College of Health, Education and Professional Studies
522 Administration in Physical Therapy (3)
This course introduces the health care delivery system, organizational structures, financial management, reimbursement, strategic planning, facility design, marketing principles, outcome management, private practice, risk management, and efficient and effective use of available time, personnel and equipment. Students have the opportunity to discuss and present reform issues affecting physical therapy practice. Fall semester, year 3. Lecture 3 hours.
525 Critical Inquiry (3)
Teaches the importance of the scientific method in physical therapy, both to understand disease processes and to evaluate the efficacy of different methods of treatment. The student will examine the evidence for accepted methods of treatment and evaluate published research studies with reference to hypothesis, methodology, conclusions and relevance to physical therapy practice. The student will acquire the skills necessary to develop a research proposal, which will be carried out in Physical Therapy 550: Research Project. Fall semester, year 2. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Mathematics 210 or Psychology 201.
526 Physical Therapy Management of Medical/Surgical Conditions I (3)
This course provides the student with the physiologic, didactic, and clinical applications of physical therapy examination, evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and management for a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be familiar with the pathophysiology, etiology, incidence, signs and symptoms, impairments, functional limitations, system disorders, blood disorders, cancer, lymphedema, women's health issues, rheumatic disease, and chronic pain. Fall semester, year 2. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours.
528 Gait Analysis (2)
The student will study normal and pathological human gait, and will be able to make objective measurements of the general gait parameters, identify abnormal gait patterns, and describe the options available for treating patients with different gait disorders. Fall semester, year 3. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours.
532 Clinical Education II (6)
This acute care clinical experience follows successful completion of all didactic work in the spring semester of the second year. The student performs the elements of patient/client management with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems and begins application of basic neuroscience principles. Summer semester, year 2. 240 clinical hours. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy 514.
534 Clinical Education III (8)
This clinical experience occurs during the eighth (final) semester. The student performs the elements of patient/client management with an emphasis on the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems working predominantly with patients with neurologic dysfunctions. Spring semester, year 3. 320 clinical hours. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy 532.
535 Clinical Applications Across the Lifespan (1)
This course provides students with an in-depth study of clinical applications across the lifespan. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to participate in the following clinical experiences: a neonatal intensive care unit, a home health visit, an Alzheimer's care program, a nursing home, and an assisted living center. Student generated case reports will be utilized throughout the course to emphasize evidence-based practice in these clinical arenas. Fall semester, year 2. Lecture 2 hours.
536 Clinical Internship (15)
This clinical internship is the final course of the curriculum. Students will work under the direct supervision of a physical therapist focusing on a particular patient/client population selected by the student. The desired outcome is for the student to reach entry-level performance in patient/client management. 600 clinical hours. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy 534.
538 Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Neurological Dysfunction I (4)
This course provides the student with the pathologic, didactic and clinical applications of physical therapy examination, evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and management for neurologic conditions related to spinal cord injury, neuromuscular diseases, and peripheral neuropathies. Fall semester, year 2. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours.
540 Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy (2)
This course is designed to provide physical therapy students with the screening tools necessary to recognize reported and unreported symptoms or medical conditions that warrant referral to other appropriate health care practitioners. Fall semester, year 3. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours.
542 Physical Therapy Management of Adults and Elders with Neurological Dysfunction II (3)
This course provides the student with the pathophysiology, didactic and clinical applications of physical therapy examination, evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and management for neurologic conditions such as cerebral vascular accident, infectious disorders and tumors of the central nervous system, traumatic brain injury, vestibular dysfunction, cerebellar dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be familiar with the pathophysiology, etiology, incidence, signs and symptoms, impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, prognosis, and medical, surgical and physical therapy management of common disorders associated with central nervous system dysfunction. Spring semester, year 2. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: Physical Therapy 515, 538, 553; Corequisite: Physical Therapy 544.
544 Physical Therapy Management of Infants, Children and Adolescents with Neurological Dysfunction III (3)
This course introduces the student to the basic principles of physical therapy management for infants, children and adolescents with central nervous system dysfunction. Content includes a review of pathophysiology, examination techniques and intervention rationale for common pediatric disorders such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, sensory-motor impairments, developmental coordination disorder, genetic disorders, mental retardation, and neuromotor complications of prematurity and environmental risk exposure. Spring semester, year 2. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: Physical Therapy 515, 528, 553; Corequisite: Physical Therapy 542.
545 Preparation for Licensure (1)
This course is a comprehensive review of the physical therapy curriculum in preparation for the National Physical Therapy Examination. Test taking strategies and licensure preparation will be included. Lecture 1 hour.
548 Physical Therapy Management of Medical/Surgical Conditions II (3)
This course provides the student with the didactic and clinical applications of pathology, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and expected outcomes in the management of clients with integumentary system disorders and for management of the clients before and after amputation. The holistic approach to management will be emphasized. Spring semester, year 2. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 1 hour. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy 526.
550r Research Project (2)
Students will work in small groups to complete the research project initiated in Physical Therapy 525. The three types of projects that are allowed in this course are a case study, an evidence-based review of literature and a research project. Students will be responsible for completion of the project according to the established criteria for the specific project approved by the faculty advisor. An oral presentation is required. Spring semester, year 2, and fall semester, year 3. Laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy 525.
553 Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (3)
This course will investigate the human life cycle from the early embryo to old age. Emphasis will be placed on the study of the principles, processes and phases of physical growth and development, as well as the strengths and limitations imposed on the individual with advancing age. Fall semester, year 2. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours.
555 Applied Patient/Client Management (1)
Physical therapy concepts and skills gained throughout the curriculum will be integrated in a formal presentation of a patient case study. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating the physical therapy plan of care in the context of the total patient as he or she exists in society. Treatment alternatives selected will be validated through the use of professional literature. The oral defense of each case study will include interactions among student, faculty, and clinical instructors. Additionally, this course will encourage integration of current literature as students participate in journal club presentations.
597r Individual Studies (1-3)
Elective course offering that will vary according to student needs and interests. Options will include clinical opportunities to investigate aspects of physical therapy of special interest to the student. Course requirements will vary according to the type of elective offered and will be determined by the instructor. Fall semester, year 3. Prerequisite: approval of advisor and department head.
