Curriculum Requirements

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Major Requirements

Physical Therapy Credits:
PHTH 601 Introduction to the Profession of Physical Therapy 1
This is an introductory course designed to orient you to the multiple facets involved in the physical therapy profession. Topics covered include the evolution of the profession of physical therapy to its modern form, regulation and governance of the profession, documentation in the clinical setting, ethics in the workplace, the role of the physical therapist in the interprofessional rehabilitation team, guidelines for "best practice" in patient care, and current issues relevant to the practice of physical therapy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 602 Foundational Approaches to Evidence-Based Practice 1
In this course, the students are introduced to the concept of evidence-based practice as it relates to physical therapy. Evidence-based practice integrates research, clinical expertise, and patient values. When these three elements are combined, clinicians and patients form a diagnostic and therapeutic alliance that optimizes clinical outcomes and quality of life. Students will be required to have access to computer technologies appropriate for this course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 603 Gross Anatomy 5
The overall objective is the investigation of all major anatomical areas by region. The focus of the course is on musculoskeletal and neurological anatomy of the extremities, back, neck, and head. Lectures cover the anatomical structures to be dissected in the laboratory and address the organization, histological, and embryological development of the various regions. The functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal structures is emphasized. Specific instructions are provided to the student to encourage an efficient dissection.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-5-5
PHTH 605 Kinesiology 4
Kinesiology is the study of human motion as applied to the evaluation of joint motion and muscle function. Palpation of joints, bony prominences, and muscles as well as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and goniometry skills will be addressed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 607 Clinical Neuroanatomy 3
This is an introduction to the science of the nervous system for the physical and occupational therapist and provides the basic understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system and its functions. A review of the histology and embryology of the major divisions of the nervous system is followed by a systems approach to the study of the special senses, cognition, psychological, and motor function. Functional aspects of neuroscience are explored through examples of common neurological clinical problems in order to provide a solid foundation for planning therapeutic interventions .

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 610 Biomechanics 2
In this course, students learn the application of mechanical principles to human motion. Particular attention is given to the mechanical properties of soft tissues and bone as they respond to both normal and abnormal loading force. Application of forces and the resolution of forces will also be considered, along with the kinetic understanding of joint mobility. Lab experiences will be included in the biomechanical analysis of gait and ADL skills. Technology in biomechanics will be emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHTH 615 Therapeutic Applications of Biophysical Agents 3
This course is designed to introduce the physical therapist student to the use of physical agents and therapeutic modalities in clinical practice. The course will consist of lecture and laboratory experiences to assist the students to develop proficiency in the application of the following modalities: thermal agents (hot packs, paraffin, hydrotherapy, infrared, diathermy, ultrasound); cryotherapy (ice packs, cold compresses, ice massage, contrast immersion baths, vapocoolant sprays, and cold compression devices); actinotherapy (ultraviolet and low power laser); mechanotherapy (mechanical traction, intermittent compression devices, and continuous passive motion machines); and electrotherapy. Principles and techniques of electrotherapy, types of electric current, common amplitude and time dependent characteristics, waveform, frequency, and clinical applications will be presented. Electrodiagnostic tests, including NCV and ENMG, will be discussed, as well as the functional use of biofeedback. Instrumentation and equipment care and safety considerations will be covered. This course will present indications, contraindication, and precautions for use of physical agents, clinical application principles and procedures, and practice of clinical problem-solving skills with case studies, supervised within a laboratory format.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 620 Therapeutic Techniques in Soft Tissue Mobilization 1
This predominantly laboratory-based course includes a presentation of theory, principles, and techniques of various forms of therapeutic massage. Palpation and surface anatomy are emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHTH 626 Foundations of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Practice 4
This course is the first of the five physical therapy practice courses, which are considered the core courses for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. In this course, there is an introduction to each element: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention techniques for musculoskeletal conditions. This class will involve lecture/laboratory format with student participation involving case studies and small group activities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 630 Motor Learning 2
The student reviews current theories of learning as they relate to motor skills by tracing normal development from embryo to old age. Topics covered through lectures and assigned readings include research, theory, and evaluation of gross and fine motor development as influenced by perceptual, visual auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input. The impact of motor dysfunction on growth and development and learning is explored in the context of the clinical setting.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 635 Principles of Inpatient Care and Mobility 2
It is necessary for the Physical Therapy to return patients as closely as possible to their former abilities, since independence in ADL is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation. To achieve this goal, the therapist must be able to tie together knowledge of medicine, therapeutic exercise, biomechanics, equipment evaluation, and architectural barriers. Therefore, principles and skills involved in ambulation training with and without assistive devices, transfer training, wheelchair management, safety in patient handling, and proper body mechanics are stressed. Includes practice sessions.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHTH 640 Administrative Management and Leadership in Physical Therapy 2
This course exposes the student to basic administrative skills, health care regulations and standards, marketing strategies and public relations, management theory, organizational structure, personnel, quality assurance, ethics.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 645 Seminar in Physical Therapy I: Introduction to Clinical Education 1
This seminar is a prerequisite to the first eight-week affiliation. It focuses on attitudinal and interpersonal communication issues pertinent to a clinical setting. Professional behaviors, self-assessment, and orientation to the clinical education process and to the facility will be discussed in detail. The Clinical Performance Instrument will be studied. The course will include class participation in mock student scenarios.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 650 Foundations of Neurologic Physical Therapy Practice 4
This course is the second of the five physical therapy practice classes, which are considered the core classes for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. In this course, examining, evaluating, and determining the proper treatment intervention is continued involving the neurological/neuromuscular patient. Study of the pathological, medical, and therapeutic concepts of various neurological conditions such as traumatic head injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke will be addressed. The class will contain lecture/laboratory format, with much participation by the students involving case studies and small group activities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 655 Prosthetics and Orthotics 2
This course provides an in-depth review of the principles and practices of orthotics and prosthetics as applied to the practice of physical therapists. This includes a review of bio-mechanical principles and their application to the fitting of orthotic and prosthetic appliances. Patient application, training, and management of their appliances and complications are reviewed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 660 Exercise Physiology 3
Understanding the physiology of the exercising human is essential to the successful practice of physical therapy. Not only does it give the therapist a frame of reference for understanding exercise and sport-related injuries, but it also provides a thorough knowledge of how exercise and physical activity can best be utilized as a rehabilitation modality for physical trauma injuries, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disease, and cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. The purpose of this course is to develop competencies within the student that are related to fitness evaluation, exercise and activity prescription, and training program development for individuals or for groups with age, sex, and culture as important modifying factors. Beginning with the basic physiological concepts of energy metabolism, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and muscular function, the student examines the responses of individuals to the stress of exercise, training, and detraining. These physiological principles formulate the basis for the development of sound programs of exercise, training, wellness programs, and physical rehabilitation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 665 Clinical Pathophysiology 3
Basic physiological mechanisms and principles involved in the development of illness are related to the origins of specifications, dysfunctions, and specific diseases. Topics include the role of microbial infections in disorders of the immune system, nutritional factors in disorders of the vascular system and heart, the origin and effect of tumors, and the study of genetic dysfunctions. Pathogenic mechanisms involved in the common diseases of organs and organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hematopoietic, etc.) are reviewed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 674 Clinical Education I 3
This first clinical education experience allows the student to bring their academic knowledge to the clinical setting. Clinical instructors, who are experienced, licensed physical therapists, provide student instruction, feedback, and mentoring. Clinical Education I is a full time, eight-week experience. All students are required to complete one orthopedic and one medically based clinical education experience. Possible specialties include orthopedics, acute/sub-acute care, and long-term rehab, at settings that include private practices, hospitals, and long-term care/sub-acute facilities. Each student is graded at the midterm and in the final week on the Clinical Performance Instrument. Objectives for Clinical Education I include demonstration of novice to developing level skills in documentation, provision of quality care through patient examination, plan of care, intervention, and effective use of resources. Other assignments, such as case studies, are given to fulfill the course requirements. Course requires 320 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-21-3
PHTH 675 Foundations in Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice 4
This course is the third of the five Physical Therapy Practice core classes for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. The focus will be on the pediatric patient/client, from the neonate through the school-aged child. Congenital, orthopedic, pulmonary, and neuromuscular disorders, as well as oncology, burns, and mental retardation involving the pediatric patient/client will be discussed in detail. The etiology, pathology, and physical therapy management will be emphasized, as well as the development of short and long-term goals for this population. Lecture/laboratory format continues with emphasis on case studies and the development of hands-on clinical skills.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 680 Clinical Management of Body Systems 3
This course provides an overview of the field of medicine. Students will learn the clinical signs and symptoms of common medical disorders. Etiology, pathology, and current treatment protocols will be discussed. Students will be presented with case histories of selected medical disorders demonstrating the signs, symptoms, etiology, physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment approaches.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 685 Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy 2
This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a thorough neurologic, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, vascular, and integumentary examination. Emphasis will be on differential diagnosis as applied to the practice of physical therapy. Selection, administration, and interpretation of appropriate evaluation procedures will be practiced. A clinical physical therapy diagnosis will be determined from the data collected and a comprehensive plan of care shall be established, with documentation of realistic measurable functional goals and prognosis for duration of therapy, including discharge planning and follow-up.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHTH 690 Research in Physical Therapy I 2
Through lectures, assigned journal and textbook readings, computer research technology, and individual and group projects, the student is introduced to scientific research as a process, beginning with a thorough understanding of basic inferential statistics and their relationship to research. Concepts related to critical inquiry, problem solving, hypothesis formation, and the importance of research in evidence-based physical and occupational therapy practice are explored. Focus is on the development of a research question and a critical review of the literature related to the question.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 695 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management: Extremities 3
In this course, students will learn in-depth musculoskeletal evaluation skills of the extremities, which will build upon the basic assessment skills learned in PHTH 685. Emphasis will be on selective tension tests of contractile and noncontractile tissue using joint play and accessory motion-testing techniques. Students will learn how to perform a systematic orthopedic evaluation, including stability and mobility tests, strength and functional assessment, and special joint tests to determine the need for physical therapy intervention or referral to another health care provider. Physical therapy evaluation and treatment of a wide range of orthopedic conditions will be discussed and practiced. Treatment methods will focus on manual therapy, including joint mobilization, muscle energy, myofascial release, positional release, and therapeutic exercise.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 701 Special Topics in Physical Therapy 3
This course is the fourth of the five physical therapy practice care classes for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. This course will place its emphasis on special populations and on the role of prevention and Wellness for all populations covered. Various areas of specialization will be presented, including the etiology, pathology, and specific physical therapy intervention. Topics include sports medicine, aquatics, wound care, ergonomics/work hardening, burns, women's health, splinting, orthotics, and radiology.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 710 Research in Physical Therapy II 2
Lectures, classroom discussion, and assigned textbook and journal readings guide the student in the development of an understanding of the application of advanced statistical techniques to occupational and physical therapy research. Specific application of research methodology is employed in the completion of a research proposal of a significant problem to be investigated. Informed consent, treatment of human subjects, the Institutional Review Board, and proper reference citations are reviewed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 715 Pharmacology for Physical Therapy 3
The fundamentals of medical pharmacology, with implications for the practice of occupational and physical therapy, are reviewed through lectures and readings. Presentations include the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Specifically stressed are drugs affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, nervous, respiratory, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. Medical reasons for drug treatment, specifications, therapeutic, side effects, and adverse reactions are reviewed in the context of clinical practice. Problems related to polypharmacy, especially in the geriatric and psychiatric populations, will be emphasized. Particular attention will be given to those prescription drugs affecting motor control, movement function, cardiovascular function, psychopharmacotherapeutics, and neurological impairments.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 720 Foundations of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Practice 4
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy is an essential non-invasive medical intervention that can reverse or mitigate insults to oxygen transport. It can avoid, delay, or reduce the need for medical interventions, such as intubation, supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, suctioning, bronchoscopy, chest tubes, surgery, and medication. This course will provide the student with an extensive study of common cardiopulmonary pathologies, including a review of normal cardiorespiratory, physiology, and the response to disease, exercise, and medical/surgical management. Evaluation procedures are presented with a focus on those used in the practice of the cardiopulmonary physical therapist. Observations of cardiopulmonary patients will be required.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 730 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management: Spine I 3
This course will present the principles of orthopedic manual therapy as applied to the spine, pelvis, and cranial structures. Students will learn specific diagnostic tests involving these structures. Emphasis will be on motion analysis to identify normal and aberrant motion patterns of the cranium, spine, and pelvis. Students will learn to differentiate mechanical from nonmechanical sources of pain and dysfunction and to design and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program to promote normal mobility and function. A review of differential diagnosis of spinal disorders will provide the basis on which students will build a sequential neuromusculoskeletal examination and specific intervention plan to correct dysfunction. Students will learn to apply principles of joint mobilization, muscle energy, myofascial release, positional release, functional mobilization and therapeutic exercises to improve function in patients/clients with movement dysfunction involving the craniosacral/spinal and pelvic structures.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 745 Seminar in Physical Therapy II: Professional Topics in Clinical Education 1
This seminar is a prerequisite to the second clinical affiliation. It will continue to focus on attitudinal and interpersonal communication issues pertinent in a clinical setting. Professional behaviors, self-assessment, further orientation to the clinical education process and to the facilities will be discussed in detail. Review of the required clinical in service will take place. Information regarding the licensing procedure and exam process will be given. The course will include class participation in solving student/clinical instructor conflicts, student/patient problems, and other situations that can arise while in the clinic.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 750 Clinical Education II 3
This second clinical education experience furthers the physical therapy examination, determination of the physical therapy diagnoses, and performance of the physical therapy intervention. The licensed and experienced physical therapists in their role as clinical instructors provide more autonomy to the students as their knowledge base and clinical reasoning skills continue to increase. Clinical Education II is a full time, eight-week experience. All students are required to complete one orthopedic and one medically based clinical education experience. Possible specialties include orthopedics, acute/sub-acute care, pediatrics, and long-term rehab, at settings that include private practices, schools, homes, hospitals, and long-term care/sub-acute facilities. Each student is graded at the midterm and in the final week on the Clinical Performance Instrument. Objectives for Clinical Education II include demonstration of developing to entry-level skills in communication, documentation, education, and effective use of resources, such as time and equipment. Other assignments, such as in-services and CPI self-assessments, are given to fulfill the course requirements. Course requires 320 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-21-3
PHTH 770 Foundations of Geriatric Physical Therapy Practice 3
This course is the last of the five Physical Therapy Practice courses for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. Emphasis will be placed on the geriatric population. The application of normal aging as opposed to pathology will be applied to the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. The role of wellness and prevention will be addressed across the life span. Content will include discussion of the aging process, dementia, osteoporosis, cancer, balance, and vestibular deficits. Learning theories and the role of the physical therapist as a consultant will be addressed as well as home health, hospice, and incontinence. Treatment strategies as reflected in the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice will be addressed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 780 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management: Spine II 3
This course is the final orthopedic manual therapy course. The techniques of the previous courses will be reviewed, and additional evaluation of treatment techniques, particularly those requiring a higher level of clinical decision making and skill, will be added. The class will make use of the problem solving approach to orthopedic case studies. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to: a) Conduct a detailed physical examination of the lumbar, thoracic, cervical, spine, and extremities. b) Describe the mechanisms and characteristics of spinal pain and the behavior of pain patients. c) Perform manual techniques to the lumbar, cervical thoracic spine/rib, pelvis, and extremities. d) Discuss and present cases with spinal dysfunction. e) Describe indications and contradictions of manual therapy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 785 Clinical Education III 3
This third clinical education experience allows the student to use all their knowledge and skills in preparation as an entry level physical therapist. At this point, the student should be able to deliver quality care, require minimal guidance from the clinical instructor, be consistent and efficient in clinical performance, and perform more complex, multiple tasks in the clinical environment. If a student has completed the two required clinical experiences, orthopedic and medically based, then they can choose a specialty area or an area of interest. Possible specialties include orthopedics, acute/sub-acute care, pediatrics, and long-term rehab, at settings that include private practices, schools, homes, hospitals, and long-term care/sub-acute facilities. Each student is graded at the midterm and in the final week on the Clinical Performance Instrument. The student should be at entry level for most of the criteria, with exception of a highly specialized clinical area. Other assignments, such as in-services and CPI self-assessments, are given to fulfill the course requirements. Course requires 320 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHTH 790 Research in Physical Therapy III: Capstone Summit 3
This course is designed as a follow up to Research I and II. The purpose of this course is to help the student develop skills in preparing and presenting material to a group, explore current issues of research in physical therapy, help the students organize and prepare their research projects, and provide a forum for students and faculty for the presentation and sharing of knowledge gained from their research. A final written research project is required.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 835 Imaging and Surgical Management in Physical Therapy 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHTH 680

This course will provide the physical therapy student with the knowledge of interpreting common clinical laboratory test results. Diagnostic testing, including radiological and imaging procedures, will also be studied in detail. Current advances in medical practices and common surgical procedures treated by physical therapists will also be discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 855 Seminar in Physical Therapy III: Professional Career Development 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHTH 745

This seminar is a prerequisite to the third and fourth clinical education experiences. The first half of the course contains current educational learning theories and their appropriate applications in the classroom setting. The student will learn how to write course objectives and how to prepare a course syllabus. The role as clinical instructor will be discussed, including ways to engage and teach in the clinical setting. The second half contains preparation for the work environment, including resume writing, the interview process, and completion of a portfolio. Information regarding the licensing procedure and exam process will also be given. Orientation to the third and final clinical education experiences will be provided.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 875 Applied Cases in Physical Therapy Practice 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHTH 770

This course continues the Physical Therapy Practice courses in relation to the physical therapy practice patterns. The course involves advanced patient case studies in a problem-based learning environment. This course contains a program exit examination to test the students overall knowledge and skills that are required of an entry-level physical therapy clinician.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 895 Clinical Education IV 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHTH 785

This fourth and final clinical education experience, prior to graduation, allows the students to use all their knowledge and skills in preparation as an entry-level physical therapist. The student should be able to deliver quality care, requiring minimal guidance from their clinical instructor, be consistent and efficient in clinical performance, and perform more complex, multiple tasks in the clinical environment. The student can choose the type of clinical specialty for this clinical education experience, which is 12 weeks in length. Each student is graded at the midterm and in the final week on the Clinical Performance Instrument. The student should be near or at entry level for most of the criteria. An in-service and completion of the CPI self-assessment is required. This course requires 480 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-4
 
Total Required Credits = 100 credits