practice in delegation and supervision of the application of therapeutic modalities, complete and accurate documentation of services, and billing/coding.

PT 611A Therapeutic Modalities (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 611
Course description as stated in PT 611

PT 612 Basic Examination & Evaluation with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 612A
This course introduces the student to the patient/client management concepts from The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Principles and application of systems review and basic examination techniques that are applicable to a variety of patient populations are learned. Emphasis is placed on differential diagnosis through clinical decision-making by integrating basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology with analysis and synthesis of subjective and objective patient data. The students learn upper and lower quarter screening examination techniques for musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Students develop examination skills on various patient populations in the classroom and clinic.

PT 612A Basic Examination & Evaluation (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 612
Course description as stated in PT 612

PT 615 Therapeutic Exercise with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 615A
This course introduces theory and principles of therapeutic exercise and related techniques used in the management of patients/clients with movement dysfunction s and associated disabilities linked to impairments of muscle performance, joint ROM, muscle flexibility, and postural stability. Students learn evidence-based modes of therapeutic exercise, stretching, myofascial mobilization, aquatic therapy, resistance training, neuromuscular control training, and manual therapy techniques. Students learn safe application of therapeutic exercise by using biomechanical, kinesiological, and physiological concepts as they relate to stages of connective tissue healing following injury or surgery; and develop clinical reasoning skills in the prescription of therapeutic exercise on various patient populations treated in physical therapy.

PT 615A Therapeutic Exercise (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 615
Course description as stated in PT 615

PT 624 Neuroscience with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 624A
This course reviews the functional anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system with lecture, problem-solving cases and laboratory experience. Gross anatomical structures and their function, including motor and sensory systems as well as higher cognitive regions, are discussed and correlated with clinical neurologic dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on those structures/functions of greatest importance to the successful practice of physical therapy.

PT 624A Neuroscience (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 624
Course description as stated in PT 624

PT 650 Professional Socialization I (2)
This course is the first of a two semester series. The professional socialization series (PT 650 and PT651) introduces students to the profession of physical therapy. The history of the profession is explored and the role, scope and utilization of the physical therapist in today's health care system are investigated. Foundational principles such as communication, professionalism, and theories of rehabilitation are introduced. The ethical foundations of the profession are examined and a framework for solving ethical dilemmas is presented. This course expands the student's self-awareness in order to develop a foundation for personal and professional growth.

PT 651 Professional Socialization II (2)
This course is a continuation of Professional Socialization I (PT 650). The professional socialization series (PT 650 and PT651) introduces students to the profession of physical therapy. This course introduces issues in power negotiation/ distribution, culture of disability, cultural competency, healthcare team models, and advocacy. This course expands the student's self-awareness, social awareness, and healthcare policy awareness in order to develop a foundation for effective interactions with diverse patient groups.

PT 652 Professional Issues in PT I (1)
This course precedes the first clinical experience. It provides for the introduction and discussion of policies, procedures, expectations, and issues relevant to clinical education. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, the role of the student in the clinic, documentation, feedback, supervision, delegation, and methods of evaluation. Students are introduced to the regulations of state practice acts, and are certified in the regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

PT 661 Research in PT I (2)
This course is the first in a series of courses designed to foster the utilization of and production of research literature into the practice of physical therapy. The course explores the continuum of research, as well as the categorization of clinical research into levels of evidence. Students are introduced to evidence based physical therapy practice and the concepts of clinical research methodology and measurement. Concepts of reliability, validity, sampling, and research design are explored. Ability to critically appraise literature relevant to the practice of physical therapy is introduced in this course and fostered throughout the remainder of the professional curriculum.

PT 700 Introduction to Clinical Experience I (1)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the student with opportunities for supervised application of basic clinical skills including, but not limited to objective tests and measures, mobility and gait training, therapeutic exercise, modalities, documentation, and professional communication. Students will have supervised direct interaction and practice with patients, healthcare providers, and personnel in beginning the assimilation into the clinical environment.

PT 701 Introduction to Clinical Experience II (1)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the student with opportunities for supervised application of basic clinical skills including, but not limited to objective tests and measures, mobility and gait training, therapeutic exercise, modalities, documentation, and professional communication. Students will have supervised direct interaction and practice with patients, healthcare providers, and personnel in beginning the assimilation into the clinical environment but in a different setting from Introduction to Clinical Experience I.

PT 702 Foundational Science II (3)
This course is the second in a series of basic science courses for physical therapists that lay a foundation for the patient management courses. Students will review the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and medical management for selected pathologies. Additional emphasis will be placed on the impact of pharmacology and medical imaging on physical therapy management.

PT 703 Foundational Science III (3)
This course is the third in a series of basic science courses for physical therapists that lay a foundation for the patient management courses. Students will review the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and medical management for selected pathologies. Additional emphasis will be placed on the impact of pharmacology and medical imaging on physical therapy management.

PT 715 Patient Management: Acute Care & Cardiopulmonary with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 715A
Examination, evaluation, treatment interventions, and discharge planning for patients treated in the acute care setting, including the intensive care unit. Emphasis is placed upon synthesis, analysis, and integration of subjective and objective patient data, including integration of data from ECG, laboratory values, and pulmonary function tests for evidence based clinical decision making. This course covers common patient diagnoses seen in acute care.

PT 715A Patient Management:Acute Care and Cardiopulmonary (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 715
Course description as stated in PT 715

PT 720 Patient Management: Applied Orthopedics I with LAB (6)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 720A
A regional approach to examination, evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy intervention techniques for common musculoskeletal conditions of the cervical spine, TMJ, thoracic spine and the upper extremities is studied. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making by integrating basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology with analysis and synthesis of current outcomes research on effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy interventions. Students advance skills in screening, systems review, differential diagnosis, and patient/client management within the scope of physical therapy practice.

PT 720A Patient Management:Applied Orthopedics I (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 720
Course description as stated in PT 720

PT 721 Patient Management: Applied Orthopedics II with LAB (5)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 721A
Examination, evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy intervention techniques for common musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, and the lower extremities are studied. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making by integrating basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology with analysis and synthesis of current outcomes research on effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy interventions. Students advance skills in screening, systems review, differential diagnosis, and patient/client management within the scope of physical therapy practice.

PT 721A Patient Management:Applied Orthopedics II (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 721
Course description as stated in PT 721

PT 722 Patient Mgmt:Neurological Rehabilitation I with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 722A
This course is the first of two courses that review the fundamentals of neuroscience as it relates to neurologic function/dysfunction, including motor control and motor learning, normal/abnormal control of movement, and clinical presentation of common neurologic dysfunctions. Emphasis is placed on evaluation and intervention techniques for patients with neurological dysfunction requiring physical therapy intervention.

PT 722A Patient Mgmt:Neurological Rehabilitation I (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 722
Course description as stated in PT 722

PT 725 Patient Mgmt:Neurological Rehabilitation II with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 725A
This course is the second of two courses that reviews the fundamentals of neuroscience as it relates to neurologic function/dysfunction, including clinical presentation, medical management, and evaluation and intervention techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of subjective and objective patient data and current research to evaluate, diagnose, and develop a physical therapy plan of care as relates to neurological diagnoses.

PT 725A Patient Mgmt:Neurological Rehabilitation II (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 725A
Course description as stated in PT 725

PT 745 Patient Management:Special Topics with LAB (3)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 745A
This course focuses on both knowledge and related skills needed for working with special populations. The topical areas include, but are not limited to women's and men's health, orthotics and prosthetics, work hardening, lymphedema, wounds and burns with an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to examination, evaluation, and intervention.

PT 745A Patient Management:Special Topics (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 745
Course description as stated in PT 745

PT 746 Patient Management:Lifespan I- Pediatric Conditions (3)
This course introduces students to the normal developmental changes that occur from birth to adolescence, and reviews the physical therapy management (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and documentation) of the pediatric patient. Emphasis is placed upon the integration of current research, family centered care, and current motor control/motor learning applied to the pediatric population.

PT 747 Patient Management:Lifespan II- Geriatric Conditions with LAB (4)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 747A
This course reviews the physical therapy management (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and documentation) of older adults. Emphasis is placed upon the integration of subjective and objective patient data with current research and patient/client preferences for effective clinical decision making for an older adult population. Screening for medical disease and physical therapy management of the medically complex patient will also be addressed.

PT 747A Patient Management:Lifespan II - Geriatric Conditions (LAB) (0)
Concurrent requisite(s): PT 747
Course description as stated in PT 747

PT 753 Health Care Policy (3)
This interdisciplinary course explores health care systems in the United States from a historical, political, economic, social, and financial perspective. Delivery of health care, health care policies, financing of health care, and health care reform will be discussed with an emphasis on the leadership role the health care professional can take in affecting the health care system. Areas of exploration include: cost containment, managed care, social justice issues, quality assurance, legislative and regulatory controls, long-term care, and ethical/legal issues.

PT 754 Professional Issues in PT II (1)
This course serves as a review of clinical education policies, procedures, expectations, and issues prior to the first terminal clinical experience. This course is also designed as a seminar for the discussion and application of theories, principles, duties, codes of ethics, laws, and decision-making models impacting the various facets and ethical issues impacting physical therapy practice.

PT 762 Research in PT II (3)
This course is the second in a series of courses designed to foster the utilization of research literature into the practice of physical therapy. The course will expand upon the concepts of evidenced based physical therapy practice and clinical research methodology and measurement including specific design types, analysis, and reporting.

PT 770 Administration, Consultation & Management (3)
Concepts in administration and management as they apply to the delivery of physical therapy services in health care facilities and organizations are explored, including basic administrative concepts of communication, planning and decision making, budgeting, fiscal management (including billing and coding), and marketing applied to the implementation of clinical services.

PT 855 Professional Issues In PT III (1)
This course prepares students for their ensuing practice as entry-level professionals. Topics include the clinical education requirements for the terminal clinical experience, consulting, political issues, and involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), licensure, resume writing, interviewing skills, personal finance, and one's role as a clinical educator.

PT 857 Professional Issues in PT IV (1)
This course prepares students for their ensuing practice as entry-level professionals. Topics include the clinical education requirements for the terminal clinical experiences, and provide a means for exploring interprofessional health care collaboration within in clinical education and the physical therapy profession. The students will utilize exposure to and experience with interprofessional health care practice to enhance professional growth and interprofessional collaboration.

PT 863 Research in PT III (2)
This course is the third in a series of courses designed to foster the utilization of research literature into the practice of physical therapy. This course will expand upon the previous courses with emphasis placed on the synthesis of research for clinical decision making, including applying the principles of evidence based practice to a specific clinical question.

PT 875 Elective Seminars in PT (1-3)
Exploration of advanced and novel topics in Physical Therapy.

PT 876 Independent Studies in PT (1-3)
This course allows for the exploration of special topics or experiences of interest to individual students to enrich specific courses or expand on experiences requiring in-depth study. Students, under the supervision of the physical therapy faculty, identify an area of study, establish objectives, and agree to a learning contract for credits earned.

PT 881 Clinical Education Experience I (5)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the intern with opportunities for supervised examination, evaluation, program planning, discharge planning, and intervention for patients requiring physical therapy in an assigned practice setting. Students experience opportunities for interaction with health-care providers and personnel at all levels of management. Expectations for students' performance are incrementally higher than on the previous Introduction to Clinical Experiences in the areas of supervision/guidance, quality, complexity, consistency, and efficiency as defined by the APTA Clinical Performance Instrument.

PT 882 Clinical Education Experience II (5)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the intern with opportunities for supervised examination, evaluation, program planning, discharge planning, and intervention of patients requiring physical therapy in an assigned practice setting. Students experience opportunities for interaction with health-care providers and personnel at all levels of management. Expectations for students' performance are incrementally higher than on previous internships in the areas of supervision/guidance, quality, complexity, consistency, and efficiency as defined by the APTA Clinical Performance Instrument.

PT 883 Clinical Education Experience III (5)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the intern with opportunities for supervised examination, evaluation, program planning, discharge planning, and intervention for patients requiring physical therapy in an assigned practice setting. Students experience opportunities for interaction with health-care providers and personnel at all levels of management. Expectations for students' performance are incrementally higher than on previous internships in the areas of supervision/guidance, quality, complexity, consistency, and efficiency as defined by the APTA Clinical Performance Instrument.

PT 884 Clinical Education Experience IV (5)
Full-time (37+ hours per week) clinical assignment that provides the intern with opportunities for supervised examination, evaluation, program planning, discharge planning, and intervention for patients requiring physical therapy in an assigned practice setting. Students experience opportunities for interaction with health-care providers and personnel at all levels of management. Expectations for students' performance are incrementally higher than on previous internships in the areas of supervision/guidance, quality, complexity, consistency, and efficiency as defined by the APTA Clinical Performance Instrument.