Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT

Purpose: To learn effective methods of presenting, visualizing, and making quantitative decisions using the data analytics techniques learned in BUS 690. Course will promote the development of analysis, software, visualization, and presentation skills along with advanced data analysis techniques and real-world applications so that students can effectively make quantitative decisions and communicate analytical results and business decisions. Topics include: Instructor led case studies as well as student projects and presentations will be used to enhance the student’s abilities to use data analytics in problem solving. Coverage is also given to advanced data analytic topics such as survival analysis, nonparametric models, advanced classification, and Monte Carlo simulation. Prerequisites: Business 614 or 615 or 621 and Business 690 or permission of the instructor Credit: 3 hours

This is a one-semester course designed to help students establish a foundational understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the human body for the practice of physical therapy. We will take a regional approach covering the arms, trunk, head, and legs. At the end of the class students will have an understanding of how structure of the human body determines function as a prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat structural dysfunction. Credit: 5 hours

This is a one semester course designed to help students establish a fundamental understanding of the microanatomy, histology, function and integration of components of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. Focus is placed on how the cells and tissues of a specific organ system contribute to the principle function(s) and processes of that organ system. Relevance of this information to physical therapy is provided largely in the context of normal human physiologic function. This course serves as a prelude to DPT 732 Pathophysiology, a course which links physiologic dysfunction within these systems to pathologies frequently seen and/or treated in physical therapy practice. Credit: 3 hours

This course introduces the student to tools and procedures used in physical therapist clinical practice. Students will learn patient-centered interviewing, examination format, and the skills of basic patient handling and assessment. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of tissue injury as it relates to assessment and examination. Credit: 3 hours

The student is initiated into research methodology relevant to clinical practice and/or research applications. Case-based problems are used to assist students in developing relevant questions, developing a matrix for critical literature review and application of knowledge from the literature review to the answering of clinical questions. Credit: 2 hours

This course is designed to introduce the physical therapy student to professionalism and the continued evolution of the profession of physical therapy. The student will self-assess their current abilities and reflect on areas of strength as well as weaknesses. Current issues, cultural awareness, legal aspects of practice, and ethical concerns are introduced. At the conclusion of the course, the student will have an increased awareness and understanding of the Core Values and demonstrate integration of professionalism into their own development as a physical therapist. Credit: 2 hours

Students are instructed in pharmacological principles associated with patient care, with special emphasis placed upon the pharmacological agents, potential side effects, and special issues associated with the pharmacological management of patients/clients most likely to be seen in physical therapy practice. Credit: 3 hours

The Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) series of courses are designed to progressively introduce the student to actual clinical experiences under the supervision of faculty. ICE I is designed to provide the student with an introduction to patient interaction, patient communication, and clinical presentation. It will offer the students the opportunity to practice beginning clinical skills under supervision of faculty. Through working with actual patients, students will gain practical application opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. Credit: 0 hours

Students receive instruction in normal joint kinematics, applying the physical laws of motion. Special emphasis will be given to body surface palpation and includes cadaver dissection of the spine and extremities to augment classroom instruction. Credit: 4 hours

This course will provide an in-depth overview of functional neuroanatomy and physiology with special emphasis on both normal human function and dysfunction following damage to the nervous system. This course will introduce the principles of neuroscience and describe their clinical application, beginning with an introduction to the nervous system (macro and micro), describe the major functions of the central and peripheral nervous system, and cover topographical and internal anatomy. Moreover, this course will guide the learner through neurophysiological principles as they apply to physical therapy and introduce the student to neurological physical therapy assessments tools. The relationship between neuroanatomy and neurophysiology will be bridged by formulating an understanding of the histology, function, and integrated regulation of the system to other systems as they apply to normal body function and as a prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat neurological dysfunction. Credit: 4 hours

The Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) series of courses are designed to progressively introduce the student to actual clinical experiences under the supervision of faculty. ICE II is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to apply foundational clinical practice skills to integrate the didactic and laboratory experiences previously covered in the curriculum. Through working with actual patients, students will gain practical application opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. Credit: 0 hours

This course further develops and elaborates tools and procedures used in clinical decisionmaking and evidence-based practice. Students will apply models of practice and decisiontree analysis in the context of clinical management. Research methodology relevant to clinical practice continues with the critical review of literature related to tests, measures and interventions used in physical therapy practice. Credit: 2 hours

This course describes the contribution of cellular and tissue defects to physiologic dysfunction in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems frequently seen and/or treated in physical therapy practice. The course emphasizes the interrelationship between physiologic dysfunction between these different organ systems and begins the process of linking such physiologic defects with defects in body structure and function. Credit: 4 hours

This course provides students with instruction designed to integrate the past and present semester topics and apply it to the systems approach of physical therapy through the patient/client management model. This course specifically introduces and sharpens the student’s ability to reason in a clinical sense, making determinations that will guide the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention phases of practice to include concepts of therapeutic exercise and patient mobility. Credit: 4 hours

This course introduces students to the role of physical therapy in the acute care environment. An emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making related to managing the complex patient with multiple system involvement in the ICU and acute care settings. Students will learn about collaborative navigation through the healthcare system in order to manage all aspects of patient care. Students will utilize a comprehensive patient/client management approach that integrates the five elements of care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention) along with discharge planning in the context of the acute care environment. This course also introduces students to the practice management model for patients with integumentary system pathologies with a special emphasis placed on wound care. Credit: 3 hours

The Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) series of courses are designed to progressively introduce the student to actual clinical experiences under the supervision of faculty. ICE III is designed to build upon the clinical skills gained in ICE II and provide the student with higher level clinical practice opportunities to integrate the didactic and laboratory experiences covered to date in the curriculum. Through working with actual patients, students will gain practical application opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. Credit: 0 hours

This course provides students with instruction designed to integrate the past and present semester topics and apply it to the systems approach of physical therapy through the patient/client management model. This course specifically introduces and sharpens the student’s ability to reason in a clinical sense, making determinations that will guide the use of instrumented interventions including use of electrophysiologic modalities, instrumented soft tissue techniques, dry needling and taping techniques. Credit: 3 hours

This course will review normal motor development and motor control from a lifespan perspective. Changes in the neurosensory, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems associated with normal development and aging will be reviewed. Principles of motor control and motor learning will be discussed and related to physical therapy intervention. Credit: 3 hours

Students are introduced to the process associated with the required capstone project. Instruction is provided in the steps necessary to completion and students are assigned to a faculty mentor (to be associated for the remainder of their capstone project). Individual student-mentor work on capstone project is begun. Credit: 2 hours

This course introduces the student to the principles of orthopedic medicine and includes an overview of etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of commonly encountered musculoskeletal pathologies across the lifespan. Concepts relating to selective tissue evaluation and mobilization are introduced, and specific exercise approaches for the management of musculoskeletal pathology and recovery are addressed. Case studies and laboratory practice will facilitate the students’ development of skills in evaluation, examination, and interventions along with integration of related curricular topics. Credit: 4 hours

Students are instructed in and practice skills associated with conditions involving the neuromuscular system, utilizing a comprehensive patient/client management approach through integration of the five elements of care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention). Credit: 4 hours

Students experience their first full-time clinical practice situation for a duration of eight weeks, where the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied to patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal, documentation, patient examination techniques, patient treatment techniques, and professional behaviors. The primary outcome of this first clinical internship is to begin the management of simple patient cases from all aspects of physical therapy care. Credit: 4 hours

A continuation of Doctor of Physical Therapy 744, this course progresses the student in management of individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction through the application of manual techniques and therapeutic interventions that integrate the principles of mechanics, arthrokinematics and osteokinematics. Selected modalities used in the management of musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain are covered. Case studies and laboratory practice will facilitate the students’ development of skills in examination, evaluation, and interventions along with integration of related curricular topics. Credit: 4 hours

This is the second course in the neurology sequence. Students are instructed in and practice skills associated with conditions involving the neuromuscular system, utilizing a comprehensive patient/client management approach through integration of the five elements of care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention). Credit: 4 hours

The Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) series of courses are designed to progressively introduce the student to actual clinical experiences under the supervision of faculty. ICE IV is designed to provide students with a specialty practice experience in the community. During this experience, the ICE IV student will participate in providing all aspects of patient care and documentation. The ICE IV student is expected to apply principles of evidence-supported practice in all patient interactions in their specialty practice area. Credit: 0 hours

This course introduces and progresses students’ learning of the complexity with the older adult population across the spectrum of physical therapy settings and across the spectrum of older adults, from Wellness and the Senior Athlete to the frail and medically complex patient. Students will gain an appreciation of the aging process and its impact on the elements of patient management in physical therapy. Management of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, integumentary, endocrine, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and multisystem conditions are included. Patient-centered and interdisciplinary approaches to patient management are emphasized. Students will also understand the role of the caregiver, end of life issues, how to navigate the healthcare system, and advocacy for the older adult. Credit: 3 hours

Physical therapists are asked to treat patients presenting any number of diagnoses who have comorbid cardiopulmonary pathologies. Physical therapists are also asked to treat patients specifically for cardiopulmonary pathologies. The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding 1) of the basic etiology, pathophysiology and functional consequences of cardiopulmonary pathologies experienced by the patients who present with these dysfunctions and 2) of the medical, pharmacologic and surgical management of these pathologies. The course includes an introduction to tools and therapeutic approaches that can be used by physical therapists to screen, examine, evaluate and treat patients with cardiopulmonary defects either as a primary pathology or as a comorbidity. Credit: 4 hours

Students are provided with instruction on clinical teaching from both the perspective of the student and the clinician. This course gradually introduces more complex cases and clinical reasoning skills. Students draw on their prior and current coursework and clinical experience. Students both provide and receive feedback from their classmates. Cases are discussed with peers and faculty as well. Credit: 3 hours

Students complete their work with their faculty mentor on their capstone project. Exceptional work is selected for presentation during the Comprehensive Examination week. Credit: 3 hours

This course is designed to expand the physical therapy student’s application and understanding of professionalism, the roles of practitioner, consultant, critical inquirer, educator, and administrator, and the evaluation of ethical and legal situation in physical therapy practice. At the end of the course the physical therapy student will demonstrate integration of professionalism into their own actions and critical assessment skills in relation to professional standards. The student will also foster professionalism during their interactions with peers, instructors, patients, and society. Credit: 2 hours

Students receive instruction in the complex thought processes and skills which require the physical therapist to make determination of appropriateness for treatment or identify conditions that may require referral to or examination by a physician. Students then practice the skills through case studies from a variety of practice patterns. Credit: 3 hours

The Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) series of courses are designed to progressively introduce the student to actual clinical experiences under the supervision of faculty. ICE V is designed to hone the skills of clinical supervision of the participating student. Each ICE V student will be assigned an ICE III student to supervise and assist while in the ICE practice setting. During these sessions, the ICE V student will assume all supervisory responsibilities for the ICE III student, providing correction in all aspects of patient care, interaction, and documentation, and is expected to act as a role model for the ICE III student. The ICE V student is expected to apply principles of evidence-supported practice in all patient interactions and guide the ICE III student in their clinical decision-making skills. Credit: 0 hours

Students receive instruction in the unique needs of the pediatric client and their caregivers in regards to physical therapy management. Topics covered include laws and regulations related to providing physical therapy in early intervention and school-based settings, family centered care, specific pediatric diagnoses (pathology, medical and physical therapy management), orthotics, assistive technology, pain assessment and management, the child and adolescent athlete, and the adult with developmental disability. Credit: 3 hours

With a focus on musculoskeletal health conditions that affect the spine and pelvis, DPT 769 is a continuation of DPT 744 and DPT 751 and progresses the students' understanding of diagnosis and management of commonly encountered musculoskeletal health conditions across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of evaluation, examination, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy procedures, and other therapeutic intervention concepts to address musculoskeletal conditions related to the spine and pelvis. Case studies and laboratory practice will facilitate the student's development of clinical skills necessary for evaluation, examination, and interventions along with integration of related curricular topics. Credit: 3 hours

Students experience their second full-time eight-week clinical practice situation, where the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied to patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal, documentation, patient examination techniques, patient treatment techniques, and professional behaviors. The primary outcome of the second internship is to continue to advance the skills learned in the first internship. Students should be able to manage a small caseload (3-4 patients) of patients with a single diagnosis and no co-morbidities. Students should also begin to manage more complex patients. Credit: 4 hours

This course is designed to expose the physical therapy student to the concept of prevention and wellness in physical therapy. By the end of the course the student will have an understanding of the importance of the critical role that physical therapists have in educating and training society about prevention wellness. The student will also demonstrate an ability to identify and construct methods for implementing prevention and wellness programs within physical therapy clinics. Credit: 2 hours

Students receive instruction in, and practice with, assessing the learning styles and needs of various groups of people, including, but not limited to patients, caregivers, other healthcare professionals, and peers. Emphasis is placed on established learning theories and practices that emphasize learner retention. Students are instructed on related cultural and generational differences in order to meet the needs of specific groups of people. Students also develop their ability to effectively communicate in difficult situations and conflict situations in order to come to a productive resolution and to improve the motivation of their audience. The students’ final project is a presentation that incorporates all of the principles learned throughout the entire course. Credit: 3 hours

This course is designed to provide students with the information necessary for the appraisal and understanding of the psychosocial and medical aspects of common acute and chronic forms of disability/illness, including their nature, causes, and treatment. Topics include psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation that relate to sociocultural attitudes, mental health issues, family dynamics , and sexuality. This course will also address psychosocial issues that pertain to bodily disfigurement, sensory and motor impairment, cognitive-behavioral deficits, affective deficits, and specific catastrophic diseases. Credit: 2 hours

Students receive instruction in the principles, procedures, and interpretation of diagnostic imaging techniques. Special emphasis is placed on plain film radiography, myelograms, CT scans, medical resonance imaging and nuclear medicine as they relate to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Credit: 2 hours

Students receive instruction in, and practice with, the administrative and business aspect of physical therapy and healthcare as a whole. Emphasis is placed on business operations, supervision of personnel in accordance with state and federal physical therapy practice acts, risk management, as well as growth and quality improvement within a setting. Students receive contemporary instruction on insurance regulations including federal and state-run programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and with private health insurance companies. The focus of the course is to prepare students with an entry level understanding of the business practices required to maintain a physical therapy department, regardless of setting. The students are required to complete a resume and mock job interview in order to develop the skills needed to transition to the workplace. Credit: 3 hours

This discussion-rich course will expose students to issues that impact health and the delivery of healthcare, specifically physical therapy, in different in the US and across the globe. Lifespan health issues, in light of health care, socioeconomic and resource disparities, will be explored, and the impact of cultural differences on the delivery and receipt of care will be introduced. Students will learn to appreciate how the inequities in global resource allocations impact the delivery of quality healthcare. Populations of study will include those in underdeveloped countries, African-Americans, Native Americans, those living in rural settings, the homeless, indigent and incarcerated, and LGBTQ communities. Best practices for seeking global outreach opportunities will be presented. Credit:1 hour

Students experience their third full-time clinical practice situation, lasting a total of 12 weeks. In this experience the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied to patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing independence in interpersonal behaviors, documentation, patient examination and treatment techniques, fiscal management, and professional behaviors. The primary outcome of the third clinical internship is to near expectations of the entry level physical therapist. The student should be able to manage at least one half a caseload of less complex patients but will still require guidance of the complex patients. Credit: 5 hours

Students are guided through a week by week review of topics covered during their past three-year curriculum in an online, asynchronous review designed to refresh the main concepts and prepare for the upcoming national licensure exam. This course takes place concurrently with the third (12 week) clinical rotation (DPT 781 - Clinical Internship 3) and encourages the student to share their learning experiences during internship with their classmates through an interactive discussion in an online learning platform. Credit: 4 hours