Degree Requirements for Doctor of Physical Therapy

Pre-Professional Phase:

A rigorous study of basic biological principles, which is designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, histology, and evolution. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 113. 3 credits.
This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in physiology, botany, embryology, and ecology. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 114. 3 credits.
Laboratory exercises include enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate analysis, isolation and identification of plant pigments, microscopy, and histological techniques. Must be taken concurrently with Biology 111. 1 credit.
Laboratory exercises include shark anatomy, invertebrate dissections, animal development, plant development in angiosperms, Stomate response to environmental changes, animal taxonomy, and an ecological field study. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 112. 1 credit.
The design of this course is intended to impart an understanding of the basic concepts of human physiology with emphasis on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine physiology. Laboratory exercises place emphasis on effective experimental designs and data analysis in the study of physiological mechanisms. Lab exercises cover such topics as muscle contraction measurements, spirometry, and EKG analysis. 4 credits. Does not fulfill a biology major requirement.
An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry of permission. 3 credits.
A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, oxidation- reduction chemistry, thermodynamics, electro- chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission. 3 credits.
Laboratory course to accompany 111. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to intrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 111. 1 credit.
Laboratory course to accompany CHM 112. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electro- chemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to instrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 112. 1 credit.
The course is designed to introduce students to the basics of human anatomy. The course will cover human muscle origins, insertions, and actions as well as describing in depth systematic anatomy of the skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, renal, reproductive, and nervous systems. The course will use a traditional lecture format and a weekly laboratory session using ADAM computer imaging anatomy software. Prerequisite: BIO 112 and permission of the instructor. 4 credits.
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. 4 credits.
A continuation of PHY 103. Fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. 4 credits.

One of:

An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. 3 credits. A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270.

One of:

This survey course examines the realtionship between research and theory in the field of psychology, with emphasis on the field of applied psychology. Individual and societal influences on physical and psychological health will be examined. Topics will include psychological testing, personality theory, intelligence, motivation and emotion, social behavior, and psychological disorders and treatment. 3 credits.

One of:

An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. 3 credits.
Introduction to both physical and cultural anthropology including human evolution, human variation, and cross-cultural analysis and comparison. 3 credits.

Professional Phase:

A seminar focusing on the psychosocial implications of illness and disability. Specific attention is given to rural communities, older adults, ethnic differences, adjustment models, family stress from care giving, family violence, and normal grieving processes. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and PSY 111 or 112. Disciplinary Perspective. 3 credits.
Introduces professional-phase students to key professional ethical and practice issues, including communication. 3 credits.
Continued study of professional ethical and practice issues, and patient care documentation. Theories of teaching and learning are introduced as a basis to understand the learning process and to investigate patient education in physical therapy practice. 2 credits.
Explores human neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary systems. Laboratory exercises include cadaveric dissection. Prerequisite: GPA greater then 3.0. 5 credits.
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.
Examines tissue and joint structure and function, and the mechanical principles involved in human motion. The laboratory portion will introduce students to the basics of postural and gait assessment. 4 credits.
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. 4 credits.
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.
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. 4 credits.
Provides a critical appreciation of basic science, clinical, and grounded theory research to the evolution of physical therapy as an evidence based clinical health professional discipline. 2 credits.
A part time clinical placement begins the clinical education and practice sequence of courses. Students participate in guided observation and reflection on communication and interactions between the therapist, patient/client and family, and the healthcare team. 1 credit.
An introduction to the basic conversational and medical/technical vocabulary needed to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients. 2 credits.
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.
Nueroscience examines the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and changes that occur across the life-span, relevant pathophysiology and the functional manifestations of this pathology, and acquisition of basic neurologic examination skills. 4 credits.
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.
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.
A continuation of Clinical Intervention I. This course will examine edema and integumentary concerns, incontinence, and specific exercise techniques. 3 credits.
Second of a two course sequence providing and in-depth study of the evaluation, assessment, and treatment methods used in the management of musculoskeletal pathology and physiological factors relevant to musculoskeletal dysfunction. 4 credits.
Provides an examination of techniques used in the examination and assessment of persons with nervous system dysfunction. 4 credits.
Presents the aging process in relation to pathokinesiology, the immune system, cardiopulmonary system, musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular function, and therapeutic intervention adaptation. 3 credits.
Provides a detailed examination of the physical therapy management of individuals requiring splinting or bracing, as well as individuals with amputations requiring prosthetic devices. 2 credits.
The is the second in a series of a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. In this course, the student will begin the process of developing a case study (using a clinical case that was obtained in the student's first clinical affiliation) that is evidenced-based. Continued development of the clinical research process is presented. 2 credits.
This is the third course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. The concepts of sensitivity, specificity, responsiveness to change and the epidemiologic concepts of: prevalence, incidence, ratios, and proportions are covered. Development and publication of the second case report is accomplished. 2 credits.
Students will be assigned to a supervising Clinical Instructor (CI) and have the opportunity to examine, evaluate, propose, and implement intervention strategies in a full-time clinical experience. Students will participate in problem solving activities including diagnosis and prognosis. Students will complete documentation for patient care management and are expected to demonstrate professional behaviors. 3 credits.
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. 3 credits.
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. 3 credits.
Examines current issues and trends in physical therapy clinical management. 4 credits.
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.
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. 3 credits.
This course will cover specialized physical therapy practice areas and advanced evaluative, assessment, and interventional strategies for special populations. 2 credits.
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.
This is the final course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. The final case study is prepared as a formal written document and also as a platform presentation using the evidence for all 6 components of the patient/client management model. 2 credits.
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. 12 credits.

No minor is offered in health science.