PHYSICAL THERAPY (PTS)
Course Descriptions
PTS/BIO/PAS 511 Cr. 6
Human Anatomy
A comprehensive consideration of the human anatomy including
both neuro-musculoskeletal components and internal organ
systems. Systems included are musculoskeletal, neurological,
urogenital, gastrointestinal, skeletal, and cardiopulmonary. The
course includes the complete regional dissection of the human
cadaver. Biomechanical function, topographic and radiographic
correlations, and clinical applications are emphasized. Provides
an in-depth understanding of the gross anatomy of the human body
through lecture, audiovisual, computer and gross cadaver
dissection. Lect. 5, Lab. 8. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PTS
Professional Program. (Cross-listed with BIO 511 and PAS 511;
may only earn credit in PAS, PTS, or BIO). Offered Summer
Session.
PTS 512 Cr. 4
Medical Physiology
Emphasis upon physiological principles directly related to
rehabilitation in a physical therapy practice setting and
interaction of physiological systems during normal activities
and after injury or disease. PTS students will be
enrolled in a one hour per week discussion section. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Summer session.
PTS 513 Cr. 3
Biomechanics & Kinesiology of Movement
The principles and theories of the biomechanics of human
motion will be presented to develop analytical skills needed to
assess normal and abnormal movement. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: Enrollment in
DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 514 Cr. 2
Motor Control, Motor Learning, and Motor Development
This course will provide a theoretical and research evidence
basis for normal and disordered movement via motor control,
motor learning, and motor development literature. Students will
formulate a basic understanding of what is known about typical
and atypical development, control and learning of movement and
how available knowledge applies to motor re-learning and control
occurring after a lesion. These concepts will be discussed with
respect to multiple patient populations. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS/OT 515 Cr. 3
Functional Neuroanatomy
This course will address the anatomical basis of neuroscience
with emphasis on rehabilitation. Structure and physiological
function of the central nervous system will be correlated for
normal and abnormal processes. Patient examples and research
literature will be utilized to foster appropriate clinical
decision-making skills in students. Lect. 2, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: admission to the OT/DPT program. (Cross-listed
with OT 515; may only earn credit in OT or PTS). Offered Fall.
PTS 516 Cr. 2
Physiological Regulation of Exertion and Disease
This course is designed to provide the student with an
overview of the physiological basis of activity. The course
emphasizes the various changes brought on by exercise to the
normal and abnormal physiological systems. Lect. 1, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 520 Cr. 3
Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice and Evaluation
Techniques
This course is designed to expose the student to the multiple
roles and professional behavior expectations of the physical
therapist and gain insight into the importance of these roles in
the context of today’s health care system. This course will also
introduce the student to the role of patient examination with
emphasis on tests and measures related to palpation, goniometry
and muscle strength testing. This course is concurrently taught
with anatomy so students may apply knowledge of human anatomy to
a clinical environment. Lect. 1, Lab. 4. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Summer Session.
PTS 522 Cr. 5
Clinical Foundations of the Physical Therapy Examination
This course is designed to instruct the student in patient
examination and how to adapt the examination process to the
musculosketal, neuromuscular, integument and cardiopulmonary
systems in the context of health and disablement models.
Examination components of medical chart review, history taking,
medical screening, and selecting and administering culturally
appropriate and age-related tests and measures will be
emphasized. Students will additionally learn how to document
their findings. Lect. 3, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT
program. Offered Fall.
PTS 523 Cr. 3
Physical Agents
This course provides an understanding of the physiological
basis, scientific rationale for, and clinical application of,
thermal, electrophysiology/electrotherapy and electromagnetic
physical agents. Strategies and techniques to manage pain,
edema, soft tissue dysfunction, loss of motion and weakness
through direct interventions will be covered. Lect. 2, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 541 Cr. 2
Foundations of Clinical Research
Research methodology with an emphasis on clinical research is
the focus of this course. Methods for critically evaluating the
literature, literature search strategies, ethics in research,
issues of control, measurement and some basic elements of
research design will be discussed. Students will formulate a
research question and develop a research proposal. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 542 Cr. 3
Research and Applied Statistics
Specific quantitative research designs and statistics with an
emphasis on clinical research is the focus of this course.
The course will discuss methods for critically evaluating the
literature based on the study design and statistical findings as
well as their application to clinical practice. Students
will build on course content developed in PTS 541. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program; may not earn credit in
both PTS 542 and PHY 423. Offered Summer Session.
PTS 543 Cr. 2
Instrumentation
Development of skills and experience necessary for data
collection in a movement analysis laboratory. Topics will
include methods of data acquisition using a force platform,
pressure platform, pressure insoles and mats, optical-based
motion analysis, posturography and electromyography (EMG), as
well as methods of processing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
Laboratory time will be available to collect and process data
using the experimental equipment. Clinical EMG and electrical
testing of nerves will also be discussed. Lect. 2, Lab 3.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program; may not earn credit in
both PTS 543 and PHY 483. Offered Summer Session.
PTS/OT 611 Cr. 2
Applied and Pathological Physiology
This course will provide the student with information about
the pathophysiology of various organ systems and physiological
control mechanisms as they pertain to the practice of physical
therapy. Emphasis will be placed upon the ability of the student
to perform differential diagnosis in a physical therapy setting
and to determine when further diagnostics may be indicated.
Patient problems will be utilized to allow students to practice
differential diagnosis and problem solving. Prerequisite: Enrollment in
DPT program. (Cross-listed with OT 611). Offered Spring.
PTS 621 Cr. 5
Scientific Principles of Intervention
This course teaches the basic therapeutic interventions used
to treat impairments and functional limitations in the different
biological systems that lead to movement dysfunction in a
patient/client. Interventions are directed at balance,
coordination, body mechanics, moving and positioning,
flexibility, gait training, relaxation, strength and power
training and mobility training including equipment used for
locomotion. This course also includes information on case
management and documentation. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT
program. Lect. 3, Lab. 4. Offered Spring.
PTS 622 Cr. 3
Physical Therapy Management of the Cardiovascular/Pulmonary
System
This course focuses on normal and abnormal structure and
function of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and lymphatic systems
with emphasis on medical and other therapeutic strategies.
Emphasis is placed on preventative measures and interventions
for cardiac and pulmonary patients. Students evaluate current
literature to support evidence-based practice and use a
problem-solving approach to evaluate and manage patients.
Laboratory time is designated for practice of examination,
evaluation, intervention and progression of the patient. Lect.
2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT Professional
Program. Offered Spring.
PTS 623 Cr. 2
Integument System
In this course, the student will build on basic skin anatomy,
physiologic basis of skin nourishment and repair, and
biomechanical stresses that can impact on the skin. Factors
predisposing the skin to breakdown will be presented as will
preventive measures where appropriate. The student will learn
specific examination and intervention techniques utilized in
treating specific integumentary conditions including burns,
wound care, and amputations. Lect. 1.5, Lab 3.5.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in
DPT program. Offered Summer Session.
PTS 631 Cr. 3
Professionalism and the Ethos of Care
Students will explore the ethics of professional practice,
fiduciary relationships, the rights and duties associated with
the patient/therapist relationship and the role character plays
in ethical decision-making. In response to the underlying values
of respect for society, self and others, students will also
explore the psychosocial variables that impact on people with
disabilities and their ability to cope. Course will emphasize
serving diverse patient populations. Lect. 2, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in
DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 651 Cr. 1
Fieldwork: Introduction to Clinical Learning
The student will participate in a clinically based learning
experience where they will shadow a physical therapist. Students
will gain experience with medical chart reviews, taking
subjective patient histories, practicing early assessment and
intervention skills, perform basic patient handling techniques
and explore the role of a physical therapist within the health
care team. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program and functioning at the
beginning level on the professional behaviors assessment form.
Pass/fail grading. Offered Winter Intersession.
PTS 711 Cr. 2
Pharmacology
This course is designed to provide coverage of typical
pharmacologic agents encountered in both inpatient and
outpatient rehabilitation settings. Content includes
pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, biotransformation of drugs,
and a consideration of the clinical application for a variety of
classes of drugs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 712 Cr. 1
Clinical Radiology
This course introduces students to the different modalities
used in clinical radiography and the rationale for using one or
more modalities when making an appropriate diagnosis. Students
will be able to better comprehend radiographic anatomy in a
manner relevant to diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 721 Cr. 3
Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Treatment: Spine
This course is designed to teach the process of physical
therapy evaluation and treatment of spinal dysfunction and
injury in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed upon
evidence-based approaches and includes mechanical assessment,
postural training, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy,
and use of modalities in the treatment of spinal dysfunction and
injury. Lect. 3, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: Enrollment
in DPT program. Offered Summer Session.
PTS 722 Cr. 3
Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Treatment: Lower Extremity
This course emphasizes the orthopedic physical therapy
evaluation and treatment aspects of musculoskeletal problems of
the lower extremities involving skeletal, connective tissue and
muscular components. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 723 Cr. 4
Adult Neurorehabilitative Physical Therapy
In this course, the student will apply basic knowledge of
motor control and motor learning, neuroanatomy and
neurophysiology, and examination to an adult with a neurological
disability. The student will learn and apply basic intervention
techniques to people with neurologically-based functional
deficits. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 724 Cr. 2
Survey of Health and Wellness in Physical Therapy Practice
In this course students will focus on the role of the
physical therapist in promoting principles of health and
wellness for the purpose of risk identification and fitness
promotion for individuals, groups, and communities throughout
the lifespan by utilizing educational and prevention programs.
Issues of health behavior, community access and efficacy of
individual and group programs will be explored. Laboratory
time is designated for practicing skills and participating in
service activities. Lect. 1, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 725 Cr. 3
Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Treatment: Upper Extremity
This course emphasizes the orthopedic physical therapy
evaluation and treatment aspects of musculoskeletal problems of
the upper extremities involving skeletal, connective tissue and
muscular components. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PTS program. Offered Spring.
PTS 726 Cr. 4
Pediatric Neurorehabilitative Physical Therapy
In this course, the student will apply basic knowledge of
motor control and motor learning, neuroanatomy and
neurophysiology, examination and intervention techniques to a
child with a neurological disability. Examination and
intervention tools and techniques used for adults and children
with neurological disabilities will be compared and contrasted.
Students will learn how to modify examination and interventions
to match a child's developmental level. Lect. 2, Lab. 4.
Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 727 Cr. 2
Case-based Clinical Decision Making – Interventions
This course will teach how to review a physical therapy
diagnosis and make appropriate clinical decisions for
evidence-based physical therapy interventions. Lect. 1, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 732 Cr. 2
Clinical Teaching and Patient Education
The intervention of patient education will be explored in
depth. Issues surrounding patient adherence in the context of
learning theory, adult learning, and learning domains will be
emphasized. The physical therapist as a clinical educator will
also be addressed. Lect. 1, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PTS program. Offered Fall.
PTS 733 Cr. 3
Health Care Systems and Administration
Primary emphasis of this course is to provide physical
therapy students with practice management skills in the context
of the U.S. health care system and an autonomous practice
environment. Topics of study will include characteristics of the
global and U.S. health care systems, reimbursement methods and
insurance models, legal considerations, compliance regulations,
fiscal management, marketing and development of professional
referral relationships and development of business plans.
Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 741 Cr. 1
Evidence-based Practice – Interventions
This course is intended to provide the learner with
strategies to evaluate the evidence underlying physical therapy
practice. Learners will utilize this evidence as a framework for
determining best practice. Evidence based strategies include
analysis of outcome measures used in physical therapy,
interpretation and analysis of clinical prediction rules, and
conducting focused systematic reviews of physical therapy
interventions. Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Fall.
PTS 742 Cr. 1
Research Practicum
Practical experience carrying out a research project under
the guidance of the principal investigator(s). Students
may be asked to participate in some of the following activities:
search and critique the literature concerning the research
problem, collect data, process, analyze and/or manage data,
assist with statistical analysis, interpret results. Lab. 2.
Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Repeatable for credit.
PTS 743 Cr. 1
Evidence-based Practice: Tests and Measures
Seminar course focusing on the critical analysis of published
clinical research related to Physical Therapy Tests and
Measures. Students will select research papers and critique the
sample utilized, research design, methodology and instrument
employed, interpretation of statistical and practical results,
discussion of applications to therapy and suggestions for
further research. This course builds on content from PTS 541 and
542. Oral and written presentations are required. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Spring.
PTS 751 Cr. 2
Fieldwork: General Practice
The student will be assigned to a clinically based learning
experience where they will be allowed to practice basic skill
acquisition in real time. Fieldwork placements will be with a
general PT practitioner. Consistent with the services that may
be provided in a rural setting, students may be expected to
provide home care, extended care facility coverage and
outpatient orthopedic coverage as well as occasional acute care
coverage for less complicated patients. Prerequisite: Enrollment
in DPT program and functioning at the beginning level on the
professional behaviors assessment form. Offered Summer Session.
Pass/Fail grading.
PTS 831 Cr. 1
Clinical Decision Making in an Inpatient Acute Care/Rehab
Setting
This course introduces learners to clinical reasoning as a
systematic process to assist practitioners in inferring or
drawing conclusions about patient care in a rural environment.
Prerequisite:
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Summer Session.
PTS 851 Cr. 6
Internship: Inpatient-acute/rehab
Clinical experience with emphasis on the medically complex
patient with related conditions such as post-surgical
intervention, oncology, wound care, organ transplant, general
de-conditioning, cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular
rehabilitation. Prerequisite: Good academic standing,
satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework. Must be
functioning at the "developing level" on the professional
behavior assessment tool.
Enrollment in DPT program. Offered Summer Session.
Pass/fail grading.
PTS 852 Cr. 6
Internship: Outpatient Orthopedic
Clinical experience with an emphasis on clients with
musculoskeletal involvement. Fieldwork will take place in an
outpatient setting. Patient population and diagnosis may vary
according to the facility assigned. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Good academic standing,
satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework. Must be
functioning at the "developing level" on the professional
behavior assessment tool. Offered Fall. Pass/fail grading
PTS 853 Cr. 6
Internship: Autonomous Practice
Clinical experience with an emphasis on the autonomous
practice setting. Students will select a practice setting not
previously experienced where they will mentor under a master
clinician practicing in areas such as burns, women's health,
oncology, industrial rehabilitation, hand therapy, pediatrics,
research, administration, clinical biomechanics, geriatrics, and
health and wellness. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT program. Good academic standing,
satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework. Must be
functioning at the entry level on the professional behavior
assessment tool. Pass/fail grading. Offered Spring.
PTS 854 Cr. 1
Internship Debriefing
On-campus learning experience whereby students participate in a dialectic discourse with faculty regarding physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: Enrollment in DPT Professional Program. Good academic standing, satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework. Must be functioning at the entry level on the professional behavior assessment tool. Offered Spring. Pass/fail grading.