Physical Therapy
Departmental Websites: Physical Therapy
07-08
Dean: Professor Richard L. Schwab
Department Head: Professor Craig R. Denegar
Professors: Bohannon and Smey
Associate Professors: Cosmas and Zito
Assistant Professor: Kinsella-Shaw
Clinical Associate Professor: Leavitt
The last class of Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s program students was admitted into the professional Physical Therapy program in May 2006. After 2006, the Physical Therapy Department in the Neag School of Education will offer only the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. The D.P.T. is a post-baccalaureate degree.
Students are educated to work in and with a wide variety of patients and clinical settings. There is no emphasis on one area of physical therapy practice. Areas covered include: acute care; sub-acute; nursing home; home health care; orthopaedics; and neurological rehabilitation. The program is designed to prepare entry-level practicing physical therapists. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills and abilities necessary to function in the complex always changing health care arena. These skills and abilities include, but are not limited to: a commitment to learning; interpersonal and communication skills; time, resources and stress management; professionalism; and independent problem solving and critical analysis.
The program in Physical Therapy is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Graduates of the Master’s in Physical Therapy or D.P.T. are eligible to take the physical therapy licensure examination and meet the requirements of each state licensing agency.
Admission. In addition to the standard requirements of the Graduate School, applicants must have the required prerequisite courses which include cellular biology, comparative anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), general psychology, pre-calculus or calculus, statistics, and general physics (8 credits). Recommended courses include biology of human health and disease, organic chemistry with lab, human development, human genetics, biochemistry, fundamentals of nutrition, nutrition for exercise and sport, developmental psychology, physiological psychology, abnormal psychology, and pathology.
COURSES OF STUDY
Courses designated by the dagger symbol (†) are approved
for Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U) grading.
PT 307. Integrative Seminar I
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisite: PT 212. Open only to students in the program in Physical Therapy.
One of a series of seminars which integrate application, assessment and intervention knowledge and experience across multiple courses. Focus is on the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home patient population. Students develop competency in critical thinking, problem-solving, clinical decision making and best practice recommendations for the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home patient population groups. Students demonstrate critical reading skills of the professional literature that reflects an understanding of the problems and functional limitations of the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home.
PT 308. Integrative Seminar II
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisite: PT 307. Physical Therapy majors only.
One of a series of seminars which integrate application, assessment and intervention knowledge and experience across multiple courses; and develops the research project—professional paper. Focus is on the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home and musculoskeletal patient population. Students identify and discuss professional issues generated by observations made in the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home practicum setting. Students develop competency in critical thinking, problem solving, clinical decision making and best practice recommendations for the musculoskeletal patient. Students demonstrate critical reading skills of the professional literature that reflects an understanding of the problems and functional limitations of the musculoskeletal patient population. Students submit a research project proposal that includes a comprehensive literature review, research hypotheses and methods.
PT 308W. Integrative Seminar II
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisite: PT 307. Pre-Physical Therapy majors only.
One of a series of seminars which integrate application, assessment and intervention knowledge and experience across multiple courses; and develops the research project—professional paper. Focus is on the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home and musculoskeletal patient population. Students identify and discuss professional issues generated by observations made in the acute, sub-acute and long-term nursing home practicum setting. Students develop competency in critical thinking, problem solving, clinical decision making and best practice recommendations for the musculoskeletal patient. Students demonstrate critical reading skills of the professional literature that reflects an understanding of the problems and functional limitations of the musculoskeletal patient population. Students submit a research project proposal that includes a comprehensive literature review, research hypotheses and methods. Includes a writing component.
PT 309. Integrative Seminar III
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisites: PT 308 and PT318.
One a series of seminars which integrate application, assessment and intervention knowledge and experience across multiple courses; and develops the research project—professional paper. Focus is on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular patient population. Students identify and discuss professional issues generated by observations made in the musculoskeletal practicum setting. Students develop competency in critical thinking, problem solving, clinical decision making and best practice recommendations for the neuromuscular patient. Students demonstrate critical skills of the professional literature that reflects an understanding of the problems and functional limitations of the neuromuscular patient population. Students collect data and prepare preliminary results of their findings.
PT 310. Integrative Seminar IV
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisites: PT 309 and PT 320.
One of a series of seminars which integrate application, assessment and intervention knowledge and experience across multiple courses. Focus is on the neuromuscular patient population. Students identify and discuss professional issues generated by observations made in the neuromuscular practicum setting. Students meet identified standards on competency in critical thinking, problem solving, clinical decision making and best practice recommendations for all patient populations in this culminating course.
PT 311. Integrative Seminar V
3 credits. Seminar. Prerequisite: PT 309.
One of a series of seminars which develops the research project-professional paper. Focus is to complete and present the research project-professional paper in this culminating course.
PT 314. Principles of Rehabilitation
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 212.
Explores the role of physical therapists in the rehabilitation of patients with complex problems and multi-system dysfunction. Students develop competency in assessment, treatment planning and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes in the areas of functional mobility and accessibility, patient education and prevention of complications.
†PT 316. Acute Care Practicum
7 credits. Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 212.
In a supervised acute care setting, sub-acute care setting or long-term nursing home, students apply a variety of patient care procedures and techniques leading to the development of entry level competency. Clinical teaching facilities are located throughout the United States.
PT 318. Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
6 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 308.
Focus is on the physical therapy care of patients with existing or potential musculoskeletal dysfunction. The student learns to establish physical therapy diagnoses, identify realistic goals, plan and implement programs for patients with musculoskeletal problems, giving full consideration to their physical, social and psychological well being.
PT 320. Principles of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
6 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 308 and PT 318.
Through comprehensive problem solving, students analyze patient situations where neuromotor dysfunction is a complicating factor. Students develop neurophysiological sound evaluation and treatment skills integrating physical and psychological patient considerations.
†PT 322. Musculoskeletal Practicum
7 credits. Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 318.
In an outpatient orthopedic setting, students apply a variety of patient care activities leading to the development of entry level competency. Clinical teaching facilities are located throughout the United States.
†PT 324. Neuromuscular Practicum
10 credits. Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 320.
In a neuromuscular rehabilitation setting, students apply a variety of patient care procedures and techniques leading to the development of entry level competency. Clinical teaching facilities are located throughout the United States.
PT 330. Lifespan Growth and Development
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT308
Provides an overview of motor development, individual development and family development from a lifespan perspective as they relate to the practice of physical therapy. The impact of disease and disability on the individual and the family is explored with a focus on recognizing dysfunction and facilitating effective coping and adaptation.
PT 343. Physical Therapy Issues Seminar
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT308.
Through discussion of current issues and problems in the professional field of physical therapy, students explore the possible solutions to those problems from their own perspective as aspiring professionals, the professional organization’s perspective and from the perspective of the consumer of their services.
PT 384. Balance and Postural Control
3 credits. Lecture.
This course will explore historical and contemporary perspectives on human balance and sway while standing. The interplay between Center of Mass and Center of Pressure will be examined. Conceptual models of balance strategies and the theoretical basis for different "approaches" to balance will be discussed. Different strategies for analyzing data will be discussed with regard to normal and physically challenged individuals.
†GRAD 395. Master’s Thesis Research
1 - 9 credits.
†GRAD 396. Full-Time Master’s Research
3 credits.
†GRAD 397. Full-Time Directed Studies (Master’s Level)
3 credits.
GRAD 398. Special Readings (Master’s)
Non-credit.
GRAD 399. Thesis Preparation
Non-credit.
PT 410. Human Anatomy: Trunk and Upper Extremity
4 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Department consent required.
Discussion of the conceptual and structural basis of osteology, myology, neurology, human development, and basic kinesiology and biomechanics. Selected anatomical and physiological dysfunctions of the trunk and upper extremity will also be discussed .
PT 412. Human Anatomy: Pelvis and Lower Extremity
4 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Department consent required.
Discussion of the conceptual and structural bases of osteology, myology, neurology, human development, and basic kinesiology and biomechanics. Selected anatomical and physiological dysfunctions of the pelvis and lower extremity will also be discussed.
PT 414. Clinical Human Physiology
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Department consent required.
Discussion of the biochemical, nutritional, cellular and physiological principles necessary for the analysis of the normal and abnormal function and for the rehabilitation of the human musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems using patient cases.
PT 416. Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology
4 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Department consent required.
This course is designed to provide healthscience professionals an up-to-date comprehensive investigation into the human nervous system. Complex interrelationships between structure and function of the nervous system are being clarified. This course will relate these facts into information of clinical significance. Clinical examples in each area will offer opportunities for practice in neurophysiological analysis that health professionals use daily.
PT 418. Clinical Pharmacology
3 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
This course is designed to integrate and summarize the essentials of medical pharmacology. The main molecular and cellular actions of drugs will be emphasized as well as the principles governing the use and actions of drugs in the treatment off disease.
PT 420. Foundation in Clinical Pathology
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisites: PT 414 and PT 416. Department consent required.
A comprehensive presentation of the general principles of disease with an emphasis on general pathology. Focus is on the mechanisms underlying disease and their management as a basis for therapeutic program planning in physical therapy.
PT 422. Cardiopulmonary Pathology
2 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT 420. Department consent required.
A comprehensive presentation of cardiopulmonary diseases. Focus is on the mechanisms underlying disease and their management as a basis for therapeutic program planning in physical therapy.
PT 424. Musculoskeletal Pathology
4 credits. Lecture/Discussion. Prerequisite: PT 420. Department consent required.
Mechanical properties of musculoskeletal tissues will be described. Growth and maintenance mechanisms of the different tissues will be detailed. Diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system will be covered. The underlying tissue pathology and clinical symptoms will be addressed from the orthopedic and physical therapy perspective. Therapeutic interventions will be presented.
PT 426. Neuromuscular Pathology
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisites: PT 416 and PT 420. Department consent required.
This course introduces students to basic mechanisms of neuropathology, the neurological examination and tests, and specific pathologies they are likely to encounter in physical therapist practice. The course will emphasize the medical and surgical diagnosis and management of patients with neurologic pathology.
PT 430. Functional Neuro-Biomechanical Relationships
3 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
Students will analyze the impact of force systems on the human body, thus preparing the student to apply knowledge of normal anatomical structure and function to therapeutic intervention. Interactions between contiguous and non-contiguous bone segments will be emphasized in order to understand functional movement. Neural control and activation principles will be discussed.
PT 432. Motor Control and Clinical Applications
4 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
Introduction to theories of motor control and motor learning, current methods in human movement science, and their implications for evidence-based practice.
PT 433 Management for the Physical Therapist
3 credits. Lecture. Program consent required.
The goal of this course is to provide comprehensive exposure to management principles and concepts with a focus on their applications and impact in physical therapy practice. Students will be provided the opportunity to gain cognition and skills in physical therapy practice management which prepares them as practitioners and future administrators.
PT 434. Foundations for Systems Review
2 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT 420. Department consent required.
A foundations course for Physical Therapy Majors in Differential Diagnosis. The course scope covers a broad spectrum of clinical sciences and provides training in screening (i.e. history taking) of a culturally diverse patient/client population across the lifespan for appropriate healthcare management.
PT 435. Health Care Issues for Physical Therapists
3 credits. Lecture. Open to to students enrolled in the D.P.T. program and to others with departmental consent.
The goal of this course is to promote awareness of health care issues as they relate to an individual, community or health care institutions.
PT 436. Disability Studies
3 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
This course will introduce the student to the field of disability studies. Disability and chronic illness (CI) are often a major factor influencing an individual and/ or family during one’s lifetime. People with a disability (PWD) or CI may be considered a sub-culture of our society. Physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural factors related to the presence of disability and CI throughout the life span will be explored. Emphasis is placed on those aspects of disability that affect the practice of physical therapy assessment and treatment.
PT 438. Professionalism for the Physical Therapist
3 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
Through readings, lecture, personal investigation, and discussion of current issues, “hot topics” and problems in the profession of physical therapy, students will demonstrate an understanding of their environment of practice. Students learn selected laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and ethical codes governing the practice of physical therapy and will explore possible solutions to common professional problems. Emphasis is placed on the importance of ethical and legal practice and on reimbursement.
PT 439. Operational Management for Physical Therapists
3 credits. Lecture. Program consent required.
The goal of this course is designed to build upon concepts introduced in PT 433. An integrated approach will be utilized to focus on skills that impact the management of physical therapists. Students will be provided the opportunity to utilized skills in a simulation practice setting which will prepare them for private practice and/or as future administrators.
PT 440. Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy
2 credits. Lecture. Department consent required.
A foundations course in evidence-based clinical-decision making designed to provide Physical Therapy students with content areas in forming clinical questions,, literature search, and critical appraisal of selected literature. Applications will fall within the Physical Therapy Profession Patient/Client Management Model and consider culturally diverse patient/client populations across the life span.
PT 441. Clinical Research for Physical Therapists
2 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT 440. Department consent required.
This course focuses on issues important to conducting and understanding clinical research. The course serves as a foundation for evidence-based practice
PT 444. Clinical Research Evaluation I
2 credits. Lecture. Prerequisites: PT441 and PT 461. Department consent required.
A course for Physical Therapy students to focus on their clinical research following the acute care practicum. Content areas would include: case reporting; critical pathways; and clinical practice guidelines within the acute care clinical setting.
PT 446. Clinical Research Evaluation II
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisites: PT 444 and PT 464. Department consent required.
A course for Physical Therapy students to focus on their clinical research following the musculoskeletal practicum. Content areas would include: case reporting; clinical practice guidelines; qualitative research; clinical surveys; sequential clinical trials; single subject designs within the neuromuscular clinical setting.
PT 448. Clinical Research Evaluation III
2 units. Lecture. Prerequisites: PT 446 and 467. Department consent required.
A course for Physical Therapy students to focus on completing and presenting the research project - professional paper in this culminating series of Clinical Research Evaluation Courses.
PT 450. Fundamentals of Physical Therapy Examination
5 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 410, PT 412, and PT 414. Department consent required.
This course covers the fundamentals of physical therapist examination in the context of overall practice as described in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Students will be introduced to basic tests and measures as well as to information relevant to their selection and interpretation. Students will apply the tests in laboratory and clinical settings and will learn to appropriately document their findings.
PT 451. Acute Care Management
6 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 450. Department consent required.
An exploration of the practice of Physical Therapists in the acute care setting. Students will develop competency in clinical evaluation of impairments and functional limitations, identification of appropriate intervention options, and implementation of a plan of care to improve performance of functional activities for patients commonly encountered in acute care practice settings. In addition, this course integrates curricular content in acute care with clinical practice through critical thinking, problem solving, and clinical experiences.
PT 452. Therapeutic Exercise and Physical Agents.
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Department consent required.
An exploration of interventions commonly used by physical therapists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Students will develop competency in selection and implementation of therapeutic exercise and physical agents as interventions to improve performance of functional activities for patients commonly encountered in a variety of settings. The assessment of therapeutic effects, and modification of the interventions is an integral components of this course.
PT 453. Musculoskeletal Examination
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 452 and PT 462. Department consent required.
Provides the D.P.T. entry-level physical therapist with the knowledge and skill sets to effectively examine patients/clients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Elements of patient management include examination, evaluation and diagnosis with special attention to differential diagnosis and screening strategies. Critical appraisal of musculoskeletal test characteristics, critical thinking, and Evidence-Based Practice are emphasized. Applications will consider culturally diverse patient/client populations across the life span.
PT 454. Musculoskeletal Intervention
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 452 and PT 462. Department consent required.
Provides the D.P.T. entry-level physical therapist with the knowledge and skill sets to effectively manage patients/clients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The Prognosis/Plan of Care, Intervention, and Outcomes of the Physical Therapy Management Model are the focus of the course. Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Evidence-Based Practice are emphasized. Applications will consider culturally diverse patient/client populations across the life span.
PT 455. Essentials of Rehabilitation Practice
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 426 and PT 464. Department consent required.
An exploration of the practice of Physical Therapists in the area of orthotics prosthetics, Diabetes and Spinal Cord Injury. Students will develop competency in clinical assessment of functional limitations, specifically in locomotion, identification of appropriate treatment options and implementation of interventions, through the use of orthotics and prosthetics, to improve performance of functional activities for patients with a variety of deficits.
PT 456. Neuromuscular Examination
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 426 and 464. Department consent required.
Through comprehensive problem solving, students analyze patient situations where neuromotor dysfunction is a complicating factor. Students develop neurophysiological sound examination and evaluation skills integrating physical and psychological patient considerations. The skill set for examination will be consistent with foundational movement science under the evidenced based practice model.
PT 457. Neuromuscular Intervention
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum. Prerequisites: 426 and PT 464. Department consent required.
Through comprehensive problem solving, students analyze patient situations where neuromotor dysfunction is a complicating factor. Students develop neurophysiological sound treatment skills integrating physical and psychological patient considerations. The skill set for intervention will be consistent with foundational movement science under the evidenced based practice model.
PT 460. Introduction to Clinical Education
1 credit. Lecture. Prerequisite: PT 451. Department consent required.
This two-week course is intended to provide students with a foundation for all future full time practical experience courses. Students will learn how evaluation methods and tools will be implemented during full time practica. Roles and responsibilities of persons associated with practica courses will be explored. Through lecture, discussion and written assignments, students will develop an understanding of the importance of professional behaviors, self-evaluation and personal reflection. A written professional portfolio will be initiated.
†PT 461. Acute Care Practicum
8 credits. Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 451 and PT 460. Department consent required.
Under close supervision by an experienced, licensed Physical Therapist, students will perform all patient management functions for patients in an acute, subacute care or homecare setting. The course is held off campus at individually assigned clinical facilities. Each student is assigned one or two clinical instructors who are physically present and immediately available to direct and supervise tasks that are related to patient/client management.
PT 462 Internal Integrated Musculoskeletal Clinical Practicum I
1 credit. Practicum. Department consent required.
A clinical experience that provides students the opportunity to integrate interventions learned in PT 452 in an outpatient setting. Students will develop and administer plans of care that include therapeutic exercise and physical agents for outpatients with various musculoskeletal conditions.
PT 463. Internal Integrated Musculoskeletal Clinical Practicum II
2 credits. Practicum. Prerequisite: PT 462. Department consent required.
A clinical experience that provides students the opportunity to integrate interventions learned in PT 453 and PT 454 in an outpatient setting. Students will utilize examination and manual therapy skills in the development and implementation of plans of care for outpatients with various musculoskeletal conditions.
†PT 464. Musculoskeletal Practicum
8 credits. Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 453 and PT 454. Department consent required.
Under close supervision by an experienced, licensed Physical Therapist, students will perform all patient management functions for patients in an outpatient orthopedic setting. The course is held off campus at individually assigned clinical facilities throughout the country. Each student is assigned one or two clinical instructors who are physically present and available to direct and supervise all patient/client management performed by the student.
PT 466. Internal Integrated Neuromuscular Clinical Practicum
2 credits. Practicum. Department consent required.
A clinical experience that provides students the opportunity to integrate interventions learned in PT456 and PT 457 in a clinical setting. Students will utilize examination and intervention skills in the development and implementation of plans of care for patients with various neuromuscular conditions.
†PT 467. Neuromuscular Practicum
8 credits. Practicum. Prerequisites: PT 456 and 457. Department consent required.
Under close supervision by an experienced, licensed Physical Therapist, students will perform all patient management functions for patients in a rehabilitation facility. The course is held off campus at individually assigned clinical facilities throughout the country. Each student is assigned one or two clinical instructors who are physically present and available to direct and supervise all patient/client management performed by the student.
†PT 468. Individualized Practicum
8 credits. Practicum. Department consent required.
Under close supervision by an experienced, licensed Physical Therapist, students will perform all patient management functions for patients in a facility providing Physical Therapy services. Student assignment is based on student interest and on site availability. The course is held off campus at individually assigned clinical facilities throughout the country. Each student is assigned one or two clinical instructors who are physically present and available to supervise all patient/client management performed by the student. The learning experience is intended to allow the student to gain clinical experience in an area relating to their individual professional interests.
GRAD 498. Special Readings (Doctoral)
Non-credit.