This course is the first of two human anatomy courses, focusing on the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. The learner is introduced to the foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy and a clinical application of embryology and histology. Functional anatomy is explored concerning human movement across the lifespan. Anatomy laboratory experiences include synthetic human anatomical models, three-dimensional anatomy software and models, and living/surface anatomy.
This course is the second of two human anatomy courses, focusing on the cervical/thoracic spine, thorax and viscera, and upper extremities. The learner expands foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy and the clinical application of embryology and histology. Functional anatomy is explored concerning human movement across the lifespan. Anatomy laboratory experiences include synthetic human anatomical models, three-dimensional anatomy software and models, and living/surface anatomy.
Learners in this course study the physiologic responses to physical activity and exercise. This course covers physiological issues related to health and wellness, including the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are explored.
This course explores foundational knowledge of the neuroscience of the movement system, specifically the motor and sensory systems and pathways that regulate typical movement. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and functions of the movement system that contribute to neurological dysfunction. Lab activities will focus on the essential elements of the neurologic examination, including assessment tools, clinical problem solving integrating neurological structure/function, and an introduction to standard outcome measures used in the neurologic population across the lifespan.
Pharmacology principles and common uses of medications are introduced for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, endocrine, and integumentary systems. This course introduces students to the influence of medications on patient management across the lifespan, and the impact on patient presentations, physical therapy outcomes, and rehabilitation sessions is emphasized.
This course introduces a patient management framework used throughout the curriculum and introduces the student to fundamental physical therapy skills spanning various practice settings. Fundamental skills addressed in the lab include basic examination tests and measures such as goniometry, range of motion, manual muscle testing, and anthropometric testing. Techniques for interview, documentation, systems review, and measuring patient outcomes are introduced.
This course introduces the foundation concepts of motor control, motor development and motor learning. Functional anatomy and biomechanical concepts are reinforced through analysis of simple and complex movements, including typical and atypical gait. Learners will be introduced to movement analysis constructs and learn to apply the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Integration of theory, movement analysis, and use of the ICF model is emphasized to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice.
This course introduces the principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and movement. Biomechanical principles are integrated with joint structure and function, movement analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Learners are introduced to therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and tissue healing response principles and learn to manage patients with pain, strength, and mobility impairments. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision making in the appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions using current evidence.
This second therapeutic intervention course expands on clinical decision making in the appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions using current evidence. This course focuses on the principles and application of selected physical agents, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy for managing patients with pain and tissue injury, and with impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control.
This is an introductory course to evidence-based practice, research design, and statistics. Learners explore the most common research methodologies and statistical approaches used in health care research. The course examines the basics of evidence-based practice with the formulation of clinical questions, performing effective literature searches, critical appraisal of sources, evidence, and methodologies, and emphasizes evidence-based practice in clinical decision making.
This is the first of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, emphasizing dysfunctions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip region. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with lumbar spine, pelvis and/or hip region dysfunction. Evidence-based interventions for the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip region are taught, emphasizing patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This is the second of four courses focused on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on lower extremity dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination (including psychomotor skills such as regional palpation, passive mobility testing, and special tests), assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with lower extremity dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the lower extremity are taught, with emphasis on patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This course is the third focusing on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on cervicothoracic, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and rib dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with cervicothoracic, TMJ, and rib dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the cervicothoracic region, TMJ, and ribs are taught, emphasizing patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
This course is the last focusing on the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on upper extremity dysfunctions. Students engage in clinical application of biomechanical and functional movement principles to regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention, planning/implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis for patients with upper extremity dysfunctions. Evidence-based interventions for the upper extremity are taught, with emphasis on patient education, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling), and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
Learners explore the management of patients with neurologic health conditions, focusing on acquired brain injuries in this course. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the ICF model to examine the impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that occur as a result of neurophysiological and patho-kinesiological mechanisms of neurological health conditions. Students are taught to integrate and apply motor control and motor learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
Learners continue to study the management of patients with neurologic health conditions. This course’s condition focus includes spinal cord injury, vestibular disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disorders, and central nervous system cancers. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the ICF model to examine the impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that occur because of neurophysiological and patho-kinesiological mechanisms of neurological health conditions. Students are taught to integrate and apply motor control and motor learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
This course provides a comprehensive study of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to effectively manage patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement dysfunction. The focus will be on evaluating and rehabilitating patients across the lifespan and the continuum of care. Lab activities include examination techniques including exercise testing, auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examination, with additional ECG analysis skills.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model considering culturally competent and motivational strategies. Students are presented with the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to perform a differential diagnosis and to begin developing proficiency in clinical decision-making. An introduction to imaging of major body regions related to physical therapy practice is emphasized to identify typical and pathological anatomy. Content areas include diagnostic ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, radiographs, and medical diagnostic tests interpretation. Evidence-informed clinical reasoning to guide examination selection, utilization, referral/consultation, and patient/health care provider interactions are discussed.
This course covers the current evidence-based approaches for acute and persistent pain management using the biopsychosocial model framework. Students will be introduced to fundamental pain science concepts and models that incorporate the multidimensional nature of pain. Students will apply these concepts to patient-centered assessments, including screening for central sensitization, and measurement of pain with consideration for psychosocial factors, context, culture, and age. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to developing a comprehensive and patient-centered pain management plan, with a diversity of treatment options including pain neuroscience education, will be emphasized.
Students are introduced to the professional roles and responsibilities expected of practicing physical therapists in a health care setting. Students will integrate learning styles, learning theories, and issues surrounding information and health literacy to practice effective and professional communication with patients and families. Students will learn about and assess their emotional intelligence and discover how to integrate emotional intelligence into effective clinical practice. Concepts of flourishing, communication issues, and barriers to accessing health care services are discussed. This course prepares students for the professional curriculum and clinical practice as effective communicators and life-long learners.