Course
Descriptions
DPT 640 MOVEMENT SCIENCE (3 SEM CREDITS)
Studies the foundations and clinical relevance of motor control, motor learning, normal and abnormal gait, and movement analysis constructs. 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.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 641 PHYSICAL THERAPY FUNDAMENTALS (4 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces fundamental physical therapy skills for various clinical settings and a patient management framework used throughout the curriculum. Lab activities focus on psychomotor skills including goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Presents techniques for documentation, medical reviews, examination tests and measures, and measuring patient outcomes.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 611 HUMAN ANATOMY I (4 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Explores clinical application of embryology, histology, and function anatomy related to human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and synthetic human anatomical models. Anatomical regions covered include lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 610 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (3 SEM CREDITS)
Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 630 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES I (1 SEM CREDIT)
Introduces students to professional roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist in healthcare. Integrates emotional/social intelligence, concepts of flourishing, learning theories, learning styles, characteristics of learners through the lifespan, and literacy and communication issues for patients. Prepares students for the professional curriculum and clinical practice as life-long learners.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 620 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE I (2 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies used in health care research. Examines the formulation of clinical questions, searches appropriate literature sources, and critically appraises the evidence. Addresses literature searches and evidence-based analysis of research with emphasis on clinical decision-making.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 642 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS I (3 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces and integrates musculoskeletal biomechanical principles to joint structure and function, movement analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Introduces the principles and application of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and tissue healing response for the management of patients with pain, strength, and mobility impairments. integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions.
PREREQUISITE: ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
DPT 612 HUMAN ANATOMY II (4 SEM CREDITS)
Expands foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Explores clinical application of embryology, histology, and function anatomy in relation to human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and synthetic human anatomical models. Anatomical regions covered include cervical/thoracic spines, thorax, and upper extremities.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF DPT 611 HUMAN ANATOMY I
DPT 643 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS II (2 SEM CREDITS)
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.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 650 MUSCULOSKELETAL PRACTICE I (5 SEM CREDITS)
Initiates the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for musculoskeletal 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.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 644 HEALTH PROMOTION AND FITNESS MANAGEMENT (3 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces prevention health, wellness, and fitness as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in an apparently healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and/or exercise programs based on test results and adapt the execution to specific healthy populations using proper clinical procedures.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 613 CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE (4 SEM CREDITS)
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. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 680 PHARMACOLOGY (2 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces pharmacologic principles, their use in common pathological processes, 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.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 651 MUSCULOSKELETAL PRACTICE II (4 SEM CREDITS)
Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for musculoskeletal 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 therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 645 BRACING, PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS (2 SEM CREDITS)
Introduces common orthotics and braces utilized in physical therapy practice. Functional and surgical anatomy of lower limb amputations and conditions requiring lower quarter orthotic and prosthetic intervention are presented. Lab activities emphasize gait analysis, movement analysis, residual limb management, orthotics, prosthetics, and amputee rehabilitation.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 1 COURSES
DPT 652 MUSCULOSKELETAL PRACTICE III (5 SEM CREDITS)
Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for musculoskeletal 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 therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 660 NEUROMUSCULAR PRACTICE I (3 SEM CREDITS)
Studies the management of individuals with neurologic health conditions, with emphasis on stroke, based on neurophysiological and patho-kinesiological mechanisms that result in movement system impairments in body structure/function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Emphasizes the application and integration of motor control/learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 662 MANAGEMENT OF THE AGING ADULT (3 SEM CREDITS)
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. Lab activities focus patient management skills on the aging adult patient.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 670 CARDIOPULMONARY PRACTICE (4 SEM CREDITS)
Explores the management of patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement dysfunction across a variety of clinical settings using the disablement framework. Lab activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 653 MUSCULOSKELETAL PRACTICE IV (4 SEM CREDITS)
Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for musculoskeletal 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 therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 661 NEUROMUSCULAR PRACTICE II (3 SEM CREDITS)
Continues the study of the management of individuals with neurological health conditions, with emphasis on spinal cord injury, brain injury, vestibular disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disorders, and central nervous system cancers. Emphasizes the application and integration of the movement system, motor control/learning, theoretical constructs, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 632 MINDFUL PATIENT MANAGEMENT (2 SEM CREDITS)
Studies the professional roles physical therapists need for culturally competent interactions with patients, healthcare team members, and society. Applies the principles of “mindful practice,” motivational interviewing, and empathetic caring into the patient care setting. Students use patient scenarios to practice, self-access, and self-reflect on interviewing skills.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 2 COURSES
DPT 690 PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE I (8 SEM CREDITS)
A full-time eight-week clinical experience that develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills supervised by a licensed physical therapist in a clinical setting. Utilizes interpersonal communication, professional socialization, and critical thinking skills with patients/clients, family, and healthcare staff. This is the first course in a series of three courses.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 3 COURSES
DPT 621 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE II (2 SEM CREDITS)
Expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students becoming intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Provides framework for subsequent courses in which scientific foundations of physical therapy practice are presented.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 3 COURSES
DPT 671 MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX PATIENTS (5 SEM CREDITS)
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 is emphasized. Students will design individual and community-based interventions for effective disease management.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 3 COURSES
DPT 663 MANAGEMENT OF THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT (3 SEM CREDITS)
Presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children with musculoskeletal, neurological, and/or cardiopulmonary impairments. A framework of normal development and again from birth to young adulthood serves as a course foundation. Topics include developmental delay and disability, family-centered use, advocacy, and assistive technologies.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 3 COURSES
DPT 681 ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS (2 SEM CREDITS)
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, radiographs, and the interpretation of medical diagnostic tests. Rationales and guidelines for examination selection are discussed.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 3 COURSES
DPT 646 ADVANCED THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS (3 SEM CREDITS)
Develops advanced clinical reasoning and intervention skills for management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Students develop dry needling skills and refine previously introduced manual therapy and therapeutic exercise skills. Lab activities use case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the development and progression of comprehensive treatment plans.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 4 COURSES
DPT 682 PRIMARY CARE PHYSICAL THERAPY (2 SEM CREDITS)
Explores the therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a 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.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 4 COURSES
DPT 664 INTEGRATIVE PAIN SCIENCES (2 SEM CREDITS)
Provides an overview of managing patients with chronic pain syndromes and associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Current best practice techniques and research are integrated to provide discussion of the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of chronic pain.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 4 COURSES
DPT 633 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 SEM CREDITS)
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 they relate to physical therapy practice.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 4 COURSES
DPT 691 PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE II (8 SEM CREDITS)
A full-time eight-week clinical experience that progresses student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills supervised by a licensed physical therapist in a clinical setting. Utilizes interpersonal communication with patients/clients, family, and healthcare staff. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and medical professional.
This is the second course in a series of three courses.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 4 COURSES
DPT 692 PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE III (15 SEM CREDITS)
A full-time fifteen-week clinical experience that advances the student to entry-level patient management skills, supervised by a licensed physical therapist in a clinical setting. Students refine interpersonal communication and professional socialization skills with patients/clients, family, and healthcare staff. Develops evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and medical professional.
This is the third course in a series of three courses.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 5 COURSES
DPT 631 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES II (2 SEM CREDITS)
Prepares students professionally and emotionally for clinical practice, as a lifelong learner and educator in the physical therapy profession. Explores major forms of health care delivery and how they interact with physical therapy services, including but not limited to, medical ethics, health care regulations, and risk management strategies.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 5 COURSES
DPT 622 CAPSTONE COURSE (2 SEM CREDITS)
Culminates the student’s clinical and professional development through the integration of didactic knowledge, clinical experiences, and evidence-based principles. Students complete licensure preparation and exam simulation to validate comprehension and curricular content.
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SEMESTER 5 COURSES