PHYSICAL THERAPY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PHYT 7001 Clinical Foundations I
This course addresses the fundamental concepts of physical therapy practice including basic clinical screening for disease to include systems review, diagnostic procedures, and introductory physical therapy skills. Students are exposed to the components of documentation, basic examination, therapist-to-patient interaction, the disablement process, interdisciplinary management of the patient, and the use of the Guide to Physical Therapy as a management tool. Students also study functional screening techniques, body mechanics, surface anatomy, postural assessment, patient positioning and transfers, locomotion, and the use of assistive devices. The course adds to the foundation for clinical reasoning and clinical decision making. Students have the opportunity to practice fundamental skills involved in patient management.
Semester Credit Hours: 4.0
PHYT 7005 Therapeutic Exercise Science
The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the basic principles of therapeutic exercise to different populations. This will be achieved by examining the physiology of exercise and applying the principles of therapeutic exercise to different populations. Emphasis is on the role of exercise to improve function, prevent dysfunction, and promote wellness. The role of complementary medicine and integration of interdisciplinary professionals in the presentation of content is intended to enhance understanding of holistic care for active populations. The effects of exercise on energy metabolism, nutrition, cardiopulmonary function, and the musculoskeletal systems are also emphasized in this course. At the end of this course, students will have had the opportunity to learn to be able to apply training principles to develop an appropriate exercise program.
Semester Credit Hours: 4.0
PHYT 7009 Neuroscience I
This course in neuroscience provides the foundation to understand the structure and functions of the developing, mature, and aging nervous system. It covers basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology. It also applies neuroscience to clinical applications regarding pathology and patient care. Since cultural organization is central to most functional concepts, neuroanatomy is emphasized to facilitate an overall understanding of the nervous system. Morphology is covered first at the cellular level, then regionally. Neurophysiology of cellular processes of nerve cell transmission as well as regional connectivity of pathways devoted to specific neural modalities is covered. Neuropharmacology encompasses the chemical aspects of synaptic transmission at the cellular level, and the regional differences of transmitter pharmacology. Neuropathology is introduced when appropriate to the systems being discussed.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 7011 Clinical Foundations II
This course continues to introduce the fundamental concepts of physical therapy practice including basic clinical screening, systems review, and introductory physical therapy skills. The course takes a regional approach to surface anatomy and its radiologic correlates, detailed muscle function with specific muscle testing. Functional outcome measures, palpation, and principles of selected interventions to include soft tissue massage and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). The course will continue to lay the foundation for clinical reasoning and clinical decision making. The student will be given the opportunity to practice fundamental skills involved in patient management.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 4.0
PHYT 7012 Movement Science I
This course is a study of joint structure and function, and the mechanical principles underlying the kinematics and kinetics of human motion. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between biomechanical and physiological factors in musculoskeletal function and the implications of kinesiology principles in physical therapy practice.
Semester Credit Hours: 4.0
PHYT 7014 Systematic Reasoning and Scientific Investigation I
This course is designed to develop critical thinking regarding interpretation of research literature. It provides a general introduction to research design, statistical reasoning, and interpretations of the literature. Topics include scientific method, research design, statistical reasoning, development of research questions, issues of measurement, and an overview of parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques. All topics are presented to facilitate understanding of research literature and utilizing evidence for clinical decision-making. The learner will have the opportunity to be able to critically analyze rehabilitation research and begin the process of formulating a critically relevant research question.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 7017 Cells, Systems, and Disease
This course characterizes what happens to the human body during different disease processes. It begins at the cellular and tissue levels and advances to a progressive study of diseases and disorders within different organ systems. It examines the pathological changes of both histological and gross anatomical specimens, as well as the biochemical and physiological changes that occur during different diseases and disorders. It also discusses some aspects of diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. There is an extensive medical vocabulary associated with this course.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 7018 Pharmacological Principles in Physical Therapy
This course provides the foundation for understanding the impact of drugs on patients with conditions encountered in the practice of physical therapy. Basic pharmacological principles are addressed, as well as important precautions and contraindications for physical therapy treatments.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7019 Neuroscience II
This course in neuroscience provides further foundation to understand the structures and functions of the developing, mature, and aging nervous system. It covers basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology. It also applies neuroscience to clinical applications regarding pathology and patient care. Since structural organization is central to most functional concepts, neuroanatomy is emphasized to facilitate an overall understanding of the nervous system. Special emphasis is given to the structures involved in motor control, their functions, and pathologies.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 7021 Clinical Experience I
Clinical Experience I is designed for the student to apply knowledge gained in the basic and clinical sciences courses completed in the first 2 years to clinical practice. The student will become proficient in examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients in a variety of physical therapy settings. Students will complete rotations in 3 settings: acute, neurological, and outpatient orthopedic. However, they may complete these in any order depending on availability of clinical sites.
Practicum fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 7070 Physical Therapy: A 21st Century Primary Doctoring Profession
This course surveys the 21st century health care delivery milieu, and physical therapists' vital, multifaceted professional roles therein. Students access the ATPA's official website, and analyze and evaluate ATPA core documents, including the Code of Ethics, Core Values, and Vision 2020, which characterizes physical therapy as a co-equal doctoring discipline within the medical care model, and physical therapists as practitioners of choice for patients with movement dysfunction. Students explore interpersonal communication, patient care documentation, professional comportment and demeanor, differences between novice and expert clinicians, multiculturalism, and the collaborative nature of twenty-first century health care practice, among other introductory topics in health professional education. As part of the course, students also lead discussion of selected articles related to professionalism in PT and take a summative assessment.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7071 Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice
This course will prepare graduate physical therapists to make independent judgments about the validity of clinical research and implement evidence-based practice with emphasis on forming answerable clinical questions, effective literature search strategies, and structured evaluation of the strength and relevance of clinical evidence.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7072 Clinical Decision-Making across the Lifespan
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an opportunity to learn about typical human lifespan development with an emphasis on health and wellness with application to the practice of PT. The course focuses on the embryonic development, early infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, older adults, and the oldest old. Opportunities for didactic, clinical and community experiences are integrated into the course to facilitate active learning. Topics include, among others, patient interdisciplinary management, cultural sensitivity, psychological and socioeconomic concerns, community-based resources, and patient/family education regarding health, wellness and fitness.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7073 Medical Screening in Physical Therapy
This course addresses concepts in probability-based differential diagnosis. It presents the evidence for diagnosis using properties of diagnostic tests such as sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values. Participants will learn to review the diagnostic literature against evidence-based practice criteria for validity to facilitate appropriate selection of clinical diagnostic tests. The course provides an efficient model to combine the hypothetico-deductive reasoning process with the patient/client interview, examination, prognosis, and intervention to facilitate diagnosis and medical screening. Pathology of the major body systems and regions will be covered with the current evidence-based practice diagnostic standards as they are available in the professional literature. Competencies gained through the course are intended to help prepare the doctoral-level physical therapist to function as a direct access provider capable of making accurate diagnostic and screening decisions according to the best available evidence.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7074 Pharmacology in Physical Therapy
This course overviews the impact of drugs on patients with conditions encountered in the practice of clinical physical therapy. Basic pharmacological principles are addressed, as well as important precautions and contraindications for physical therapy treatments.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7075 Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists
This course is designed to advance the knowledge of physical therapy students regarding the diagnostic indications for musculoskeletal imaging including evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, the diagnostic utility of musculoskeletal imaging procedures for select pathology, and the risks, benefits and associated health care costs of imaging procedures. The history and current evidence for the use of musculoskeletal imaging procedures by physical therapists will be presented. The basic physics of image acquisition and fundamental concepts of image interpretation for a variety of common imaging procedures are taught with clinically relevant cases examples. Emphasis is placed on how to successfully integrate musculoskeletal imaging procedures into physical therapist patient /client management.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7076 Professional Ethical Decision-Making and Clinical Risk Management
This course provides a comprehensive overview of physical therapy ethics and clinical liability risk management. Students define and distinguish moral, ethical and legal duties in practice; analyze the APTA¿s core values, Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct; and compare and contrast professional association and state licensing board ethical standards. Students evaluate the similarities and differences among business organizational and professional ethics in diverse practice settings. Classical ethical theories are explored and applied to physical therapy practice. The four foundational biomedical ethical principles of beneficence, non-malfeasance, autonomy and justice are examined and applied to practice. Systematic approaches to resolving ethical problems, issues and dilemmas are developed and synthesized into everyday decision-making processes. Case analysis is applied to salient practice issues, including: delegation and supervision, intra and interdisciplinary relations, managed care, reimbursement, and research integrity, among many other disparate areas of physical therapy practice. Situational ethics exemplars are explored, as well as the modern blending of law and health professional ethics. Opportunities for active involvement in ethical decisions making in practice are examined, including membership on institutional ethics committees and review boards, state licensing boards, APTA’s Ethics and Judicial Committee, state and district ethics committees, and university hearing and resolution boards. Disciplinary processes for violations of ethical standards are examined. Each student will reflect on, develop and submit a 2-3 page write-up of a practice-related ethical problem, issue or dilemma. Each will also reflect on his or her ethical decision making style, and submit a pictorial diagram and 1-3 page write up about their personal systematic approach to professional ethical problem-solving. Students also analyze the CNA2006 PT Malpractice Claims Study and evaluate select PT clinical malpractice case exemplars.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 7077 Business, Marketing, and Reimbursement Practice Issues
This course examines current issues and trends in the practical aspects of physical therapy clinical management. Specific topics include: (1) organizational theory, behavior, and culture; (2) leadership and management principles; (3) human resource management issues, including: recruitment, selection, and retention of staff and managerial human resources; leadership; supervision and delegation of PTAs, aides, and other extenders; performance appraisal; training and development activities; compensation issues; management-labor relations; grievance and discipline; work place safety; and employment regulations; (4) health care finance, including clinical budgeting, billing and reimbursement issues; (5) starting and marketing a PT business; and (6) quality and information management.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8002 Management of the Patient with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I
Students in this course integrate previously learned skills and knowledge and apply new skills in the examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients across the lifespan with musculoskeletal conditions of the upper quarter, which will include the cervical and thoracic spine and the upper extremity. The course reviews musculoskeletal tissues, the effects of systematic disease on musculoskeletal tissues, the physical therapy exam, and the principles of evidence-based practice. The course then follows a regional approach with attention to the examination and intervention of the cervical/thoracic spine and each joint area in the upper extremity. Students are expected to be knowledgeable and proficient in material from the first-year courses in the areas of patient care skills, anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise. The course emphasizes 1) using the best available evidence to examine and treat patients with musculoskeletal complaints in the extremities, 2) critically analyzing the patient’s history and tests and measures to formulate a physical therapy diagnosis and determine the need for further referral, 3) recognizing non-musculoskeletal causes of extremity pain and identifying patients needing further diagnostic studies and referral to a specialty physician, and 4) the interdisciplinary approach to patient management through guest speakers from different medical specialties.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8007 Orthotics in Rehabilitation
The goal of this course is for the student to become proficient in the basic principles and clinical application of orthotic interventions used in the interdisciplinary management of the patient with extremity or spinal disorders across the lifespan. The course addresses the examination of the patient in need of an orthotic device, analyzing the results of the exam, and use of the best available evidence to identify the most efficacious orthotic device to manage or prevent impairment, functional limitation, or disability. Students will have the opportunity to use their critical thinking skills to problem solve case situations and prescribe or fabricate an orthosis most efficacious according to the best available evidence and with consultation from other disciplines.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 1.5
PHYT 8011 Electrophysical Agents in Rehabilitation
This course examines the theory and practical evidence-based application of: (1) massage and soft tissue mobilization, as well as tissue integrity, inflammation and repair; (2) evidence-based application of electrophysical agents in clinical PT, including: cold, heat, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, TENS, interferential, NMES, Russian, high volt (HV),microcurrent,and iontophoresis; and (3) wound management. The course consists of lectures, labs, case analyses, three “passport” self-selected site visits to experience clinical application of STM and EPA, midterm written and lab exams, and noncumulative final written and lab exams.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 8012 Prosthetics in Rehabilitation
This course is designed to enable the student to become proficient in the principles of examination and intervention for the patient who experiences limb amputation or has congenital limb absence. The course includes the management of wounds and discussion of co-morbidities that put one at risk for limb amputation and strategies to identify these patients and prevent limb loss. The student learns the care and prosthetic management of patients in the pre and post-operative stages with limb amputation at different levels. Instructors present strategies to problem solve when presented with patients with other conditions or factors that complicate the patient’s course of rehabilitation. The interdisciplinary management of patients with limb amputation is emphasized through clinical experience with a prosthetist.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 1.5
PHYT 8013 Management of the Patient with Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction
This course provides instruction in the basic science and clinical foundation required for the examination and treatment of disorders of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Emphasis is on interpretation of evaluative results involving cardiovascular and pulmonary pathology and application of specific treatment interventions in developing comprehensive PT management of these classes of pathology. This course includes interdisciplinary presentations and opportunities relevant to evidence-based wellness and fitness programs for the physical therapist functioning as part of the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation team.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 8021 Clinical Experience II
Clinical Experience II is designed for the student to apply knowledge gained in the basic and clinical sciences courses completed in the first 2 years to clinical practice. The student will become proficient in examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients in a variety of physical therapy settings. Students will complete 10 week rotations in each of 3 settings: acute, inpatient neurological, and outpatient orthopedic. However, they may complete these in any order depending on availability of clinical sites.
Practicum fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8022 Professional Issues and Clinical Decision Making I
This course is designed for the student to assimilate major theories about learning across the lifespan, learning style, teaching techniques, communication in the clinical setting, and communication as a means to develop cultural competence. Emphasis will be on instruction related to clinical practice and critical thinking as well as application to motor learning. A major theme of this course is the development of communication skills to enhance therapist-patient interactions, promote an understanding of learning across the lifespan, and develop cultural competence.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8075 Human Development across the Lifespan
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the opportunity to learn about typical human lifespan development with the emphasis on health and wellness with application to the practice of PT. The course focuses on the embryonic development, early infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, older adults, and the oldest old. Opportunities for didactic, clinical, and community are integrated into the course to facilitate active learning opportunities. Topics may include interdisciplinary management, cultural sensitivity, psychological factors, socioeconomic concerns, community-based resources, and patient/family education regarding health and wellness/fitness.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 8102 Systematic Reasoning and Scientific Investigation II
The emphasis of this course is continued development of critical thinking skills to promote evidence-based practice in the clinical setting. This course is a continuation of Systematic Reasoning and Scientific Investigation I, and gives the student the support to experience and complete an extensive Critically Appraised Topic or a written research investigation. The student will also practice in small group format the skill of research articles analysis and presentation for public health and education. Students will either submit one article to the APTA Hooked on Evidence website or practice applying for a speaking position for a TPTA conference. The student will also produce either a written research investigation relevant to the practice of PT or a written Critically Appraised Topic with an extensive review of literature. Students also generate an oral presentation of their project to complete the requirements for this course.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8106 Principles of Administration in Physical Therapy
This course examines current issues and trends in law, ethics, and practical aspects of physical therapy clinical management. Specific topics include: (1) health care malpractice and business, contract, criminal, education, and workers’ compensation legal concepts and cases; (2) informed consent; (3) organizational theory, behavior, and culture; (4) leadership and management principles; (5) human resource management issues, including recruitment, selection, and retention of staff and managerial human resources; leadership; supervision, and delegation of PTAs, aides, and other extenders; performance appraisal; training and development activities; compensation issues; management labor relations; grievance and discipline; work place safety; and employment law and regulations; (6) health care finance, including clinical budgeting, billing, and reimbursement issues; (7) starting and marketing a PT business; (8) quality, risk, and information management; and (9) comparing and contrasting business, organizational, and professional (ATPA) ethics.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8108 Management of the Patient with Neuromuscular Dysfunction I
This course is designed to allow the student to develop the skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of comprehensive treatment plan of care for patients with neuromuscular dysfunction. Emphasis will be on differential diagnosis, screening, examination, and evaluation of function, and on development of intervention programs that lead to improvement in function. Movement dysfunction will be covered across the lifespan for acute and chronic conditions. The topics will be presented from a problem-solving approach that integrates case studies. Current evidence-based research related to the management of the patient with neuromuscular dysfunction will be critically assessed.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8112 Management of the Complex Patient
This course gives the student the opportunity to practice examination techniques with a systems approach. Screening for conditions requiring referral will be practiced with continued diagnosis, prognosis to include plan of care using the PT Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. The student will generate a case study to be presented to the class.
Semester Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYT 8114 Management of the Patient with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II
Students in this course integrate previously learned skills and knowledge and apply new skills in the examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients across the lifespan with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbosacral spine and the lower quarter. The course follows a regional approach with attention to the examination and intervention of the lumbosacral spine, the sacroiliac joint, and each joint of the lower extremity. Students are expected to be knowledgeable and proficient in material from the first-year courses of patient-care skills, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise. This course emphasizes 1) using the best available evidence to examine and treat patients with spine and lower quarter complaints, and 2) recognizing non-musculoskeletal causes of spinal and lower quarter pain and identifying patients needing further diagnostic studies and referral to a specialty physician.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8116 Management of the Patient with Neuromuscular Dysfunction II
This course is a continuation of Management of the Patient with Neuromuscular Dysfunction I, and is to allow the student continue to develop skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of a comprehensive intervention plan of care for patients with neuromuscular dysfunction. Emphasis is on differential diagnosis, screening, examination and evaluation of function and on development of intervention programs that lead to improvements in function. Movement dysfunction is covered across the life span for acute and chronic conditions. Current evidence-based research related to the management of the patient with neuromuscular dysfunction is critically assessed. Management strategies and skills are reinforced by encouraging the students to participate in hands-on pre-clinical experiences, work with area clinicians related to specific diagnoses, and design treatment plans based on case studies with a focus on interdisciplinary practice.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8121 Clinical Experience III
Clinical Experience III is designed for the student to apply knowledge gained in the basic and clinical sciences courses completed in the first 2 years to clinical practice. The student will become proficient in examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients in a variety of physical therapy settings. Students will complete 10-week rotations in each of 3 settings: acute, inpatient neurological, and outpatient orthopedic. However, they may complete these in any order depending on availability of clinical sites.
Practicum fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYT 8122 Professional Issues & Clinical Decision Making II
This course explores professional issues in physical therapy practice. Topics of emphasis include Vision 2020, professional behaviors, APTA Code of Ethics and Guide to Professional Conduct, and legal standards of behavior for physical therapists. Particular emphasis will be placed on communication and conflict resolution, personality and cultural diversity, stress management, and entry-level physical therapy skill performance. There will also be an interdisciplinary component to the course that will provide students with an overview of ethical issues facing allied health professionals. Topics to be discussed include responsibilities of the health care professional, life and death decisions, patient confidentiality, substance abuse, whistle blowing, and informed consent. Ethics in research and other critical issues related to health care problems also will be addressed. Collaborative activities and simulated cases will be used to enhance discussion among students.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8130 Movement Science II
The course will examine how humans learn and acquire skills, as well as the mechanisms that are used to control skillful movement utilizing integration of concepts from neuroscience and kinesiology. Content will include critical discussion of the various schools of thought on how movement is controlled and learned. Students will have the opportunity to apply the concepts of motor control and motor learning for patients with movement dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on movement control and motor learning in normal and special populations.
Laboratory assistance fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8221 Clinical Internship
This course is a four-week clinical internship that allows the student to choose an area of interest and refine their physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention skills in that setting. Students may choose to gain more experience in one of the three required clinical areas (acute, inpatient neurological, outpatient orthopedic) or pursue a specialty area of interest.
Practicum fee: $10 per semester credit hour.
Semester Credit Hours: 2.0
PHYT 8222 Professional Issues & Clinical Decision Making III
This course prepares students for their clinical experiences. Students will complete all required certifications and learn to use the clinical evaluation tool (PT MACS). Particular emphasis will be placed on satisfactory passing criteria for skills outlined in the PT MACS, and expected entry-level physical therapy skill performance.
Semester Credit Hours: 1.0