Biology - Major in Biology Program

Summer Three:
PHT 611 Human Anatomy

This course is a comprehensive hands-on exploration of the human body, with emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal systems. Structural interrelationships shall be examined as the basis for human movement and as a means to understand abnormalities in structure and function. Directed laboratory experiences are focused on cadaver dissection. Learning is facilitated through textbooks, anatomical models, and audiovisual material. The case examples weaved throughout the course fosters clinical application of knowledge to physical therapy and athletic training practice. Prerequisites: GPA greater than 3.0. 5 credits.

Year Four:
PHT 602 Professional Development in PT I

Introduces students to professional practice through professional communication strategies, documentation and billing for a variety of healthcare settings, and teaching and learning concepts for healthcare delivery. 3 credits.

PHT 614 Pathophysiology

Examines basic human pathology and medical principles, including, but not limited to, inflammation, infection, systemic conditions, diagnostic imaging, genetics, and clinical laboratory tests. 4 credits.

PHT 616 Musculoskeletal Foundations

This course is designed to examine tissue structure and function, joint structure and function, and the mechanical principles involved in human motion. Analysis of human posture and movement in normal and abnormal states. This course reviews anatomical structures and study of the principles of biomechanics including arthrokinematics, osteo-kinematics, and kinetics. Specific topics covered: biomechanics of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system, basic kinetics and kinematics of joint motion, analysis of non-pathologic and pathologic gait, and the application of biomechanical and kinesiological principles in physical therapy patient management. Prerequisite: PHT 611. 3 credits.

PHT 617 Health Promotions for Self-Society

Covers health and health promotion topics across the lifespan. Students will begin to identify community needs that would benefit from a physical therapy program of prevention, health promotion, wellness, and screening services. 3 credits.

PHT 618 Exercise Science

Examines skeletal muscle structure and function and cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromusculoskeletal physiology related to physical activity and exercise in general and special patient/client populations. Current methods of nutritional and physical assessment will be evaluated. 3 credits.

PHT 620 Motor Control

This course will focus on the processes that govern human movement acquisition and control across the lifespan and will prepare students to apply principles of motor development, motor control, and motor learning to clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on developing a working knowledge of the neural, physical, and behavioral aspects of human movement and the process involved in acquiring and refining motor skills across the lifespan. 2 credits. (This course is cross-listed with EXSC 732)

PHT 632 Clinical Examination

An introduction to the tests and measurements used by physical therapists in the clinical and research settings. Laboratory sessions will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate concepts and apply the therapeutic interventions discussed in lecture. 3 credits.

PHT 634 Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Physical Therapy

The cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy course builds on the student's prior and concurrent exercise science and clinical physical therapy courses. The student will develop an understanding of the interdependence of the cardiac, vascular and pulmonary systems, those systems common pathologies, and those systems impact on total body function and human performance during both healthy and disease states. The student will learn and practice: examination, evaluation and treatment techniques designed to address the functional limitations inherent in states of sub-optimal cardiovascular and pulmonary function, and will learn appropriate outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of PT intervention. Such will be applicable to both the inpatient and outpatient settings, with the differences in PT practice being delineated as appropriate. Students will be instructed on elements of exercise prescription and implementation for patients with relevant impairments, as well as medical and surgical interventions. relevant to patients with system pathologies. Current evidence-based, best PT practice will guide instruction and learning. 4 credits.

PHT 635 Physical Therapy in the Inpatient Environment

This course introduces physical therapy students to the practice of physical therapy in the acute care environments, including hospitals, inpatient rehab centers, and skilled nursing facilities. 2 credits.

PHT 638 Contemporary Management of Older Adults

Presents the aging process in relation to pathokinesiology, the immune system, cardiopulmonary system, musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular function, and therapeutic intervention adaptation. 3 credits.

PHT 661 Professional Development for Clinical Education

Professional Development for Clinical Education will be instructed in a hybrid format and introduces students to their clinical education series through the completion of onboarding and compliance materials required by clinical sites. Students will learn key components of professionalism, communication, and clinical reasoning as they directly relate to Clinical Instructor (CI)/student relations and clinical education. APTA core documents, advocacy, and PT/PTA roles and responsibilities will be covered. Graded pass/fail. 1 credit.

PHT 662 Integrated Clinical Experience I

Students will be assigned to a supervising Clinical Instructor (CI) and have the opportunity to participate in foundational patient care activities such as patient interviews and documentation, examination strategies, and interdisciplinary team interactions while demonstrating professional behaviors in a part-time clinical experience. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first semester PHT 661 professional phase. 1 credit.

Summer Four:
PHT 742 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation

Provides a general introduction to pharmacological principles including basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Descriptions of general classes of medications and their impact and utilization in rehabilitation are stressed. 2 credits.

Year Five:
PHT 704 Professional Development in PT II

Introduces the study of professionalism, professional ethics, and practice issues in today's healthcare environment. Students develop an understanding of ethical decision-making through self-discovery and teaching. 4 credits.

PHT 720 Neurologic Rehabilitation I

This is the first course in a three-part series on neurologic rehabilitation. Students are introduced to the neurobiology, anatomy, and physiology of the nervous system with integration of common clinical pathologies. Foundational neuroanatomy and neurophysiology are applied through lectures, labs, problem-based learning, and case activities. Emphasis is placed on linking scientific knowledge to clinical reasoning and examining and treating non-complex neurologic conditions. 4 credits. (This course is cross-listed with EXSC 731)

PHT 726 Clinical Interventions I

First of a two-course sequence designed to instruct students in the use of therapeutic modalities to affect change in human tissues. Laboratory exercises include applying modalities, gait training with various devices, and therapeutic exercise. 4 credits.

PHT 728 Musculoskeletal I

First of a two-course sequence providing an in depth study of the evaluation, assessment, and treatment methods used in the management of musculoskeletal pathology and/or injury. This first component of the two-course sequence will emphasize the upper and lower limbs, with an introductory component to the spine. 4 credits.

PHT 730 Clinical Interventions II

A continuation of Clinical Intervention I. This course will examine edema and integumentary concerns, incontinence, and specific exercise techniques. 4 credits.

PHT 732 Musculoskeletal II

Second of a two-course sequence providing an in-depth study of the evaluation, assessment, and treatment methods used in the management of musculoskeletal pathology and injury. This course will build upon material studied in PHT 728 and emphasize anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological factors relevant to musculoskeletal dysfunction. 3 credits.

PHT 734 Selected P.T. Practice Topics

This course will cover specialized physical therapy practice areas and advanced evaluative, assessment, and interventional strategies for special populations. 2 credits.

PHT 736 Neurologic Rehabilitation II

This is the second course in the series and builds directly upon the foundational neuroscience and introductory rehabilitation skills developed in Neurologic Rehabilitation I. Students deepen their understanding of neuroscience by connecting neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to the mechanisms underlying specific neurologic impairments. Emphasis is placed on advanced examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of individuals with complex neurologic dysfunction. Evidence-based interventions and neuroscience principles guide the development of holistic, patient-centered plans of care. Laboratory experiences and patient volunteers provide continued mastery of neurologic rehabilitation strategies while strengthening clinical reasoning. 4 credits.

PHT 740 Prosthetics

This course's primary focus is on the physical therapy management of lower extremity amputation with particular attention to assessment and intervention. 1 credit.

PHT 741 Orthotics

This course's primary focus is on the physical therapy management of lower extremity orthotics with particular attention to assessment and prescription. 1 credit.

PHT 751 Foundations of Evidence-Based Critical Inquiry

Methods of research and scientific discovery are introduced as concepts and with application. The ethical issues of medical research and the role of Institutional Review Boards for the protection of human subjects are emphasized through historical perspectives and current guidelines published by NIH. The scientific peer-review process and components required for publication are reviewed. 3 credits.

PHT 752 Evidence Based Critical Inquiry in Practice

This is the third course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. The extensive use of Comprehensive Appraisals of a Topic is the central theme of this semester. Current published research topics include clinical prediction rules, prognosis, low back dysfunction, shoulder dysfunction and patient satisfaction. Graded pass/fail. 2 credits.

Summer Five:
PHT 814 Clinical Education II

A seven-week, full-time supervised clinical learning experience to provide students the opportunity to develop clinical competence in the physical therapy management of individuals in an ambulatory or inpatient environment. Graded pass/fail. 3 credits.

PHT 816 Clinical Education III

The second, seven-week supervised clinical learning experience where students continue to develop clinical competence in the management of various musculoskeletal, cardiovascular- pulmonary, integumentary, and neuromuscular disorders. Graded pass/fail. 3 credits.

Year Six:
PHT 802 Administration and Professional Development in PT III

Examines current issues and trends in physical therapy clinical management. 3 credits.

PHT 830 Neurologic Rehabilitation III

Examines in detail through a case-based approach specific neurologic conditions, the resulting impairments and functional limitations, and the physical therapy management of persons presenting with these conditions. 4 credits.

PHT 832 Pediatric Physical Therapy

Presents an introduction to the physical therapy management of pediatric patients. Topics include normal motor development, and client examination, evaluation, and intervention aimed at improving function and limiting disability. 4 credits.

PHT 836 Differential Diagnosis

Designed to integrate the curricular content to date. In this capstone course, students will demonstrate differential diagnosis as it relates to autonomous practice in realistic clinical situations. 3 credits.

PHT 840 Clinical Readiness and Review

The purpose of this course is to ensure student readiness for their final clinical affiliation. The course will include a review of didactic and lab material presented throughout the curriculum, with a focus on integration. A comprehensive practical examination will be the culminating course activity. Graded pass/fail. 1 credit.

PHT 850 Evidence Based Critical Inquiry

This is the capstone course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. A formal case study is prepared in two formats for presentation at a professional meeting. The poster format is developed using the elements of the "Physical Therapist Patient Management Model" as well as a formal case study document detailing the evidence gathered. 2 credits.

Two Credits from:
PHT 835 Patient Management Seminar

This course is a collection of seminars focused on specific areas of practice. Students will have the option of selecting from the list of topics. Each seminar /section of the course is to be taken as Pass/Fail. Students must pass both sections of the seminar to pass the course. Graded pass/fail. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 1-2 credits.

One of the following:
PHT 860 Clinical Education IV

Final, full-time supervised clinical learning experience spanning sixteen weeks in a multidisciplinary care environment. Students will demonstrate patient management skills for pediatric or adult patients with complex medical diagnoses utilizing an evidence-based approach. Graded pass/fail. 12 credits.

or
PHT 861 Clinical Education V

First of the two final, full-time supervised clinical learning experience spanning eight weeks in a multidisciplinary care environment. Students will demonstrate patient management skills for pediatric or adult patients with complex medical diagnoses utilizing an evidence-based approach. Graded pass/fail. 6 credits.

PHT 862 Clinical Education VI

Second of the two final, full-time supervised clinical learning experience spanning eight weeks in a multidisciplinary care environment. Students will demonstrate patient management skills for pediatric or adult patients with complex medical diagnoses utilizing an evidence-based approach. Graded pass/fail. 6 credits.