Professional DPT Course Descriptions

BIOL 610 - Gross Anatomy. A study of human regional and surface anatomy with full cadaver dissection.

PT 611 - Movement Science I. Basic principles of movement science, motor control, and motor learning are presented. Application of these principles to the study of gait, posture, balance, and transitional movements across the lifespan is explored. The biomechanical rationale for external support devices is discussed. Lecture, observation, and laboratory activities provide students with hands-on experience in basic movement analysis.

PT 612 - Clinical Medicine I. The first course in this two-course sequence begins with an overview of cell injury, inflammation and repair. The physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and nervous systems is presented. Fundamentals of pathology for each system are presented from various perspectives: etiology; pathogenesis; signs and symptoms; diagnosis, including laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging; and treatment options including pharmacological intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying "red flags" that would indicate to a physical therapist that treatment may be contraindicated or referral to another health care provider is warranted. Multiple formats including lecture, discussion and problem solving scenarios are used to assist students in making clinical correlations.

PT 613 - Generic Examination and Systems Review I. The role of examination in physical therapy practice is explored in this course. A basic examination framework that can be utilized across diagnoses and throughout the lifespan is developed. Beginning skills in history taking and systems review are developed. A variety of tests and measures that address impairment and function are presented with an emphasis on assessing muscle performance and joint range of motion. Students begin to document findings using a variety of formats. Class activities include lecture, lab and problem solving with case studies.

PT 614 - Inquiry I. This introductory course provides students with foundation information needed to use the literature to guide practice decisions, collect valid and reliable clinical and research data, design and evaluate research, and contribute to the scholarly basis of the profession. Specific topics include research paradigms and theory, measurement and methodological research and associated data analysis, and introduction to research design. Teaching methods include lecture, discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data management tools.

PT 615 - Health Promotion and Wellness I. This course broadly defines health and the role of physical therapy in promoting health, reducing health disparities, and improving quality of life across the lifespan. The influence of lifestyle and behaviors on health and the physical therapist's ability to screen and intervene with exercise, stress reduction and nutrition counseling is explored. Lecture, lab and a community-based health-screening project are included.

PT 616 - Educational Roles. This course provides an overview of the roles physical therapists play in education. Students apply knowledge in learning theory, learning styles, media, and educational strategies to enhance their effectiveness in patient and family education. Students also begin to develop skills in conducting professional presentations. Methodology includes interactive lectures, group discussions, and experiential learning.

PT 617 - Clinical Seminar I. The clinic and the classroom are integrated within this first course of a three-course sequence. Students explore the history and role of the profession of physical therapy within the healthcare system and healthcare team and begin to develop the professional behaviors and communication skills required to function in that role. Emphasis is on the application of this material to real-world situations through multiple clinic visits that occur throughout the semester. Format includes lecture, group activities and clinic visits.

PT 620 - Applied Neuroscience. A comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system is presented. Detailed neuroanatomy of the central and peripheral nervous system is discussed. Specific topics include the neurophysiological basis of motor control, motor learning, normal and abnormal movement. Sensory, motor and perceptual systems as well as neural plasticity are explored. In addition, clinical aspects of neurological conditions most applicable to the physical therapist are presented. Information is presented in a lecture, laboratory and problem solving formats.

PT 621 - Movement Science II. Regional functional and articular anatomy is explored and applied in a rehabilitation context. Advanced principles of and instrumentation for motion analysis are utilized to develop a thorough understanding of human movement. A capstone project provides the student experience in analysis and interpretation of functional movement patterns. Lecture, observation, and laboratory activities are used to foster an understanding of this material.

PT 622 - Clinical Medicine II. This is the second course in the two-course clinical medicine sequence. The physiology of the integumentary, endocrine, immune, rheumatic, hematologic, genitourinary, hepatic, pancreatic and biliary and gastrointestinal systems is presented. In addition, an overview of infectious diseases and oncology is provided. Fundamentals of pathology for each system are presented from various perspectives: etiology; pathogenesis; signs and symptoms; diagnosis, including laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging; and treatment options including pharmacological intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying "red flags" that would indicate to a physical therapist that treatment may be contraindicated or referral to another health care provider is warranted. Multiple formats including lecture, discussion and problem solving scenarios are used to assist students in making clinical correlations.

PT 623 - Generic Examination and Systems Review II. In this course, students further develop the role of examination in physical therapy practice. Students are introduced to the higher-level thinking and planning integral to the process of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis. A variety of tests and measures that address impairments, function, quality of life, and other life roles are presented. Class activities include lecture, lab, and problem solving with case studies.

PT 624 - Inquiry II. This course extends the foundation related to experimental and nonexperimental research design and statistical analysis and requires students to apply the information to critically appraise the research literature. Students work with faculty advisors to choose a group and topic for the doctoral project they will plan and implement during the remainder of the curriculum. Teaching methods include lecture, discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools.

PT 627 - Clinical Seminar II. This is the second course of a three-course sequence that integrates the clinic and the classroom. Students explore issues related to morals and values, cultural and socioeconomic diversity, and psychosocial aspects of disability within the context of multiple clinical visits. Legal and ethical issues in physical therapy practice are introduced. Format includes lecture, group activities and clinic visits.

PT 628 - Generic Interventions I. Students develop beginning skills in physical therapy interventions for a variety of impairments and functional limitations across diagnoses and the lifespan. Principles of exercise prescription and progression are presented. The role of the physical therapist in communication and coordination of service and patient/family education is emphasized.

PT 634 - Inquiry III. Students work in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods and to begin the literature review and proposal development processes needed to implement their doctoral projects. Topics may include group designs and outcomes research, single-subject and case reports, qualitative research methods, methodological and epidemiological research, literature reviews, and survey research. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools.

PT 635 - Service Learning Project. Students develop, implement and evaluate individualized or small group service learning projects. Projects may take on a variety of formats but must have a common goal of promoting health for a group who otherwise would not have access to that service. Students contract with service learning coordinators for specific requirements.

PT 637 - Clinical Skills Assessment. This course entails a comprehensive assessment of clinical skills and professional behaviors developed in the first year of the curriculum. This assessment takes place within the context of a clinical environment.

PT 638 - Generic Interventions II. Students further develop skills in physical therapy interventions as related to manual therapy and therapeutic modalities, including electrotherapy. Integration of these interventions into a comprehensive plan of care for patients across diagnoses and the lifespan is emphasized.

PT 639 - Lifespan Development I. Theories of motor development across the lifespan are presented within the context of physical therapy practice. Normal age related change across childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging are explored.

PT 641 - Examination of and Intervention for Musculoskeletal Conditions I.
Students are exposed to the role of the physical therapist in examining musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care. Patient management is presented in a format consistent with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and a template for the examination and evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal conditions is developed. Examination processes are regionally applied and students gain initial exposure to differential diagnosis and interventions. Lecture, lab, and case studies are utilized to develop and integrate these concepts.

PT 642 - Examination of and Intervention for Integumentary and Medical Conditions. This course addresses physical therapy examination and interventions for integumentary and medical conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care. Issues associated with the lymphatic system and women's health are included. Teaching methods include lecture, lab and case studies.

PT 643 - Examination of and Intervention for Neuromuscular Conditions I.
The framework for examination and intervention is applied and expanded to patients with neuromuscular diagnoses across the lifespan and continuum of care. The course focuses on functional areas of importance including mobility, transfers, wheelchair skills, balance, gait and upper extremity function. Lecture, lab and case studies are used.

PT 644 - Inquiry IV. Students work with faculty advisors to finalize and defend their doctoral project proposals and submit them for institutional review if necessary. Teaching methods include a combination of group work with faculty advisors and formal class meetings across project groups.

PT 647 - Clinical Experience I. Students participate in an eight-week clinical rotation that focuses on continued development of basic patient management skills from examination through intervention. This is the first of four full-time clinical rotations within the curriculum.

PT 651 - Examination of and Intervention for Musculoskeletal Conditions II.
Students further develop concepts of differential diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care. Lecture, lab, and case studies are utilized to develop and integrate these concepts.

PT 652 - Examination of and Intervention for Cardiopulmonary Conditions. This course addresses physical therapy examination and interventions for cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care. Teaching methods include lecture, lab and case studies.

PT 653 - Examination of and Intervention for Neuromuscular Conditions II.
Students build on their examination and intervention framework and neuroscience foundation to approach patients within the neuromuscular practice patterns across the lifespan and continuum of care. Specific examination and intervention techniques, special topics and prognosticating related to the practice patterns are covered. Lecture, lab and case studies are used.

PT 654 - Inquiry V. Students work with faculty advisors to implement their doctoral projects.

PT 656 - Administration Roles. This course explores roles of the physical therapist in administration and management. Health care economics, budgeting, supervision, planning, marketing, and public relations are specifically addressed.

PT 658 - Interdisciplinary Coursework. Students enroll in an interdisciplinary course or a course offered by another department to explore a specific area of practice and to enhance understanding of the interdisciplinary team approach.

PT 659 - Lifespan Development II. Students build on their experiences with pediatric and geriatric clients as they explore the special biopsychosocial, cultural, legal and health care system issues related to pediatric and geriatric care. Lecture, lab and case studies are used.

PT 662 - Examination of and Intervention for Complex Medical Conditions. This course addresses physical therapy examination and intervention for critically ill patients, those with multi-organ involvement, and those with complicating psychosocial and environmental issues. Teaching methods include case studies, discussion, and clinical visits.

PT 664 - Inquiry VI. Students continue work with faculty advisors to implement their doctoral projects.

PT 667 - Clinical Seminar III. The final course in this three-course sequence provides opportunities for students to discuss issues in the context of their previous and future clinical experiences. Topics include legal and ethical issues, delegation and supervision, issues related to the healthcare environment and reimbursement, and other practice concerns.

PT 668 - Certification Electives. This course provides students with the opportunity to become certified in a technique or skill related to physical therapy practice.

PT 677 - Clinical Experience II. Students participate in an eight-week clinical rotation that focuses on development of patient management skills from examination through intervention. This is the second of four full-time clinical rotations within the curriculum.

PT 681 - Examination of and Intervention for Musculoskeletal Conditions III.
This course exposes students to musculoskeletal topics in greater depth to facilitate a global understanding of the role of the musculoskeletal physical therapist across the lifespan and continuum of care. Topics will be addressed with lecture, workshops, lab, and with the use of complex case studies.

PT 683 - Examination of and Intervention for Neuromuscular Conditions III.
This course presents advanced topics related to the examination and intervention of patients with neuromuscular dysfunction across the lifespan and continuum of care. Emphasis is placed on intervention techniques, communication/coordination of care and management of complex patients. Lecture, lab and case studies are used.

PT 684 - Inquiry VII. Students learn technical aspects of writing for publication and presenting to professional audiences. Students produce multiple iterations of papers and presentations of their doctoral projects in response to peer, instructor, and advisor feedback.

PT 685 - Health Promotion and Wellness II. This course examines the role of physical therapy in promoting health in specialized segments of the population. Emphasis is placed on creating healthy behaviors through assessing community health needs, community health education, and implementing programs to enhance health and fitness of well and special populations. Lecture, lab and community-based projects are included.

PT 686 - Consulting Roles. This course explores role of the physical therapist as a consultant. Course content includes principles and techniques of consulting as well as exposure to physical therapists serving as consultants in a variety of settings.

PT 687 - Clinical Experience III. Students participate in an eight-week clinical rotation that focuses on development of patient management skills from examination through intervention. This is the third of four full-time clinical rotations within the curriculum.

PT 688 - Specialty Seminar. Groups of students work with individual faculty members to investigate specialized aspects of physical therapy practice.

PT 689 - Professional Issues. Major issues facing the profession of physical therapy are presented in discussion and debate format. Students develop a plan for professional development and lifelong learning.

PT 694 - Inquiry VIII. Students complete their doctoral projects. Activities include an oral defense and faculty approval of the written project.

PT 697 - Clinical Internship. Students participate in a 15 week internship that focuses on development of Professional patient management skills from examination through intervention, as well as development of other skills related to practice such as consultation and administration. This is the culminating full-time clinical rotation after which students are expected to possess the skills and behaviors required to enter practice as a physical therapist.