Graduate Physical Therapy Courses

PHTH 6135. Patient Client Management: Lymphatics and Integumentary. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

This course is designed to provide Doctor of Physical Therapy students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patients with lymphatic and integumentary disorders. The course will cover the examination, evaluation, and treatment of patients with lymphedema, as well as the management of patients with integumentary disorders such as wounds, burns, and scars. Students will learn manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, and patient-appropriate exercises for lymphedema management. The course will also cover the examination and treatment of patients with integumentary disorders, including wound care and scar management. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6141. Anatomy II: Spine. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

The course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the vertebral column, emphasizing the spine's structure and function. This course will build upon the foundational anatomical concepts introduced in Anatomy I, focusing exclusively on the static and dynamic aspects of the spine. Through a combination of independent study and laboratory work including palpation, osteology, models, and simulated cadavers students will gain a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the spine, including its bony landmarks, muscular attachments, ligamentous structures, and the crucial blood and nerve supply that governs its function. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6144. Pain and Pain Experiences. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of pain mechanisms, assessment, management, and the human dimensions of pain. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of pain, this course integrates both traditional medical perspectives and the humanities, encompassing literature, art, philosophy, and ethics. Through lectures, case studies, experiential learning, and critical discussions, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and empathy required to assess, manage, and understand pain effectively in their clinical practice. This course integrates both traditional medical perspectives and the humanities, encompassing literature, art, philosophy, and ethics, to provide a holistic approach to pain management. Participants of this course will emerge as empathetic, holistic, and culturally competent practitioners capable of addressing pain in its entirety, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they provide to patients experiencing pain. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6151. Anatomy III: Extremities. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

This course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the extremities. This course will build upon the foundational anatomical concepts introduced in Anatomy I, focusing exclusively on the static and dynamic aspects of the upper and lower extremities. Through a combination of independent study and laboratory work including palpation, osteology, models, and simulated cadavers students will gain a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the extremities, including bony landmarks, muscular attachments, ligamentous structures, and the crucial blood and nerve supply that governs function. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6159. Population Health and Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

This course aims to challenge students to recognize the unique contributions of physical therapy in addressing population health issues. The course explores the role of physical therapy in population health, emphasizing its contribution to promoting movement and healthy lifestyles. Students examine the foundations of population health, prevention, and health promotion within the broader societal context. Special focus is placed on population health principles and health equity, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. The course integrates social determinants of health, diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with health policy considerations. It covers public health principles, community assessment, health planning, education, risk reduction, and major public health issues. Students develop quantitative and analytical skills to assess and monitor population health. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6169. Rural Health: Transforming Society Through Movement. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

This one-credit DPT course is designed to empower students to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of rural communities through movement. Students will explore the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations and learn how physical therapy can be a catalyst for positive change. The primary focus of the course is on designing and implementing a service project in a local rural community to address specific health and movement-related needs. Through experiential learning, students will develop leadership, teamwork, and community engagement skills while promoting health equity in underserved areas. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6180. Doctoral Seminar I. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

Doctoral Seminar I is an integrative experience in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, designed to prepare students for a successful transition into the physical therapy profession upon graduation. This course encompasses a comprehensive exploration of professional issues, career development, and thorough preparation for the licensing examination, including participation in a licensing examination review seminar facilitated by esteemed professionals in the field of physical therapy education. Students will also continue to work on their capstone project in preparation for dissemination in Doctoral Seminar II. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6190. Doctoral Seminar II. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course continues the exploration of professional issues, career development, and thorough preparation for the licensing examination, including a Practice Examination and Assessment Test for the National Physical Therapy Board Exam. Students will also disseminate their research findings as part of this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6210. Professional Development I: Teaching and Learning. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course serves as a fundamental course for Physical Therapy students, immersing them in the realm of learning theory, assessment techniques, and effective communication strategies. The content of this course revolves around equipping students with the necessary skills and insights to excel as both educators and learners. Through an integrated approach, students will explore the dynamic connections between self-assessment, clinical reasoning, and the invaluable practice of reflective learning. Furthermore, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of communication strategies, highlighting the intricate balance between conveying knowledge to diverse patient populations and effectively collaborating with professional groups and individuals for successful knowledge translation. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the DPT degree program or permission from DPT faculty.

PHTH 6220. Professional Development II: Professional Identity. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an essential introduction to the profession of physical therapy, offering students an initial exploration of the roles and responsibilities inherent in the role of a physical therapist. Through practical insights, students will begin to shape their professional identity by applying core values, professional ethics, and behaviors that are vital to the practice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6222. Pathophysiology for the Physical Therapist. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will equip Physical Therapy students with an understanding of how diseases and disorders impact the movement system by covering basic physiology and pathophysiology of the following body systems: nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary lymphatic, integumentary, renal, gastrointestinal, genital and reproductive, hematologic, hepatic and biliary, immune, endocrine, and metabolic. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6223. Neuroscience for the Physical Therapist. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an in-depth exploration of neuroanatomical structures at the cellular and organ levels, their functions, and their relevance to selected disease processes, all with a strong focus on translating this knowledge into clinical practice. Students will develop an advanced understanding of the human nervous system and the foundation of neuromuscular dysfunction. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6224. Applied Exercise Science. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course addresses adaptation of the human body to exercise and the strategic use of exercise to modify human function. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6225. Patient Client Management: Screening and Examination. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course explores concepts of physical therapy screening and examination and introduces principles of documentation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6226. Mechanics and Analysis of Gait. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides and introduction into the mechanics and analysis of human gait with an emphasis on temporal-spatial factors, joint motion, kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activity. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6228. Evidence Based Practice I – Statistics and Research Design. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course introduces students to the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values as influenced by culture, ethnicity, lifestyles, gender and age into patient-centered clinical decision-making. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6229. Interprofessional Education Experience. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides and introductory exploration of interprofessional collaboration and its application to patient-centered care in rural and underserved areas. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6232. Clinical Pharmacology for the Physical Therapist. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to equip Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students with the knowledge and understanding of pharmacological principles and their relevance to physical therapy practice by providing a foundational understanding the medications used across the lifespan to treat diagnoses and disorders commonly seen in physical therapist practice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6233. Human Development Across the Lifespan. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive understanding of human development across the lifespan with a particular focus on its impact on the movement system and implications for activity and participation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6234. Principles of Clinical Medicine and Imaging. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides students with an essential foundation in clinical medicine and diagnostic tests, including blood studies, nuclear medicine studies, radiologic/X-ray studies, magnetic resonance imaging, and diagnostic ultrasound. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6239. Health Promotion and Wellness: Focus on Rural and Underserved Populations. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to develop Doctor of Physical Therapy students' knowledge and skills in health promotion and disease prevention for rural and underserved populations. Students will critically examine the barriers to optimal health that residents face in rural and underserved areas, and strategize way to promote health and wellness in these populations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6247. Interventions: Therapeutic Exercise I. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is the initial component of a two-part series dedicated to comprehensively addressing the theoretical and practical aspects of exercise assessment and prescription. This course primarily centers on individuals experiencing musculoskeletal impairments. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6248. Evidence Based Practice II - Critical Inquiry. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the principles and practices of scholarly inquiry, with an emphasis on literature review. Students will learn how to conduct a comprehensive literature search, critically evaluate research articles, and synthesize findings to develop a literature review. The course will cover research concepts, literature searches, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6250. Integrated Experience. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is designed to provide students with authentic insights into the roles, responsibilities, and values of physical therapists before their terminal full-time clinical education experiences. Students engage in supervised experiences in a variety of clinical settings, allowing them to gain exposure and acquisition across all domains of learning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6257. Interventions: Biophysical Agents. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biophysical agents and their application in physical therapy practice. This course explores the principles, indications, contraindications, and evidence-based use of various biophysical agents. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6259. Psychosocial Aspects of Care. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on emotional reactions to illness/trauma; social determinants of health; recognition of mental illness in physical therapy examination and intervention; psychosocial aspects of disability as they relate to patient-physical therapist interaction; effective communication strategies; cultural competence in professional behavior and patient care; and principles of justice, equity, and belonging within the context of healthcare. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6260. Professional Development III: Leadership. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to provide Doctor of Physical Therapy students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders in the physical therapy profession. The course will cover topics related to legislative and political advocacy, community collaboration, health care disparities, ethics, values, responsibilities, service, and leadership in the ever-changing healthcare environment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6265. Patient Client Management: Medically Complex Patients. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is designed to equip physical therapy students with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage medically complex patients with multiple system involvement across various healthcare settings.

PHTH 6266. Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Advanced Gait Analysis. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course focuses on the analysis of pathological gait patterns in individuals with a diverse range of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and integumentary impairments and functional limitations who use prostheses and orthotics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6267. Interventions: Therapeutic Exercise II. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is the second component of a two-part series dedicated to comprehensively addressing the theoretical and practical aspects of exercise assessment and prescription. It extends beyond the musculoskeletal focus of the first course, delving into the complexities of therapeutic exercise interventions for special and medically complex patient/client populations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6269. Practice Management in Physical Therapy. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to equip Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6272. Differential Diagnosis. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Screening for medical referral and diagnosis requires highly effective skills at comparing and contrast neuromusculoskeletal (MSK) signs and symptoms with those of possible systemic origin best evaluated by a different healthcare practitioner. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6273. Diagnostic Imaging for the Physical Therapist. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course prepares Doctor of Physical Therapy students to incorporate diagnostic imaging effectively into their clinical practice. It covers essential topics, including terminology, systematic analysis of imaging methods, procedure selection, differential diagnosis, patient communication, pathology recognition, radiology consultation, and legal/ethical considerations. Students will also learn when and how to refer patients for imaging and interpret radiology reports for informed clinical decisions. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6275. Application of Clinical Reasoning. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 2 Hours).

The Application of Clinical Reasoning course is designed to prepare Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students for terminal clinical experiences by enhancing their clinical reasoning skills and promoting the integration of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6278. Evidence Based Practice III - Scholarly Inquiry. 2 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course equips students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in evidence-based healthcare practice and contribute to the advancement of the field. This course focuses on formal capstone project development. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6312. Applied Anatomy and Physiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is an integrated study of applied anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics as they related specifically to the analysis of human movement. Emphasis is placed on observational skill and an integrated understanding of muscle function and resultant musculoskeletal movements. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the DPT degree program or permission from DPT faculty.

PHTH 6334. Motor Learning and Motor Control. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the processes governing human movement. This course explores the principles, theories, and practical applications related to motor learning and motor control, essential for assessing and treating individuals with disorders of the movement system. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6335. Patient Client Management: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the management of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6337. Interventions: Foundational Skills. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course will focus on the development of skills for clinician safety, including infection control and body mechanics that will be necessary throughout the program. The course will introduce the fundamental psychomotor components of patient care such as bed mobility, transfers, gait training, and wheelchair mobility while reinforcing both clinician and patient safety. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6355. Patient Client Management: Neuro I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is the first in a series of two (2) to focus on examination, evaluation and interventions of a patient/client with neurologic neuromuscular and developmental dysfunctions. Course content has been designed to provide the student with an understanding of the pathophysiology and physical therapy management related to neuromuscular disorders. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6365. Patient Client Management: Neuro II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course is the second in a series of two (2) to focus on examination, evaluation and interventions of a patient/client with neurologic neuromuscular and developmental dysfunctions. These include, but are not limited to Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Polyneuropathies. The course content has been designed to provide the student with an understanding of the pathophysiology and physical therapy management related to neuromuscular disorders. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6366. Patient Client Management: Pediatrics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course focuses on the development of safe, effective, and evidence-based pediatric physical therapy management skills for children with neuro-musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and other pediatric physical therapy related impairments. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6375. Advanced Topics in Physical Therapy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This advanced course delves into the dynamic landscape of modern physical therapy practice. It offers students an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge topics relevant to the profession. These subjects may include advanced topics of patient care such as pelvic health, innovative therapeutic approaches such as dry needling, emerging research trends, state-of-the-art technologies such as robotics, and promising skills employed in patient management. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6411. Anatomy I: Clinical Anatomy of the Human Body. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

This course involves the study of human anatomical structures and their function. This course focuses on the movement system and includes the anatomy and function of the skeletal, muscular, cardiopulmonary, nervous systems, and other related systems. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the DPT degree program or permission from DPT faculty.

PHTH 6445. Patient Client Management: Musculoskeletal I. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

This course describes principles of screening and examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and care for individuals with impairments, functional limitations, and participation restrictions of the musculoskeletal system. This course focuses on the spine. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6455. Patient Client Management: Musculoskeletal II. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

This is the second in a series of two (2) courses to discuss musculoskeletal dysfunction. This course describes principles of screening and examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and care for individuals with impairments, functional limitations, and participation restrictions of the musculoskeletal system. This course focuses on the extremities. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term or permission from the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6481. Clinical Experience I. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 10 Hours).

This is the first of three full-time clinical education experiences. This course is designed to facilitate socialization of DPT students to the clinical environment and to apply knowledge and skills developed in the curriculum. Students will participate in direct patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty members. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term and approval of the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6482. Clinical Experience II. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 10 Hours).

This is the second of three full-time clinical education experiences. This course is designed to facilitate socialization of DPT students to the clinical environment and to apply knowledge and skills developed in the curriculum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term and approval of the DPT faculty.

PHTH 6891. Clinical Experience III. 8 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 10 Hours).

This is the third of three full-time clinical education experiences. This course is designed to facilitate socialization of DPT students to the clinical environment and to apply knowledge and skills developed in the curriculum. Students will participate in direct patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty members. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all DPT courses in the previous term and approval of the DPT faculty.