DPT Course Descriptions
PTH501 (0 Cr)
This orientation course reviews the principle and practices underlying the Curriculum and Instruction of the DPT Program. This course also facilitates bonding with cohort classmates to enrich the students’ experience in the DPT program and assists the student and cohort in emulating the core values of the School. Students will learn and apply the concepts of Strengths, Emotional Intelligence, GRIT and Metacognitive Learning Strategies. 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)
This course is designed to provide the student with fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise to develop and implement exercise interventions associated with specific impairments and assess patient responses during exercise and in response to training over time. Discussion of specific pathological conditions in relation to exercise testing and prescription and the process of clinical decision-making will be presented. 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 Physical Therapy 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 requisites: PTH516.
PTH518 General Medicine (2 Cr)
Physical therapy management of patients in general medicine, acute care, and subacute care settings with emphasis on examination, evaluation, establishment of prognosis, and intervention with relevant factors. Management of pain and physical complications after medical/surgical treatment. Management of special populations, including wound/burn care and pelvic health care. Co requisite: PTH528.
PTH528 General Medicine Laboratory (1 Cr)
Practice in examination and evaluation modified for the acute-care and sub acute environment. Applications include functional examination procedures, following precaution and safety procedures of hospital equipment, pelvic health exercises, modification of interventions for acute care, and appropriate documentation for inpatient physical therapy. 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 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)
An examination of the basic anatomy and function of the central and peripheral nervous system with an emphasis on those structures involved in the control of human movement. Students are introduced to terminology and concepts associated with normal and abnormal function of selected areas of the neuraxis. This course provides the foundation for the neurology sequence. 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. Portions of lab will concentrate on making connections between neurologic structures and their role in controlling human movement. 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. History taking, the subjective examination and cervical and lumbar scanning exams are taught.
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 (not covered in PTH 530 – Pathophysiology I) and the resulting anatomical and pathophysiological changes. Clinical presentations and 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.
PTH606 Pharmacology in Physical Therapy(1Cr)
Introduction to the general principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and the development of a non-prescriptive knowledge of drug nomenclature, classification and medications specifically impacting physical therapy practice.
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: research and null hypothesis, research questions, research design, research ethics and IRB protocol, sampling, validity and reliability, methodology, hypothesis testing and critical evaluation of physical therapy literature. Knowledge of the concepts needed for writing a graduate research proposal is interwoven throughout this course to prepare students for the Capstone Project.
PTH 617 - Scholarly Inquiry and Dissemination II (1 Cr)
Application of the principles and practice of research, including designs, IRB, ethics, hypothesis testing and critical evaluation of clinical literature as they relate to preparation of the Capstone Research Project. 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.
PTH626 Prosthetics and Orthotics (2)
Study of orthotics and prosthetics including the evaluation, application, and management of individuals with limb loss and limb impairment requiring orthotic and/or prosthetic intervention. Application of these devices in physical therapy to maximize functional independence.
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)
Designed to evaluate and assess pediatric patients utilizing typical development standardized exams and observational skills. Establish a family-centered treatment plan for appropriate physical therapy interventions for children with impairments or disabilities. 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 clinical 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. For students in the DScPT program, additional collaborative learning experiences include case study presentations and compilations of additional resources for use in the clinic.
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 PTH 651 - Neurology I, focusing on assessment and intervention with 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: PTH651 /PTH661. Co requisite: PTH652.
PTH670 Written Comprehensive I (0 Cr)
Assesses the student physical therapist’s ability to understand and apply concepts from the foundational and introductory clinical sciences to the practice of physical therapy.
PTH680 Clinical Practicum (1 Cr)
Practice of the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and lab in a patient-care setting for DPT students. Students work under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor who is a licensed physical therapist clinician. The practicum consists of integrated physical therapy and interprofessional experiences on campus and in facilities affiliated with Andrews University. Repeatable up to 4 credits.
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 enters 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 PTH 711. 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 Musculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning. 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.
PTH7## Christian Ethics in Rehabilitation Sciences(2cr)
This course uses a Christian biblical framework to explore ethics, values, professional responsibilities, advocacy, service, and commitment to lifelong learning and leadership in the ever-changing healthcare environment. Students will begin to develop their professional identity based on this framework.
PTH770 Practical Comprehensive Examination (0 Cr)
PTH768 Professional Compendium (1 Cr)
Exploration and application of practical skills for DPT professionals; includes preparation of a professional portfolio, interviewing practice, personal financial literacy and planning, evaluating continuing education options, and preparation for professional licensure examination.
PTH799 Research Project-topic (1-2 Cr)
Provides students with guidelines and supervision for data collection, analysis, capstone project preparation and oral presentation. To be repeated to 3 credits.
PTH870 Written Comprehensive Examination (0 Cr)
Assesses the student physical therapist’s entry level preparedness to apply the concepts of the clinical sciences to safe and effective patient-centered care in the practice of physical therapy.
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.