Physical Therapy

Name	Title	Credits	School
PHTH 601	Introduction to Physical Therapy	1	School of Health Professions
This is an introductory course orienting the student to the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, the representative professional association, and the related professional literature. There will be an overview of significant issues within the profession. Primary practice areas within physical therapy will also be represented.
PHTH 602	Evidence-Based Practice	1	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 603	Gross Anatomy	5	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 605	Kinesiology	4	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 607	Neuroscience	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 610	Biomechanics	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 615	Modalities	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 620	Massage	1	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 626	PT Practice I: Foundations of Orthopedics	4	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 630	Motor Learning and Development	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 635	Rehabilitation: Activities of Daily Living (ADL)	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 640	Administration and the Delivery of Health Care in Physical Therapy	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 645	Seminar in Physical Therapy I: Introduction to Clinical Education	1	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 650	PT Practice II: Neurological Rehabilitation	4	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 655	Prosthetics and Orthotics	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 660	Exercise Physiology	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 665	Pathophysiology	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 674	Clinical Education I	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 675	PT Practice III: Pediatrics	4	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 680	Medicine for Physical Therapists	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 685	Evaluation/Diagnosis in Physical Therapy	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 690	Physical Therapy Research I	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 695	Manual Therapy I: Peripheral Joints	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 695L	Manual Therapy I Laboratory	0	School of Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. 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.
PHTH 701	PT Practice IV: Special Topics in Physical Therapy	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 710	Physical Therapy Research II	2	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 715	Pharmacology for Physical Therapists	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 720	Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy	4	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 730	Manual Therapy II: Introduction to Spine	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 745	Seminar in Physical Therapy II: Professional Topics in Clinical Education	1	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 750	Clinical Education II	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 770	PT Practice V: Geriatrics	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 780	Manual Therapy III: Advanced Spine	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 785	Clinical Education III	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 790	Research in Physical Therapy III	3	School of Health Professions
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.
PHTH 800	Research Design	3	School of Health Professions

PHTH 810	Clin & Out Measure	3	School of Health Professions

PHTH 835	Advanced Medicine for Physical Therapists	2	School of Health Professions
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. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHTH 680
PHTH 855	Seminar in Physical Therapy III: Seminar in Career Development	1	School of Health Professions
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. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHTH 745
PHTH 875	Advanced Physical Therapy Practice	2	School of Health Professions
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. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHTH 770
PHTH 879	Maintain Matriculation	0	School of Health Professions
Matriculated students who do not register for coursework in a regular semester (excluding summer) are required to maintain matriculation by registering for this course.
PHTH 895	Clinical Education IV	4	School of Health Professions
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. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHTH 785