PCOM Georgia

Department website: https://www.pcom.edu/academics/programs-and-degrees/physical-therapy/

Introduction to Physical Therapy

The mission of the physical therapy program at PCOM Georgia is to prepare individuals who demonstrate excellence in the practice of physical therapy, emphasize a “whole person” approach to patient management, commit to the advancement of knowledge and intellectual growth, and engage in the well-being of the community.

The PCOM Department of Physical Therapy will be recognized for its:

• Commitment to cultivating an inclusive learning environment that is diverse, inquisitive, dignified, and respectful, and that will inspire caring graduates who advocate for all individuals in our changing healthcare environment.
• State-of-the-art learning environment that offers students the opportunity to learn “whole person” patient management through interprofessional collaboration, development, and intellectual growth, as well as hands-on experiences.
• Educational advancement for faculty, students, and clinicians to promote the development of exceptional healthcare professionals who are committed to life-long learning and engagement in the profession of physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Philosophy

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides the framework for organizing the curriculum. This framework was selected for its emphasis on the individual client as the focus of health care and its alignment with osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes management of the “whole person” and recognizes the unity of body systems. This approach is consistent with the program’s belief that physical therapists are experts in movement who restore, maintain, and promote optimal movement and function. Physical therapists function interdependently in a variety of settings and use theory and established scientific evidence to address the needs of the “whole person” (physical, psychological, spiritual, and socio-economic). The curriculum also reflects the belief that optimal physical therapy is delivered in a client-focused environment, where the therapist assumes multiple roles, including educator, consultant, and advocate.

The organization of the curriculum is based on the assumption that understanding and responding to the effects of health conditions begins with knowledge of good health. Practitioners require a firm foundation in “typical” or “usual” human development to recognize and assist clients in managing impairments and deficits in activity and participation.

The curriculum model incorporates elements of traditional, case-based, and systems-based approaches. Four themes are emphasized throughout the program: Critical Thinking, Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Engagement, and Lifespan Development. Early instruction focuses on foundational knowledge of human structure and function across the lifespan and draws on both the basic/foundational sciences and clinical/physical therapy sciences. As students develop an understanding of “typical” structure and function, the emphasis shifts to health conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy, with a focus on impairments and limitations or restrictions in activity and participation.

Each course is assigned to one of five content areas: Basic/Foundational Sciences, Clinical/Physical Therapy Sciences, Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Engagement, and Clinical Experiences. The following section provides course sequencing and descriptions related to these content areas.

1. Provide professional education that prepares individuals for entry into the practice of physical therapy.
2. Promote the development of professional core values and behaviors.
3. Promote participation in and appreciation for scholarship that will contribute to the evidence supporting physical therapy practice.
4. Promote participation in activities designed to advocate for the profession, community, and individuals.
5. Engage in service to the college, community, and profession.
6. Provide opportunities for post-professional education and professional development.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Term 1		Hours
PT 601	Clinical Anatomy for Physical Therapists	8
PT 606	Medical Terminology	1
PT 602	Clinical Kinesiology	4
PT 621A	Principles of Evidenced-Based Practice	2
PT 631A	Professional Engagement I	2
INDP 100A	Inter Professional Education	0.5
	Hours	17.5
Term 2
PT 603	Differential Diagnosis for PT	4
PT 614	Intro to Pharmacology, Diagnostic Tests and Imaging	3
PT 611A	Physical Therapy Exam I	4
PT 621B	Components of Evidenced-Based Practice: Design & Statistics	4
INDP 100B	Inter Professional Education	0.5
	Hours	15.5
Second Year
Term 1
PT 604A	Clinical Neuroscience I	3
PT 605A	Clinical Interventions I	3
PT 611B	Physical Therapy Exam II	4
PT 612	Cardio and Pulmonary Management	4
PT 613	Integumentary Management	3
PT 745	Integrated Learning Experience I	1
	Hours	18
Term 2
PT 604B	Clinical Neuroscience II	3
PT 605B	Clinical Interventions II	3
PT 711A	Musculoskeletal Management I	6
PT 631B	Professional Engagement II	2
PT 746	Integrated Learning Experience II	1
	Hours	15
Term 3
PT 711B	Musculoskeletal Management II	6
PT 713	Assistive Technology: P&O	3
PT 717A	NeuroRehabilitation I	6
PT 747	Integrated Learning Experience III	1
	Hours	16
Third Year
Term 1
PT 841	Clinical Experience I	8
PT 842	Clinical Experience II	8
	Hours	16
Term 2
PT 716	Complex Multi System Disorders	5
PT 717B	NeuroRehabilitation II	5
PT 732	Professional Engagement III	2
PT 748	Integrated Learning Experience IV	1
	Hours	13
Term 3
PT 831	Professional Engagement IV	1
PT 843	Clinical Experience III	14
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	126