DOCTOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lecture/lab course covering tissue, organ, and body systems structure, including dissection of human cadavers with an emphasis on structure and function. 

Synchronous and asynchronous lecture course covering the normal physiology of cell, tissue, organ, and body systems with emphasis on physiological changes associated with select pathological conditions

A lecture and laboratory course in which students receive instruction in arthrokinematics and biomechanical principles and theories. Emphasis is placed on surface palpation and kinesiology.

A study of anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems with emphasis on structures commonly involved in pathological conditions that impact function.

The first of five sequential courses designed to develop in the student those skills necessary to utilize and apply in practice current information from peer-reviewed literature; and to prepare the student to participate in clinical and/or experimental research activities. Emphasis in this course is on library science, levels of research, application of statistics, and critical reading of literature related to physical therapy practice.

A critical exploration into basic legal, ethical, and psychosocial issues, which arise with delivery of health care such as confidentiality, informed consent, and health policy issues pertinent to physical therapy. In addition the student examines the standards that guide the profession and cultural, social, and psychological issues that influence clinical decisions.

This course provides the foundation for all other systems-focused courses. The underpinning is provided with pathology and epidemiology. Students learn the principles of a screening examination and performance of a variety of tests and measures for the specific purpose of establishing a physical therapy diagnosis toward which treatment can be directed. Emphasis is placed on the ability to differentially diagnose, recognize conditions requiring referral, and engage in critical thinking skills.

A course of study which introduces basic clinical skills fundamental to physical therapy practice including patient interview skills, positioning, transfers, vital signs and manual muscle testing.

A laboratory course with focused clinical experiences throughout the semester with emphasis on practicing introductory patient/client-related skills and application of material presented in all concurrent courses.

A lecture and laboratory course that introduces selected neurologic disorders, examination of the neurologic system, diagnostic criteria, etiology, epidemiology, prognosis and clinical manifestations. Emphasis will be placed on clinical manifestations and their correlating neuroanatomical structures and functions. Relevance to physical therapy practice will also be covered.

A study of biomechanics and how the science applies to normal human movement and common dysfunctions manifested following pathological, traumatic, or developmental insults. The relationships between changes in tissue and concomitant biomechanical adaptations are explored. Ergonomic relationships are presented as related to home, work, and play environments and activities.

A lecture and laboratory course that focuses on etiology, diagnosis, surgical management, and physical therapy intervention for a broad variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

A continuation of research I with an emphasis on research design and synthesis of information for literature review.

An introduction to developmental and normal gait is provided in a lecture and lab based format. This course emphasizes the assessment of gait in all planes of motion and the interaction of body segments to promote efficient locomotion.  In addition to lectures the students are expected to complete presentations designed to foster a deeper understanding of the material presented in class.

A course of study that examines the role of physical therapists in the evaluation and management of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Students learn to develop exercise programs that are tailored to patient needs and diagnoses.

(Previously termed Clinical Practice I) Sixty hours of clinical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on development of professional behavior, communication skills and the practice of skills acquired during previous and concurrent semester courses.

This course will teach students about the proper utilization of biophysical agents, including indications, contraindications and appropriate use and set up of various devices.  Students will develop an understanding of the role biophysical agents play in diagnostic testing, and their utility in each phase of tissue healing from inflammation through maturation.  The management of pain, weakness, tonal abnormalities, edema, limitations in range of motion due to tissue inelasticity, and management of skin disorders will be covered in this course. Specific modalities include compression, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, heat (deep and superficial), hydrotherapy, LASER, light therapy, therapeutic massage, traction, ultrasound.

The first of two courses addressing techniques of manual therapy in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. The primary emphasis in this course is on general principles of mobilization and treatment of peripheral joint and temporomandibular problems.

A lecture and laboratory course that focuses on principles of exercise, body composition analysis, strength and endurance training, and exercise prescription and how the body physiologically adapts in a variety of situations. Principles of nutrition and physiological response to changes in diet are also addressed.

This third of five sequential research courses emphasizes application of skills covered in Research I and II, and includes development of a written research proposal in preparation for data collection and interpretation. Research design, data-collection, measurement, and analysis and interpretation of results are expanded upon. Issues related to tests and measurements in physical therapy practice will also be presented.

(Previously termed Clinical Practice II) Sixty hours of clinical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on development of skills acquired during previous and concurrent semester courses.

A study of basic laboratory and radiological findings that are pertinent to the physical therapy management of patients with a variety of diagnoses. Emphasis is placed on use of these tools in determining the appropriateness of physical therapy intervention.

This course will provide physical therapy students with the basic concepts and principles that guide the development and progression of appropriate therapeutic exercise interventions of patients and clients across the lifespan to remediate movement dysfunction.

An introduction to the evaluation and management of patients requiring orthotic or prosthetic interventions. Related topics include: etiology and presentation of upper and lower extremity dysfunction, management of the diabetic foot, amputation, and the role physical therapy in an interdisciplinary orthotic/prosthetic clinic model. Emphasis is on evaluation, prescription, and pre- and post-device training; limited experiences in fabrication or splinting may be included.

A course of study that builds upon material presented in Physiological Adaptation to Exercise and Nutrition. Emphasis is placed on selection and performance of appropriate tests and procedures, which meet the standards of Physical Therapy management in cardiac and pulmonary disorders.

A lecture and laboratory course that introduces the foundations of motor control and motor learning. The conceptual framework will be presented including the issues, theories, recovery of function and the framework for clinical practice as it relates to physical therapy practice will be covered.

A course of study that addresses physical therapy intervention for individuals from birth into the geriatric years. Normal and abnormal development will be presented utilizing a variety of current models including systems, ecological, and dynamic action. Assessment and management strategies appropriate to the stage of development will be presented from a systems perspective.

A continuation of the study of principles learned in Manual Therapy I. The emphasis in this course is on techniques utilized in spinal mobilization.

An introduction to abnormal gait is provided in a lecture and lab based format. This course emphasizes the assessment of common gait abnormalities encountered across the life span and with various diagnoses often encountered by physical therapists.  In addition to lectures the students are expected to complete presentations designed to foster a deeper understanding of the material presented in class.

Professional roles and responsibilities related to the role of the DPT are discussed. The course extends beyond patient management to legislation, policy, advocacy, teamwork and collaboration and quality improvement. Current issues, trends, and history of the PT profession and our professional organization are topics as students begin to address career options and professional development following graduation, including residency/fellowship, continuing education and expectations of a first position as a new professional.  This course focuses on the role of leaders and concepts of leadership in physical therapy, health care settings, on teams, and in our professional organization. Leadership styles and perspectives, and differences between leadership and management are explored. Planning for next steps in career development, mentoring, and professional planning are included.

A lecture and laboratory course which addresses evaluation and management of patients with a variety of physical problems including spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Psychological aspects of disease and disability are also presented.

A study of pharmacological agents and their effects on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system. Particular emphasis is placed of recognition of adverse reactions and side effects of various drugs.

Students examine various wellness models and the role played by physical therapists in coordinating wellness programs. A critical study to contemporary wellness protocols is conducted.

A lecture and laboratory course that examines principles of burn and wound management including skills in debridement and dressing selection and application.

A laboratory/case based course that integrates the motor control and motor learning techniques to cases pertinent to physical therapy. Specific techniques for consciousness, attention, stability, mobility and integration toward function will be presented with application to various diagnostic groups for management of tone, improvement of coordination, integration of sensorium and reflex integration.

An examination of physical therapy issues related to specific concerns of women including pregnancy, post-partum conditions and urological rehabilitation.

A study of health care delivery and how the physical therapist can function effectively in the healthcare marketplace in a variety of settings. Tools for the ethical marketing of a physical therapy practice are also presented.

Application of principles learned in PHTH 7583 , Educational Theory. Students gain practical experience as a teaching assistant under faculty supervision.

This course will provide physical therapy students with the basic concepts and principles that guide the development and progression of appropriate therapeutic exercise interventions of patients and clients across the lifespan to remediate movement dysfunction.

A fifteen-week block of full time clinical practice in one or more settings. The practicum is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the curriculum content presented during the two years of study.

This fourth of five sequential research courses emphasizes collection and interpretation of data in preparation for scholarly presentation.

A fifteen-week block of full time clinical practice in one or more settings. The practicum is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the curriculum content presented during the two years of study and permit students to select an area of specialized interest in which to improve selected clinical skills.

The final segment of the research sequence where students formalize findings from their research and present both a comprehensive paper and platform or oral presentation.