Course Descriptions
PHYT 6101 - Functional Human Anatomy (6 credits)
The study of normal human anatomy as it relates to function with special emphasis on structures of the extremities. Includes the study of embryological development histology. Human cadaver dissection is the primary laboratory activity.
PHYT 6102 - Pathophysiology (4 credits)
This course includes a survey of the clinical signs, symptoms, and etiologies of the major diseases of all systems of the human body. Principles of diseases affecting the different organ systems with clinical relationships in physical therapy are studied.
PHYT 6103 - Biomechanics (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the study of biomechanics as it relates to the clinical practice of physical therapy. Emphasis will be on mathematical clinical problem solving as it relates to forces and motions acting within or on the human body statically or dynamically; biomechanics of solids and musculoskeletal tissues; biomechanics of joint complexes of the human body; and, an introduction to the application of biomechanical scientific principles in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system.
PHYT 6111 - PT Basic Skills I (2 credits)
This is an introductory course in evaluation techniques. Topics include, but are not limited to: evaluation of posture and gross motion of the extremities and trunk, manual muscle testing, and goniometry.
PHYT 6151 - Professional Issues I (1 credit)
This is the first in a series of two courses that will introduce students to the various ethical, legal, psychosocial, and management issues involved in being a physical therapist. Emphasis will be placed on various issues that affect ones own value system and how one relates to other health care professionals, patients, patients families, and the changing health care system.
PHYT 6212 - PT Basic Skills II (2 credits)
The students will have the opportunity to learn the theory and psychomotor skills for applying the physical modalities commonly employed in physical therapy. The physical therapy related modalities within the following areas will be covered: electromagnetic radiation (UV, IR, LASER), Mechanical (US, traction, compression), Thermal (conductive and convective heating, cryotherapy, diathermy, hydrotherapy).
PHYT 6213 - Basic Skills III (4 credits)
Documentation and basic patient care skills are presented; skills include transfer techniques, wheel chair management, teaching the use of assistive gait devices, and how to monitor vital signs. In addition, a general overview of exercise prescription, exercise techniques, and clinical outcome measurements associated with therapeutic exercise will be presented. Students will study and practice general rules of good body mechanics, patient handling, and safety for patients and therapists. An overview of some methods for kinematic and kinetic gait analyses will be presented. The terminology used to describe normal gait and the variables assessed in a gait analysis will provide the basis for observational gait analysis. An introduction to pathological gait patterns as well as normal changes that occur in ambulation over the life span will also be presented.
PHYT 6221 - Musculoskeletal I Upper Quarter (cervical spine, TMJ, and upper extremity) (4 credits)
This course is an introduction to physical therapy evaluation and treatment management of common neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine, stomatognathic system (especially temporomandibular joint), and the upper extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand). It also includes an introduction to differential diagnosis for neuromusculoskeletal disorders, for common orthopaedic clinical tests, fracture management, manual therapy, imaging and radiological evaluation of the upper quarter, and rehabilitation of common surgical repairs of the upper quarter.
PHYT 6261 - Introduction to the Research Process (1 credit)
This course provides students with an introduction into the foundations and concepts involved in scientific investigation, and the composition and critical analysis of scientific writing and presentation.
PHYT 6271 - Clinical Practicum I (2 credits)
Prerequisite - successful completion of previous course work in the PHYT curriculum
This is the first in a series of courses designed to allow students to implement and refine the clinical skills learned in the classroom in a patient care setting. Each student will be assigned to a clinical setting and work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. By completing all of the clinical practicum objectives, the student will meet each of the PHYT Program Goals.
PHYT 6304 - Neuroscience (6 credits)
This course is designed to transmit the fundamental facts and concepts underlying current knowledge of the nervous system as this knowledge applies to general clinical training in medicine and physical therapy and on the principle that the best understanding of the nervous system is obtained when the morphological, physiological, and behavioral aspects of the neurosciences are presented conjointly. Clinical examples and correlations are used to provide a context for perceiving and recognizing normal neural structure/function and to illustrate how knowledge of the basic neurobiological principles underlie an understanding of neural and behavioral dysfunction.
PHYT 6314 - PT Basic Skills IV (2 credits)
The course includes an introduction to the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of soft tissues affecting dysfunction or pain. Specific tissues include muscle, epithelial, nervous, and connective tissue and topics include massage, myofascial techniques, stretching, and contract-relax.
PHYT 6315 - Electrotherapeutics (3 credits)
Students will have the opportunity to learn the theory and psychomotor skills for applying the electrotherapeutic modalities commonly employed in physical therapy. The course will focus on the use of electrical force in the evaluation and treatment of patients in rehabilitation medicine.
PHYT 6322 - Musculoskeletal II Lower quarter (thoracic, lumbar, pelvis/sacral spine, and lower extremities) (4 credits)
This course is an introduction to physical therapy evaluation and treatment management of common neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the thoracic, lumbar, pelvis/sacral spine, and the lower extremities (hip, knee, ankle, and foot). It also includes an introduction to differential diagnosis for neuromusculoskeletal disorders, for common orthopaedic clinical tests, fracture management, manual therapy, imaging and radiological evaluation of the upper quarter and rehabilitation of common surgical repairs of the lower quarter.
PHYT 6331 - Neurotherapeutic Principles I (4 credits)
This course includes an application of basic anatomy and physiology of the human nervous
system to evaluation and treatment techniques for the neurologically involved patient.
Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of the neurological assessment procedures
and principles of therapeutic management as they relate to neurophysiological and
developmental learning principles.
The course is designed to present to the student the etiology, incidence, signs and
symptoms, motor impairment, physical disabilities, prognosis, and medical and surgical
management of common disorders such as the following: stroke, spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, demyelinating diseases, neuropathies
and injuries of peripheral nerves, neuromuscular diseases, inherited disorders, and
infections of the nervous system. This course will provide the student with the didactic
and clinical applications of evaluative measures, therapeutic interventions and treatment
rationale for these select neurological conditions.
PHYT 6405 - Pharmacology I for PT (2 credits)
Students are introduced to the most commonly used pharmacotherapeutic agents for patients receiving physical therapy. The role of these agents is discussed in relation to disease prevention, amelioration, restoration/cure, maintenance, and how they affect the patient’s response to physical therapy procedures.
PHYT 6416 - Wound and Burn Care (2 credits)
This is an introductory course for the prevention, evaluation, and management of non-thermal and thermal wounds of the integument and associated soft tissues as commonly seen in the practice of physical therapy.
PHYT 6432 - Neurotherapeutics II-Pediatrics (3 credits)
Introduction to the physical therapy management of children with diseases and dysfunction of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Students will learn through lecture and laboratory experiences how to implement specific evaluation and treatment techniques for these conditions including, but not limited to, the management of cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, common pediatric orthopedic problems and mental retardation. Normal and abnormal growth and development will also be presented. Students will also be exposed to the various federal regulations that impact the delivery of physical therapy services to the pediatric population.
PHYT 6433 - Neurotherapeutics III-Geriatrics (2 credits)
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to build upon and integrate previous course work in physical therapy evaluation and treatment planning of the geriatric client. Emphasis is placed on the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and psychosocial factors involved in the normal aging process. Students will then modify, practice and demonstrate various treatment approaches to select medical problems frequently encountered in the geriatric population.
PHYT 6452 - Clinical Correlates Seminar I (1 credit)
This is the first of two courses in which students begin to integrate concepts drawn from previous course work with developing clinical knowledge and practical experience. Case studies will be presented to the class and faculty for discussion to facilitate transition to professional practice. The emphasis of the first course is presenting accurate and objective patient case study information and one objective evidence-based assessment or intervention.
PHYT 6462 - Scientific Inquiry for Physical Therapists (1 credit)
The course provides students with an introduction for critical examination of research sampling, designs, and data analysis. Elements of experimental and non-experimental designs will be studied. Statistical measures for variability, and common parametric and nonparametric analysis of data are also examined.
PHYT 6472 - Clinical Practicum II (2 credits)
This is the second in a series of courses designed to allow students to implement and refine the clinical skills learned in the classroom in a patient care setting. Each student will be assigned to a clinical setting and work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
PHYT 6523 - Prosthetics and Orthotics (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the physical therapy management of patients with amputations. Students learn how to implement specific evaluation and treatment techniques for this condition including proper function and use of prostheses, exercise programs used for training, and gait patterns. In addition, this course will introduce basic principles of orthotics for the spine and extremities.
PHYT 6541 - Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (2 credits)
Lecture and laboratory course which emphasizes the physical therapy management of patients with disease and dysfunction of the cardiac and pulmonary systems. Students learn how to implement specific evaluation and treatment techniques for cardiopulmonary conditions; including low level stress testing and EKG interpretation. The course includes a review of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as the foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of the conditions studied.
PHYT 6553 - Professional Issues II (2 credits)
This is the second in a series of two courses that will introduce students to the various ethical, legal, psychosocial, and management issues involved in being a physical therapist. Emphasis will be placed on various issues that affect one’s own value system and how one relates to other health care professionals, patients, patients’ families, and the changing health care system.
PHYT 6554 - Clinical Correlates II (1 credit)
This is the second of two courses in which students begin to integrate concepts drawn from previous course work with developing clinical knowledge and practical experience. Case studies will be presented to the class and faculty for discussion to facilitate transition to professional practice. The emphasis of the second course is evidence-based assessments or interventions for a specific patient case study and the outcomes.
PHYT 6573 - Clinical Practicum III (2 credits)
This is the third in a series of courses designed to allow students to implement and refine the clinical skills learned in the classroom in a patient care setting. Each student will be assigned to a clinical setting and work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
PHYT 6663 - Human Research for PT (1 credit)
Students are introduced to the procedures involved in human research. These include the educational requirements, development and submission of all documentation required to conduct research with humans. Finally, students will examine the components and mechanism to writing a case report.
PHYT 6674 - Internship I (12 credits)
This course will allow the student to develop and refine the clinical skills necessary to evaluate and treat patients/clients commonly seen by a physical therapist. Students will be assigned to a variety of clinical settings and work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
PHYT 6681 - Administration & Management in PT (2 credits)
This is an introductory course to the principles of administration/management as they relate to the practice/business of physical therapy. Topics will include, but not be limited to: physical therapy in the changing health care system and changing organizational structures, fiscal management, human resources management, reimbursement for service issues, information management technologies, operations management, strategic planning, services and facilities planning, risk management, marketing and public relations, consultation issues, contracts, continuing quality improvement, time management, and management communications relative to physical therapy.
PHYT 7706 - Pharmacology II for PT (1 credit)
Prerequisites - PHYT 5405 or 4405 or permission of the instructor
Students are introduced to additional pharmaceutic agents in patients receiving physical therapy. The pharmacokinetics, pharmadynamics and toxic effects of these pharmaceutics, and their effect on patient’s response to physical therapy assessment or interventions are discussed.
PHYT 7717 - Current Trends in Physical Therapy (1 credit)
Students will explore special needs within the population or health care community where expanded physical therapy services could have a positive impact on the well-being or function of individuals. The topic(s) will vary from year to year and be dependent on special needs of the population identified by the departmental faculty through their service, education, and research efforts.
PHYT 7764 - Case Study in PT (1 credit)
Prerequisite - PHYT 6663, Human Research for PT
Students will continue to develop investigative and writing skills under the individual guidance of the physical therapy departmental faculty by preparing a written case study based on a physical therapy clinical situation. This course will build on the introduction to case studies presented in PHYT 6663-Human Research.
PHYT 7775 - Internship II (10 credits)
This course will allow the student to further develop and refine clinical skills necessary to evaluate and treat patients/clients commonly seen by a physical therapist. Students will be assigned to a variety of clinical settings and work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
PHYT 7807 - Imaging Studies for PT (2 credits)
This is an in-depth overview of imaging studies introduced earlier in the physical
therapy curriculum. The student will study various imaging technologies such as computerized
tomography (CT) scans, medical resonance imaging (MRI), myelograms, and nuclear medicine
with an emphasis on plain film radiography.
These studies will be related to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal,
and reproductive systems with an emphasis on the neuromusculoskeletal system. In turn,
these studies will be related to the role of the physical therapist on the health
care team and the making of a physical therapy diagnosis (within the scope of the
physical therapy practice act). The student will also discuss the advantages and limitations
of requesting and using imaging as part of the physical therapy screening and evaluation
process.
PHYT 7855 - Lifespan Development for PT (3 credits)
This course involves a comprehensive examination of physical, emotional, cognitive, and socio-cultural aspects of development from the prenatal period throughout the lifespan. Emphasis will be on the “total person” as students examine the interdependency of these areas during development. Theoretical, methodological, and empirical issues will be emphasized as students explore stages and transitions in sensory-motor, cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood, and the end of life.
PHYT 7856 - Health and Wellness Strategies in PT (3 credits)
This course will assist the physical therapist or student in expanding his/her role in developing strategies in prevention and the promotion of health, wellness, and physical fitness as part of his/her physical therapy clinical practice.
PHYT 7857 - Differential Diagnosis for PT (2 credits)
This course is designed to guide students through a systematic and comprehensive clinical
decision making process by assisting them in gathering the historical, physical, psychosocial,
and laboratory information necessary to make a differential diagnosis.
As an across-the-lifespan illness-focused clinical decision making course, students
are expected to identify signs and symptoms of systemic disease that may be masquerading
as musculoskeletal dysfunction. Students will learn to recognize reported and unreported
symptoms or medical conditions that can have a serious impact on the health of an
individual and require immediate referral. Emphasis is on critical thinking in the
clinical setting and the identification of “red flags” that highlight critical information
needed to safely manage the client.
PHYT 7882 - Teaching and Learning for PT (1 credit)
This course is designed to acquaint students with educational and evaluation methods as they are used in physical therapy settings.
PHYT 7883 - PT Management and Leadership (2 credits)
This course will build on the principles learned in Administration and Management. Students will investigate how health care policy impacts the practice of physical therapy. Students will also study leadership and management principles that can be used to improve patient outcomes and employee satisfaction.
PHYT 7976 - Internship III (6-15 credits)
This course will allow the student to develop and refine skills in a specialty area. The student will be assigned to a clinical, administrative, research, or teaching setting that specializes in the student’s area of interest. The student will be supervised by a professional with documented credentials in the particular specialty area. If the student is in a clinical setting, supervision by a licensed physical therapist will be required. Total maximum contact time: 600 hours.