Course Descriptions
Year One – Fall Semester
PHTH 5101 Human Anatomy I (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the upper extremity with prosection labs and surface anatomy labs.
PHTH 5102 Human Anatomy II (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5101 with a comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the lower extremity. The laboratory sessions consist of prosection labs and surface anatomy labs. Prosected material, skeleton models and diagnostic imaging will be introduced for each area of study.
PHTH 5123 Movement Sciences I (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
A study of human movement as it relates to clinical physical therapy practice with an emphasis on biomechanical principles of movement.
PHTH 5131 Introductory PT Skills (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Introduction to the principles and techniques of patient care utilized in physical therapy practice.
PHTH 5141 Musculoskeletal Disorders I (4 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Introduction to musculoskeletal disorders, including the etiology, diagnostic procedures and radiography, medical management, physical therapy evaluation, treatment and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the upper extremities.
PHTH 5142 Musculoskeletal Disorders II (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5141, that includes etiology, diagnostic procedures and radiography, medical management, physical therapy evaluation, treatment and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the lower extremities.
PHTH 5171 Professional Issues I ( 1 credit, Lecture)
Study of physical therapy as a profession with emphasis on the patient management model, legal and ethical issues, psychosocial issues and PT/patient relationships, a review of medical terminology.
PHTH 5181 Clinical Reasoning I (1 credit, Lecture/Clin Ed)
Development of clinical judgment as part of patient management including examination, evaluation based on examination data, establishing a physical therapy diagnosis, consideration of patient prognosis, and development of an individualized plan of care. Primary emphasis will be on musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and lower extremities.
Year One – Spring Semester
PHTH 5103 Human Anatomy III (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5102 with a comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvis with prosection labs and surface anatomy labs.
PHTH 5111 Pathophysiology I (2 credits, Lecture)
Physiological approach to the study of pathological changes in the human body brought about by trauma or disease, including cell injury, inflammation, immunopathology, neoplasia, infections, and the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems.
PHTH 5114 Pharmacology I (2 credits, Lecture)
The first of a two part study of pharmacological principles in relation to rehabilitation, with emphasis on the possible benefits and side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents on patients receiving physical therapy treatment. The focus of this course is to examine pharmacological agents commonly used in the treatment of musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disorders.
PHTH 5121 Exercise Physiology I (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the effect of physical activity on human physiology with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems.
PHTH 5143 Musculoskeletal Disorders III (4 credits, Lecture/Lab)
A continuation of PHTH 5142 that includes etiology, diagnostic procedures and radiography, medical management, physical therapy evaluation, treatment and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on the lumbar spine and pelvis.
PHTH 5144 Musculoskeletal Disorders IV (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5143 that includes etiology, diagnostic procedures and radiography, medical management, physical therapy evaluation, treatment and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on the cervical and thoracic spine, the ribs, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
PHTH 5172 Professional Issues II (2 credits, Lecture)
Continuation of Professional Issues I, this course examines the professional behaviors required to practice physical therapy effectively in various healthcare delivery models.
PHTH 5182 Clinical Reasoning II (1 credit, Lecture, Clin Ed)
Continuation of Clinical Reasoning I, this course designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management including examination, evaluation based on examination data, establishing a physical therapy diagnosis, consideration of patient prognosis, and development of an individualized plan of care. Emphasis will be on musculoskeletal spinal disorders and pediatric disorders. Laboratory sessions will include shadowing faculty and staff therapists in outpatient and inpatient settings.
Year One – Summer Semester
PHTH 5235 Psychosocial Aspects of Rehabilitation (2 credits, Lecture)
Discussion of human interactions in professional-patient relationships and how they influence patient outcomes.
PHTH 5245 Musculoskeletal Disorders V (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Special topics in the management of musculoskeletal conditions – including ergonomics, sports medicine, chronic musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal issues in obstetrics and gynecology.
PHTH 5132 Therapeutic Intervention I (4 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of specific techniques of therapeutic intervention in physical therapy with an emphasis on electrophysical agents and the role they play in rehabilitation.
PHTH 5191 Clinical Experience I (5 credits, Clin Ed)
Planned learning experience of clinical education designed to integrate previous didactic knowledge in a full time, 8-week long supervised clinical experience in a Physical Therapy outpatient orthopaedic practice setting.
Year Two – Fall Semester
PHTH 5105 Neuroscience in Physical Therapy (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Survey of the structure and function of the nervous system, with emphasis on principles related to physical therapy practice.
PHTH 5124 Movement Sciences II (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Movement Sciences I, with a focus on how we control movement. An introduction to normal development, motor control and motor learning as they relate to the acquisition and performance of human movement. With an emphasis on growth and development, this course examines the process of typical human development and aging across the life span, including neuro-motor development in childhood and changes associated with aging.
PHTH 5125 Movement Sciences III (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of Movement Sciences II, exploring the theories and principles of motor control and motor learning as they apply to the analysis of human movement and physical therapy assessment and intervention.
PHTH 5212 Pathophysiology II (2 credits, Lecture)
Physiological approach to the study of pathological changes in the human body brought about by trauma or disease, with a focus on neurological conditions.
PHTH 5215 Pharmacology II (1 credit, Lecture)
The second of a two part study of pharmacological principles in relation to rehabilitation, with emphasis on the possible benefits and side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents on patients receiving physical therapy treatment. The focus of this course is to examine pharmacological agents commonly used in the treatment of neurological disorders.
PHTH 5234 Mobility & Assistive Equipment (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of human functional mobility, including pathological aspects of locomotion. The course will address gait analysis of individuals with neurological condition, and the use of devices such as standing frames, modified wheelchairs prosthetics and orthotics.
PHTH 5251 Neuromuscular Disorders I (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the rehabilitation of people with critical care needs, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular disorders.
PHTH 5283 Clinical Reasoning III (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Clinical Reasoning II, this course designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management with an emphasis on adult neuromuscular disorders.
Year Two – Spring Semester
PHTH 5204 Human Anatomy IV (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5103 with a comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the head, face and trunk, with an emphasis on organ systems.
PHTH 5213 Pathophysiology III (2 credits, Lecture)
Physiological approach to the study of pathological changes in the human body brought about by trauma or disease, with a focus on cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
PHTH 5252 Neuromuscular Disorders II (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the rehabilitation of people with stroke and acquired brain injury.
PHTH 5253 Neuromuscular Disorders III – Geriatrics (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the management of geriatric disorders.
PHTH 5263 Acute Care I (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the principles and practice of physical therapy for patients treated in the acute care setting, with an emphasis on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.
PHTH 5264 Acute Care II (2 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of the study of the principles and practice of physical therapy for patients treated in the acute care setting, with an emphasis on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.
PHTH 5262 Integumentary Disorders (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Study of the practice of physical therapy in management of skin disorders and underlying disease with an emphasis on the patient with open wounds, including burns.
PHTH 5284 Clinical Reasoning IV (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Clinical Reasoning III, this course designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management with an emphasis on geriatric, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders.
Year Two – Summer Semester
PHTH 5292 Clinical Experience II (7 credits, Clin Ed)
Planned learning experience of clinical education designed to integrate previous didactic knowledge in a full time, supervised 10-week long clinical experience in a physical therapy practice setting.
PHTH 5254 Neuromuscular Disorders IV – Pediatrics (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Preparation of the entry-level physical therapist to provide services to children with special health care needs/disabilities and their families in a manner consistent with family-centered care.
PHTH 5273 Professional Issues III (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Professional Issues II, this course examines the professional behaviors required to build a career in physical therapy.
PHTH 5274 Research Principles & Evidence-based Practice (1 credit, Lecture)
Introduction to research concepts and statistical methods and critical analysis of the scientific literature. Topics include descriptive and interferential analysis of research data, sensitivity and specificity and predictive ratios.
PHTH 5285 Clinical Reasoning V (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Clinical Reasoning IV, this course designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management to include debriefing from Clinical Experience II and using case studies to prepare for Clinical Experience III.
Year Three – Fall Semester
PHTH 5393 Clinical Experience III (7 credits, Clin Ed)
Planned learning experience of clinical education designed to integrate previous didactic knowledge in a supervised 10-week long full-time clinical experience in a physical therapy practice setting.
PHTH 5386 Clinical Reasoning VI (1 credit, Lecture)
Continuation of Clinical Reasoning V, this course designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management including examination. To include debriefing from Clinical Experience III and using case studies to prepare for Clinical Experience IV.
PHTH 5336 Health Promotion & Wellness (2 credits, Lecture)
Prevention of impairments, functional limitations, or disabilities by identifying disablement risk factors and providing educational intervention to facilitate a positive change in the health behavior of patients.
Year Three – Spring Semester
PHTH 5394 Clinical Experience IV (5 credits, Clin Ed)
Planned learning experience of clinical education designed to integrate previous didactic knowledge in a full time, supervised 8-week long clinical experience in a physical therapy practice setting at an elective clinical site.
PHTH 5375 Administration & Healthcare Management (3 credits, Lecture)
Study of current organizational and management principles and issues related to health care delivery systems, with special emphasis on the current and future roles of Physical Therapy.
PHTH 5376 Comprehensive Capstone (2 credits, Lecture)
Occurring in the final weeks of the curriculum, this course involves a comprehensive review and preparation for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Electives
PHTH 5300 – 5399 Electives (3 credit courses – students must take 2)
Each student must complete two elective courses to fulfill credit hours for graduation. Elective courses can begin in the summer semester of the second year, but not earlier in the curriculum. A list of upcoming electives will be posted prior to each semester registration for which the student can take an elective course. Some electives may have a maximum or minimum number of students, in which case a lottery system will be employed to fairly distribute student choices.
PHTH 5346 Manual Therapy (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Advanced study of manual therapy techniques, with an emphasis on techniques used in orthopaedic practice.
PHTH 5347 Strength and Conditioning (3 credits, Lecture/Online)
This elective will prepare the student to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) exam for a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
PHTH 5348 Women’s Health (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Advanced study of the role of physical therapy in women’s health disorders, with an emphasis on assessment and treatment of pelvic floor disorders.
PHTH 5355 Advanced Adult Neuro (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Advanced study of physical therapy for the adult/geriatric patient with neurological disorders.
PHTH 5356 Vestibular Rehab (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Focus on the assessment and treatment of patients with vertigo and disequilibrium from vestibular causes.
PHTH 5357 Electroneuromyography (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Introduction to the principles and practice of electroneuromyography (ENMG), which includes the use of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle EMG.
PHTH 5363 Trauma Physical Therapy (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
This is an elective course which focuses on the physical therapy interventions in the trauma/ICU hospital setting. This course will involve both lecture and lab experiences within the trauma/ICU setting.
PHTH 5377 Applied Research I (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Application of research concepts and methods in the preparation of a proposal for a faculty-assisted research project including IRB submission and preparation of the proposal for presentation in written and seminar formats.
PHTH 5378 Applied Research II (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Continuation of PHTH 5377, this is the undertaking of a faculty-assisted research project, including analysis and preparation of the research results for presentation in paper and poster formats.
PHTH 5354 Advanced Pediatrics (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Advanced study of physical therapy for the pediatric patient.
PHTH 5387 Directed Study (3 credits, TBD)
This course could take many paths, including a review of the literature, data collection on an existing research project, producing a patient- education product, or continuing education activities.
PHTH 5388 Teaching & Learning (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
Students will have an opportunity to prepare and deliver teaching content for the first or second year physical therapy students, under the guidance of one of the PT faculty.
PHTH 5396 Service Learning (3 credits, TBD)
Exploration of the physical therapist’s role in providing a variety of services to medically underserved communities.
PHTH 5397 Spanish for PTs (3 credits, Lecture/Lab)
This elective is designed to improve students’ communication in clinical situations with Spanish speaking patients and their caregivers. The focus will be on learning conversational skills necessary to take clinical histories, conduct physical examinations and give instructions to Spanish speaking patients and their families.
