YEAR 1- Summer Term (18 Cr) 15 weeks
PT 7000 ANATOMY, 7 Credits
Human anatomy of the following systems will be covered with the assistance of cadaver dissection:
Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine/metabolic, gastrointestinal, genital & reproductive, hepatobiliary, lymphatic, renal & urologic, nervous, integumentary, and musculoskeletal. Surface anatomy, palpation, and imaging will also be incorporated.
PT 7010 MOVEMENT SCIENCE I, 3 Credits
Movement Science I introduces biomechanical principles that serve as a foundation for physical therapy. Normal and abnormal movement biomechanics will be studied especially as they pertain to gait. Integrates material from anatomy, exercise science, kinesiology, and the musculoskeletal system. Material is delivered via lecture and lab using current technology and live human subjects.
PT 7020 CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY (CVP) I, 4 Credits
This course will cover the histology and physiology of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, including their integrated function. This course will focus on acute and chronic responses to exercise and physical activity, with an emphasis on the functional integration of multiple organ systems.
PT 7040 FOUNDATIONAL CLINICAL SKILLS, 2 Credits
Patient interview and communication (verbal and non-verbal), instilling an internal locus of control, theories of clinical decision-making, documentation, introduction to clinical examination and treatment paradigm, the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the biopsychosocial model for describing and classifying function, transfer training, assistive device training, safety including universal precautions, confidentiality
PT 7090 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS & VALUES, 2 Credits
This first in a 4 part series of courses addresses professional behaviors, ethics and values, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, practice acts within physical therapy (PT, PTA) and other professions, Generic Abilities and the APTA’s Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, and the importance of the APTA and professional service.
YEAR 1- Fall Term (18 Cr) 15 weeks
PT 7600 MUSCULOSKELETAL PRACTICE (MSK) I, 4 Credits
An examination and intervention paradigm is introduced and components of the musculoskeletal examination are explored. Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis and intervention in patients with dysfunction of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and upper extremities. Subject matter includes chart review and patient interview, outcomes measures, appropriate screens and screening tools, motion assessment, muscle performance testing, reinforcement of palpation skills, and special tests. Evidence-based interventions will be stressed including medications for pain/inflammation, psychosocial aspects of care, manual therapy, and exercise. This course will be heavily lab-based.
PT 7170 DRY NEEDLING & MODALITIES, 3 Credits
This first in a 3 part series of courses addresses the major topics of pain science the relief of pain, local exercise, manual therapy, and nutrition in the acute stage of healing and recovery. Specific interventions include modalities (light, heat, cold, sound electrical), manual therapies (stretching, soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilization), local and early stage exercises (isometrics, activation, weight bearing, non-weight bearing, single plane, aquatic therapy), and medications for pain/inflammation (orals, injectable, and transdermal).
PT 7520 CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY II (CVP), 4 Credits
This course will focus on evaluating cardiopulmonary function, as well as the fundamental knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary function diseases within the scope of an integrated healthcare setting. An overview of standard clinical diagnostic testing methodology and clinical interpretation of each system will be included. The course also integrates components of pharmacy and exercise science. Various laboratory exercise testing procedures will be included, with an emphasis on how the underlying physiology relates to the clinical utility and interpretation of each test.
PT 7810 CLINICAL PATHOLOGY, 2 Credits
This course will focus on the general process of infectious and non-infectious diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions, with a focus on how understanding the disease process at a cellular level relates to prevention and clinical management.
PT 7510 MOVEMENT SCIENCE II, 3 Credits
Movement Science II is a research-based experience in the mechanical, neuromuscular, and anatomical bases of human movement. The purpose of the course is to expand the prerequisite knowledge in basic biomechanics and apply it to investigate fundamental human movements such as walking, running, jumping, reaching and throwing. Students will also be introduced to current techniques of biomechanical analysis including the use of high-speed videography, ground reaction force analysis, and electromyography. Material is delivered via lecture and lab using current technology and live human subjects.
PT 7280 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE I (EBP), 2 Credits
The first course in the EBP sequence will focus on the basics of acquiring and appraising research related to physical therapy practice so that the student can become a critical consumer of the Physical Therapy scientific literature. Specific topics will include accessing and critiquing scholarly literature, the scientific method, and experimental study designs.
YEAR 1- Spring Term (13 Cr) 7 weeks/7 weeks
PT 7610 MUSCULOSKELETAL II (MSK), 4 Credits
An examination and intervention paradigm is reinforced and components of the musculoskeletal examination are explored.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis and intervention in patients with dysfunction of the lumbosacral spine, and lower extremities. Subject matter includes chart review and patient interview, outcomes measures, appropriate screens and screening tools, motion assessment, muscle performance testing, and reinforcement of palpation skills, manual therapy, exercise, and special tests. This course will be heavily lab based.
PT 7180 TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT & AGING, 2 Credits
The purpose of the class is to expose students to the multi-system changes associated with development health aging as well as the implications for function and participation. Students will also be introduced to administering various developmental standardized tests, cognitive and functional mobility assessments.
PT 7480 NEUROSCIENCE I, 2 Credits
This course will cover neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Students will learn the fundamentals of how the human nervous system is structured (neuroanatomy) and how it works (neurophysiology).
PT 7050 LOCAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I, 3 Credits
Students are assigned to a clinical facility for half of a day throughout a 7-week clinical education experience. This course will provide students with exposure to clinical settings, interactions with patients, and mentorship from a licensed clinician. Students will focus on examination, evaluation, history taking, interventions and professional behavior
PT 8400 SELECTIVE I, 2 Credits
Students will have the opportunity to learn more about specialty areas in physical therapy.
YEAR 2- Summer (14 cr) 15 weeks
PT 7590 CLINICAL MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENTATION, 2 Credits
This second in a 4 part series of courses is focused on practice management. The course addresses styles of leadership, ethics and morals in leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, management, and billing practices in practice including but not limited to inpatient, outpatient, worker’s compensation, and home health.
PT 7680 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE II, 2 Credits
The second course in the Evidence-Based Practice sequence will further expand the students analytical skills by focusing on quantitative data analysis, including basic statistical procedures, measurement properties (i.e. reliability and validity), and experimental methodology as it relates to research in the field of physical therapy. The second half of the course will be devoted to the use of outcome measures in physical therapy practice across the continuum of care. CAPTE STANDARDS 7B, 7D9
PT 7580 NEUROSCIENCE II, 2 Credits
This course will cover the systems of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Students will learn the fundamentals of how the human nervous system is structured and how it functions. Students will also be introduced to neurological disorders and begin to diagnose dysfunctions based on clinical case studies.
PT 7770 PAIN SCIENCE, 3 Credits
This second in a 3 part series of courses addresses the major topics of Motor Control Theory, a regional exercise approach (eccentrics, isokinetics, multi-joint exercises, multiplanar resistance, motor control, unweighting treadmills), nutrition (balanced nutrition for health & healing), and manipulation.
PT 7060 COMMUNITY OUTREACH I, 3 Credits
In this first of a series of 3 courses, students will participate in mentored practice in the pro bono clinic serving the underserved, perform community service, and perform educational outreach.
PT 8385 PEDIATRICS, 2 Credits
This course will focus on the functional and participatory consequences of atypical development in individuals from birth through 21 years of age. The management of common central and peripheral neurologic diseases and neuromuscular and musculoskeletal pediatric conditions will be emphasized. Pathology, genetics, clinical presentation, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis and intervention will be stressed. Class discussion of contemporary research and evidence-based clinical practice will be used to focus students’ attention on the principles of neurorehabilitation and musculoskeletal interventions and their practical application.
YEAR 2- Fall (12 cr) 7 weeks/7 weeks
PT 8380 ADULT NEUROREHABILITATION, 4 Credits
This course focuses on the management of adults with complex central nervous system (CNS), multi-system disorders, and peripheral nervous system (PNS) and neuromuscular disease. Neuropathology, clinical presentation, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention will be stressed. The role of the physical therapist will be addressed across treatment environments and across the time course or progression of the disease, acute through chronic as appropriate. Class discussion and lab-based learning emphasizing contemporary research and evidence-based clinical practice will be used to focus students’ attention on the principles of neurorehabilitation and their practical application in patient care settings.
PT 7690 INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION & PRACTICE, 1 Credits
This course is designed to help the students understand the roles of various health professions. During the course of their careers, PTs will interact with many technicians, therapists, medical practitioners, mid-level providers and technologists all of whom have important roles to play in the care of patients. In this course, students will have direct interaction with students and faculty from other health professions. They will discuss roles and review perceptions of important health care issues. The initial focus of this course will be the analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles that have a wide range of interest across medical specialties and health care fields.
PT 7560 COMMUNITY OUTREACH II, 2 Credits
In this second in a series of 3 courses, students will participate in mentored practice in the pro bono clinic serving the underserved, perform community service, and perform educational outreach. In this course, students should be gaining increased comfort with examination, evaluation and treatment as well as documentation of client encounters in a primary care setting.
PT 7550 LOCAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II, 3 Credits
Students will be assigned to a clinical facility for half a day throughout a 7-week clinical education experience in a setting different than Clinic I. This course provides students with exposure to clinical settings, patient interactions, and mentorship from a licensed clinician. Students will focus on examination, evaluation, history taking, interventions and professional behaviors.
PT 8410 SELECTIVE I, 2 Credits
Students will have the opportunity to learn more about specialty areas in physical therapy.
Sports I
Through the utilization of the elements of the physical therapist patient/client management model (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention) students will apply clinical skills, strategies and decision making for the management of the athlete. Students will identify appropriate and relevant tests, assessments, evaluation and interventions to be used with athletes who exhibit functional limitations. Students will also develop comprehensive plans of care for athletes with a specific focus on return to play scenarios.
YEAR 2- Spring (15 cr) 15 weeks
PT 8070 REGIONAL TO GLOBAL TREATMENT, 3 Credits
This third in a 3 part series of courses addresses the major topics of global exercise, return to function, wellness, prevention, and nutrition in high performance individuals. Specific topics to address are cardiovascular exercise (bikes, treadmills, upper extremity ergometers, stair climbers), plyometrics and high-speed exercise, Olympic-style lifting, performance enhancement, wellness, prevention, and nutrition demands in competitive individuals.
PT 8160 PRIMARY CARE, 4 Credits
This course will address necessary skills of the physical therapist as a primary care provider including screening and referral and imaging. The new UK standards on preparing PTs to prescribe medications will also be addressed and students will become first responder certified. CPR, triage, life support, and emergency response will be stressed as well as clinical decision-making will and interprofessional relations.
PT 8075 PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS, 2 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop, integrate, and apply knowledge and skills necessary to examine and treat individuals with selected musculoskeletal conditions. Topics include management of clients with a prosthesis or orthotic. The laboratory sessions are designed to provide students with opportunities to apply examination and treatment techniques used in the management of clients with a prosthesis or orthotic.
PT 8490 MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENTS, 4 Credits
This course is designed to coalesce the students’ learning of the major body systems (Integumentary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular & pulmonary) and foundational knowledge in the context of older and/or sicker patients that may be encountered in acute care and other practice settings. Polypharmacy and its negative side effects will be covered. This course will take advantage of case studies, practice opportunities, and lecture.
PT 8060 COMMUNITY OUTREACH III, 2 Credits
In this third in a series of 3 courses, students will participate in mentored practice in the pro bono clinic serving the underserved, perform community service, and perform educational outreach. In this course, students should achieve competence with examination, evaluation and treatment as well as documentation of client encounters in a primary care setting.
YEAR 3- Summer (11 Cr)
PT 8110 INTEGUMENTARY AND SPECIALTY PRACTICE, 4 Credits
This course will address the vital functions of the integument, its diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and treatment. Common pathologies of the integument will be studied as well as the integument as a window to suspecting other pathologies like DVT and pathologies like skin cancer that require referral. In addition, specialty practice areas of physical therapy will be explored including but not limited to oncology, rheumatology, and men’s and women’s health.
PT 8610 CLINICAL REASONING, 2 Credits
This class will use a case study format to focus on unique and rare pathologies, clinical findings, and clinical presentations, which are designed to further the students’ clinical reasoning skills
PT 8090 PROFESSIONALISM & LEADERSHIP III, 1 Credits
This third in a 4 course series aims to give students additional skill sets that add value to the clinical practice in which they work. This course will specifically address leading clinical quality enhancement/quality improvement initiatives, understanding of teaching and learning styles in the Clinical Instructor role, and professional service through government advocacy.
PT 8050 CLINIC III, 2 Credits
The class will be split in two with half going out on full day clinical affiliations for 7 weeks and the other ½ taking classes. The 2 halves will then switch. Students will be assigned to a clinical facility for a 7-week, full-time clinical education experience. As a full-time experience, students will be expected to independently examine, evaluate, and treat patients with a variety of diagnoses.
PT 8420 SELECTIVE III, 2 Credits
YEAR 3- Fall (11 cr)
PT 8900 TERMINAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I, 9 Credits
Students will be assigned to a clinical facility for a 12-week, full-time clinical education experience. This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their didactic knowledge to the clinical setting, while continuing to refine their professional behaviors. Students are expected to be able to independently care for a full caseload at the end of the experience as an entry-level clinical provider.
PT 8590 PROFESSIONALISM & LEADERSHIP IV, 2 Credits
Students must take and pass a mock board examination. Students also will learn of the necessary processes for taking the board examination and undergoing the process of licensing. Other topics to include readiness to find employment (resume preparation, interview, negotiations), and an introduction to residencies and fellowships in physical therapy.
YEAR 3- Spring (9 cr)
PT 8910 TERMINAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II , 9 Credits
Students are assigned to a clinical facility for a 12-week, full-time clinical education experience. This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their didactic knowledge to the clinical setting, while continuing to refine their professional behaviors. Students are expected to be able to independently care for a full caseload at the end of the experience as an entry-level clinical provider.
