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.