Year I

Summer-Fall

                PHTH 7000           Basic and Applied Human Anatomy

                PHTH 7101           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy I

                PHTH 7111           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy I

                PHTH 7121           Physiological Sciences I

                PHTH 7131           Movement Sciences I

                PHTH 7141           Neurosciences I

                PHTH 7180           Introduction to Clinical Practice

 Spring

                PHTH 7102           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy II

                PHTH 7112           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy II

                PHTH 7122           Physiological Sciences II

                PHTH 7123           Pathophysiology

                PHTH 7132           Movement Sciences II

 YEAR II

Summer

                PHTH 7280           Clinical Experience

 Fall

                PHTH 7203           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy III

                PHTH 7213           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy III

                PHTH 7233           Movement Sciences III

                PHTH 7240           Motor Behavior

                PHTH 7250           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction

                PHTH 7261           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I

                PHTH 8201           Independent Study 1**

 Spring

                PHTH 7204           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy IV

                PHTH 7214           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy IV

                PHTH 7242           Neurosciences II

                PHTH 7262           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II

                PHTH 7271           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Neuromuscular Dysfunction

PHTH 7400           Practicum in Client/Peer Teaching

                PHTH 8201           Independent Study 2**

YEAR III

Summer

                PHTH 7381           Clinical Internship I

Fall

                PHTH 7305           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy V

                PHTH 7315           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy V

                PHTH 7391           Administrative Physical Therapy I

                PHTH 7401           Practicum in Integrative Practice I

                PHTH 7300           Prevention, Nutrition & Wellness

                PHTH 8303           Independent Study 3**

                PHTH 7382           Clinical Internship II

Spring

                PHTH 7383           Clinical Internship III

                PHTH 7306           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy VI

                PHTH 7316           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy VI

                PHTH 7392           Administrative Physical Therapy II

                PHTH 7402           Practicum in Integrative Practice II

                PHTH 8304           Independent Study 4**

** Indicates optional course work and are not required for completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

Doctor of Physical Therapy Course Descriptions

PHTH 7000           Basic and Applied Human Anatomy  (5 semester hour credits) A course including lecture and human cadaver dissection which focuses on cell, tissue, and organ systems and the relationship of skeletal, muscular, neurological and vascular systems.  Through case studies and applied laboratory sessions, the student will master surface anatomy and palpation skills leading to clinical location, description, and differentiation of bony landmarks, muscular structures, tendons, ligaments, bursae, nerves, arteries, veins and the lymphatic system.

PHTH 7101           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy I ( 4 semester credit hours) This course introduces the student to tools and procedures used in clinical-decision-making.  The student learns research methodologies and test and measurement standards relevant to clinical and research applications. Case-based problems assist students in developing relevant questions, a matrix for critical literature review, and application of knowledge from the literature review to the answering of clinical questions.  

PHTH 7111           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy I (4 semester credit hours) This course introduces the student to concepts of professionalism within the realm of healthcare and, specifically, the practice of physical therapy.  Explicitly designed lab activities foster the development of self-awareness, the skills of legal documentation, and of patient teaching.  Clinical labs and case-based problems give students experience in solving legal and ethical conundrums, and provide an environment in which faculty can mold and assess students’ behavioral outcomes.

PHTH 7121           Physiological Sciences I (2 semester credit hours) Development of organs, and function of tissues and organs that comprise the gastrointestinal and renal systems will be presented; mechanisms of control and integration of the various functions will be discussed.  An introduction to the pathophysiology, genetic basis and therapeutics of some diseases will be included.

PHTH 7131           Movement Sciences I (4 semester credit hours) This course introduces the student to aspects of normal human physical, psychological, cognitive and social development, including the development of motor skills supporting these. Case-problems facilitate quantitative and observational analysis of joint structure, motion and muscular actions. Students solve biomechanical problems through the application of concepts of displacement, velocity, acceleration, force/torque, and the kinematics and kinetics of human motion.

PHTH 7141           Neurosciences I (5 semester credit hours) This course focuses on the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the nervous system, including: normal structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic systems; normal and abnormal neurodevelopment. Students learn the neurophysiological mechanisms of pain mediation and the underpinnings of neural mechanisms mediating motor control.  Case studies will highlight selected neurological conditions for integrating the foundational science with clinical relevance specific to the practice of physical therapy.

PHTH 7180           Introduction to Clinical Practice (1 semester credit hour)  Sixty hours of practical experience per semester in a variety of clinical settings.  Emphasis is placed on developing treatment skills in the course material acquired during previous and concurrent courses.

PHTH 7102           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy II (2 semester credit hours) Building upon skills introduced in 7101, students expand their knowledge of the tools and procedures used in clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice, and gain experience in the application of these. Students will apply models of practice and decision-tree analysis in the context of solving clinical case problems.  Research methodology relevant to clinical practice continues as students engage in critical review of literature related to tests, measures and interventions used by physical therapists in the acute care setting. 

PHTH 7112           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy II (3 semester credit hours) Aspects of professional practice introduced in DPT 7111 are expanded and applied. Students practice the processes for peer review and quality improvement in both classroom and clinical settings.  Principles of group dynamics and models for leadership and teamwork are practiced in the context of explicit activities in class sessions as well as during clinical visits.  Case-based problems and clinical visits will provide the student with the opportunity to practice and demonstrate acquired skills in basic patient management, communication, documentation, and professional and ethical behavior.

PHTH 7122           Physiological Sciences II (7 semester credit hours) Development of organs, and function of tissues and organs that comprise the neurological, endocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems will be presented; mechanisms of control and integration of the various functions will be discussed.  An introduction to the pathophysiology, genetic basis, and therapeutics of some diseases will be included as well as an integrated approach to the effects of chronic stress on cell, organ and whole organism function.

PHTH 7123           Pathophysiology (4 semester credit hours) A case-based approach to the study of pathophysiology as it impacts the practice of physical therapy.

PHTH 7132           Movement Sciences II (3 semester credit hours)  A continuation of PHTH 7131, this course focuses on the maturation of human movement systems and the application of biomechanical, musculoskeletal and neuromaturational principles in the analysis of lifespan motor development and function. Students learn prescription and implementation of therapeutic exercises grounded in the biomechanical principles of human movement.  Course content is closely coordinated with PHTH 7121: Pathophysiology where clinical case studies will be utilized to assist students in integrating didactic knowledge with clinical applications.

PHTH 7280           Clinical Experience (2 semester credit hours) This clinical course provides students with full-time clinical experience in a mainly acute care setting. The practicum of the course provides clinical reinforcement of the material presented during the first year of study.

PHTH 7203           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy III (3 semester credit hours) Students utilize clinical research skills in developing practice plans in the management of patients with medical and surgical conditions requiring physical therapy services. Students apply their acquired skills in literature review and measurement science to the issues of clinical epidemiology, hypothesis testing, and outcomes measurement in the context of physical therapy practice. Case studies and clinical visits reinforce integration of previously learned clinical principles to the management of new patient populations. Students receive guidelines for and begin work on the individual Capstone Project.

PHTH 7213           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy III (3 semester credit hours) Professional development continues as students explore the psychosocial aspects of providing healthcare to others. Students also study the basic learning theories and teaching methods that they will utilize in clinical education of patients/clients, students and peers; and demonstrate competency in their application of this material in the context of peer-to-peer, classroom teaching.

PHTH 7233           Movement Sciences III (3 semester credit hours) Students focus on assessing the biomechanical, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular constraints to normal movement; and, on developing therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring or maximizing functional movement.  Students, working in both laboratory and clinical settings, apply standardized clinical tools for the assessment of movement dysfunction and its causes across a variety of patient populations. Students will develop treatment interventions that utilize a variety of intervention approaches.  Coordination with PHTH 7240: Motor Behavior will allow students to integrate knowledge of motor control and learning with intervention design to maximize patient learning and motor skill recovery.

PHTH 7240           Motor Behavior (3 semester credit hours) This course integrates information from the fields of neuroscience, exercise science, cognitive and sport psychology to build an evidence-based foundation for the evaluation and management of movement dysfunction in physical therapy practice.  Students review and debate the evidence and assumptions underlying contemporary theories of motor control and learning.  Laboratory activities and clinical case studies assist the student in integrating foundational science content with clinical practice issues.

PHTH 7250           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction (4 semester credit hours) This course provides the student with an overview of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems pathologies, medical diagnosis and management; and then focuses on physical therapy diagnosis and management of related physiological and movement dysfunctions. Case studies and laboratory practice facilitate the students’ development of skills in examination, assessment, and interventions aimed at restoration of cardiopulmonary health and maximization of functional independence.

PHTH 7261           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I (4 semester credit hours) Students examine the principles of orthopaedic medicine and study the etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of commonly encountered musculoskeletal pathologies across the lifespan.  Students learn methods of selective tissue evaluation and mobilization, and apply exercise approaches for the therapeutic management of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Case studies, laboratory and clinic practice facilitate the development of applied skills.

PHTH 8201           Independent Study 1** ( 1,2 or 3 semster credit hours) The first of four optional learning experiences. Students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, engage in the in-depth study of advanced topics related to the practice and profession of physical therapy.

PHTH 7204           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy IV (3 semester credit hours) Students apply the foundations of research methodology learned for clinical practice to the principles of scientific research. Students revisit the theory and steps of hypothesis testing in the context of research design and explore methodologies associated with various research designs.  Students review and practice the principles of applied statistics.  The literature review for their chosen capstone project is completed. 

PHTH 7214           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy IV (3 semester credit hours) Students learn about the legal aspects of providing healthcare and of physical therapy practice. Students are introduced to the legislative process and liability issues including contract law, due process, fraud, abuse, and licensure.  The legal structure of health care organizations and the systems that subserve them are reviewed along with fair and legal avenues for providing pro bono services.  Legalities of providing appropriate documentation for third party payers and documentation requirements for federal insurance programs are addressed.  Students will learn how to develop a professional resume and curriculum vita.

PHTH 7242           Neurosciences II (4 semester credit hours) Students study, in depth, aspects of functional neuroanatomy and neuropathology correlated with common clinical pathologies encountered by physical therapists.  Selected conditions are studied with respect to etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, medical management and prognosis. Special attention is given to neural substrates of cognitive, perceptual, sensory, and motor dysfunctions arising because of pathology or injury.  Case studies assist students’ integration of functional neuroanatomy with clinical presentation.

PHTH 7262           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II (3 semester credit hours) Students expand their knowledge and skills in the management of individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction through the application of manual therapy and interventions that integrate the principles of mechanics, arthrokinematics and osteokinematics.  They learn to apply selected modalities in the management of musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain.  Case studies and laboratory practice facilitate development of skills in musculoskeletal evaluation, examination, and interventions along with integration of related curricular topics.  

PHTH 7271           Diagnosis & Management of Patients with Neuromuscular Dysfunction (4 semester credit hours) Applying the foundational knowledge from neuroscience and movement science courses, students learn to diagnose and manage movement dysfunction in adults and children with cognitive, behavioral and neuromotor deficits.

PHTH 7400           Practicum in Client/Peer Teaching (4 semester credit hours) Students will develop and present an educative review of the literature on a topic of their choice to faculty and peers. This is a classroom- and clinic-based course in which students practice the application of their teaching skills in the context of patient care and in the context of clinical teaching to peers. Second year students will participate in teaching of basic skills to first year DPT students  before going into the clinics where they will apply teaching principles in the context of patient and family education.

PHTH 8201           Independent Study 2** ( 1,2 or 3 semster credit hours) The second of four optional learning experiences. Students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, engage in the in-depth study of advanced topics related to the practice and profession of physical therapy.  

PHTH 7381           Clinical Internship I (4 semester credit hours) A clinical course providing students with a full-time clinical experience in a mainly orthopedic setting.  The practicum of the course is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the material presented during the first two years of study.

PHTH 7305           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy V (2 semester credit hours)  Students apply the foundations of research previously introduced to the development of clinical case studies and formal research proposals. Work on the individual capstone projects will continue.

PHTH 7315           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy V (2 semester credit hours) Students delve into structuring peer education in the context of clinical teaching and begin to develop the skills required to be clinical instructors.  Students revisit ethics through presentation and discussion of ethical issues that they have encountered in the context of recent clinical experiences. 

PHTH 7391           Administrative Physical Therapy I (2 semester credit hours) Students explore topics essential to effective management within health care organizations and operations. Students engage in clinical administrative simulations designed to develop management skills and facilitate administrative problem solving. 

PHTH 7401           Practicum in Integrative Practice I (4 semester credit hours) The first of two problem-based courses in which students manage simulated patient cases designed to foster integration of all aspects of the doctoral curriculum in physical therapy

PHTH 7300           Prevention, Nutrition & Wellness (2 semester credit hours) Students will actively learn to assess the health needs of individuals, groups and communities through the development of screening programs.  They will learn how physical therapists promote healthy lifestyles through the development of wellness programs that address preventative medicine, nutrition and the benefits of exercise. Aspects of nutrition in healing and managing individuals with injury or disease is also addressed

PHTH 8303           Independent Study 3** (1,2 or 3 semester credit hours) The third of four optional learning experiences. Students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, engage in the in-depth study of advanced topics related to the practice and profession of physical therapy.

PHTH 7382           Clinical Internship II (4 semester credit hours) A 10 week clinical providing students with a full-time clinical experience in a variety acute, inpatient, outpatient and long-term clinical settings. The practicum of the course is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the material presented to date in the curriculum

PHTH 7383           Clinical Internship III (4 semester credit hours) A 10-week clinical providing students with a full-time clinical experience in a variety acute, inpatient, outpatient and long-term clinical settings.  The practicum of the course is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the material presented to date in the curriculum 

PHTH 7306           Evidence-Based Physical Therapy VI (2 semester credit hours) Students complete, present and defend the capstone project.

PHTH 7316           Professional Practice in Physical Therapy VI (2 semester credit hours) Students reach the culmination of the peer review process in this course that provides practice in providing feedback to professional peers, supervisors and administrators. They continue their preparation to become clinical instructors by focusing on strategies to provide learning for students in advanced, full-time clinical affiliations.

PHTH 7392           Administrative Physical Therapy II (2 semester credit hours) As a continuation of PHTH 7391, students will apply their knowledge of administration to the exercise of designing a physical therapy practice in one of a variety of healthcare environments. Students will determine and write appropriate professional goals for themselves; and explore clinical and professional venues in which to achieve those goals.

PHTH 7402           Integrative Practice II (4 semester credit hours) The second of two problem-based courses in which students manage simulated patient cases designed to foster integration of all aspects of the doctoral curriculum in physical therapy.   Passage of a comprehensive examination will be required for graduation. 

PHTH 8304           Independent Study 4** (1, 2 or 3 semester credit hours) The fourth of four optional learning experiences. Students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, engage in the in-depth study of advanced topics related to the practice and profession of physical therapy.