May 10, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
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2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Physical Therapy
  

  • PHTH 716 - Examination and Evaluation II (2)


    This course, the second of two courses in this series, provides students with the knowledge and skills to select and perform foundational patient examination skills, including global observation, mental status, and functional assessment as it relates to different environments. Examination techniques used commonly in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, musculoskeletal, and/or neuromuscular examinations, including systems reviews, are learned and practiced in the laboratory setting. Patient-centered functional outcomes are emphasized. The clinical reasoning skills necessary to perform the evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis portions of the patient/client management model are practiced.
  

  • PHTH 718 - Patient/Client Management III: Therapeutic Exercise (5)


    This course presents the theory, scientific principles, and evidence for the use of various types of exercise employed by physical therapists for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health and physical function across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on basic exercise techniques related to muscle performance (including strength, power, and endurance) and stretching/flexibility activities. Previously introduced principles of tissue injury and repair are applied to therapeutic exercise interventions and progression. Evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized throughout and practiced with clinical scenarios in the laboratory. Spring
  

  • PHTH 720 - Clinical Kinesiology (3)


    This course involves the comprehensive study of the kinematics and kinetics of the human body, postural control and the basics of gait analysis. Foundational knowledge of basic anatomy is applied in lecture and the laboratory with emphasis on biomechanics, mechanical properties of biological tissue, joint structure and function, muscle and boney palpation, and introduction to gait. Students perform analysis of normal and abnormal movement and alignment of the spine and extremities. Fall
  

  • PHTH 722 - Clinical Pathophysiology (4)


    This course reviews the principles of human physiology and examines the pathologic processes that alter the human bodys lines of defense and resistance to disease. The course provides the student with an understanding of structural adaptations and functional responses of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. The student relates clinical manifestations of pathophysiologic changes to the practice of physical therapy. Spring
  

  • PHTH 730 - Neuroscience I (4)


    This course examines human neuroanatomy with an emphasis on the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems and the basic functions therein. This course reviews neurophysiology of the CNS, PNS, and autonomic nervous system, and examines the basic principles of neuroembryology and neuroplasticity. The laboratory component emphasizes anatomical study of the brain and spinal cord and the functions of the cranial nerves, tracks, and nuclei of major systems. Fall
  

  • PHTH 732 - Neuroscience II (3)


    This course is a continuation of PHTH 730 Neuroscience I. This course examines neurological function, specifically motor control, motor learning, and cognition, and furthers the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of sensation and perception by the sensory system. A focused examination of the theories, mechanisms, assessment, and management of pain is presented and practiced. Spring
  

  • PHTH 745 - Cultural, Ethical, and Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare (3)


    This course emphasizes the biopsychosocial/spiritual approach to health care and wellness by developing the physical therapist’s understanding of psychosocial considerations and cultural competence. It entails the use of a systems perspective that values differences and is responsive to diversity at all levels of an organization, i.e., policy, governance, administrative, workforce, provider, and consumer/client. Physical therapy students learn to promote and support the attitudes, behaviors, knowledge, and skills necessary to work respectfully and effectively with patients and each other in a culturally diverse work environment. Students use demographics, cultural, epidemiological and clinical outcome data for racial and ethnic groups in the service area, and become informed about the ethnic/cultural needs, resources, and assets of the surrounding community. Psychosocial conditions, with an emphasis on the ways that mental health across the lifespan impacts physical health, are examined. Spring
  

  • PHTH 790 - Research I: Methods (3)


    This course provides students with an overview of quantitative and qualitative research processes. Students explore principles of scientific research, research design, measurement characteristics, applied statistics, data collection, sampling, and general categories of data analyses through critical examination of published studies. Students complete the CITI modules in preparation for the IRB process. This course culminates with faculty-facilitated selection of a research project, either individually or in small student groups. Fall
  

  • PHTH 792 - Research II: Literature Review/Background and Significance (2)


    Based on projects selected in Research I, students begin the process of research design. This includes a critical review of the literature, identification of research methods, instrumentation, and study designs appropriate for, and applied to the selected research question and submit the required research proposal to the Scientific Review Committee and Institutional Review Board for approval as necessary. Spring
  

  • PHTH 800 - Professional Foundations II: Communication (3)


    This course introduces the principles and dynamics of professional oral and written communication. These are applied to communication necessary for the practice of physical therapy, including teaching and learning, documentation, and billing. Legal and ethical considerations of communication with appropriate stakeholders (patients, families, supportive personnel, payers, and other health professionals) are addressed. Summer
  

  • PHTH 804 - Professional Foundations III: Management and Leadership (3)


    This course prepares the student to manage physical therapy practice in a contemporary environment. Theories and principles of leadership and management are utilized to guide and evaluate the practice of physical therapy services. Topics addressed include: organizational behavior, human resource management, financial planning, budgeting, elements of payment for services, quality improvement, risk management, and marketing strategies. This course examines the legislative process, liability issues, and legal structure of organizations affecting the practice of physical therapy in the U.S. Summer
  

  • PHTH 806 - Professional Foundations IV: Transition to Practice (1)


    This course integrates content from the previous courses in this series with classroom and clinical education experiences to facilitate the students transition to clinical practice. With faculty guidance, students evaluate requirements for licensure and practice in their preferred clinical environments. Students will reflect upon previous learning and develop personalized professional development plans. Fall
  

  • PHTH 810 - Patient/Client Management IV: Biophysical Agents (3)


    This course presents the fundamental principles, physiological effects, indications and contraindications, application techniques, and clinical reasoning regarding use of biophysical agents. Biophysical agents included are: NMES, FES, TENS, biofeedback, electrotherapy for tissue healing, iontophoresis thermotherapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, mechanical traction, and compression. Manual modalities including instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques, myofascial and trigger point release are also introduced. Principles of electrophysiological examination and assessment are included. Discussion and laboratory activities allow the demonstration and application of the fundamental clinical reasoning, clinical thinking and intervention skills for application of biophysical agents. Summer
  

  • PHTH 814 - Screening for Medical Disorders (3)


    This course explores the physical therapists role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. Students learn to recognize clinical manifestations that suggest that physician contact or referral is warranted regarding a clients health status. The course presents the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to efficiently and effectively collect and evaluate patient examination data. This course provides an overview of diagnostic imaging as it relates to the practice of physical therapy. Students review images and describe normal and abnormal findings, to enhance understanding of strengths and limitations of various imaging modalities, pathological processes, interpretation of clinical examination findings, and development of safe and effective patient plans of care. Cases are presented to facilitate making appropriate patient referrals for imaging modalities (plain film radiography, MRI, CT Scan, and Bone scan) for commonly seen populations. Students analyze case scenarios to develop logical and effective clinical pathways. Summer
  

  • PHTH 818 - Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (3)


    This course examines basic cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary pathologies commonly encountered by the physical therapist as well as the etiology and clinical manifestations of each. Each component of physical therapy patient/client management for cardiopulmonary conditions is studied and, in the laboratory, applied, including the physical therapy examination and evaluation, the development of formal cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and basic electrocardiogram interpretation. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are also encouraged. Summer
  

  • PHTH 820 - Musculoskeletal I (6)


    This course reviews the musculoskeletal anatomy and common pathologies of the thoracolumbar spine, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities. Medical management, including pharmacological agents and radiologic/imaging studies, for selected pathologies are also discussed. An overview of medical screening and differential diagnosis appropriate for each selected region is provided. Emphasis is on the application and integration of evidence-based physical therapy practice for the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and outcome measurements for these pathologies in both the lecture and laboratory settings. Both normal and pathological aspects of gait are addressed, progressing to the development and management of the treatment plan to address movement system impairments. Examination and intervention techniques are practiced in the laboratory and applied to instructor-selected case studies and simulated patients. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are also encouraged. Fall
  

  • PHTH 822 - Musculoskeletal II (4)


    This course reviews the musculoskeletal anatomy and common pathologies of the cervical spine, TMJ, and upper extremities. Medical management, including pharmacological agents and imaging studies, for selected pathologies are discussed. An overview of medical screening and differential diagnosis appropriate for each selected region is provided. Emphasis is on the application and integration of evidence-based physical therapy practice for the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and outcome measures for these pathologies in both the lecture and laboratory settings. Examination and intervention techniques are practiced in the laboratory and applied to instructor-selected case studies and simulated patients. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are integrated in case scenarios. Spring
  

  • PHTH 823 - Pharmacology (1)


    This course introduces contemporary pharmacology, including an overview of basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles with special emphasis on the influence of medications on function and rehabilitation. The physical therapists role in recognition of adverse effects or interactions of pharmacological substances is emphasized. Summer
  

  • PHTH 830 - Neuromuscular I (4)


    This course examines the principles and application of the physical therapy patient/client management model to common neuromuscular diagnoses across the lifespan. Evidence-based examination, evaluation, diagnostic, prognostic, and intervention techniques are presented and practiced in the laboratory. Population-specific tests, measures, and outcomes are performed and practiced. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are developed and applied in instructor-selected case studies and patients. An overview of the current theories of CNS development, dysfunction, recovery, and aging are reviewed and applied. Fall
  

  • PHTH 832 - Neuromuscular II (4)


    This course further examines the principles and application of the physical therapy patient/client management model to common neuromuscular diagnoses and builds on content introduced in Neuromuscular I. Additional topics include current research on brain function, motor development, and specific theoretical models of neurorehabilitation (e.g., motor control and motor learning), as well as the application of these within clinical settings. Practical application of examination, evaluation, and intervention techniques, as well as problem-solving situations for individuals across the lifespan are provided in the laboratory sections and case studies to further illustrate clinical relevance. Spring
  

  • PHTH 840 - Integumentary (2)


    This course provides an overview of physical therapy examination and management of the integumentary system including integumentary system pathology, tissue inflammation and repair. Examination techniques, documentation, clinical decision making, and interventions, including wound dressings, physical agents, and other modalities, are practiced in laboratory. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are applied in case scenarios. Fall
  

  • PHTH 844 - Geriatrics (2)


    This course emphasizes physical therapy services to older adults focusing on concerns specific to this specialized population. Common disorders, conditions, and/or limitations of function that are associated with aging are addressed. Modification of selected aspects of medical management, including pharmacological agents and imaging studies for older adults are discussed. The application and integration of evidence-based physical therapy practice for the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and outcome measures for use with older adults are discussed in the lecture and demonstrated and practiced in the laboratory. Effective communication strategies and collaboration with patient/clients, family members and care givers are emphasized to optimize person-centered care for this patient population. Students design a community-based project intended to contribute to improved health for older adults. Fall
  

  • PHTH 848 - Pediatrics (3)


    This course emphasizes the provision of physical therapy services to children and young adults, focusing on concerns specific to these specialized populations. Common disorders, conditions, and/or syndromes that impact typical growth/development in the pediatric population are addressed. Modification of selected aspects of medical management, including pharmacological agents and imaging studies, for children and young adults are discussed. The application and integration of evidence-based physical therapy practice for the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and outcome measures are discussed in the lecture and demonstrated and practiced in the laboratory. The laboratory sessions also provide experiences with typical children to develop a solid foundation in normal development. This course encourages critical thinking skills and clinical decision-making throughout the patient/client management process. Effective communication strategies, fiduciary responsibilities, and collaboration with patient/clients, family members and caregivers are emphasized to optimize person-centered care. Spring
  

  • PHTH 850 - Integrated Clinical Cases (2)


    The first in a series of two courses designed to integrate patient/client body systems, age groups, cultural characteristics, settings, and physical therapist roles using a case-based approach. Cases present students with increasingly complex scenarios requiring critical thinking and clinical decision making. A variety of approaches, including but not limited to group discussion, patient/client demonstrations, panel presentations, and role playing are used to ensure realistic scenarios for problem solving. Fall
  

  • PHTH 858 - Orthotics and Prosthetics (2)


    This course studies the principles and basic clinical skills needed to competently manage the examination, evaluation, and treatment of patients with orthotic or prosthetic needs. Concepts of lower extremity amputee management addressed in this course include an understanding of the biomechanics involved in lower extremity prosthetics and the subsequent effect on gait. This course covers spinal, upper extremity and lower extremity orthotic management. Evidence regarding the use of orthotics in the patient/client management of common diseases/disorders, either prophylactically or as a treatment intervention, is emphasized. The laboratory sessions provide students with opportunities to apply examination and treatment techniques used in the management of clients with a prosthesis or orthotic. Spring
  

  • PHTH 860 - Selected Topics (3)


    This course provides the opportunity to pursue knowledge in selected topics related to current trends in a variety of physical therapy settings, including alternative and complementary practices, as presented by faculty and guest lecturers. Topics include, but not limited to, oncology, pelvic health, and advanced manual techniques. Summer
  

  • PHTH 865 - Health Promotion, Fitness and Wellness (3)


    This course provides fundamental concepts of health, wellness, screening for risk, and the theoretical bases underlying behavior change. These concepts are applied to improving health and wellness in oneself, individual patient/client settings, and targeted populations/communities. The role of diet, nutrition, and exercise as medicine as it relates to fitness are emphasized. Students learn to assess the needs of a community, develop and assess health promotion, wellness, or prevention programs targeting adults at risk for disease development or injury, as well as targeting populations with special needs. Summer
  

  • PHTH 870 - Clinical Experience I (2)


    This course is the first of four full-time physical therapist-supervised clinical education experiences that expect the student to practice didactic and clinical skills with an emphasis on patient/client management, professional behaviors, and physical therapy practice patterns. This course is four weeks in duration. All students must complete an acute care and an outpatient clinical experience prior to graduation. The aggregate of clinical experiences must represent a variety of settings with patients/clients across the lifespan. Summer
  

  • PHTH 872 - Clinical Experience II (3)


    This course is the second of four full-time physical therapist-supervised clinical education experiences that expect the student to practice didactic and clinical skills with an emphasis on patient/client management, professional behaviors, and physical therapy practice patterns. This course is six weeks in duration. All students must complete an acute care and an outpatient clinical experience prior to graduation. The aggregate of clinical experiences must represent a variety of settings with patients/clients across the lifespan. Summer
  

  • PHTH 873 - Clinical Experience IIb (1)

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all DPT Program coursework in prior terms.
    This course is the second of five full-time physical therapist-supervised clinical education experiences that expect the student to practice didactic and clinical skills with an emphasis on patient/client management, professional behaviors, and physical therapy practice patterns. This course is two weeks in duration. All students must complete an acute care and an outpatient clinical experience prior to graduation. The aggregate of clinical experiences must represent a variety of settings with patients/clients across the lifespan.
  

  • PHTH 874 - Clinical Experience III (6)


    This course is the third of four full-time physical therapist-supervised clinical education experiences that expect the student to practice didactic and clinical skills with an emphasis on patient/client management, professional behaviors, and physical therapy practice patterns. This course is twelve weeks in duration. All students must complete an acute care and an outpatient clinical experience prior to graduation. The aggregate of clinical experiences must represent a variety of settings with patients/clients across the lifespan. Fall
  

  • PHTH 876 - Clinical Experience IV (7)


    This course is the final of four full-time physical therapist-supervised clinical education experiences that expect the student to practice didactic and clinical skills with an emphasis on patient/client management, professional behaviors, and physical therapy practice patterns. This course is fourteen weeks in duration. All students must complete an acute care and an outpatient clinical experience prior to graduation. The aggregate of clinical experiences must represent a variety of settings with patients/clients across the lifespan. Fall
  

  • PHTH 890 - Research III: Implementation and Interpretation (2)


    This course advances the development and completion of the selected research project. Data collection and analysis are advanced under the direction of the research mentor, with consultation from Course Coordinator as necessary. Fall
  

  • PHTH 892 - Research IV: Preparing for Dissemination (2)


    This course is a culminating research experience that includes the completion of a research project in a format suitable for dissemination in a selected peer-reviewed journal and a poster summarizing the research study and its findings. Fall

Research
  

  • RSCH 512 - Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3)


    This course is designed to give students an overview of quantitative and qualitative research processes. Students explore principles of research design, measurement, data collection, sampling, and data analysis through critical examination of published studies. Principles of evidence-based practice are incorporated in order to assess the state of the science and direct decision-making in specialty healthcare practice.
 

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