PHTH-Physical Therapy

Introduction to physical therapy as a profession, core values, ethics and laws, professional behavior, communication; provides an overview of program expectations. (1 lecture)

Introduction to key elements of professional communication, including foundations of communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, ongoing development of documentation skills, and principles of teaching and learning. (1 lecture)

Introduction to clinical practice through clinical observation/reflection and opportunity to practice basic skills learned during the first year of the program; consists of 80 hours of supervised clinical exposure. (80 hours of clinical)

Overview of major issues in underserved communities, including rural and impoverished areas; exploration of demographic, economic, and societal influences and factors impacting health care in underserved areas; includes opportunity for service-learning project. (1 lecture)

Exploration of research methodologies utilized in physical therapy and health care research, including research design and statistical analysis; includes critical analysis of published research relevant to physical therapy practice and concepts of collaborative research; students will develop ideas for research projects. (1 lecture)

Continued exploration of research methodologies and application of scientific method to physical therapy; students will implement research projects in collaboration with faculty. (1 lecture)

Completion, presentation, and evaluation of student projects. (1 lecture)

Study of individual response to illness and disability in the context of psychological, cultural, ethnic, social, and lifespan factors; includes discussion of psychological behavior models in relation to physical therapy management; includes opportunity for service learning project. (2 lecture)

Introduction to the concepts of evidence based practice in physical therapy; includes accessing, reviewing, analyzing, and critiquing the literature related to physical therapy practice. (2 lecture)

Overview of current health care environment, existing payment and health care delivery systems, development of public policy and legislation, and scope of physical therapy practice; will include exploration of local, state and national influences and factors. (2 lecture)

Focus on the culmination of student clinical and professional development; preparation for licensure examination and graduate clinical practice; discussions of issues related to maintaining and expanding professional competence in physical therapy practice. (2 lecture)

Part one of a two-part series; study of the physiology of the human body, including function at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems levels in health and disease, as well as at rest and during work/exercise; addresses integration of physiological responses from the multiple systems, cellular physiology, metabolism, and homeostasis; includes introduction to general pharmacology. (3 lecture, 1 lab)

Introduction to the physical therapy model of clinical practice; includes role of the physical therapist in health promotion, wellness and prevention, as well as basic patient management and documentation skills (2 lecture, 3 lab)

Part two of a two-part series; study of the physiology of the human body, including function at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems levels in health and disease, as well as the rest and during work/exercise; addresses integration of physiological responses from multiple systems, cellular physiology, metabolism, and homeostasis; includes introduction to general pharmacology. (3 lecture, 1 lab)

Introduction to physical therapy examination, evaluation, and differential diagnosis within a clinical decision making framework; includes introduction to diagnostic screening and imaging; incorporates the Guide to PT Practice. (3 lecture, 1 lab)

Study of human development from neonate through geriatrics and stages of development across the lifespan; includes theories of normal and pathological aging, examination and evaluation of developmental milestones and gross motor skills. (3 lecture, 1 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for patients/clients with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary problems; includes principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; investigates relationship between pharmacological management and physical therapy interventions. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for patients/clients with integumentary and/or pulmonary problems; includes principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; addresses management of wounds and investigates relationship between pharmacological management and physical therapy interventions. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for patients/clients with complex medical problems spanning multiple systems; includes principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; investigates relationship between pharmacological management and physical therapy interventions. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation, and intervention strategies for older adults; incorporates theories of aging with principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; investigates the unique aspects of pharmacology in the elderly; includes opportunities for service learning project. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

Advanced study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for patients/clients with selected musculoskeletal problems such as amputation, spine and pelvic disorders, sports injuries, and bony/soft tissue surgical procedures; includes in-depth exploration of current body of literature for the practice of physical therapy with the designated populations. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

Advanced study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for patients/clients with stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury; includes discussion of rehabilitative and assistive technologies; includes in-depth exploration of current  body of literature for the practice of physical therapy with the designated populations. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation and intervention strategies for children and adolescents; incorporates study of normal development with principles of diagnosis, prognosis and outcomes; investigates the unique aspects of pharmacology in children and adolescents. (2 lecture, 3 lab)

Exploration of fitness, wellness, and health promotion strategies in physical therapy; includes discussion of physical activity, nutrition, medical and complementary approaches to wellness, and risk factor/behavior modification; exploration of attitudes toward health, wellness, and disability and their impact on patient care; includes opportunity for service learning project. (3 lecture)

Exploration of issues facing autonomous practitioners including strategic planning, financial management, personnel management, resource management, marketing strategies, legal considerations for health care deliver, conflict resolution and clinical negotiation. (3 lecture)

Introduction to biomechanical principles of human movement; includes mechanical principles of joint movement, posture, and gait analysis; integration of anatomy and kinesiology with biomechanics is emphasized. (3 lecture, 3 lab)

Study of the structure and function of the nervous system across the lifespan; includes cellular, systemic, and clinical pathology discussions of peripheral and central neural components; includes basic examination of sensation, perception, cognition and motor control. (3 lecture, 3 lab). Lab Fee Required.

Emphasis on the development of skills in therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercise, physical agents, and electrotherapeutic modalities. (3 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation, and intervention strategies for patients/clients with musculoskeletal problems across the lifespan; includes orthotics and bracing techniques, manual therapy; includes principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; investigates relationship between pharmacological management and physical therapy interventions. (3 lecture, 3 lab)

In-depth study of examination, evaluation, and intervention strategies for patients/clients with neuromuscular problems across the lifespan; includes principles of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcomes; investigates relationship between pharmacological management and physical therapy interventions. (3 lecture, 3 lab)

Study of the structure and function of systems in the human body; provides an introduction to radiology, histology, and embryology; includes human cadaver dissection (4 lecture, 9 lab). Lab Fee Required.

First of three clinical experiences, consists of 8 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice; emphasizes integration and application of learned physical therapy skills, knowledge and behaviors in a patient care environment. (Total of 320 hours)

The second of three clinical experiences; consists of 11 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice; emphasizes progressing integration and application of learned physical therapy skills, knowledge and behaviors in a patient care environment. (Total of 440 clinical hours)

The last of three clinical experiences, consists of 11 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice; emphasizes development of entry-level physical therapy skills, knowledge and behaviors in a patient care environment. (Total of 440 clinical hours)