This course provides a comprehensive consideration of human anatomy using a regional approach to the human body that is designed for the training of clinicians. The course will cover regional, gross, and clinical anatomy of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, upper and lower extremities, neck and spine, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities. The emphasis is on function, topography, diagnostic imaging correlations, and clinical applications. Surface anatomy is examined and palpation skills are introduced, as well as more in-depth analysis of the peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system as they relate to clinical skills utilized by physical therapists.

In-Person

This course addresses the study of human movement with an emphasis on functional anatomy, biomechanics, mechanisms of injury, and the relationship of these concepts to examination of the musculoskeletal system. This course includes detailed information about osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, and accessory joint movements as it relates to the spine and upper and lower extremities. Examination of gait and posture are addressed, and students will integrate spinal function with static and dynamic posture, as well as during ambulation.

In-Person

This course lays the foundation for an understanding of pathological conditions and their impact on physical therapy management. It begins with an exploration of the physiological function as related to homeostasis in body systems and the healing of body tissues. The course is primarily system-based and emphasizes screening for clinical signs and symptoms [presentation] of select patient disorders/diseases, the impact of pathology on physical function, and implications for physical therapy management. The course will also include an introduction to basic principles of pharmacology for physical therapists in preparation for systems-based pharmacology and diagnostic courses.

In-Person

This course, the first in a two-course series, sets the stage for understanding human movement, motor control, and motor learning theory by exploring the structure and function of the motor and somatosensory components of the nervous system. Exploration begins with consideration of how information is transferred within the nervous system (e.g., synaptic transmission) through discovery of motor and somatosensory pathways and how the pathways interact to produce movement. Consideration is also given to mechanisms of pain transmission and modulation. Muscle tone, reflexes, and reactions in relation to normal and pathological nervous system function and dysfunction will be considered. Directed laboratory experiences will include images of sectioned tissue and models. Structure and function are addressed across the life span.

In-Person

This course, the second in the neuroscience series, builds on the concepts and principles addressed in the first course by exploring the impact of vision, hearing, and vestibular function on human movement. The course also addresses “higher” functions, including language and communication, memory and learning, and emotions. Neuroplasticity is considered in relation to learning, CNS development, and the CNS's ability to recover after injury. Students explore neuroplasticity, motor learning, and motor control as they relate to common physical therapy interventions, based on current evidence. A variety of clinical disorders in the neuromuscular system will be introduced.

In-Person

This course integrates foundational knowledge and clinical skills to select and implement physical therapy interventions that address impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions across the lifespan and continuum of care, with emphasis on acute care and cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary dysfunctions. Students apply evidence-based principles and physiologic foundations to develop and progress exercise prescriptions targeting a range of motion, flexibility, strength, aerobic capacity, balance, and functional performance. The course also examines the principles and clinical application of thermal, electrical, and mechanical modalities, emphasizing clinical decision-making, patient education, safety, and appropriate use based on tissue healing, indications, and contraindications.

In-Person

This course builds on foundational knowledge and clinical skills to design and implement advanced physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular populations across the lifespan, with emphasis on outpatient and return-to-function settings. Students apply evidence-based principles to progress therapeutic exercise and functional activities from acute injury through return to the prior level of function. Content includes advanced exercise prescription (e.g., neuromuscular re-education, plyometrics, and aerobic conditioning), manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, aquatic therapy, and dry needling. Interventions for neurologic and special populations are emphasized, including body-weight support training, constraint-induced movement therapy, and functional electrical stimulation. The course highlights clinical decision-making, progression of care, and safe, effective application of interventions to optimize movement and functional outcomes.

In-Person

This course focuses on the study of advanced medical vocabulary, prefixes, suffixes, word roots, abbreviations, and symbols using a systems approach. This course provides a study of words that pertain to body systems, anatomic structures, medical processes and procedures, and a variety of diseases. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation.

In-Person

This course focuses on developing basic examination knowledge and skills that physical therapists use to gather data and make diagnoses and prognoses (evaluation) to develop a plan of care. Students learn to obtain a medical history and conduct systems review for dysfunction in various body systems (integumentary, cardiovascular & pulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cognitive). Specific tests and measures addressed include vital sign testing, tone/motor control and coordination, sensory integrity and peripheral reflexes, muscle strength (manual muscle testing), range of motion, and muscle length. Throughout the course, students enhance their skills in palpation and practice basic patient management techniques, such as positioning and draping. Basic principles of documentation are emphasized, and students learn to document examination findings.

In-Person

This course continues the examination and evaluation, with an emphasis on functional ability and performance for patients. Students will be introduced to medical monitoring devices, aseptic technique, and universal precautions for safe clinical practice in all settings. Relevant health status and contributing medical conditions will be explored in relation to functional mobility and locomotion. The primary emphasis of the examination will include assessment of: balance and postural control for basic ADL and function, bed mobility, wheelchair mobility, transfers, and gait. Implementation and general progression of functional mobility training will be introduced. Students will continue to practice documentation of findings pertinent to patient care scenarios. Educational/instructional methods will be introduced, allowing for exploration of optimal teaching approaches that enhance patient adherence and retention of learning and optimize patient function in the clinical setting.

In-Person

This course focuses on management of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction including comprehensive examination, evaluation and therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular/pulmonary patients. Physical therapy management for patients who are acutely ill with cardiac, pulmonary, or vascular disease and their progression through the continuum of care is addressed and medical, surgical and rehabilitative interventions are presented. The course also includes clinical pharmacology, with a focus on the implications of commonly prescribed medications for cardiopulmonary conditions and their impact on physical therapy management, including recognition of potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing relevant to medical diagnosis, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies will be considered. Through this course, students will further develop clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and appropriate referral.

In-Person

This course examines the physical therapy management of patients with integumentary system disorders, wounds and burns. The pathophysiology of integumentary disorders across the lifespan is addressed in addition to the comprehensive physical therapy management of patients with related acute, sub-acute, and chronic integumentary diseases that require skilled and intermediate levels of medical care. The course also includes clinical pharmacology, with a focus on the implications of commonly prescribed medications for integumentary conditions and their impact on physical therapy management, including recognition of potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing relevant to medical diagnosis, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies will be considered. Through this course, students will further develop clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and appropriate referral.

In-Person

This course addresses clinical pharmacology, medical diagnostic tests, and imaging techniques with emphasis on primary drug classes and the physiologic basis of their action, examination of the beneficial and adverse effects of prescribed medication and the impact on rehabilitation, the relationship of lab values and other studies related to the medical diagnosis, and interpretation and application of specialized medical imaging information as it relates to the rehabilitation patient. This content will be integrated and expanded upon in the systems courses throughout the physical therapy curriculum.

In-Person

This course provides the foundation for the first and second steps of evidence-based practice (EBP): Ask and Acquire. Strategies for asking clinical questions and searching for evidence are addressed.

In-Person

This course provides the foundation for the third step of EBP (Appraise) by exploring various research designs used in rehabilitation research and addressing the analysis of research results based on statistical description and inference. Principles of subject selection, including determination of appropriate sample size, and internal and external validity, are addressed in relation to each of the designs explored in the course. Each design will be discussed in terms of its placement on the hierarchy of evidence. Common tests for significance will be explored in terms of how they are performed and interpreted, as well as the appropriateness of specific tests based on the research question and design.

In-Person

This is the first in a four-course sequence in which students explore the responsibilities, principles, and values of the physical therapy profession. The history and future of the profession, scope of physical therapy practice, standards of care, core values, jurisprudence, and code of ethics will be discussed. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Code of Ethics, Core Values, and Professional Behaviors will serve as the foundation for learning objectives in communication, service delivery, and documentation across various patient care settings. Governance of the recognized professional organization, the APTA, as well as APTA-GA, will be examined and discussed in detail. Students will also experience learning activities related to cultural humility in physical therapy, legal and ethical standards of practice, and patient-centered care.

In-Person

This course is designed to expose students to the tenets of the United States healthcare system, current physical therapy practice settings, and other key components of various healthcare delivery models, such as patient-centered care organizations. Students will investigate issues related to health disparities and will be prepared to recognize the need for interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered practice to improve the effectiveness of healthcare and quality of life and health for those in need of social services. Through active interdisciplinary seminar discussion, students will address methods for implementing culturally competent care, improving health literacy, and addressing issues related to access to health systems and quality of care.

In-Person

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through previously completed coursework and to develop clinical reasoning skills and professional communication. Students will participate in multiple clinical simulation experiences and/or clinical observations, allowing repeated opportunities to practice patient examination and evaluation, establish a plan of care, make intervention decisions, and document patient care.

In-Person

This course is the first of a two-course sequence on the management of patients with musculoskeletal problems. This course emphasizes the pathological, medical, and surgical considerations, and physical therapy examination and intervention associated with the upper quarter in relation to trauma, degenerative changes, and overuse syndromes in daily activity, recreation, sports, and industry. Clinical pharmacology will be addressed, emphasizing the impact of drugs used for musculoskeletal conditions on physical therapy patient management, including the recognition of adverse reactions. Diagnostic tests will include lab values, imaging, and other studies related to the medical diagnosis. This course strengthens physical therapists' clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, physician interaction, and skills for appropriate imaging referral.

In-Person

This is the second course in a two-course sequence on the musculoskeletal system, focusing on pathological, medical, and surgical considerations, as well as physical therapy examination and intervention. This course will focus on dysfunction of the lower half in relation to trauma, degenerative changes, and overuse syndromes in daily or work activity, recreation, sports, and industry. Clinical pharmacology is addressed, emphasizing the impact of drugs used for musculoskeletal conditions on physical therapy patient management, including the recognition of adverse reactions. Diagnostic tests discussed include lab values, imaging, and other studies related to the medical diagnosis. This course strengthens physical therapists' clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, physician interaction, and skills for appropriate imaging referral.

In-Person

This course focuses on the design and function of assistive technology to include ‘specialty’ wheelchairs, orthotics, prosthetics, and other technology designed to improve function. Students will explore various types of adaptive devices available and relate biomechanical principles and research evidence to recommend and effectively use assistive technology. The relationship between normal and pathologic gait in individuals who use orthotic and prosthetic devices will also be addressed. Comprehensive physical therapy management, which includes all elements of the patient/client management model will be emphasized for patients with amputation/lower limb loss.

In-Person

This course offers students the opportunity to advance and integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum through application to the physical therapy management of patients with complex multisystem pathologies. Clinical manifestations of disease will be correlated with pathology and pathophysiology, and the impact of complex health conditions on prognosis for the case scenarios addressed will be emphasized, as will the consequences of multi-system involvement on functional ability and participation in life. Students will be required to explore all aspects of healthcare management, including diagnostic & pharmacological management of problems, and the need for interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care to enhance quality of life.

In-Person

This course is the first of a two-course sequence addressing the management of patients with neuromuscular disorders. This course focuses on the pathological, medical, and surgical considerations, as well as physical therapy management, for patients with neurological disorders after adolescence throughout adulthood. Contemporary concepts of motor control and more traditional neurodevelopmental approaches are explored. Clinical pharmacology is addressed and emphasizes the impact of drugs used for neuromuscular conditions on physical therapy patient management, including recognition of adverse reactions. Diagnostic tests will include lab values, imaging, and other studies related to the medical diagnosis. This course strengthens physical therapists' clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, physician interaction, and skills for appropriate imaging referral.

In-Person

This course is the second of a two-course sequence addressing the management of patients with neuromuscular disorders with primary emphasis on birth to adolescence. This course focuses on the pathological, medical, and surgical considerations, as well as physical therapy management, for patients with congenital and developmental abnormalities and acquired neuromuscular disorders. Clinical pharmacology is addressed and emphasizes the impact of drugs used for neuromuscular conditions on physical therapy patient management, including recognition of adverse reactions. Diagnostic tests discussed include lab values, imaging, and other studies related to the medical diagnosis. This course strengthens physical therapists' clinical expertise in comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, physician interaction, and skills for appropriate imaging referral.

In-Person

The third course in this series is designed to advance students’ knowledge of policy, legal, and ethical aspects of physical therapy practice management, including marketing/ budgeting, supervision of staff, personnel development, quality improvement, and federal guidelines concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act within the scope of practice of physical therapy. The business aspects of healthcare, application, and documentation of processes for reimbursement will be investigated. Social responsibility and advocacy for legislative change to state and federal regulations related to the provision of health care services will be discussed.

In-Person

The third course in this series is designed to advance student’s knowledge of policy, legal and ethical aspects of physical therapy practice management including: marketing/ budgeting, supervision of staff, personnel development, quality improvement and federal guidelines concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act within the scope of practice of physical therapy. The business aspects of healthcare, application and documentation of processes for reimbursement will be investigated. Social responsibility and advocacy for legislative change to state and federal regulations related to the provision of health care services will be discussed.

In-Person

In this final course in the series, students will formulate a ‘professional development plan’ for continued professional engagement in physical therapy and other health care organizations. Students will assess their professional growth since entry into the program and will complete program outcomes surveys and other requirements for graduation. Mechanisms for seeking out community resources, mentors, networking in professional organizations and ways to foster the student’s future role of becoming a clinical instructor will be emphasized. Developing skills needed to successfully secure licensure as a PT and preparation for National Physical Therapy Examination will be completed.

OnLine

This 13-week clinical internship is sequential to Clinical Internship II where placement will continue either within the same setting or in a new setting for adequate exposure to a variety of physical therapy clinical and community practice settings. This internship is designed for students to gain greater proficiency and synthesis of clinical skills and clinical reasoning learned across all years of the DPT program. Under the direct supervision by qualified physical therapists, students will demonstrate the ability to make sound clinical decisions for management of patient problems in a moderately paced environment.

In-Person

This 10-week clinical experience is the second in a three-part clinical practice series and follows successful completion of all prior course work. The clinical placement is designed to provide students with an opportunity to advance their clinical application of knowledge and skills learned in the first two years of the program. The experience will take place in a variety of settings where the student will practice under the direct supervision of a licensed practicing clinician. Students are expected to achieve a minimum “Global Rating” level of 4 on a scale of 0-10 and demonstrate Professional Behavior standards at a minimum of ‘always (100%)’ on the Clinical Internship Evaluation Tool by the end of this experience.

Lecture

This 14-week clinical experience is sequential to Clinical Internship III where placement will either continue within a similar or new setting for adequate exposure to a variety of physical therapy clinical and community practice settings. This experience is designed for students to gain greater proficiency and synthesis of clinical skills and clinical reasoning learned across all years of the DPT program. Under the direct supervision by qualified physical therapists, students will demonstrate the ability to make sound clinical decisions for management of patient problems in a moderately paced environment. Students are expected to achieve a minimum “Global Rating” level of 5 on a scale of 0-10 and demonstrate Professional Behavior standards at a minimum of ‘always (100%)’ on the Clinical Internship Evaluation Tool by the conclusion of this experience.

This course provides students with the opportunity to recall knowledge from previously completed coursework and to develop clinical reasoning and professional communication skills. Students will participate in multiple clinical simulation experiences and/or clinical observations, allowing repeated opportunities to practice foundational patient examination skills, establish a plan of care, evaluate to make intervention decisions, and document patient care.

In-Person

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through previously completed coursework and to develop clinical reasoning skills and professional communication. Students will participate in multiple clinical simulation experiences and/or clinical observations, allowing repeated opportunities to practice foundational patient examination skills, establish a plan of care, evaluate to make intervention decisions, and document patient care.

In-Person

This course provides students with the opportunity to advance knowledge gained through previously completed coursework and to develop clinical reasoning skills and professional communication. Students will participate in multiple clinical simulation experiences and/or clinical observations, allowing repeated opportunities to practice foundational patient examination skills, establish a plan of care, evaluate to make intervention decisions, and document patient care.

In-Person

This course provides students with the opportunity to advance and synthesize knowledge gained through previously completed coursework and to develop clinical reasoning skills and professional communication. Students will participate in multiple clinical simulation experiences and/or clinical observations, allowing repeated opportunities to practice foundational patient examination skills, establish a plan of care, evaluate to make intervention decisions, and document patient care.

In-Person

In this final course in the series, students will formulate a ‘professional development plan’ for continued professional engagement in physical therapy and other health care organizations. Students will assess their professional growth since entering the program and complete program outcomes surveys and other requirements for graduation. Mechanisms for seeking out community resources, mentors, networking in professional organizations and ways to foster the student’s future role of becoming a clinical instructor will be emphasized. Developing skills needed to attain licensure as a PT and preparation for National Physical Therapy Examination will be completed.

OnLine

This 8-week clinical experience is the first in a three-part clinical practice series and follows successful completion of all prior course work. The clinical placement is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply foundational knowledge and skills learned in the program. The experience will take place in a variety of settings reflective of current physical therapy practice. Students will practice under the direct supervision of a licensed practicing clinician.

This 8-week clinical experience is the second in a three-part clinical practice series and follows the successful completion of all prior course work. The clinical placement is designed to provide students with an opportunity to advance their clinical knowledge and skills learned in the program. The experience will take place in a variety of settings reflective of current physical therapy practice. Students will practice under the direct supervision of a licensed practicing clinician.

This 14-week clinical experience is sequential to Clinical Experience II where placement will either continue within a similar or new setting for adequate exposure to a variety of physical therapy clinical and community practice settings. This experience is designed to help students gain greater proficiency and to synthesize the clinical skills and clinical reasoning learned across all years of the DPT program. Under the direct supervision of qualified physical therapists, students will demonstrate the ability to make sound clinical decisions for the management of patient problems in a moderately paced environment.

This elective course is designed to enhance knowledge of prosthetic design and to discover a broad scope of exercises to promote optimal gait function for adults living with lower limb amputation. Implementation of appropriate outcome measures for quality of life and functional ability will be discussed. Current and clinically useful approaches to prosthetic design/fit, and advances in rehabilitation management using a holistic philosophy for optimizing health and wellness will be emphasized. Intervention strategies focusing on improved balance, prosthetic gait, fall risk/fall recovery, and running will be taught through hands-on interaction with individuals with lower limb amputation.

In-Person

This elective course is designed for students to focus on preparing a completed research study [or component of] for poster, platform, or publication under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

In-Person

This elective course is an advanced laboratory course designed to challenge students with an in-depth understanding of clinical human anatomy. Students are expected to create an anatomical teaching aid that may include an advanced model, prosected specimen, game, or open education resource (OER). Alternatively, students may investigate an anatomical variation that was noted in PT601G. The artifact created by students must fulfill one of the stated Course Learning Objectives (CLOs). Essentially, students will create a project that may satisfy requirements for publication as a manuscript or open education resource (OER), or that may serve as a teaching model for future courses.

In-Person

This course is designed for students to expand their knowledge of pediatric physical therapy and integrate the best available evidence into practice. To build on information presented in core pediatric courses, students will explore advanced assessment tools and practice gathering accurate and reliable data to help guide critical clinical decision-making. Students will participate in complex gait and orthotic assessments and have opportunities to fabricate simple orthoses for pediatric clients. A primary objective of this elective is for students to select intervention activities that engage and motivate children of all ages. Effective collaboration with families and health providers will be emphasized throughout the course.

In-Person

This course will cover topics in musculoskeletal physical therapy beyond those covered in MSK I and II, including pain neuroscience, the mechanisms of manual therapy, clinical decision-making, and advanced manual therapy skills.

In-Person

This course is designed for students to explore and participate in physical therapy education through teaching as an assistant in Physical Therapy Examination I &/or II, or Clinical Anatomy for Physical Therapists. Students will fulfill potential demonstrating instructional skills in areas such as designing lesson plans, creating objectives for learning modules, developing and implementing teaching and learning modules, and gauging the effectiveness of those modules.

In-Person

This course focuses on physical therapist management of patients/ clients with sports-related musculoskeletal impairments and functional limitations. Knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise, and rehabilitation principles is applied along with clinical reasoning processes to this patient population.

In-Person

This elective course is designed as a medical Spanish beginner level course to provide the DPT student with basic tools to develop sufficient speaking and listening skills to complete a physical therapy evaluation of the patient, safely treat the patient, and provide the Spanish-speaking patient with the necessary education. This is a hybrid course which requires the student to work asynchronously online for 50% of the course work and attend either synchronous online classes or face to face on campus class 50% of the time.

In-Person

The course covers musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging physics, principles, patient safety, indications, knobology/presets, and artifact identification. Fundamentals of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging of the peripheral joints (e.g. shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot) practiced with images acquired for an eportfolio Applications of ultrasound imaging in healthcare practice and research are discussed and demonstrated.

In-Person