Apr 19, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog Archived Catalog

Course Descriptions


 

Physical Therapy

  
  • PT 505 Gross Anatomy/Laboratory

    5 Credits

    In this course, students study the macroscopic aspects of human anatomy with particular emphasis given to the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems related to the trunk and extremities. Cadaver laboratory activities are closely integrated with lecture and discussion.

    Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into, and enrollment in, the Physical Therapy Program at Neumann University.

  
  • PT 507 Neuroscience

    4 Credits

    This course examines structural and physiological aspects of the central and peripheral nervous systems related to clinical conditions. In addition, emphasis is placed upon the importance of structures and pathways that affect motor function.

    Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into, and enrollment in, the Physical Therapy Program at Neumann University.

  
  • PT 508 Exercise Physiology

    2 Credits

    In this course, the physiological responses to exercise in both healthy and patient populations are discussed and analyzed. In addition, students learn to consider the features of various pathologies which are often encountered by physical therapists, as well as the related effects of patient conditions and disease on patient responses to exercise. Throughout the semester, selected topics of study emphasize clinical decision-making regarding possible adverse effects of therapeutic exercises, physiological responses to exercise in geriatric and pediatric populations, with and without specific disease considerations, and other specific diagnostic groups.

  
  • PT 512 Pathology, Pharmacology and Review of Systems

    3 Credits

    In this course, students study the pathophysiology, medical diagnosis, and general medical management guidelines of selected diseases and conditions affecting the genitourinary, gastronintestinal, renal, integumentary, hematologic, hepatobiliary, and endocrine systems, in addition to cancer, infection and autoimmune disorders.  Students also study elements of patient history taking using various sources of information and screening, consistent with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, for general illness considering the above listed sytems.  Principles of clinical pharmacology are also presentd along with pharmacological considerations in the medical and PT management of patient with various diseases and disorders that are the subject of this course.  Emphasis is on differential diagnosis and systems screening to facilitate clinical decision making regarding physical therapy intervention and appropriate referral.  Principles of diagnostic imaging are discussed and imaging applications are included in describing medical diagnosis of various diseases and disorders.

  
  • PT 516 Fundamental Physical Therapy Skills

    4 Credits

     

    Students learn to screen, examine, evaluate, provide intervention and document care which involves analysis of movement dysfunction and disability.  Basic clinical skills such as range of motion, functional mobility, and vital sign assessment are presented in a problem-solving and directed-discovery learning environment. 

  
  • PT 518 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

    4 Credits

    The functional characteristics of bone, muscle, and joints are studied in this course, as are the normal and abnormal movement of the human body in relation to forces acting on it to produce a variety of postures and gait. Muscle palpation and manual muscle testing skills are also taught and practiced in a laboratory environment.

  
  • PT 519 Physical Agents

    4 Credits

    Students learn the physics, physiologic response, and critical application of thermal agents, compression, and electrotherapeutic interventions.

  
  • PT 520 Clinical Pharmacology and Diagnostic Imaging

    3 Credits

    Basic principles of clinical pharmacology, including drug actions, adverse effects, and implications for physical therapy practice are studied in this course. In addition, students learn the principles and use of diagnostic imaging procedures and interpretations.

  
  • PT 551 Education in Physical Therapy

    2 Credits

    In this course, students analyze the current role of physical therapists as educators. Students learn basic educational concepts regarding teaching and learning theory, as well as educational strategies that are needed for patient/family teaching, peer in-service training, community education, and clinical education of students. Students also examine themselves and their own preferred learning style in the context of preparing for their upcoming clinical experiences.

  
  • PT 580 Independent Study Project (ISP)

    Credit Varies

    Qualified graduate students who seek individualized advanced study in some area of physical therapy that is not covered in scheduled courses may apply for an Independent Study Project (ISP). Students assume responsibility for special readings and research under the supervision of a designated faculty member. Regular meetings with faculty and completion of all assignments are required.

    Prerequisite(s): Conditions of the University’s ISP Policy, as well as any additional clearance requirements as determined by the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences.

  
  • PT 581 Research in Physical Therapy

    3 Credits

    This course introduces the student to basic concepts of research that are important in the clinical practice of physical therapy. Topics of study include reliability; validity; hypotheses testing; protection of human and animal subjects; qualitative and quantitative research methods; data collection and reduction methods; as well as statistics and statistical reasoning. Students also learn how to draw conclusions from data analysis.

  
  • PT 583 Introduction to Evidence-based Practice

    3 Credits

    Foundational knowledge related to evidence-based practice and evaluation of evidence is introduced in this course. Students learn the basis and purpose of reflective practice, research and theory development in physical therapy, and a method for keeping current with the ever-expanding information base of physical therapy. Different types of research are also introduced. Students are taught to critique physical therapy literature relative to research design, reliability, and validity. They are also required to rate the literature by using a standardized scale. This course provides foundational knowledge for future courses in the Physical Therapy Program curriculum.

  
  • PT 611 Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology

    1 Credit

    In this course, students are taught to recognize the clinical pictures of musculoskeletal pathologies and to respond appropriately with direct physical therapy intervention, referral to another provider, or client education. Individual presentations and papers provide students with opportunities to practice in-service education, refine their professional writing skills, and engage in peer review.

  
  • PT 616 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy

    5 Credits

    Students learn to screen, examine, evaluate, and provide intervention, as well as document care for clients with musculoskeletal/orthopedic dysfunction and disability. Clinical skills are presented in a directed discovery-learning environment which draws on didactic learning and peer interaction.

  
  • PT 617 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II

    3 Credits

    Students are presented with additional examination and intervention procedures in orthopedic physical therapy, including manual therapy management of the spine and extremities. In addition, students learn advanced rehabilitation procedures related to work conditioning, job training, and sport-specific activities.

  
  • PT 618 Values and Ethics in Physical Therapy Practice

    1 Credit

    In this course, students examine the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, a text which emphasizes standards of practice, professional conduct, and the physical therapy Code of Ethics. The relationships between Franciscan traditions and the field of physical therapy are also analyzed. In addition, students discuss and integrate into practice their knowledge of current professional issues and behaviors in the context of their own development as professionals and individuals.

  
  • PT 619 Clinical Reasoning I

    1 credit

    This is the first course of a 2 course sequence designed to reinforce student clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.  The course is timed to prepare students for their first clinical education experience in the following spring term through a cumulative review of previous course materials and skills in a patient case study format.  Students work in small groups with faculty in a seminar and laboratory format that requires students to link their knowledge base to applications, patient problem-solving, and psychomotor skills demonstration that is subject to faculty and peer review to enhance learning.  Course activites are intended to further prepare second year students to successfully complete a comprehensive examination that is required to pass the course and continue in the program.  The content items of the comphrehensive examination will include all previously completed coursework.

  
  • PT 621 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology

    1 Credit

    Students are taught to recognize the clinical profiles of cardiopulmonary pathologies and how to respond appropriately with direct physical therapy intervention, referral to another provider, or client education. Individual presentations and papers provide the students with additional opportunities to engage in in-service education, professional writing skills, and peer review.

  
  • PT 622 Neuromuscular Pathophysiology

    1 Credit

    In this course, students learn to recognize the clinical profiles of neuromuscular pathologies and how to respond appropriately with direct physical therapy intervention, referral to another provider, or client education.

  
  • PT 626 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

    3 Credits

    Students are taught to screen, examine, evaluate, and provide intervention, as well as document care for clients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Clinical skills are presented in a directed problem- solving and discovery-learning environment which draws upon didactic learning and peer interaction.

  
  • PT 636 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy

    4 Credits

    Throughout the course of the semester, students learn to screen, examine, evaluate, and provide intervention, as well as document care for clients with neuromuscular dysfunction and disabilities.

  
  • PT 640 Evidence-based Case Study I

    1 Credit

    At the beginning of this course, students formulate a clinical question, while either on clinical affiliation or in practice. As part of their studies, students are guided in searching and critiquing the literature that is related to their clinical question. These activities culminate in an “Evidence in Practice” paper.

  
  • PT 655 Geriatric Physical Therapy

    3 Credits

    Advanced clinical skills that are related to geriatric populations and the role of the physical therapist in community wellness are taught in this course.

  
  • PT 665 Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Management

    2 Credits

    In this course, students examine the psychological, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual impact of disease and disability on the client and family. How these issues affect physical therapy management is also studied.

  
  • PT 683 Tests and Measures in Physical Therapy

    2 Credits

    Foundational knowledge related to clinical tests and measures which are utilized in physical therapy are introduced in this course. Students gain experience with various forms of instrumentation, including standardized tests and computerized instrumentation for use in clinical practice. They also learn to critique particular aspects of the data obtained with these instruments and then determine when these data are most validly used in physical therapy. The importance of obtaining baseline data for measures that are intended for outcome documentation is stressed. Throughout their course of study, students participate in both classroom and laboratory sessions.

  
  • PT 691 Clinical Education

    4 Credits

    This course is the first of three clinical practica and occurs in the spring of Year Two of the Physical Therapy Program. During this 10-week experience, students are expected to implement strategies that have been learned and demonstrated in simulated situations in both the classroom and laboratory, which are related to the general debility of a variety of clients.

  
  • PT 713 Advanced Spine

    2 Credits

    This course focuses on the development of advanced skills in the physical therapy management of patients with spinal disorders.

  
  • PT 714 Wound Management

    2 Credits

    In this course, students further develop their skills in the examination, diagnosis, and management of patients with open wounds. This course offers laboratory experiences in debridement and therapeutic interventions, as well as wound assessment in actual clinical settings.

  
  • PT 715 Advanced Physical Therapy of the Hand

    2 Credits

    This course is designed to provide additional skills that are required to examine, diagnose, and treat hand conditions due to injuries, surgeries, and congenital anomalies that result in related dysfunction and impairments.

  
  • PT 716 Advanced Physical Therapy of the Foot

    2 Credits

    The static and dynamic examination of, and physical therapy intervention for, the foot and ankle are studied in this course.

  
  • PT 717 Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Disorders

    2 Credits

    Varied aspects of the physical therapy examination and management of pelvic floor disorders that affect both males and females are highlighted in this course.

  
  • PT 718 Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation

    2 Credits

    This hybrid online/classroom course focuses on developing the knowledge and skills which are required to manage neurologically involved patients with vestibular and balance impairments.

  
  • PT 719 Clinical Reasoning II

    1 credit

    This is the second course of a 2 course sequence designed to reinforce student clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.  The course is timed to prepare students for their final clinical education experience in the following spring term through a cumulative review of previous course materials and skills in a patient case study format.  Students work in small groups with faculty in a seminar and laboratory format that requires students to link their knowledge base to applications, patient problem-solving, and psychomotor skills demonstration that is subject to faculty and peer review to enhance learning.  Course activites are intended to further prepare third year students to successfully complete a comprehensive examination that is required to pass the course and continue in the program.  The content items of the comphrehensive examination will include all previously completed coursework.

  
  • PT 720 Administration and Management

    2 Credits

    Students learn line supervision and fiscal management skills that are needed for entry-level practice. They also examine various payment systems, as well as their impact on health care delivery and on physical therapy practice. Group presentations provide students with opportunities to work as a team on issues of particular interest to them.

  
  • PT 725 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy III

    2 Credits

    Building upon the concepts and techniques that were learned in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I-II, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy III focuses primarily upon improving clinical skills in evaluating and treating spinal disorders. Through the use of online modules, a review of the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the spine and the pain-producing capabilities of the different tissues that compose the spine is conducted. Class time is dedicated to laboratory work and screening for medical and/or non-organic disorders, examination techniques for all areas of the spine, and interventions including high-velocity thrust for spinal disorders.

  
  • PT 730 Health Policy Topics

    2 Credits

    This course is designed to advance physical therapy practice by synthesizing knowledge about health care as an established social institution. Emphasis is placed upon the examination of health care delivery in the United States, including payment models; stakeholder roles and interests; as well as special concerns such as management of chronic disease and the long-term health care crisis. Students research contemporary topics and propose creative solutions to these and other ongoing problems.

  
  • PT 731 Advanced Practice Topics

    2 Credits

    In this course, students are taught advanced practice topics, such as specialty certification, continued education, and private practice issues. Students also examine the role of the physical therapist as a consultant. Factors that affect the physical therapist consultant, such as economic and legal concerns, are also addressed. In addition, students apply course concepts in a promotion of a physical therapy assignment as well as to conclude their comprehensive clinical education service-learning project.

  
  • PT 737 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy II

    3 Credits

    The examination, treatment, and management of individuals with spinal cord injuries and vestibular disorders are emphasized in this course. In addition, strategies for returning patients with neuromuscular diagnoses to the community so that they can participate in previous life roles are also presented.

  
  • PT 740 Human Development

    2 Credits

    In this course, students examine the range (from birth to 21 years) of normal physical and psychological development and explore those issues which are commonly seen in patients who are treated with physical therapy.

  
  • PT 741 Evidence-based Case Study II

    1 Credit

    This course is the culmination of the evidence-based case study that was begun in PT 640  with the student formulation of a clinical question. Students continue to develop their case study paper that focuses on clinical decisions which are based upon critical reviews of relevant literature. As part of that process, students perform online reviews and provide critical feedback of case study presentations that have been completed by their student peers. The final case study “Evidence in Practice” paper is presented in either a PowerPoint platform format or professionally prepared poster. Final presentations are open to all Physical Therapy students, faculty, and invited guests.

  
  • PT 742 Mentored Research Experience I

    1 Credit

     

     

    This course if the first of a 3-course series of research courses in which students closely work with their faculty mentor and other students assigned to a course section.  Course activities are determined by the faculty member who has primary responsibility for the organization and development of the research project in which students will participate.  Students are expected to work closely with their faculty mentor and assist with a particular phase or aspect of that faculty member’s research project.  As the first of the series of 3 courses, student participation in a particular research project will continue through the summer of year 3 in PT 743  and the fall of year 3 in PT 744 .  Specific course requirements and expectations for each student member of a course section will be determined by the faculty mentor depending on the nature of the research project and stage of development or completion.

  
  • PT 743 Mentored Research Experience II

    1 Credit

    This course if the second of a 3-course series of research courses in which students closely work with their faculty mentor and other students assigned to a course section. Course activities are determined by the faculty member who has primary responsibility for the organization and development of the research project in which students will participate. Students are expected to work closely with their faculty mentor and assist with a particular phase or aspect of that faculty member’s research project. As the second of the series of 3 courses, student participation in a particular research project will continue in the fall of year 3 in PT 744 . Specific course requirements and expectations for each student member of a course section will be determined by the faculty mentor depending on the nature of the research project and stage of development or completion.

  
  • PT 744 Mentored Research Experience III

    1 Credit

    This course if the third of a 3-course series of research courses in which students closely work with their faculty mentor and other students assigned to a course section. Course activities are determined by the faculty member who has primary responsibility for the organization and development of the research project in which students will participate. Students are expected to work closely with their faculty mentor and assist with a particular phase or aspect of that faculty member’s research project. As the final course of the series of 3 courses, students will complete activities consistent with the course requirements and their role in the research project. Also, students will prepare and present a description and summary of the status of the research project to date during research night. Specific course requirements and expectations for each student member of a course section will be determined by the faculty mentor depending on the nature of the research project and stage of development or completion.

  
  • PT 745 Mentored Research Experience IV

    1-4 Credits

    This mentored research experience course serves as Physical Therapy elective courses in which the mentored student’s activities are arranged with, and monitored by, a faculty member. Course requirements are individually negotiated between the student and faculty member. As a result, the student is expected to work closely with the faculty member and assist that faculty member with a particular phase of that faculty member’s research project. Depending on the nature and extent of student involvement in the faculty project, the student may take up to all four of the above mentored research courses. For entry-level D.P.T. students, the total number of credits cannot exceed 4 credits for any one mentored research course experience. In addition, if more than one mentored research course is taken, the total number of credits for all of these courses combined cannot exceed 4 credits.

  
  • PT 760 Pediatric Physical Therapy

    2 Credits

    Advanced clinical skills that are related to pediatric populations and the role of the physical therapist in community wellness are presented in this course.

  
  • PT 770 Prosthetics and Orthotics

    3 Credits

    Students learn about prosthetic and orthotic devices and their application for clients with a wide variety of impairments and disabilities.

  
  • PT 790 Clinical Education II

    3 Credits

    This course is the second of three clinical practica and occurs in the spring of Year Three of the Physical Therapy Program. During this 10-week experience, students are expected to implement strategies that have been learned and demonstrated in simulated situations in both the classroom and laboratory that are related to a variety of clients. Under direct supervision of the clinical instructor, students apply the knowledge which they have gained throughout the D.P.T. curriculum to the screening, examining, evaluating, and planning of appropriate interventions, as well as to the documenting of care. Students participate in management activities and the delivery of service.

  
  • PT 795 Clinical Education III

    3 Credits

    This course is the last of the three clinical practica and occurs at the end of the Physical Therapy Program. During this nine-week experience, students are expected to apply the strategies that have been learned and demonstrated in simulated situations, in both the classroom and laboratory, that are related to a variety of clients. By functioning in the context of a team with shared responsibility in achieving client functional outcomes, students continue to gain skill in providing direct care. Students also participate in a spectrum of activities surrounding management and the delivery of service within the scope of the practice setting.