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DPT 8110 - Human Anatomy I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Explores the clinical application of embryology, histology, and joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan within a systems approach emphasizing the musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological aspects of the extremities, cervical, and lumbar regions. Course activities include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and cadaver prosections as available. This course addresses the content of the muscular, vascular, and neurological systems across regions, including the lumbar and cervical spines, pelvis, and extremities. Emphasis is on the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy.

Credit: 4


DPT 8120 - Human Anatomy II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Expands upon the foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of Human Anatomy I. Explores the clinical application of embryology, histology, and joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan within a systems approach emphasizing the musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological aspects of the thorax, abdominal, pelvic, and cranio-facial regions. Course activities include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and anatomical models. Students will have the opportunity to study the gross anatomy of the central and autonomic nervous systems, along with the muscular, vascular, and neurological systems of the thorax and craniofacial regions. Selected vascular, neurological and visceral components of the digestive, cardiopulmonary, and urogenital systems are also included in this course.

Credit: 3


DPT 8130 - Human Physiology

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan.

Credit: 3


DPT 8140 - Clinical Neuroscience I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement.

Credit: 2


DPT 8150 - Clinical Neuroscience II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Applies the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools.

Credit: 2


DPT 8210 - Physical Therapy Fundamentals

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Prepares students for patient care activities including, patient-centered communication, assessing vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, and basic exercise. Learners will be introduced to fundamental physical therapy skills for various clinical settings and a patient management framework used throughout the curriculum. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Students will develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures.

Credit: 3


DPT 8220 - Movement Science

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces students to the fundamentals of movement science, offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement, and includes kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning concepts. The course will integrate theory and basic principles of motor behavior, motor development, motor control, and motor learning as they relate to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapist practice.

Credit: 2


DPT 8230 - Therapeutic Interventions I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces and integrates musculoskeletal biomechanical principles to joint structure and function, movement analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Introduces the principles and application of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy for the management of patients with pain and mobility impairments. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, assessment, and progression of interventions.

Credit: 3


DPT 8240 - Therapeutic Interventions II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces the principles and application of selected physical agents for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions.

Credit: 2


DPT 8250 - Health Promotion & Fitness Management

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces prevention, health, wellness, and fitness as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on test results and adapt the execution to specific healthy populations using proper clinical procedures.

Credit: 2


DPT 8260 - Advanced Therapeutic Interventions

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Expands on the students’ management of patients with movement system dysfunctions including techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of contemporary therapeutic exercise and manual therapy skills. Emphasis will be placed on analysis and integration of current best evidence into the patient’s plan of care. Course activities include case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the progression of comprehensive treatment plans.

Credit: 2


DPT 8270 - Integrative Pain Sciences

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Provides an overview of supporting persons with persistent pain syndromes associated with neuromusculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors using emerging and evidence-based concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Using contemporary models, this course reflects the interprofessional consensus of core competencies for prelicensure health professions education in patient management and emphasizes a comprehensive pain management approach to optimize patient outcomes.

Credit: 2


DPT 8310 - Evidence-based Practice I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces the foundation to general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians with creating clinical questions, searches appropriate literature sources, and assesses the evidence quality.

Credit: 2


DPT 8320 - Evidence-based Practice II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented.

Credit: 2


DPT 8330 - Capstone I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from previous didactic courses and clinical experiences. By developing a professional portfolio, students will be engaged in reflective practice that includes integration of content learned across the curriculum, direct application relative to patient interactions, clinical experiences, APTA core values, and professional growth since commencing their DPT education.

Credit: 1


DPT 8340 - Capstone II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical experiences. Students will develop a study plan and take a comprehensive exam simulating the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination.

Credit: 1


DPT 8410 - Professionals Competencies I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces students to the professional roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist and the interprofessional healthcare team. Integrates emotional/social intelligence, concepts of flourishing, learning theories, learning styles, characteristics of learners through the lifespan, and literacy and communication issues for patients. This course prepares students for the professional curriculum and clinical practice as life-long learners.

Credit: 1


DPT 8420 - Professionals Competencies II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Prepares students professionally for physical therapy clinical practice, including roles as a lifelong learner, advocate, and clinical educator. Explores major forms of healthcare delivery and how they interact with physical therapy services, including but not limited to medical ethics, health care regulations, and risk management strategies. This course blends topics that explore communication, individual and cultural differences, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, and risk management within patient care.

Credit: 2


DPT 8440 - Business Management & Entrepreneurship

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

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 as it relates to physical therapy practice.

Credit: 3


DPT 8510 - Musculoskeletal Practice I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Initiates the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Credit: 3


DPT 8520 - Musculoskeletal Practice II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the lower extremities. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Credit: 3


DPT 8530 - Musculoskeletal Practice III

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Credit: 3


DPT 8540 - Musculoskeletal Practice IV

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Credit: 3


DPT 8610 - Neuromuscular Practice I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Focuses on the physical therapy management of common neurological health conditions that result in impairments in body structure/function, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Emphasis is placed on interventions utilizing a functional task-oriented approach with the application and integration of motor control/learning, neuroplasticity, movement analysis, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.

Credit: 2


DPT 8620 - Neuromuscular Practice II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Continues with the physical therapy management of neurological health conditions that result in impairments in body structure/function, activity limitations and participation restrictions and expands to include specialty areas of neurologic physical therapy. Emphasis is placed on interventions utilizing a functional task-oriented approach with the application and integration of motor control/learning, neuroplasticity, movement analysis, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.

Credit: 3


DPT 8630 - Bracing, Orthotics, and Prosthetics

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces concepts of materials, design, fabrication, and technology of braces/orthotic/prosthetic devices and provide opportunities for clinical decision making relating to using these devices in physical therapy practice. Course activities emphasize gait analysis, movement analysis, residual limb management, wearing/fitting of orthotics/prosthetics, the importance of interprofessional collaboration, and the psychological considerations of the patient with orthotic/prosthetic devices through the lifespan.

Credit: 2


DPT 8640 - Management of the Aging Adult

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces the physiologic changes of aging and sociologic and economic consequences of an aging population. Reviews natural aging processes and how complicating factors such as vascular compromise, fall risk, and comorbidities negatively impact the aging adult. Course activities focus patient management skills on the aging adult patient.

Credit: 3


DPT 8650 - Management of the Pediatric Patient

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Using a frame-work of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include atypical developmental and associated impairments, functional limitations and participation restrictions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are implicit in this course.

Credit: 3


DPT 8660 - Primary Care Physical Therapy

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the physical therapist's role as an interdependent practitioner working within an interprofessional and collaborative medical model. Presenting the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to more efficiently and effectively collect, evaluate, and communicate examination data while promoting differential diagnostic principles and clinical decision-making.

Credit: 2


DPT 8710 - Pharmacology

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces pharmacologic principles, the study of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications used in the management of a variety of patient conditions encountered during physical therapy management, and their impact on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content included cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, and integumentary systems.

Credit: 2


DPT 8720 - Cardiopulmonary Practice

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Explores the management of patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction across a variety of clinical settings. Course activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management skills, and discharge planning.

Credit: 4


DPT 8730 - Management of Complex Patients

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduces patient management strategies for the medically complex patient. Community-based strategies and outpatient management for patients with primary disease or comorbidities of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, oncologic, lymphatic, and integumentary systems are emphasized. Students will design individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and disease management

Credit: 4


DPT 8810 - Advanced Diagnostics

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Integrates concepts of advanced diagnostic testing and imaging of the major systems of the body regions related to physical therapy practice. Specific content reviews diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and radiographs. Rationale and guidelines for examination selection are introduced, and clinical scenarios provide an emphasis on critical thinking regarding the utility and interpretation of medical diagnostic tests

Credit: 2


DPT 8910 - Physical Therapy Practice I

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student begins to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other professionals in healthcare and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated clinical experience which builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. This clinical experience is the first practice experience where students are exposed to evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Credit: 8


DPT 8920 - Physical Therapy Practice II

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical internship. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Credit: 8


DPT 8930 - Physical Therapy Practice III

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional, collaborative team.

Credit: 8


DPT 8940- Physical Therapy Practice IV

Prerequisites: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during a final 8-week mentored clinical experience. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. The student will demonstrate consistent and effective time management abilities in treating patients and procuring accurate documentation.

Credit: 8