This human anatomy course focuses on the cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine, pelvis, upper and lower extremities, thorax, and viscera. The learner is introduced to the foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and clinical application. Functional anatomy is explored concerning human movement across the lifespan with a key emphasis on a detailed study of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system. Anatomy laboratory experiences include synthetic human anatomical models, human donor anatomy, and surface palpation.
Learners in this course study the physiologic responses to physical activity and exercise. This course covers physiological issues related to health and wellness, including the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are explored.
This course explores foundational knowledge of the neuroscience of the movement system, specifically the motor and sensory systems and pathways that regulate typical movement. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and functions of the movement system that contribute to neurological dysfunction. Lab activities will focus on the essential elements of the neurologic examination, including assessment tools, clinical problem solving integrating neurological structure/function, and an introduction to standard outcome measures used in the neurologic population across the lifespan.
Pharmacology principles and common uses of medications are introduced for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, endocrine, and integumentary systems. This course introduces students to the influence of medications on patient management across the lifespan, and the impact on patient presentations, physical therapy outcomes, and rehabilitation sessions is emphasized.
This course introduces a patient management framework used throughout the curriculum and introduces the student to fundamental physical therapy skills spanning various practice settings. Fundamental skills addressed in the lab include basic examination tests and measures such as goniometry, range of motion, manual muscle testing, and anthropometric testing. Techniques for interview, documentation, systems review, and measuring patient outcomes are introduced.
This course introduces the foundation concepts of motor control, motor development and motor learning. Functional anatomy and biomechanical concepts are reinforced through analysis of simple and complex movements, including typical and atypical gait. Learners will be introduced to movement analysis constructs and learn to apply the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Integration of theory, movement analysis, and use of the ICF model is emphasized to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice.
This course introduces the principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and movement. Biomechanical principles are integrated with joint structure and function, movement analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Learners are introduced to therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and tissue healing response principles and learn to manage patients with pain, strength, and mobility impairments. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision making in the appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions using current evidence.
This second therapeutic intervention course expands on clinical decision making in the appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions using current evidence. This course focuses on the principles and application of selected physical agents, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy for managing patients with pain and tissue injury, and with impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control.
This is an introductory course to evidence-based practice, research design, and statistics. Learners explore the most common research methodologies and statistical approaches used in health care research. The course examines the basics of evidence-based practice with the formulation of clinical questions, performing effective literature searches, critical appraisal of sources, evidence, and methodologies, and emphasizes evidence-based practice in clinical decision making.
This is the first of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, emphasizing dysfunctions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip region. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with lumbar spine, pelvis and/or hip region dysfunction. Evidence-based interventions for the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip region are taught, emphasizing patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This is the second of four courses focused on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on lower extremity dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination (including psychomotor skills such as regional palpation, passive mobility testing, and special tests), assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with lower extremity dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the lower extremity are taught, with emphasis on patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This course is the third focusing on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on cervicothoracic, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and rib dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with cervicothoracic, TMJ, and rib dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the cervicothoracic region, TMJ, and ribs are taught, emphasizing patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This course is the last focusing on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on upper extremity dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention, planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with upper extremity dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the upper extremity are taught, with emphasis on patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
Learners explore the management of patients with neurologic health conditions, focusing on acquired brain injuries in this course. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the ICF model to examine the impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that occur as a result of neurophysiological and patho-kinesiological mechanisms of neurological health conditions. Students are taught to integrate and apply motor control and motor learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
Learners continue to study the management of patients with neurologic health conditions. This course’s condition focus includes spinal cord injury, vestibular disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disorders, and central nervous system cancers. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the ICF model to examine the impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that occur because of neurophysiological and patho-kinesiological mechanisms of neurological health conditions. Students are taught to integrate and apply motor control and motor learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
This course provides a comprehensive study of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to effectively manage patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement dysfunction. The focus will be on evaluating and rehabilitating patients across the lifespan and the continuum of care. Lab activities include examination techniques including exercise testing, auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examination, with additional ECG analysis skills.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model considering culturally competent and motivational strategies. Students are presented with the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to perform a differential diagnosis and to begin developing proficiency in clinical decision-making. An introduction to imaging of major body regions related to physical therapy practice is emphasized to identify typical and pathological anatomy. Content areas include diagnostic ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, radiographs, and medical diagnostic tests interpretation. Evidence-informed clinical reasoning to guide examination selection, utilization, referral/consultation, and patient/health care provider interactions are discussed.
This course covers the current evidence-based approaches for acute and persistent pain management using the biopsychosocial model framework. Students will be introduced to fundamental pain science concepts and models that incorporate the multidimensional nature of pain. Students will apply these concepts to patient-centered assessments, including screening for central sensitization, and measurement of pain with consideration for psychosocial factors, context, culture, and age. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to developing a comprehensive and patient-centered pain management plan, with a diversity of treatment options including pain neuroscience education, will be emphasized.
Students are introduced to the professional roles and responsibilities expected of practicing physical therapists in a health care setting. Students will integrate learning styles, learning theories, and issues surrounding information and health literacy to practice effective and professional communication with patients and families. Students will learn about and assess their emotional intelligence and discover how to integrate emotional intelligence into effective clinical practice. Concepts of flourishing, communication issues, and barriers to accessing health care services are discussed. This course prepares students for the professional curriculum and clinical practice as effective communicators and life-long learners.
Students integrate principles of health promotion, wellness, and fitness. Topics relating to injury prevention, nutrition, fitness testing, exercise prescription, physically active lifestyles in healthy and chronically ill populations are the focus of this course. Learners are introduced to mindful and behavioral practices to implement as physical therapists. The ability to adapt the exercise program to various healthy and chronically ill populations using proper clinical procedures and culturally competent practices is emphasized.
The second of two courses in the Evidence Based Practice series reinforces concepts learned in DPT 7311 (Evidence Based Practice I) through application to current literature. Students are fostered to become intelligent consumers of research through critical review and analysis of the scientific literature in small group journal clubs. A focus is on translation of research findings into clinical practice for integrating current best evidence into individual practice patterns.
This course culminates the student's clinical and professional development by integrating academic knowledge, clinical experiences, and evidence-based principles. The creation of a professional portfolio and a professional development plan will be one of the tools to prepare the students in becoming an entry-level practitioner and a lifelong learner.
This course provides an entry-level approach to providing physical therapy services to pediatric patients/clients in a variety of settings. The patient/client management model is applied to multiple pediatric diagnoses and conditions. Abnormal development, therapeutic play, family-centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are covered as essential components of pediatric physical therapy. Ethical, legal, and legislative issues affecting this population are addressed.
Students integrate orthotics, prosthetics, and braces typically encountered in physical therapy into practice management of patients with multiple movement disorders across the lifespan. Functional and surgical anatomy of upper and lower limb amputations and conditions requiring lower quarter orthotic and prosthetic intervention are presented. Lab activities emphasize gait analysis, movement analysis, residual limb management, orthotic and prosthetic management, amputee rehabilitation, and gait training.
This course provides information on current issues that impact healthcare delivery for the aging adult population. Theory of normal aging processes, sociocultural, environmental factors, psychosocial issues, and systemic changes are discussed concerning health promotion, prevention and wellness, optimal daily function, and quality of life. Interprofessional collaboration, the role of the physical therapist in the community, and family resources are addressed. Learners apply the patient/client management model to the specific needs of the aging adult population. Lab activities focus on management skills for the aged adult patient.
Students will further develop their clinical reasoning, differential diagnoses, physical therapy examinations, and effective care plans for medically complex patients. The learner will be challenged to integrate the findings of laboratory tests, diagnostic testing, medical treatment, and procedures, as well as information gained from the patient, their families, other members of the health care team, and current evidence into the clinical decision-making process. Students will examine the physical therapy implications of the medically complex patient across all continuums of care. Students will design patient-centered individual and community-based interventions for effective disease management across the lifespan.
This course provides an overview of practice management fundamentals and applies principles to various aspects of leadership and personal development, strategic planning, and business operations. Students gain knowledge in health care management, leadership, strategic planning, human resources, finance, organizational structures, and fiscal management related to physical therapy practice.
This course assists students in completing licensure examination preparation and exam simulation to validate comprehension and curricular content.
This course is a full-time eight-week clinical experience that takes place in a community-based physical therapy setting. The student develops examination, evaluation, and intervention skills supervised by a licensed physical therapist. The student utilizes interpersonal communication, professional socialization, and critical thinking skills with patients/clients, family members, and health care staff. This is a beginner-level course and is the first in a series of three courses.
This course is a full-time eight-week clinical experience that takes place in a community-based physical therapy setting. The student progresses examination, evaluation, and intervention skills supervised by a licensed physical therapist. The student utilizes interpersonal communication, professional socialization, and critical thinking skills with patients/clients, family members, and health care staff. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a medical professional. This is an intermediate level course and is the second in a series of three courses.
This course is a full-time fifteen-week clinical experience that takes place in a community-based physical therapy setting. The student advances to entry-level patient management skills, including examination, evaluation, and intervention, supervised by a licensed physical therapist. The student refines interpersonal communication, professional socialization, and critical thinking skills with patients/clients, family members, and health care staff. Students develop evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a medical professional. This is an advanced level course and is the third in a series of three courses.