DPT Course Descriptions
PTH501 (0 Cr)
The orientation course reviews the principle and practices underlying the Curriculum and Instruction of DPT Program. Mandatory for all incoming DPT students.
PTH505 Anatomy (4 Cr)
A comprehensive study of human anatomy with emphasis on the nervous, skeletal, muscle, and circulatory systems. Introduction to basic embryology and its relation to anatomy and the clinical sciences concludes the course. Provides a solid morphological basis for a synthesis of anatomy, physiology, and the physical therapy clinical sciences. Co requisite: PTH515.
PTH515 Anatomy Lab (3 Cr)
Dissection and identification of structures in the cadaver supplemented with the study of charts, models, prosected materials and radiographs are utilized to identify anatomical landmarks and configurations. Co requisite: PTH505.
PTH509 Principles of Therapeutic Exercise (2 Cr)
Examines the systemic responses to exercise as related to both an acute nature and in response to training. Specific pathological conditions are discussed in relation to exercise testing and prescription, and a clinical decision making process is presented for working with additional pathological conditions. Co requisite: PTH519.
PTH519 Principles of Therapeutic Exercise Laboratory (2 Cr)
Practical demonstration and experience with responses to exercise, testing procedures, and exercise prescription, focusing on activities appropriate for clinical situations. Tests and interventions noted in the PT Guide to Practice are highlighted. Co requisite: PTH509.
PTH513 Health Promotion & Wellness I (variable 1, 2 credit)
Analysis and application of prevention, health promotion, wellness and fitness for individuals, groups and communities. Examination and application of education theory and skills. An exploration of the role of the physical therapist in teaching, learning and leadership in the classroom, clinical setting and community.
PTH613 Health Promotion & Wellness II (variable 1, 2 credit)
Advanced evaluation and application of personal and interpersonal principles of leadership, prevention, health promotion, wellness and fitness for individuals, groups and communities. Synthesis of the role of Physical Therapists in teaching, learning and leadership through design and integration of a community assessment and prevention of disability service project. Prerequisite: PTH513
PTH510 PT Assessment Skills (3 Cr)
Introduction to assessment principles and examination skills utilized in all areas of physical therapy. The PT Guide to Physical Therapy Practice is referenced for the basic skills required in the assessment, intervention and documentation guidelines. Co requisite: PTH520.
PTH520 PT Assessment Skills Laboratory (3 Cr)
Basic examination skills including surface palpation of specific underlying muscle and bone structures, joint motion (goniometry), manual procedures for testing muscle strength, sensation, vital signs, limb girth and volumetric measurement will be practiced. Clinical application in basic physical therapy care procedures will be introduced. Co requisite: PTH510.
PTH516 Pathokinesiology (3 Cr)
The study of human movement including an introduction to the basic concepts of biomechanics with an emphasis on human joint/muscle structures and function, advancing to analysis of body mechanics, normal gait analysis, and pathological movement analysis. Joint abnormalities will be identified using radiographs, related to the resultant movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515. Co requisite: PTH526.
PTH526 Pathokinesiology Laboratory (2 Cr)
Biomechanical and observational analysis of normal and abnormal human movement. Integration of basic examination skills with gait and movement analysis. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515. Co requisite: PTH516.
PTH518 General Medicine (2 Cr)
Clinical techniques applied to the examination, evaluation, treatment, and discharge planning of patients in general medical and acute-care. Emphasis on physical therapy intervention with relevant factors, management of pain and physical complications during medical treatment, and examination and treatment of special populations including wound and burn care. Co requisite: PTH528.
PTH528 General Medicine Laboratory (1 Cr)
Practice in assessment modified for the acute-care environment. Applications include home-and work-place evaluation for architectural barriers, functional evaluation tools, casting, and modification of treatment for acute care including goal setting and professional note writing. Co requisite: PTH518.
PTH525 Therapeutic Interventions (3 Cr)
Basic principles, physiologic effects, indications and contraindications, application and usage of equipment, and intervention rationale for hydrotherapy, thermal agents, wound care, massage, electrotherapy and mechanotherapy (traction) and other therapeutic interventions. Co requisite: PTH535.
PTH535 Therapeutic Interventions Lab (2 Cr)
Supervised practicum includes patient positioning and application of the therapy to obtain desired physiological response. Techniques of hydrotherapy, thermal agents, wound care, and massage, as well as specific electrotherapy and mechanotherapy treatments and assessment of physiological responses to those treatments. Co requisite: PTH525.
PTH530 Pathophysiology I (3 Cr)
Sequence studying disease processes affecting major body systems and the resulting anatomical and pathophysiological changes. Clinical presentations and pharmacological treatment of patients with those disease processes are presented, as well as diagnostic tests and laboratory values used to identify pathological conditions. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515.
PTH565 Neuroscience & Motor Control (3 Cr)
Basic anatomy and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their related structures. Pathways of the central and peripheral nervous systems are examined along with a detailed study of each of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515. Co requisite: PTH575.
PTH575 Neuroscience & Motor Control Laboratory (1 Cr)
Study of the prosected central and peripheral nervous tissues, models, and charts. Imaging will be used to compare normal to abnormal CNS presentation. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515. Co requisite: PTH565.
PTH580 Intro Orthopedic Physical Therapy (1 Cr)
Medical lectures covering selected topics in orthopedics, including common orthopedic diseases and the use of diagnostic testing and imaging in the orthopedic field.
PTH562 Comparative Religion (2 Cr)
This course surveys the major religious traditions of the world. Study includes an overview of origins; major philosophical and theological underpinnings; typical aspects of worship and ethics; and major social, cultural, and political influences. Study is done from a consciously Christian framework.
PTH540 Pathophysiology II (2 Cr)
Sequence studying disease processes affecting major body systems and the resulting anatomical and pathophysiological changes. Clinical presentations and pharmacological treatment of patients with those disease processes considered, as well as diagnostic tests and laboratory values used to identify pathological conditions. Prerequisites: PTH505 and 515.
PTH601 Orthopedics I (2 Cr)
Presentation of fundamental physical therapy knowledge in the assessment and intervention of a patient with both acute and chronic conditions of the extremities. Screening of the cervical and lumbar spine prior to tests is covered, progressing to complete assessment and treatment of extremity joint pathologies. Diagnostic tests and results pertinent to the orthopedic patient are related to a physical therapy differential diagnosis. Co requisite: PTH611.
PTH611 Orthopedics I Laboratory (2 Cr)
Clinical application and practice in the special techniques to assess and treat acute and chronic orthopedic pathologies of the extremities and spine. Co requisite: PTH601.
PTH602 Orthopedics II (2 Cr)
A continuation of the presentation of information regarding orthopedic pathology of the spine with emphasis on treatment techniques for the different pathologies from a physician and physical therapist’s perspective. A decision making model focusing on a differential diagnosis is incorporated throughout the course. Co requisite: PTH612.
PTH612 Orthopedics II Laboratory (2 Cr)
Designed for practice of the special techniques required in the assessment of intervention of acute and chronic orthopedic pathologies of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Co requisite: PTH602.
PTH 616 - Scholarly Inquiry and Dissemination I (1 Cr)
Introduction to the principles and practice of research, including designs, ethics, hypothesis testing and critical evaluation of clinical literature. Preparation and development of a graduate research proposal is interwoven throughout this course.
PTH 617 - Scholarly Inquiry and Dissemination II (1 Cr)
Introduction to the principles and practice of research, including designs, ethics, hypothesis testing and critical evaluation of clinical literature. Preparation and development of a graduate research proposal is interwoven throughout this course.
PTH622 Research Statistics (1 Cr)
Fundamental procedures in collecting, summarizing, presenting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data. Statistical tests applied to medical specialties. Prerequisite: Co requisite: PTH632.
PTH632 Research Statistics Laboratory (1 Cr)
Practice in the computation of statistical data using appropriate formulas. Practical applications of techniques in research and statistical computations including probability, normal distribution, Chi Square, correlations, and linear regressions. Co requisite: PTH622.
PTH625 Cardiopulmonary (2 Cr)
Lectures covering selected topics in cardiopulmonary medicine, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, and medical and physical therapy interventions. Co requisite: PTH635.
PTH635 Cardiopulmonary Laboratory (1 Cr)
Emphasis on physical therapy assessment and intervention with cardiac and pulmonary patients. Practice of relevant techniques, such as stress testing, percussion, pulmonary function tests and breathing techniques, as well as other techniques identified in the Physical Therapy Guide to Practice. Co requisite: PTH625.
PTH627 Orthotics and Prosthetics (1 Cr)
Prosthetic management of upper and lower-limb amputee, orthotic management of patients with disabilities requiring orthotic intervention, and application/management of orthotic-traction devices. Co requisite: PTH637.
PTH637 Orthotics and Prosthetics Laboratory (1 Cr)
Practice of the physical therapy techniques required in the application of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Special attention given to gait and function. Selected topics such as wheelchair modifications, miscellaneous ortho-rehab apparatus, and other assistive/adaptive devices included. Co requisite: PTH627.
PTH640 Pediatrics (2 Cr)
An overview of embryologic development, followed by normal infant/child development to 5 years of age with an emphasis on motor development. Identification of assessment techniques for infants and children with normal and abnormal development. Description of various pediatric pathologies encountered in physical therapy with appropriate corresponding assessment and treatment approaches. Co requisite: PTH650.
PTH650 Pediatrics Lab (2 Cr)
Practice of physical therapy assessment of the infant/child that address different developmental domains. Practice in the special techniques required in assessment and treatment of pediatric patients diagnosed with selected pathologies. Introduces current treatment approaches, such as Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), with their effects on treatment goals. Co requisite: PTH640.
PTH645 Physical Therapy Administration (3 Cr)
A study of the organizational structures, operations, and financing of healthcare delivery institutions and an examination of the organization and interrelationship of their professional and support elements. Application of current health care management strategies and theory are related to the acute-care facility and independent practice.
PTH646 Integration of Spirituality in Health Care (2 Cr)
A discussion of spiritual values from a Christian perspective, how faith and spirituality facilitate the healing process, and how these can be incorporated into patient care. Attention will be given to discerning and addressing the spiritual needs of patients/clients, family members, and ancillary medical staff in a professional environment.
PTH647 Differential Diagnosis (2 Cr)
Analysis of the decision-making process, with special focus on clinical guidelines, Physical Therapy Guide to Practice, and differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is addressed through comparison of systemic signs and symptoms, as well as appropriate diagnostic tests which may indicate involvement of a problem outside of the scope of PT practice.
PTH651 Neurology I (2 Cr)
Review of basic neurophysiological mechanisms specific to nervous system dysfunction, related to clinical concepts in treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury, head injury, stroke, and selected peripheral pathologies. Emphasis on comparing and contrasting facilitation techniques. Co requisite: PTH661.
PTH661 Neurology I Laboratory (2 Cr)
Clinical application, rehabilitation practice, and techniques applied to nervous system dysfunction. Intervention techniques for conditions affecting the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury, head injury, stroke, and selected peripheral pathologies. Co requisite: PTH651.
PTH652 Neurology II (2 Cr)
Continuation of Neurology I, focusing on assessment of and intervention in selected neurologic conditions. Common treatment techniques are compared, with rationale for use of each. Co-requisite: PTH662.
PTH662 Neurology II Laboratory (2 Cr)
Clinical application, rehabilitation practice, and techniques applied to basic physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms specific to nervous system dysfunction. Focus on techniques appropriate for use with neurologic patients and evaluation of patient response to treatment. Prerequisite: PTH662. Co requisite: PTH652.
PTH680 Clinical Practicum (2 Cr)
Practice of the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and laboratory in a patient-care setting. This practicum consists of 60-80 hours (per credit) of physical therapy experience within approved clinical settings. Repeatable.
PTH711 Clinical Reasoning I (1 Cr)
A course intended to enhance the skills associated with clinical reasoning within the Physical Therapy setting. It will address the thought process that enter into every aspect of patient care in the practice of physical therapy, from the history to the physical exam; the differential diagnosis to the development of the prognosis; the plan of intervention to the eventual discharge. Corequisite: PTH721.
PTH721 Clinical Reasoning I Laboratory (1 Cr)
A continuation of PTH721 Clinical Reasoning I. Labs are designed to reinforce specific skills (evaluative or therapeutic) applicable to each lecture topic. Corequisite: PTH711.
PTH712 Clinical Reasoning II (1 Cr)
A continuation of PTH711 Clinical Reasoning I. Prerequisite: PTH711 Corequisite: PTH722.
PTH722 Clinical Reasoning II Laboratory (1 Cr)
A continuation of PTH712 Clinical Reasoning I Laboratory. Prerequisite: PTH712 Corequisite: PTH721.
PTH726 Geriatrics (2 Cr)
Study of the unique characteristics of the geriatric patient, especially the physiological, psychological and social aspects, related to special needs in the physical therapy assessment, plan of care, and intervention.
PTH736 Psychosocial Issues in Health Care (3 Cr)
An introduction to psychosocial responses to illness and disability, especially the interpersonal relationships between the therapist, the family and the patient. Common psychiatric disorders are discussed along with their clinical diagnosis, treatment regimes, projected outcomes and methods for handling these responses in clinical situations.
PTH765 Ethical & Legal Issues in Health Care (1 Cr)
Contemporary ethical issues are examined, including the relationships among peers, superiors, subordinates, institutions, clients, and patients. Illustrations include actual cases related to Christian biblical principles.
PTH770 Practical Comprehensive Examination (0 Cr)
PTH768 Professional Compendium (1 Cr)
Summarization of previous or added learning experiences relative to contemporary issues in physical therapy. An overview of the new graduate’s role and responsibility to his/her patients and their families, employer, and community in the expanding physical therapy profession.
PTH799 Research Project-topic (1-2 Cr)
Provides students with guidelines and supervision for data collection, analysis, thesis preparation and oral presentation. To be repeated to 3 credits.
PTH870 Written Comprehensive Examination (0 Cr)
PTH880 PT Seminar (1 Cr)
Preparation of a personal portfolio, assessment of the clinical experiences and preparation for professional licensure.
PTH881, 882, 883, 884 Clinical Internship I, II, III, IV (4,4,5,5 Cr)
Advanced full-time clinical experience (8-10 weeks each) in a variety of professional practice settings. One of the internships must be in outpatient orthopedics, inpatient, and a neurology setting. Thirty-six to forty hours per week. May be repeated. These courses will be discontinued summer 2022 and will be replaced with PTH885-887.
PTH885, 886,887 Clinical Education 1, 2, 3 (6 credits each)
Advanced full-time clinical experience (12-14 weeks each) in a variety of physical therapy practice settings involving patients/clients with diseases and conditions representative of those typically seen across the lifespan and continuum of care.