This course provides an in-depth study of human anatomy with a strong emphasis on applied anatomical principles. Students will examine embryology, histology, and functional anatomy in relation to human movement across the lifespan. This course integrates 3D anatomy software, living and surface anatomy, palpation, and synthetic human anatomical models to enhance hands-on learning. The course covers all major anatomical regions and their interrelationships in movement and function. Emphasis is placed on clinical application to prepare students for evidence-based physical therapy practice.
This course addresses the physiologic principles necessary for physical activity and the associated physiological effects of exercise across the lifespan. This course explores the physiology and pathophysiology of disease and disability as it relates to common conditions found in healthcare and the practice of physical therapy.
This course explores foundational knowledge of the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and functions of the movement system that contribute to neurological dysfunction. The course addresses the essential elements of the neurologic examination, including assessment tools, clinical problem solving that integrates neurological structure and function, and standard outcome measures used in neurologic populations across the lifespan.
This course emphasizes the integration of exercise science principles into prevention health, wellness, and fitness. Topics include injury prevention, nutritional influences, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in apparently healthy individuals. Clinical applications include developing injury prevention and exercise programs based on test results and adapting interventions for specific healthy populations using appropriate clinical procedures.
This course introduces the principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and movement. Foundation concepts of motor control, motor development, and motor learning are presented. Functional anatomy and biomechanical concepts are reinforced through analysis of simple and complex movements, including typical gait. Movement analysis constructs and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model are applied to integrate theory with clinical decision-making in physical therapy practice.
Introduces general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies used in health care research. Examines the formulation of clinical questions, searches appropriate literature sources, and critically appraises the evidence. Addresses literature searches and evidence-based analysis of research with emphasis on clinical decision-making. Introduces the student to the physical therapist as a consumer of the literature.
This course expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students becoming intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Provides a framework for subsequent courses in which scientific foundations of physical therapy practice are presented.
The first of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, this course emphasizes dysfunctions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip region. Content includes regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/ implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis. Evidence-based interventions focus on patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise within a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Clinical pharmacology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
The second of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, this course emphasizes dysfunctions of the lower extremities. Content includes regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/ implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis. Evidence-based interventions focus on patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise within a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Clinical pharmacology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
The third of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, this course emphasizes dysfunctions of the cervicothoracic, temporomandibular joint, and rib region. Content includes regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/ implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis. Evidence-based interventions focus on patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise within a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Clinical pharmacology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
The fourth of four courses on the musculoskeletal system, this course emphasizes dysfunctions of the upper extremities. Content includes regional differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning/ implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis. Evidence-based interventions focus on patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise within a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Clinical pharmacology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
The first of two courses on the neuromuscular system, this course emphasizes the management of patients with acquired brain injuries, including cerebral vascular accident and traumatic brain injury. Content includes differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis, guided by the ICF model. Evidence-based interventions integrate principles of motor control, motor learning, and theoretical constructs within the patient/client management model. Clinical pharmacology relevant to neuromuscular conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
The second of two courses on the neuromuscular system, this course emphasizes the management of patients with spinal cord injury, vestibular disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, other neuromuscular disorders, and central nervous system cancers. Content includes differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis, guided by the ICF model. Evidence-based interventions integrate principles of motor control, motor learning, and theoretical constructs within the patient/client management model. Clinical pharmacology relevant to neuromuscular conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
This course emphasizes dysfunctions of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, including conditions with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement dysfunction. Content includes differential diagnosis, examination, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis. Evidence-based interventions focus on patient education, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation strategies within a patient-centered approach across the lifespan and continuum of care. Clinical pharmacology relevant to cardiopulmonary conditions is addressed, with attention to medication implications and potential adverse effects. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory values, imaging, and other studies, is also considered.
This course introduces the patient management framework used throughout the curriculum and the fundamental skills essential across physical therapy practice settings. Content includes functional mobility and transfers, mobility device management, and basic examination measures such as goniometry, range of motion, manual muscle testing, and anthropometric assessment. Techniques for interviewing, documentation, systems review, and outcome measures are introduced to develop core examination, intervention, and clinical reasoning skills.
This course introduces the principles and application of selected physical agents for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury, addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control across diverse practice settings. Foundational concepts of pain science are presented in relation to pain management and the clinical use of modalities. Current evidence and clinical decision-making are integrated to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions.
This course advances clinical decision-making in the evidence-based selection, instruction, and progression of interventions applicable across the lifespan and practice settings. Focus areas include the principles and application of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy for patients with pain, tissue injury, and impairments of mobility, strength, and motor control.
This course addresses pathological gait and its management through the integration of orthotics, prosthetics, and bracing in patients with diverse movement disorders across the lifespan. Functional and surgical anatomy of upper and lower limb amputations, as well as conditions requiring lower quarter orthotic and prosthetic intervention, are presented. Emphasis is placed on gait and movement analysis, residual limb management, orthotic and prosthetic management, amputee rehabilitation, and gait training to advance core examination, intervention, and clinical reasoning skills.
This course introduces the professional roles and responsibilities expected of practicing physical therapists, including their role as members of intra- and interprofessional healthcare teams. The course emphasizes professional conduct, supports the process of professional formation, and cultivates lifelong learning skills necessary for the development of a physical therapy practitioner. Throughout the course, students explore the ethics, core values, and responsibilities of the physical therapist. The course also examines the importance of professional communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers, emphasizing respect for individuals, their cultural diversities, and varying abilities.
This course prepares students professionally and emotionally for clinical practice, as lifelong learners and educators in the physical therapy profession. Explores major forms of health care delivery and how they interact with physical therapy services, including but not limited to medical ethics, legal issues, health care regulations, billing, and risk management strategies. This course builds on professional communication between providers within and external to the profession.
This course provides an entry-level approach to providing physical therapy services to pediatric patients across diverse settings. The patient/client management model is applied to multiple pediatric diagnoses and conditions. A framework of normal development from birth through adolescence to young adulthood serves as the foundation. Topics include developmental delay and disability, family-centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies.
This course addresses current issues impacting healthcare delivery for the aging adult population. Theory of normal aging, along with sociocultural, environmental, psychosocial, and systemic factors, are examined in relation to health promotion, prevention and wellness, optimal daily function, and quality of life. Interprofessional collaboration, the role of the physical therapist in the community, and family resources are addressed. The patient/client management model is applied to develop management skills tailored to the specific needs of the aging adult population.
This course focuses on clinical reasoning, differential diagnoses, examination, and the development of effective care plans for medically complex patients. Integration of laboratory results, diagnostic testing, medical treatment, procedures, patient and family input, interprofessional team findings, and current evidence informs clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on managing patients with multiple comorbidities across the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, oncologic, lymphatic, and integumentary systems, including consideration of social determinants of health. Individualized assessment and intervention plans are designed for effective disease management for complex patients across clinical settings. Clinical pharmacology relevant to these populations is included, highlighting medication implications and potential adverse effects.
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. Framed within a systems-based review model promoting utilization of clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to collect, evaluate, and communicate examination data while promoting differential diagnostic principles and clinical decision-making more efficiently and effectively for whole patient/client care. Evidence-informed clinical reasoning to guide examination selection, utilization, referral/consultation, and patient/health care provider interactions is discussed.
This course covers evidence-based approaches for acute and persistent pain management using the biopsychosocial model framework. Fundamental pain science concepts and models that incorporate the multidimensional nature of pain are presented. These concepts are applied to patient-centered assessments, including screening for central sensitization and measurement of pain with consideration for psychosocial factors, context, culture, and age. Emphasis is placed on collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to developing comprehensive, patient-centered pain management plans, with a diversity of treatment options including pain neuroscience education.
This course builds on prior systems-based learning to provide an integrated examination of pharmacology in physical therapy practice. Pharmacological principles and medication classes relevant to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, rheumatologic, and endocrine systems are explored in depth. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the interactions between medications and physical therapy management, considering lifespan variations, comorbidities, and complex patient presentations. The course also focuses on evaluating the influence of medications on physiologic responses, functional outcomes, and rehabilitation planning to support safe and effective clinical decision-making.
This course provides an overview of practice management fundamentals and applies principles to various aspects of leadership and personal development, strategic planning, and business operations. Students gain knowledge in health care management, leadership, strategic planning, human resources, finance, organizational structures, and fiscal management related to physical therapy practice.
This course utilizes sample examinations to identify gaps in students’ knowledge to promote the master adaptive learner. Emphasizes critical analysis of performance on the examination and guides students in developing individualized strategies and structured study plans. Engages students in targeted review of weak areas and reflection on progress to support ongoing success in NPTE preparation.
This course utilizes sample examinations to prepare students for the NPTE based on the FSBPT Content Outline. Emphasizes the implementation, refinement, and adaptation of the individualized study plans. Supports integration and application of cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Provides a comprehensive review of the body systems, including pathophysiological mechanisms, examination procedures, and management strategies consistent with evidence-based practice and clinical guidelines.
This course culminates the student's clinical and professional development by integrating academic knowledge, clinical experiences, and evidence-based principles. The creation of a professional portfolio and a professional development plan will be one of the tools to prepare the students to become entry-level practitioners and lifelong learners.
This course is an eight-week full-time integrated clinical experience that enables students to develop professional behaviors and patient management skills under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The course provides the student with the opportunity to apply the content learned to date by participating in the continuum of physical therapy care. Students will begin to demonstrate essential knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning expected of the profession, with emphasis on professional behaviors.
This course is an eight-week full-time integrated clinical experience that enables students to consistently demonstrate professional behaviors and continue to advance their patient management skills under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The course provides students with the opportunity to further apply the content learned to date by participating in the continuum of physical therapy care. Students will demonstrate essential knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning expected of the profession.
This course is a sixteen-week full-time, terminal clinical experience that enables students to demonstrate clinical competency in professional behaviors and patient management skills under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The course provides students with the opportunity to apply all curricular content learned throughout the program by participating in the continuum of physical therapy care, while consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning expected for entry-level practice.