Courses
PT 5110 Professional Communication: 2 semester hours.
Develops professional communication and documentation skills for physical therapy practice. Emphasizes effective medical record-keeping and collaborative communication within health care teams.
PT 5120 Physical Therapy Fundamentals: 2 semester hours.
Introduces foundational knowledge, basic patient care skills, and professional behaviors for physical therapy practice. Focuses on patient safety, effective communication, and an overview of the patient/client management model.
PT 5210 Evidence-Based Practice I: 3 semester hours.
Introduces evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Covers research design, literature searching, and basic appraisal skills. Students learn to frame clinical questions, interpret research, and connect evidence with clinical reasoning.
PT 5220 Evidence-Based Practice II: 2 semester hours.
Focuses on evidence appraisal and application to clinical scenarios. Students refine literature searching, statistical interpretation, and critical appraisal skills, and apply current research evidence to guide patient-centered care decisions. Emphasis is placed on formulating clinical recommendations and integrating findings into case-based reasoning and documentation.
PT 5230 Evidence-Based Practice III: 1 semester hour.
Culminates the EBP sequence by guiding students through synthesis and application of evidence to a clinically relevant question. Students evaluate outcomes, draw conclusions from research data, and reflect on the application of evidence-based practice principles to patient management. Emphasis is placed on dissemination of findings through written and oral formats. PREREQ: PT 5220
PT 5310 Pharmacology for Musculoskeletal and Cardiopulmonary Conditions: 2 semester hours.
Provides an overview of pharmacological principles and drug classes commonly used in musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions. Emphasis is on mechanisms, therapeutic uses, and side effects in the context of physical therapy. Students learn to integrate pharmacology into safe and effective patient management.
PT 5410 Clinical Anatomy & Examination I: Appendicular Systems: 6 semester hours.
This course provides an integrated study of appendicular anatomy, kinesiology, and foundational examination skills. Students connect structure to function through dissection, palpation, range of motion (ROM) assessment, and strength testing, applying biomechanical principles to movement analysis. Emphasis is on safe practice, clinical reasoning, and preparation for advanced musculoskeletal management.
PT 5420 Clinical Anatomy & Examination II: Axial Systems & Screening: 6 semester hours.
This course focuses on axial anatomy and trunk systems with emphasis on palpation, spinal motion testing, posture, balance, and screening for musculoskeletal versus visceral sources of impairment. Students apply the ICF framework and develop clinical reasoning skills to guide early differential diagnosis. PREREQ: PT 5410
PT 5430 Clinical Therapeutic Exercise: 3 semester hours.
This course introduces the evidence-based principles and application of therapeutic exercise for diverse pathological conditions. Content includes aerobic conditioning, strengthening, flexibility, balance, coordination, power, agility, and motor control. Students design and adapt exercise programs using appropriate modes and progressions to achieve functional outcomes. Emphasis is on safe application, monitoring, and outcome assessment.
PT 5440 Normal & Abnormal Gait: 2 semester hours.
Explores normal gait mechanics and analysis of pathological gait patterns. Students learn movement screening, observational and instrumented assessment techniques, applying findings to guide clinical decision-making. Emphasis is on linking gait deviations to impairments and functional limitations.
PT 5450 Biophysical Agents Theory and Application: 2 semester hours.
Examines therapeutic use of biophysical and electrotherapeutic modalities. Students apply knowledge of physiology, safety, and evidence to select and administer modalities as part of comprehensive patient care. Integrates with exercise and manual therapy to optimize outcomes.
PT 5501 Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics: 4 semester hours.
Analysis of normal and pathological human movement in joints, posture, gait, and the vertebral column. Application of movements to therapeutic interventions is emphasized. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 5502 Clinical Neuroscience: 5 semester hours.
Study of structure and function of the human nervous system at the cellular and systemic levels. Specific application to clinical management of neurological problems and pathology. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program. *note - Biology students taking the cross listed course (BIOL 4460/5560) are not required to take a lab for this course
PT 5510 Clinical Neuroscience: 5 semester hours.
Study of structure and function of the human nervous system at the cellular and systemic levels. Specific application to clinical management of neurological problems and pathology.
PT 5512 Professional Communication: 2 semester hours.
Introduction to standard forms of professional communication in physical and occupational therapy and among other health care professions. Medical
PT 5514 Research Methodology: 3 semester hours.
Application of principles of research design in the biological, psychological and social sciences. Clinical and laboratory research in occupational and physical therapy are emphasized. Preparation for professional project. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT or MOT program.
PT 5515 Service Delivery of Occupational Therapy: 3 semester hours.
Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors needed to develop, organize, implement, manage, and evaluate relevant therapy programs, using a business model and/or grant-sponsored endeavor. Students explore and learn about policies related to reimbursement
PT 5610 Pathophysiology: 3 semester hours.
Introduces fundamental concepts of human pathophysiology across major organ systems, emphasizing conditions relevant to rehabilitation. Prepares students to understand disease processes, systemic interactions, and their implications for physical therapy management.
PT 5810 Clinical Experience I: 1 semester hour.
Supervised part-time integrated clinical experience in diverse physical therapy settings that introduces students to patient care and allows application of first-year coursework under direct supervision. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
PT 6320 Pharmacology for Neurologic and Mental Health Conditions: 2 semester hours.
Examines pharmacological management of neurologic and mental health conditions. Students study major drug groups, mechanisms, and side effects, with emphasis on how these influence rehabilitation and patient safety. Integrates pharmacology into the physical therapist plan of care across neurological and psychosocial contexts. Students analyze implications for motor control, cognition, and overall functional performance within interdisciplinary rehabilitation settings.
PT 6460 Musculoskeletal System Management I: 3 semester hours.
Emphasizes comprehensive evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions across the spine and extremities. Students develop competence in history-taking, examination techniques, special tests, and outcome-measure selection. Clinical reasoning and use of the ICF model guide interpretation of findings.
PT 6470 Musculoskeletal System Management II: 3 semester hours.
Focuses on manual therapy for spinal conditions. Students practice mobilization, manipulation, and soft-tissue techniques with emphasis on safe application, clinical reasoning, and integration with exercise and patient education.
PT 6480 Musculoskeletal System Management III: 3 semester hours.
Capstone course emphasizing manual therapy and integrated management of extremity conditions. Students synthesize prior knowledge to perform interventions, modify plans of care, and apply clinical reasoning to complex patient cases. The course focuses on integrating examination, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and functional outcome evaluation to prepare students for full-time clinical practice.
PT 6520 Neurological Systems Management I: 2 semester hours.
Physical therapy examination and evaluation of patients with neurologic conditions. Emphasis on developing and applying tests, measures, and outcome tools appropriate to neurologic populations. Students gain competence in interpreting data and developing comprehensive evaluations guided by the ICF model.
PT 6530 Neurologic Systems Management II: 4 semester hours.
Application of the patient/client management model, including diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care, for patients with a medical neurological diagnosis. Emphasis on the development of evidence-informed restorative or compensatory intervention strategies that are based on body structure and function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
PT 6606 Clinical Therapeutic Exercise: 3 semester hours.
Theoretical and evidence-based application of exercise for various pathological conditions. Aerobic conditioning, muscular strengthening, flexibility, balance, coordination, power and agility are discussed, demonstrated and evaluated. Specific exercise prescription, modes of exercise, and application for desired outcomes are emphasized. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 6608 Applied Pharmacology - Musculoskeletal Emphasis: 1 semester hour.
Study of the major drug groups, therapeutic implication and side effects for drugs commonly used for musculoskeletal disorders. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT or MOT program; or by course instructor permission.
PT 6609 Applied Pharmacology - Cardiopulmonary Emphasis: 1 semester hour.
Study of the major drug groups, therapeutic implication and side effects for drugs commonly used for cardiopulmonary system disorders. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT or MOT program; or by course instructor permission.
PT 6610 Applied Pharmacology - Neurological Emphasis: 1 semester hour.
PT 6614 Physical Therapy Fundamentals: 2 semester hours.
The introduction and practice of basic knowledge and skills needed for physical therapy practice and management. PREREQ: Graduate student; acceptance in the DPT Program.
PT 6615 DPT Capstone Project: 1-5 semester hours.
This is a three phase, progressive series of courses. Capstone Phase 1 (1 credit) requires the study and write up of a clinical pathology. Capstone Phase 2 (2 credit) presents case report design process education, healthcare advocacy, and legal professional concerns. Capstone Phase 3 (2 credits) includes national board examination preparation, case report development requiring the in-depth study, development, reporting and presentation of a comprehensive patient case with an emphasis on the clinical reasoning and decision- making related to the entire patient care process.
PT 6617 Research Practicum: 1 semester hour.
Faculty supervised clinical, basic or applied research project which may include review of literature preparation, proposal development, data collection, and manuscript preparation. May be repeated up to 4 credits. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 6618 Practicum I: 1 semester hour.
Supervised clinical experience in physical therapy. May be repeated up to 4 credits. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program
PT 6619 Practicum II: 1 semester hour.
Supervised clinical experience in physical therapy. May be repeated up to 4 credits. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program
PT 6620 Clinical Procedures: 3 semester hours.
Study and practice of theory and application of basic techniques of patient evaluation, handling, and treatment in physical therapy. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program.
PT 6621 Musculoskeletal System Management (spine): 3 semester hours.
Orthopedic and manual physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of spinal conditions including muscle, skeletal, and connective tissue pathologies. Lab/Lecture course with video and web supplementation.
PT 6622 Musculoskeletal System Management (lower extremity): 3 semester hours.
Orthopedic and manual physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of lower extremity conditions including muscle, skeletal, and connective tissue pathologies. Lab/Lecture course with video and web supplementation.
PT 6623 Biophysical Agents Theory and Application: 2 semester hours.
Study of theory and therapeutic uses of biophysical agents with practice of application designed to develop clinical competence in the use of biophysical agents in the treatment of patients with specific pathologies and conditions
PT 6624 Cardiac and Pulmonary Systems Management: 3 semester hours.
Introduces evaluation and management of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction in acute care and inpatient settings. Emphasizes cardiopulmonary examination techniques, basic intervention strategies to improve cardiopulmonary function, and effective interdisciplinary team collaboration for acute patient care. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program
PT 6625 Cardiac and Pulmonary System Management II: 3 semester hours.
Builds on Cardiac and Pulmonary Systems Management I to address patients with complex or critical cardiopulmonary conditions. Emphasizes advanced interventions in acute and post-acute rehabilitation settings, management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and interdisciplinary collaboration for multi-system care. Reinforces evidence-informed practice and outcome assessment in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program.
PT 6626 Neurological Systems Management: 2 semester hours.
Physical therapy management of patients with central and peripheral neural and neuromuscular dysfunctions from traumatic causes. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program.
PT 6628 Integumentary and Lymphatic Conditions: 2 semester hours.
PT 6630 Integumentary, Lymphatic, and Prosthetic Management: 3 semester hours.
Addresses physical therapy management of conditions involving the integumentary and lymphatic systems, including burns, chronic wounds, lymphedema, and limb amputations. Students learn wound care principles, edema management, and prosthetic training, emphasizing integration of multiple systems and interdisciplinary care for optimal functional outcomes.
PT 6631 Clinical Affiliation I: 5 semester hours.
Clinical management practicum related to orthopedics, general medicine, and/or cardiopulmonary problems in a variety of clinical settings. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 6632 Clinical Affiliation II: 5 semester hours.
Clinical management practicum related to patients with orthopedic, neurological and multisystem problems. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 6642 Musculoskeletal System Management (upper extremity): 3 semester hours.
Orthopedic and manual physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of upper extremity conditions including muscle, skeletal, and connective tissue pathologies. Lab/Lecture course with video and web supplementation.
PT 6646 Neurological Systems Management Lab: 3 semester hours.
Physical therapy management of patients with central and peripheral neural and neuromuscular dysfunctions from acquired neurological conditions. PREREQ: Graduate student, progression in the DPT program.
PT 6648 Graduate Special Topics: 1-3 semester hours.
Individual or group critical analysis and study of a specific area of physical therapy patient management, administration, or research. May be repeated. PREREQ: 2nd year students and/or permission of instructor.
PT 6650 Diagnostic Imaging for Rehabilitation Professionals: 1 semester hour.
PT 6699 Experimental Course: 1-6 semester hours.
The content of this course is not described in the catalog. Title and number of credits are announced in the Class Schedule. Experimental courses may be offered no more than three times with the same title and content. May be repeated.
PT 6820 Clinical Experience II: 1 semester hour.
Supervised part-time integrated clinical experience in diverse clinical settings that builds on ICE I, with students taking a more active role in patient care and applying expanded first-year skills under supervision. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
PT 6861 Clinical Affiliation I: 5 semester hours.
Full-time clinical management experience related to patients with orthopedic, general medicine, and/or cardiopulmonary conditions in a variety of clinical settings.
PT 6862 Clinical Affiliation II: 5 semester hours.
Full-time clinical management experience related to patients with orthopedic, general medicine, and/or cardiopulmonary conditions in a variety of clinical settings.
PT 7130 Physical Therapy Resource Management: 3 semester hours.
Examines principles of healthcare administration, finance, and practice management in physical therapy. Students learn strategies for effective resource utilization, reimbursement, and service delivery across various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on leadership, ethical management, and sustainable professional practice.
PT 7140 Transition to Professional Practice: 2 semester hours.
Prepares students for the transition from student to practicing physical therapist, with emphasis on professional licensure readiness. Integrates ethics, legal responsibilities, leadership, and career development with NPTE exam preparation and case-based learning.
PT 7490 Diagnostic Imaging for Rehabilitation Professionals: 1 semester hour.
Provides principles of diagnostic imaging relevant to physical therapy. Students interpret common musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary images and integrate findings with clinical evaluations to guide management.
PT 7710 Screening for Medical Referral: 3 semester hours.
Introduces the process of screening patients for conditions that warrant medical referral beyond the scope of physical therapy. Emphasizes recognition of red flags, yellow flags, and system-based indicators of non-musculoskeletal pathology. Students learn to differentiate signs and symptoms requiring medical consultation, referral, or emergency response, applying evidence-informed decision-making to ensure patient safety and quality of care.
PT 7711 Applied Pharmacology - Mental Health Emphasis: 1 semester hour.
Study of the major drug groups, therapeutic implication and side effects for drugs commonly used for mental health and lifespan considerations. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT or MOT program; or by course instructor permission.
PT 7713 Physical Therapy Professions: 1 semester hour.
Survey of current status of the physical therapy profession in health care systems. Professionalism, ethics, legal issues, validation of practice, future projections and historical perspective. PREREQ: Graduate student; acceptance in the DPT Program
PT 7715 Physical Therapy Resource Management: 3 semester hours.
Application of business and health care administration principles to the practice of physical therapy resource management strategies with an emphasis on community service delivery. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 7720 Geriatric and Complex Patient Management: 3 semester hours.
Covers evaluation and management of geriatric patients, with emphasis on caring for individuals with multiple chronic conditions and complex medical needs. Students develop competence in functional assessment, evidence-based intervention planning, and coordination of care across acute, post-acute, and community settings. Emphasis is placed on prevention, health promotion, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize outcomes for aging adults with complex health conditions.
PT 7725 Multi-Systems Management: 4 semester hours.
Physical therapy management of persons with problems affecting multiple systems; burns, wounds, amputations, neoplasms, metabolic disorders. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program
PT 7727 Geriatric Management: 3 semester hours.
Examination, evaluation and treatment of the elderly population with emphasis on the management of normal and pathological conditions. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 7728 Lifespan Development: 3 semester hours.
Normal and abnormal development of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary systems cognitive/perceptual and psychosocial behavior associated with life through adolescence. Evaluation, program planning and treatment strategies are introduced. PREREQ: Progression and full enrollment in the DPT program.
PT 7730 Pediatric Physical Therapy: 3 semester hours.
Covers physical therapy examination and management of pediatric patients (birth through adolescence), with emphasis on typical and atypical development and family-centered care. Includes assessment of motor control, postural development, and functional movement in pediatric populations.
PT 7733 Clinical Affiliation III: 5 semester hours.
Clinical management practicum related to patients with orthopedic, neurological, and multisystem problems. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 7734 Clinical Affiliation IV: 5 semester hours.
Clinical management practicum related to patients with orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and multisystem problems leading to entry-level competency. Graded S/U. PREREQ: Graduate student; progression in the DPT program.
PT 7830 Integrated Clinical Experience III: 1 semester hour.
Supervised part-time integrated clinical experience that builds on ICE I & II by offering more advanced patient care opportunities in varied settings. Students integrate second-year coursework and demonstrate increased clinical reasoning with greater independence under supervision, in preparation for full-time clinical internships.
PT 7863 Clinical Affiliation III: 5 semester hours.
Full-time clinical management experience related to patients with orthopedic, general medicine, and/or cardiopulmonary conditions in a variety of clinical settings.
PT 7864 Clinical Affiliation IV: 5 semester hours.
Full-time clinical management experience related to patients with orthopedic, general medicine, and/or cardiopulmonary conditions in a variety of clinical settings.
PT 7990 Graduate Special Topics in Physical Therapy: 1-4 semester hours.
Explores specialized topics in physical therapy practice to foster professional growth, reinforce patient-centered care, and address the evolving role of the physical therapist. Content varies by offering and the course may be repeated for credit.
