Physical Therapy Courses

PTE 607 Medical Human Anatomy 6(3-10), F

Prerequisite: admission to the program or permission. This course offers an in-depth coverage of basic, applied, and clinical aspects of gross anatomy. Students observe, discuss, teach, learn, and dissect all body systems in detail. This course incorporates traditional didactic lectures, discussions, laboratory dissection, students teaching students in laboratory teaching sessions, and assignments that rely on critical thinking. Students make oral presentations and use the library and other sources of information (such as the Internet and our computer laboratory) to learn and teach applied gross anatomy. Identical with BMS 607. Cannot receive credit for both PTE 607 and BMS 607.

PTE 610 Introduction to Physical Therapy 3(2-4), F

Prerequisite: admission to the program. This course is closely integrated with Professional Issues I. It provides an overview of physical therapy, including the history of physical therapy and the APTA, and the physical therapist's professional responsibilities. This information is combined with the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in managing patients. The topics that are discussed in Professional Issues I, e.g., Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, Guidelines for Physical Therapy Documentation, and Guidelines for Professional Conduct, are "transformed" into practical skills that are necessary to professionally interact with patients. Hence this course combines these concepts with the skills necessary to provide patient care. These skills include the assessment of vital signs, basic measurement techniques, examination of the body, ensuring patient safety, infection control, using proper body mechanics, using appropriate transfers, gait training, and basic documentation, and patient and family education.

PTE 611 Professional Issues I 2(1-3), F

Prerequisite: admission to the program. This course provides an overview of physical therapy and the physical therapist's professional responsibilities. Information regarding the Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy, the Guidelines for Physical Therapy Documentation, and the Guide for Professional Conduct are essential components of this course. This course focuses on the psychological and social aspects of communication in health care and providing care and services to patients. This includes patients' rights, the psychological impact of illness, social considerations such as gender, race, culture and ethnicity. These concepts are integrated using case studies of various patient-therapist situations.

PTE 612 Biomechanics and Kinesiology 5(4-3), F

Prerequisite: admission to the program. This course provides the basis for understanding human movement. This encompasses functional anatomy, forces applied to, and by, the body, and the mechanics of human movement, including its quantitative assessment. Angular and linear kinetics and kinematics are studied and applied to patient management. Interactions among the skeletal, muscular, and neural systems of the body are emphasized as they relate to understanding normal and abnormal human movement.

PTE 613 Human Development and the Life Cycle 1(1-0), F

Prerequisite: admission to the program or permission. This course describes the major features of embryology, maturation of the fetus, changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, the neonatal period, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging. The course stresses an integrated approach to understanding all of these periods of life as a cycle of events, each with its unique challenges to the health care professional.

PTE 614 Imaging Analysis in Physical Therapy Practice 2(2-1), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of diagnostic images of patients with a variety of impairments or dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, nervous, and circulatory systems as they apply to contemporary physical therapy practice. Various imaging techniques will be incorporated into case studies which will be used to emphasize incorporation of image findings into the process of patient management.

PTE 620 Neuroanatomy - Neuroscience 4(3-1), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course describes the gross anatomy and applied function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Normal anatomy and function is compared and contrasted with abnormal anatomy and function due to disease or injury.

PTE 621 Professional Issues II 2(0-4), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on employment settings, legal issues regarding Physical Therapist Assistants, the structure of the American Physical Therapy Association, regulations, policies, practice acts, federal legislation, and direct access to patients. Additionally, this course focuses on the legal aspects of professional life including basic elements of contract law, criminal law, educational law, employment law, insurance law, and business law. Students continue to develop an individual Clinical Internship Plan with specific goals and objectives and select clinical sites for Clinical Internship I - IV.

PTE 622 Physical Agent and Mechanical Modalities 2(2-2), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course describes thermal modalities (diathermy, therapeutic heat and cold, therapeutic ultrasound, low-power lasers, ultraviolet therapy) and mechanical modalities (spinal traction, intermittent compression devices, continuous passive movement devices, therapeutic soft tissue mobilization, and massage). In addition, the underlying scientific principles and clinical uses of physical agents and mechanical modalities are described.

PTE 623 Patient Management: Musculoskeletal I 4(2-6), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course emphasizes the management of patients suffering from musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the appendicular skeleton. Case studies are used to emphasize the process of patient management, i.e., examination, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, analysis of functional outcomes, and re-assessment. The joints of the limbs are the central themes around which the cases are built. General and specific examination and treatment techniques are included, stressing the integration of knowledge and skills. Treatment techniques include (but are not limited to) the use of soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, therapeutic exercise, and basic joint mobilization.

PTE 630 Motor Control/Motor Learning 3(2-2), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course builds on, and extends, the information covered in Neuroanatomy - Neuroscience. It focuses on motor control systems and on the structure and function of the major components of the brain. The content is presented so that neurological lesions are understood based on an understanding of anatomical location and function. Case studies are used to introduce clinical reasoning based on fundamental knowledge in neuroanatomy and neuroscience.

PTE 631 (675) Pathophysiology/Differential Diagnosis I 3(2-2), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course covers pathological conditions and their implications for Physical Therapists. All major systems of the body are studied. The pathophysiological portion of the course integrates the knowledge acquired in physiology with abnormal physiology caused by pathology. Case studies are used to integrate concepts in patient management related to pathology and pathophysiology.

PTE 632 Electrotherapeutic Modalities and Clinical Electrophysiology 2(2-5), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course describes electrotherapeutic modalities and clinical electrophysiologic testing. In addition, the underlying scientific principles and clinical uses and application of electrotherapeutic modalities and clinical electrophysiologic testing are incorporated. Major topics in this course include: electrical stimulation of muscle, electrical stimulation to control posture and movement (FES/NMES), electrical stimulation to control pain, electrical stimulation to promote tissue healing, iontophoresis, electroneuromyography, EMG, NCV, and biofeedback.

PTE 633 Patient Management: Musculoskeletal II 4(3-6), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Patient Management: Musculoskeletal I. It focuses on management of the axial skeleton and all of the joints associated therewith. Sophisticated examination and manual mobilization techniques are covered in detail.

PTE 637 Clinical Internship I 4, Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides an introduction to the clinical education component of the curriculum, as well as a four week, full-time clinical internship. Learning styles will be discussed, as well as how clinically-based learning may differ from classroom or laboratory experiences. Students will continue to develop their clinical internship plan and specific goals and objectives for this Clinical Internship. Students will complete a case study or present an "in-service" while on the four week internship write a short, reflective paper, and meet the requirements established by the program and the clinical facility.

PTE 640 Research Methods and Design 2(1-2), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course examines the importance of research, the methods used to conduct research of various types, and the models that are available for designing appropriate research projects. Quantitative and qualitative research is covered in detail, as well as the use of functional outcome measurements to improve patient care and document treatment efficiency and effectiveness.

PTE 641 (651) Pathophysiology/Differential Diagnosis II 3(2-3), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on Internal Medicine from the perspective of implications for physical therapists. A significant component of the course will focus on signs and symptoms, disease recognition, associated surgical procedures, and on the affects of disease with regard to producing functional limitations and disabilities. This course covers muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal, urological, hepatic, and endocrine diseases. Case students are incorporated to emphasize patient management. Common medical instrumentation used in skilled patient management, the basic medical procedures associated with this instrumentation, and the application of this information to patient management in physical therapy is integrated where appropriate.

PTE 643 Patient Management: Neurological I 4(2-6), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course covers neurological disabilities that primarily affect infants, children, and adolescents. Case studies and laboratory experiences are used to emphasize the process of patient management, i.e., examination, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, analysis of functional outcomes, and re-assessment. General and specific examination and treatment techniques are included stressing the integration of knowledge and skills. Treatment approaches include theoretical models, and task-oriented models. Therapeutic exercise, modalities, and other treatment skills are presented and included in case studies. Functional outcome measures are incorporated, as well as patient management in the home.

PTE 644 Patient Management: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Problems 3(2-3), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course presents an overview of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary physical therapy. It integrates foundational information such as anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, embryology, histology, pharmacology, pathology, and pathophysiology into a meaningful basis on which patient management strategies are based. This course introduces the student to cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments, interventions, and outcome analyses. The course includes information specific to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

PTE 647 Clinical Internship II 6, F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides for continuing development of clinical skills in the form of a six week, full-time clinical internship. Students will continue to develop their clinical internship plan and specific goals and objectives for Clinical Internship II. Students will complete a case study or present an "in- service" while on the six week internship write a short, reflective paper, and meet the requirements established by the program and the clinical facility.

PTE 650 Research and Outcome Analysis 2(2-0), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on the management of data generated by research and outcome analyses. It will fully integrate the use of statistical methods, understanding the results of applying these methods, and making inferences or conclusions based upon the data analysis. It also addresses the larger scope of disseminating this information, professional responsibility to the public to generate meaningful data, and methods of critically analyzing results and conclusions drawn by others. In the latter portion of the course, students identify their research interests, choose or are assigned a research advisor and write a research project proposal.

PTE 653 Patient Management: Neurological II 4(3-3), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course covers neurological disabilities across the life span, but emphasizes adult neurological disabilities. Case studies and laboratory experiences are used to emphasize the process of patient management, i.e., examination, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, analysis of functional outcomes, and re-assessment. General and specific examination and treatment techniques are included stressing the integration of knowledge and skills. Treatment approaches include theoretical models, and task-oriented models. Therapeutic exercise, modalities, and other treatment methods are presented and included in case studies. Functional outcome measures are incorporated, as well as patient management in the home.

PTE 654 Patient Management: Special Considerations Across the Life Span 2(1-3), D

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on pediatric and geriatric physical therapy and on the unique considerations that arise in these patients. The processes involved in development are compared and contrasted with the degenerative processes that occur during aging. The specific assessment and treatment methods unique to each population are studied. Additional correlations are presented in cognitive abilities, communication, dependence on others, etc. Family-centered interventions and family education in the home are compared and contrasted in both populations.

PTE 656 Patient Management: Integumentary 1(1-0), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course builds on the basic information provided in Histology and Tissue Biology, and is correlated with information provided in Pathology-Pathophysiology, Neuroanatomy-Neuroscience I and II, and in Physical Agents, Mechanical Modalities, and Electrotherapeutic Modalities. Specific topics that are discussed include (but are not limited to) the prevention of skin disorders, management of burns and other open wounds, and the use of specific modalities to facilitate wound repair.

PTE 657 Clinical Internship III 6, S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides for clinical practice of developing skills in the form of a six week, full-time clinical internship. Students will continue to develop their clinical internship plan and specific goals and objectives for Clinical Internship III. Students will complete a case study or present an "in-service" while on the six week internship, write a short, reflective paper, and meet the requirements established by the program and the clinical facility.

PTE 660 Management of Research Projects 2(1-3), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course builds upon all prior research courses in the curriculum and focuses on each student's project. Students secure Institutional Review Board approval, begin their research project, and move quickly into data collection and analysis. Important issues in research are reinforced. Students work closely with their advisor(s) during this course.

PTE 661 Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice: 2(1-3), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on some of the more specialized areas of physical therapy. This includes diseases, conditions, or practice areas such as women's health, osteoporosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy, sports medicine, chronic pain, management of persons with AIDS and HIV infection, lymphedema, selected problems in human behavior, ergonomics, and industrial health and physical therapy. Alternative and holistic therapies are discussed, as well as their relationship and integration with patient rehabilitation.

PTE 662 Medical Pharmacology 2(1-3), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on medical pharmacology, particularly those aspects that significantly impact the practice of Physical Therapy. Specific topics include drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, and the endocrine system. In addition, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and chemotherapeutic drugs are discussed. Case studies augment clinical information and emphasize patient management.

PTE 664 Patient Management: Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, and Wellness 3(2-3), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course describes the effects of physical activity on human performance across the life span. The effects of exercise (or lack thereof) are considered for each system in the body. Strategies for improving physical performance in a variety of settings are considered, as well as fundamental principles of good health in relation to exercise.

PTE 665 The Physical Therapist as Educator 1(1-0), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on educational theories and methodology relevant to the physical therapist in a variety of physical therapy settings. These topics are discussed in the context of promoting optimal health, preventing injury and illness, and promoting wellness. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to utilize educational concepts and theories in the design, implementation, and evaluation of learning experiences used in the education of the community, industry, patients, families, students, colleagues, and self.

PTE 667 Health Care Systems and the Physical Therapist 1(1-0), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course is an introduction to the various health care delivery systems in the United States, and provides a synopsis of the health care systems found in countries other than the United States. This course allows students to explore the provision of physical therapy services within the constraints of the existing health care systems, and to identify community needs, and resources.

PTE 685 Histology and Tissue Biology 2(1-2), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course emphasizes the structure and basic function of all the major tissues and cell types in the human body. It includes normal cell and tissue morphology and the adaptations that occur as a result of various stimuli both normal and abnormal. Identical with BMS 685. Cannot receive credit for both PTE 685 and BMS 685.

PTE 700 Advanced Topics in Geriatrics 1-2, D

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. In this course students gain insight into physical therapy related to the elderly population, their special needs and physiological changes, living environments, resources, etc. For an additional credit hour of this course, students are encouraged to develop further knowledge, skills, etc., with the elderly population. Based upon student interest and instructor approval, students may pursue additional in-depth study in areas such as (but not limited to): education, skill development, service-learning, investigation, psychomotor skills, psychosocial issues, healthcare system, reimbursement, etc., related to geriatrics.

PTE 701 Vestibular Rehabilitation 1-2, D

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course describes the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and an overview of various pathologies associated with patient complaints of vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders. Principles of examination, evaluation, assessment, and rehabilitation of the patient with impairment of the vestibular system and/or impaired balance are described and performed.

PTE 702 Advanced Regional Anatomy 1-2, D

Prerequisite: admission to the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein including PTE 607, PTE 613, and PTE 685 and/or permission. This course offers in-depth coverage of basic, applied, and clinical aspects of gross anatomy. The student selects from the following regions that include head and neck, upper extremity, trunk, lower extremity. Students observe, discuss, teach, learn and dissect selected body systems in detail. This course may incorporate traditional didactic lectures, problem based discussions, laboratory dissection with assignments that rely on critical thinking. Students relate anatomical structure to functional relations and correlate structure with clinical assessments and treatments. Students make oral presentations and use the library and other sources of information (such as the Internet and our computer laboratory) to learn.

PTE 703 Advanced Topics in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 1-2, D

Prerequisite: admission to the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course emphasizes the management of patients suffering from musculoskeletal dysfunction focusing on differential diagnosis and advanced manual examination and treatment techniques. Case studies are used to emphasize the process of patient management, i.e., examination, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis treatment, analysis of functional outcomes, and re-assessment. Students will choose to focus on pt management of musculoskeletal dysfunction relation to any one of the following regions during their course of study: the upper extremity, the pelvis and lower extremity, or the spine and sacroiliac joint. Specific, focused examination and treatment techniques are included stressing the integration of knowledge, skills and evidence based practice. Treatment techniques include the use of advanced methods of soft tissue mobilization, neural flossing, myofascial release, prescription and dosage of therapeutic exercise, and joint mobilization.

PTE 704 Advanced Topics in Pediatrics 1-2, D

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course is designed to allow a student to select a focus area to develop either their knowledge (cognitive), performance (psychomotor) or behavior and communication (affective) skills at an advanced level in the area of physical therapy for children. Selection of a primary area does not restrict complementing that area with a second or third area. Focus on knowledge (cognitive) acquisition implies the student will develop advanced knowledge about one or more health conditions. Health conditions will generally fall in one of the four Practice Patterns (Musculoskeletal, Cardiopulmonary, Neuromuscular, or Integumentary) as defined by the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Focus on performance (psychomotor) implies the student will develop advanced clinical skills via working with one or more clients and families in a supervised arrangement. Clinical performance will include patient documentation and didactic evidence of acting as a "scientific practitioner." Focus on behavior and communication (affective) implies the student will explore intrinsic or extrinsic factors (e.g., intrinsic psycho-social factors or extrinsic family, community or other environment factors), which prevent or facilitate achievement of a positive outcome for the client and family. This will be accomplished through library or field work. The course will involve readings and projects individually contracted between the faculty and the student.

PTE 771 Physical Therapy Management and Administration 3(2-2), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course covers theory and practical applications in managing yourself, other people, groups of people, subdivisions of organizations, and businesses. Within this framework, administration is discussed and examined as it pertains to a variety of settings in physical therapy. Health care economics is covered, as well as the economics of starting and managing a business in physical therapy. Marketing is discussed from several perspectives.

PTE 772 Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Assistive Technologies 3(2-3), Su

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course covers limb amputations, orthotic and prosthetic devices, and splints. The use of orthoses, prostheses, and splints is fully integrated into principles of patient management. Advanced wheelchair prescriptions are discussed, as well as advanced technologies (computer technologies, etc.) that are useful in rehabilitation including occupational and industrial therapies and devices.

PTE 773 Patient Management: Advanced Differential Diagnosis 4(2-6), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course focuses on managing patients using a "life-long" conceptual basis. It stresses the importance of being proactive in resolving complex issues, particularly those that impact patients for a lifetime. Critical thinking is an integral part of this course. Cost effectiveness, efficiency, long-term planning, and using the best adaptive equipment for the long-term are emphasized. The elements of patient/client management as described in The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice are used to guide the clinical decision making process. Integral to this course will be the use of case-based learning modules.

PTE 777 Clinical Internship IV 8, F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides continued clinical practice of skills in the form of an eight-week, full-time clinical internship. Students will continue to develop their global clinical internship plan, while writing specific goals and objectives for Clinical Internship IV. Students will complete a case study or present an "in-service" while on the eight-week internship, write a short, reflective paper, and meet the requirements established by the Program and the clinical facility. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PTE 780 Research and Outcome Analysis: Completion and Presentations 2(0-4), F

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course is the culmination of the student's research work during the physical therapy program. Each student will present a research project to the faculty and peers for evaluation. The student's advisor and/or advisory committee will evaluate the student's research or outcome analysis paper. The paper must be written using the guidelines for publication described in the Physical Therapy Journal. The paper's quality must be similar to those that are published in the Physical Therapy Journal.

PTE 783 Patient Management: Critical Integration and Analysis II 1(1-0), S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course follows PTE 773 that stressed the use of case-based learning modules. This course focuses on managing patients using a "life-long" conceptual basis. It stresses the importance of being proactive in resolving complex issues, particularly those that impact patients for a lifetime. Critical thinking is an integral part of this course. Cost effectiveness, efficiency, long-term planning, and using the best adaptive equipment for the long-term are emphasized. The elements of patient/client management as described in The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice are used to guide the clinical decision making process. The course will culminate with student teaching seminars that students have prepared while on Clinical Internship IV and V. These seminars are complex case studies presented to student peers and faculty.

PTE 787 Clinical Internship V 8, S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides clinical practice in the form of an eight-week, full-time clinical internship. Students will continue to develop their global clinical internship plan, while writing specific goals and objectives for Clinical Internship V. Students will complete a case study or present an "in-service" while on the eight-week internship, write a short reflective paper, and meet the requirements established by the program and the clinical facility.

PTE 788 Clinical Internship VI 6, S

Prerequisite: enrollment in the program and successful completion of all prior course work therein. This course provides clinical practice in the form of a six-week, full-time clinical internship. Students must meet the requirements established by the Program and the clinical faculty. After completion of Clinical Internship VI and upon their return to campus, students will enter a period of in-depth self-analysis and reflection concerning Clinical Internship VI and the entire clinical education experience.