Physical Therapy Courses (PT)

 

101     Freshman Seminar in Physical Therapy (1)

This course is designed to introduce students to the physical therapy profession and to the professional phase of the physical therapy curriculum. Students will be introduced to the history of the physical therapy profession, scope of practice, professional organizations, roles of other health care professionals, and the importance of scientific research and its link to the concept of evidence-based practice. Concepts related to managed care and the changing health care environment will be explored as they relate to the health care professional and consumer. Additionally, issues of contemporary practice will be discussed and debated. Prerequisite: PT freshman status or permission of instructor or PT Department. Offered Each Fall and Spring Semester (As Needed).

 

201     Sophomore Seminar in Physical Therapy (1)

This course is the second in a sequence of two courses designed to introduce students to the professional phase of the physical therapy curriculum and the profession. Topics will include an introduction to medical terminology and documentation formats in physical therapy, principles of therapeutic communication, core values, sociocultural issues and cultural competence in health care delivery, issues in professional continuing education in a dynamic profession, and computer literacy in physical therapy. Prerequisite: PT 101 or permission of instructor or PT Department. Offered Each Fall and Spring Semester (As Needed).

 

312     Principles of Teaching & Learning (3)

Together with CMP 315: Advanced Composition for Health Professionals, this course fulfills the Research & Presentation requirement. The course focuses on educational principles associated with adult learning. Topics will include theoretical models of cognitive development, adult learning styles, and taxonomies of educational objectives. Principles of teaching and learning will be applied in the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains. The importance of designing educational experiences to meet the unique needs of the learner will be emphasized as they relate to individuals from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as individuals with disabilities. Students will be required to design and orally present a learning activity to a selected audience. Prerequisites: PT 101, PT 201 or permission of instructor or PT Department. Offered Each Spring (As Needed).

 

501     Applied Biostatistics (3)

Students will develop an understanding of the principles and applications of parametric and nonparametric statistics, particularly with respect to applications in physical therapy. Topics will include: probability, scales of measurement, reliability and validity, sampling techniques, experimental design and hypothesis development (statistical inference), descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric tests of significance, correlation, and regression. Selection of appropriate statistical procedures will be presented with reference to principles of experimental design presented in PT 553: Introduction to Clinical Research Design. Students will use both calculators and computer software (SPSS, Excel) for analyzing data and developing graphic representations. Prerequisites: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

504/L  Clinical Functional Anatomy I (3)

This course will build upon the fundamental content taught in BIO 330: General Anatomy. This course, the first of a series of two clinically oriented functional anatomy courses, will focus on the detailed structure and function of the human neuromusculoskeletal system. The relationships of normal and abnormal embryological and developmental processes to gross anatomical structure and to movement and function across the life span will be presented. The specific anatomical content will be presented through a regional approach and will include the cervical, thoracic, and upper limb regions. Lecture and laboratory sessions will include human cadaver dissection and prosections, models, and clinically oriented peer presentations and problem solving experiences. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

505/L  Clinical Functional Anatomy II (2)

This course, the second of a series of two, will focus on the detailed structure and function of the human neuromusculoskeletal system of the lumbar and pelvic regions and the lower extremities. The relationships of normal and abnormal embryological and developmental processes to gross anatomical structure and to movement and function across the life span will be presented. Lecture and laboratory sessions will include human cadaver dissection and prosections, models, and clinically oriented peer presentations and problem solving experiences. Prerequisites: PT 504 and PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

506/L  Kinesiology & Biomechanics I (3)

This lecture/laboratory course, the first in a two- part series, will introduce and emphasize the concepts of biomechanics and kinesiology through static and dynamic applications to physical therapy. Principles of kinetics and kinematics will be explored using such tools as EMG, dynamometry, and video motion analysis. This course will build upon anatomical structure presented in PT 504 in discussing mechanical properties of tissues and whole body and regional movement analysis of functional tasks. An in-depth study of the biomechanics of the cervical, temporomandibular, thoracic, and upper limb regions will be presented including clinical application. Laboratories will promote development of skill in critical analysis of normal and abnormal movement, the application of kinetic and kinematic biomechanical analysis, and the design of strategies and parameters for reliable and valid examination procedures and interventions. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

507/L  Kinesiology & Biomechanics II (2)

This lecture/laboratory course will further explore the concepts of biomechanics and kinesiology through the application and analysis of static and dynamic evaluation emphasizing the lumbopelvic region and joints of the lower extremities. The students will explore forces affecting arthrokinematic and osteokinematic function within the joints of these regions and relate those to whole body and regional mobility and stability by way of clinical applications to physical therapy. Laboratories will further promote development of critical thinking skills in the application of biomechanical analysis and its implications in examination and intervention. Prerequisite: PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

508/L Physiology of Exercise (3)

This foundational science course introduces and emphasizes the concepts and knowledge of the body's physiological response to exercise, overuse, and disuse. Lectures and laboratory experiences focus on the structural and physiological effects of exercise and establish a knowledge base for the future clinician to develop and critically assess neuromusculoskeletal exercise prescription and cardiopulmonary intervention programs. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

509/L  Principles and Applications of Physical Agents (4)

A lecture and laboratory course in which the physiological responses of the body to thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic energies will be introduced and emphasized. The student learners will also be expected to be able to critically select, justify and skillfully apply appropriate thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic modalities in order to bring about a desired physiological tissue level response. In addition, the student will gain knowledge regarding when physical agents and mechanical modalities are appropriate adjuncts in preparation for other treatment interventions, such as therapeutic exercise and functional training. Prerequisite: PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

514/L  Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation I (5)

This lecture/laboratory course, the first in a series of three, will introduce and emphasize the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/client management for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This course will promote development of knowledge and skill required for differentiating musculoskeletal pathophysiologies and impairments of the cervical spine, temporomandibular joint, thoracic spine, and upper extremity as well as relate them to the presentation of patient/client functional limitations and disabilities. Students will further develop critical thinking skills and decision-making processes in evidence-based clinical practice. Additionally, the utilization of disablement models will be included as a conceptual framework for patient/client management. Intervention concepts and techniques will be presented and applied in a conceptual framework emphasizing functional restoration. Laboratories will promote development of skill in the application of examination and intervention techniques discussed in lecture. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

515/L  Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation II (5)

This lecture/laboratory course, the second in a series of three, will further develop knowledge and skill of the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/ client management for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This course will reinforce foundational principles presented in PT 514 and will introduce and emphasize knowledge and skill in differentiating musculoskeletal pathophysiologies and impairments of the lumbopelvic region and lower extremity. Intervention philosophies and techniques will be explored and applied in a conceptual framework emphasizing functional restoration. Additional patient care skills will be presented including transfer training, gait training, environmental assessment, therapeutic equipment assessment, and aquatic therapy. Laboratories will promote development of skill in the application of examination and intervention techniques discussed in lecture. Prerequisite: PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

516     Clinical Problem Solving in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (2)

This course is the third, in a three part series, which will provide the students an opportunity to further explore topics in musculoskeletal rehabilitation through a problem based learning format. A faculty mentor will present a selected case and the goals and expectations of each learning experience. A small group of students will then proceed in designing and implementing an action plan aimed at achievement of these goals. The students will be required to: interpret and analyze the information provided; gather additional information as necessary from reading and discussions of current scientific professional literature; and to synthesize and present a coherent, evidence-based argument addressing the specific goals of each case study learning experience. The faculty member will serve as a facilitator for directing the students' discussions and psychomotor activities. Prerequisite: PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

517     Clinical Medicine I (3)

This course is the first in a three part clinical medicine series. It is designed to challenge the student to evaluate the knowledge of clinical presentations associated with musculoskeletal pathology as a foundation for direct patient/client care and research. Key topics characteristic of common orthopedic pathologies will be addressed including etiology; epidemiology; underlying pathophysiology and histology; clinical signs and symptoms related to impairments, functional limitations, disabilities; natural history and prognosis, diagnostic medical procedures; differential diagnosis; medical, pharmacological, surgical management; and expected outcomes. Differential diagnosis related to musculoskeletal pathology will be emphasized and applied to determine appropriateness of physical therapy intervention. Content presented will encompass pathologies observed across the life span. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

521/L  Prosthetics and Orthotics (2)

This lecture/laboratory course is designed to increase the student's understanding of prosthetics and orthotics. Principles of prosthetic and orthotic design, function, and fabrication will be discussed. Clinical problem solving for prosthetic or orthotic prescription will be addressed based on examination findings in order to optimize function for the patient/client. Pre-prosthetic as well as prosthetic training will be emphasized. Use of orthosis in management of individuals receiving physical therapy will be integrated with knowledge from previous courses in orthopedics and neurorehabilitation. Prerequisite: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

532     Motor Control & Motor Learning (2)

Motor control and motor learning theories will be explored as theoretical foundations for evidence-based physical therapy practice. Through lecture, laboratory, and student-led discussion of published research literature, students will explore the application of motor control and motor learning principles within the context of clinical examination, evaluation and interventions. The development of postural control across the life span, and theories of motor learning and motor re-learning following musculoskeletal or neurological insult will be emphasized with particular attention to how manipulation of practice and feedback variables impact motor learning. Prerequisites: PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

 

539/L  Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (2)

This lecture/laboratory course will address the diversified issues of clinical management of patient/client with primary and/or secondary cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction within the context of Physical Therapy. Topics will include practice setting specific management principles and therapeutic techniques to address primary and secondary impairments of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, as well as prevention of dysfunction in individuals across their life span. Topics to be discussed include Chronic Obstructive Lung Dysfunction, Restrictive Lung Dysfunction, Cardiac Muscle Dysfunction, the post-surgical patient, the patient post-trauma, and the patient with cancer. Prerequisites: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

544/L  Neuromuscular Rehabilitation I (4)

This course is the first in a three part series, which will apply the conceptual framework of physical therapy management to patients/clients with neuromuscular rehabilitative needs. Operational theories of nervous system organization including systems theories, models of central nervous system reorganization, and recovery models will be introduced and emphasized. Enablement/Disablement models, the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Guidelines for Content in Physical Therapy Education, and other conceptual frameworks that aid the physical therapist in evidence-based clinical decision-making will be explored. This course will begin with an in-depth study of human development from the life span perspective, with an emphasis on development of postural control and movement and their interrelationship to skill acquisition. Neuromuscular- based pediatric movement disorders will be introduced and emphasized within the context of the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/client management. Developmental anatomy, functional neuronanatomy, and physiology will be linked to discussions of disorders of posture and movement. Historical and contemporary theories of intervention including therapeutic handling will be presented. Medical management options including pharmacology and surgery will be discussed. Course content will include applications of assistive technology including adaptive and therapeutic equipment as it relates to the pediatric patient/client population. Course content will reinforce the development of professional and ethical behaviors, the scope of physical therapy practice, collaborative practice models, therapeutic communication skills, and documentation. Laboratories will promote development of skill in the application of examination and intervention techniques discussed in lecture. Prerequisite: PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

545/L  Neuromuscular Rehabilitation II (4)

This course is the second in a three part series, which will apply the conceptual framework of physical therapy management to patients/clients with neuromuscular rehabilitative needs. This course will utilize the conceptual models/frameworks and reinforce foundational principles and theories presented in PT 544. This course will continue the study of human development, from the life span perspective, with an emphasis on age related changes of postural control and movement and their interrelationship to functional capabilities. Adult onset neuromuscular-based movement disorders will be introduced and emphasized within the context of the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/client management. Anatomy, functional neuronanatomy, and physiology will be linked to discussions of disorders of posture and movement. Historical and contemporary theories of intervention including therapeutic handling, will be presented. Medical management options including pharmacology and surgery will be discussed. Course content will include issues on aging, vestibular rehabilitation, and an expanded discussion of assistive technology including adaptive and therapeutic equipment as it relates to the adult patient/client population. Course content will reinforce of development of professional and ethical behaviors, the scope of physical therapy practice, collaborative practice models, therapeutic communication skills, and documentation. Laboratories will promote development of skill in the application of examination and intervention techniques discussed in lecture. Prerequisites: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

546     Clinical Medicine II (3)

This course is the second in a three part clinical medicine series. It is designed to challenge the student to evaluate the knowledge of clinical presentations associated with neuromuscular pathology as a foundation for direct patient/client care and research. Key topics characteristic of common neurologic pathologies will be addressed, including etiology; epidemiology; underlying pathophysiology and histology; clinical signs and symptoms related to impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities; natural history and prognosis; diagnostic medical procedures; differential diagnosis; medical, pharmacological and surgical management; and expected outcomes. Differential diagnosis related to neuromuscular pathology will be emphasized and applied to determine appropriateness of physical therapy intervention. Content presented will encompass pathologies observed across the life span. Prerequisites: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

548     Integumentary Care (3)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the skin and its appendages as they relate to wound etiology, management, and prevention. The student will explore the anatomical and physiological processes associated with tissue destruction, repair, and remodeling as they relate to specific cause and effect using the wound healing model as the principle pillar of exploration. This course will address the diversified issues of clinical management of patients/clients with a primary and/or secondary integumentary disorder as they relate to the practice of physical therapy. Topics will include practice setting specific management principles and techniques as they relate to individuals across their life span, with disorders of the integumentary system including, but not limited to: burns, pressure ulcers, arterial and venous stasis disorders, neuropathic lesions, dermatitis, and cellulitis. The student will acquire skills within a theoretical and practical spectrum as it relates to patient/client clinical management, environmental constraints, and critical pathways. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

549     Clinical Medicine III (2)

This course is the final in the three part clinical medicine series. It is designed to challenge the student to evaluate the knowledge of clinical presentations associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, as well as general medicine topics including gastrointestinal, urogenital, metabolic, and oncologic pathologies, as a foundation for direct patient care and research. Key topics characteristic of the pathologies will be addressed, including etiology; epidemiology; underlying pathophysiology and histology; clinical signs and symptoms related to impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities; natural history and prognosis; diagnostic medical procedures; differential diagnosis; medical, pharmacological and surgical management; and expected outcomes. Differential diagnosis related to these pathologies will be emphasized and applied to determine appropriateness of physical therapy intervention. Content presented will encompass pathologies observed across the life span. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

551 I-IV and 651      Integrative Seminars in Physical Therapy I-V

These courses focus on the integration of all corresponding courses within each semester of the curriculum. These sessions will act as forums within which the student learner will have the opportunity to conceptualize each aspect of rehabilitation and build them into an overall framework of patient/client care. Each session will generally have a theme of interest such that students can build upon their level of understanding of that material as well as experience, appreciate and value the complexity of the entire process. These forums are designed to act as learning communities to promote independent critical thinking and independent thought while assisting in preparing each student for all lecture, laboratory and clinical exposure components of the semester coursework. Prerequisite: PT professional status (corresponding Fall/Spring semesters in First through Third years.

 

553     Introduction to Clinical Research Design (1)

In this course, students will explore the varieties or research design commonly used in clinical research, further developing the analytical skills needed to support professional evidence-based practice. Students will select a topic of interest and articulate important research questions relative to that topic. Students will search the published literature relative to one or more of their questions. From the perspective of experimental methodology and design, students will evaluate the merit and relevance of published research to the practice of physical therapy. This course will culminate in preparation of an evidence-based practice poster to be presented to the college community. PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

554     Clinical Research I (2)

This is the first semester of a two-semester clinical research course that culminates in the submission and defense of a research thesis. During the first semester, students will identify a thesis research question relevant to the practice of physical therapy and critically review the clinical and scientific literature. Students will write the Introduction, Literature Review and Methods sections of the thesis, as well as a research proposal for submission to the Daemen College Human Subjects Research Review Committee. At the end of the semester, students will defend their thesis project in a Power Point presentation to members of the College community. Prerequisites: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

555     Clinical Research II (2)

During this semester the student will execute the investigation designed in PT 554. It is expected that the student will have completed a research proposal and will have submitted that proposal to the Daemen College Human Subjects Research Review Committee. Working closely with the research advisor, the student will collect and analyze his/her data. The student will revise and refine the Introduction, Literature Review and Methods sections, and will write a final draft of the Results, Discussion and Conclusions sections of their thesis. Students will collaborate with one another in group discussions to facilitate the process of writing of the research paper. A final bound draft of the thesis will be completed and submitted to the student’s research advisor and committee. Students will also prepare and present a poster and platform presentation describing their research for presentation to the Daemen College community, as well as interested individuals from the broader professional community. Prerequisites: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

 

Clinical Exposure:

 

The Clinical Exposure component of the curriculum consists of five semesters of clinic-based and/or patient care campus-based experiential learning sessions. Students will synthesize and apply knowledge already gained in classroom coursework with practical experience. Students will complete assessments of observations and documentation of patient/client management.

 

563     Clinical Exposure I

This course is the first in the series of clinical exposures that are coordinated and mentored by academic faculty concurrently teaching the specialty content in the campus-based didactic coursework. These regular exposures to clinical practice allow the student to observe and engage in the practice of physical therapy, further developing cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills acquired in lecture and laboratory experiences. Small student teams will visit a group of local physical therapy facilities that provide care to a variety of patient/client profiles including musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This experience is designed to permit the student to become acclimated to the clinical environment and develop effective patient/client-therapist communication skills. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

564     Clinical Exposure II

This course is the second in the series of clinical exposures that are coordinated and mentored by academic faculty concurrently teaching the specialty content in the campus-based didactic coursework. These regular exposures to clinical practice allow the student to observe and engage in the practice of physical therapy, further developing cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills acquired in lecture and laboratory experiences. During these regular exposures to clinical practice, students will discuss and consider issues of resource management, individual and cultural differences, and delegation of services, referral to other services, and documentation and presentation of case findings to peers. Prerequisite: PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

565     Clinical Exposure III

This course is the third in the series of clinical exposures that are coordinated and mentored by academic faculty concurrently teaching the specialty content in the campus-based didactic coursework. These regular exposures to clinical practice allow the student to observe and engage in the practice of physical therapy, further developing cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills acquired in lecture and laboratory experiences. During these regular exposures to clinical practice, students will observe physical therapy services at a variety of pediatric settings and participate in supervised group sessions to provide care to a variety of patient/client profiles including children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders. These experiences are designed to permit the student to become acclimated to this unique clinical environment and develop effective patient/client-therapist communication skills with this special population. Students will discuss and consider issues of best practice, issues of individual differences in patient management, professional responsibility, social/cultural diversity, documentation of examination and outcome measure assessment results, and ongoing intervention. Prerequisite: PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

566     Clinical Exposure IV

This course is the fourth in the series of clinical exposures that are coordinated and mentored by academic faculty concurrently teaching the specialty content in the campus-based didactic coursework. These regular exposures to clinical practice allow the student to observe and engage in the practice of physical therapy, further developing cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills acquired in lecture and laboratory experiences. During these regular exposures to clinical practice, students will observe physical therapy services at a variety of settings that provide care to adults with a variety of neuromuscular and age related disorders including sessions on design and fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices, and participate in supervised group sessions to provide care to a variety of patient/client profiles including adults with neuromuscular disorders. These experiences are designed to permit the student to become acclimated to this unique clinical environment and develop effective patient/client-therapist communication skills with this patient population. Students will discuss and consider issues of best practice, issues of individual differences in patient management, professional responsibility, social/cultural diversity, documentation of examination and outcome measure assessment results, and ongoing intervention. Prerequisite: PT Second Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

567     Clinical Exposure V (1)

This course is the last in the series of clinic-based experiential learning sessions that are coordinated and mentored by academic faculty. These regular exposures to clinical practice allow the student to observe and engage in the practice of physical therapy and other related fields, further developing cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills acquired in lecture and laboratory experiences. Small student teams will visit a group of local clinical facilities and community-based wellness programs that provide care to a variety of patient/clients including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, integumentary wound care, trauma unit, women’s health, wellness and health promotion, and holistic health. These experiences are designed to permit the student to further develop effective patient/client-therapist communication skills. Students will discuss and consider issues of quality of care, scope of practice, clinical guidelines, documentation, and reimbursement. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

575     Pre-Clinical Seminar (1)

This seminar format course is designed to prepare the student for his/her clinical internship experiences. The professional aspects of physical therapy - from expected behaviors to collaborative practice, will be stressed in these seminars. Small group discussion and role-playing will help the students develop their communication skills that are essential to their development as professionals. The design and implementation of the student’s clinical education experiences at Daemen will be incorporated into this seminar course sequence. Learning experiences will focus on the following areas: safety; professional behavior; ethical and legal standards; communication; documentation; cultural considerations in patient/client management; education; and alternative models in clinical education. Learning experiences will also focus on the following areas: infection control and blood born pathogens; universal precautions; OSHA regulations; consultation; and wellness and health promotion. Prerequisite: PT First Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

577     Clinical Internship I (3)

This is a nine (9) week full-time clinical internship designed to serve several purposes in developing patient/client management skills deemed appropriate for entry-level physical therapy practice. Integration of the previous semesters’ academic curriculum will be the focus of the clinical internship. The facilities utilized for the internship will focus on orthopedic or general hospital patient care. Prerequisites: PT Second Year professional status and Grade of C or better in all PT course work. Offered Each Summer.

 

582     Clinical Internship II (3)

This is a nine (9) week full-time clinical internship designed to further enhance the student's patient/client management skills. The focus of this internship will be the management of patients/clients with neuromuscular disorders, incorporating information and skills acquired in the previous academic semesters. The facilities utilized for the internship will focus on neurorehabilitation of any age group. Prerequisites: PT Third Year professional status and Grade of C or better in all required PT course work. Offered Each Summer.

 

600     Clinical Problem Solving in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation (2)

This course is the third in a three part series, which will explore special topics in neuromuscular rehabilitation through a problem, based learning format similar to that utilized in PT 516. Selected topics with specific goals will be presented by a faculty facilitator to small groups in the form of directed learning experiences and patient/client case studies. A small group of students will then proceed in designing and implementing an action plan aimed at achievement of these goals. The students will be required to: interpret and analyze the information provided; gather additional information as necessary from reading and discussions of current scientific professional literature; and to synthesize and present a coherent, evidence based argument addressing the specific goals of each learning experience or case study. The faculty member will serve as a facilitator for directing the students' discussions and psychomotor activities. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

606/L  Rehabilitation of the Patient with Spinal Cord Injury (1)

This lecture/laboratory course will apply the conceptual framework of physical therapy management to patients/clients who have spinal cord injury during the acute, sub acute and long-term phases of care. Comprehensive exploration of the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/client management for patients/clients of all ages will be emphasized. Students are required to integrate and apply all previous academic/clinical knowledge with regard to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary management, as well as, application of environmental assessment/ modification and assistive technology to enhance function, physical agents, and patient/caregiver education. Current scientific professional literature, integration of other systems, as well as critical thinking and decision making experiences for problem solving in all steps of patient/client management will be used. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

610     Management & Administrative Issues in Physical Therapy (4)

A broad survey of topics essential to the administration and management of physical therapy services. Topics covered will include: strategic planning, organizational structure, reimbursement and income management, budgeting, marketing, personnel management, quality assurance, ethical dilemmas and problem solving, professional regulation and the legislative process, various forms of liability and risk management, health care policy and systems of health care service delivery, contract issues and the negotiation process, documentation issues, and appropriate delegation, supervision and collaboration in the provision of physical therapy services. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

612     Prevention, Health Promotion, Fitness and Wellness (2)

This course will provide the student with the conceptual framework for individual and community health promotion, as well as injury/disease prevention across the life span. Course content includes examination of concepts of health, health promotion, wellness and prevention, and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Basic epidemiological principles will be discussed and applied to specific diseases related to the practice of physical therapy including examination of best evidence for screening and prevention. Current theories of health behavior change will be discussed, as well as issues of adherence, locus of control, motivation, and the influence of culture and cultural issues on health promotion. To demonstrate understanding and application of the key concepts of health behavior change, students will assess their own level of wellness, implement a personal plan to address a particular health behavior, and analyze the outcome of the intervention. Community based health promotion will also be addressed including needs assessment, planning, resources, and process and outcome assessment. Students will apply their knowledge by creating a community based health promotion or disease/injury prevention program and present their project to their peers. Issues related to women’s health will also be addressed including osteoporosis management, incontinence, pregnancy related issues, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction. Prerequisite: PT Third Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.

 

680     Clinical Internship III (4)

This is a nine (9) week full-time clinical internship designed to integrate all the academic knowledge gained as well as incorporate the previous clinical experiences into their ultimate attainment of the skills and behaviors of an entry-level physical therapist. The facilities utilized for the internship will focus on in-patient care. Prerequisites: PT Third Year professional status and Grade of C or better in all required PT course work. Offered Each Spring.

 

690     Clinical Internship IV (4)

This is the final nine (9) week full-time clinical internship designed to enhance the student's entry- level skills in a special interest area of physical therapy. The facilities utilized for this internship will incorporate any setting appropriate for the delivery of physical therapy patient/client care. Prerequisites: PT Third Year professional status and Grade of C or better in all required PT course work. Offered Each Spring.

 

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Please consult the separately published Graduate Bulletin for information on the Transitional DPT, for licensed physical therapists already possessing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and the Fellowship Program in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy.

 

Course descriptions for courses required outside the PT Department

 

PSY 530        Psychology of Health and Disability (3)

This course applies biopsychosocial models of health, illness and disability, including the effects of stress and lifestyle on health and illness; psychosocial aspects of disability, including social attitudes and perceptions; adjustment to and secondary effects of disability; and health beliefs and their consequences for behavior. This course will develop student competence in responding to individuals who are experiencing physical and psychiatric problems. This course is designed for Physical Therapy students to be taken in the professional phase of their curriculum. Students will have had exposure to patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and will therefore be able to consider the issues addressed in the course in the context of specific illnesses and/or disabilities relating to these body systems. Prerequisite: PSY 103 or permission of instructor. Offered Each Spring.

 

CMP 315       Advanced Composition for Health Professionals (3)

Together with PT 312, fulfills the Research and Presentation requirement. This course in composition is designed to help students in the health and natural sciences expand and refine their technical and stylistic skills through an extensive directed writing experience based on professional models. Students will use medical and scientific terminology, write case-based reports and analysis, learn documentation methods and, and write standard research forms used in professional and communications. Prerequisite: CMP 101 or permission of instructor. Offered Fall and Spring Semesters (As Needed).

 

BIO 541/L      Neurobiology I (4)

An integrated study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Topics include surface anatomy and blood supply of the brain, meninges, sensory receptors and the electrical properties of neuronal membranes. Prerequisite: BIO 340 and upper division status in Biology or Natural Science, or PT First Year Spring professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Spring.

 

BIO 542/L      Neurobiology II (4)

A continuation of the study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Topics include neuroanatomical pathways, motor control systems, and physiology of synapses. Prerequisite: BIO 541 or PT Second Year Fall professional status or permission of PT Department. Offered Each Fall.