Course Descriptions

This course presents lectures and laboratory (human cadaver prosection, microscopy) sessions emphasizing the embryologic development of the human body, the relationship between body structure and function, and the use of gross human anatomy in physical diagnosis.

Credits: 7

This course introduces the student to behavioral medicine and the biopsychosocial issues that impact a patient's health and wellness. Environmental and developmental influences and the biological/sociocultural determinants of behavior are explored. Special patient issues including the health challenges of obesity, substance abuse, interpersonal violence, aging, and issues of sexuality are covered. Emphasis is placed on patient care and the importance of effective practitioner-patient interaction.

Credits: 3

Students are introduced to the physiological principles and regulatory processes that underlie the normal function of the human body and develop an understanding of the physiologic responses to perturbations of homeostasis and of pathophysiologic alterations that occur in disease. Didactic lectures are supplemented with workshops that focus on application of physiological concepts. Topics include the properties of excitable cells and the function of the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems.

Credits: 3.5 credits each course

Prerequisites

BIOC 1553 Cell and Tissue Structure and Function

This course introduces theoretical frameworks for clinical problem-solving and develops the student's level of clinical reasoning. Students analyze clinical problems by identifying critical cues, gathering information, developing hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and analyzing results. The concept of evidence–based practice is introduced to students as part of the clinical reasoning process. Accessing, organizing, using, and citing healthcare literature, assessing levels of evidence, and mapping clinical concepts are applied to physical therapist practice.

Credits: 2

This course provides an introduction to professional behavior, systems and issues in healthcare delivery, and healthcare team members. The perspective of the patient/client is emphasized. Principles of confidentiality, professional ethics, standards of practice, patient rights, the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, and the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice are discussed. A combination of lecture, discussion, off-campus field experiences, and presentations will be used in the course.

Credits: 2

This course provides the foundation for systematically designing, implementing and evaluating learning experiences. Topics include educational roles, learning and teaching principles, needs assessment, goal setting, writing objectives, instructional strategies, group facilitation, patient/family education, academic and peer professional teaching, evaluation of teaching and learning and a unit on scholarly writing. This course uses lecture, discussion, structured projects and simulated teaching.

Credits: 3

This course introduces the concepts of written and oral professional communication and provides opportunities for practice of skills in communication, time management, supervision and delegation, patient evaluation, infection control/universal precautions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid, mobility training, and patient education in simulated physical therapy practice environments. It also provides the opportunity to appreciate the perspective of patients/families.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

BMED 1511 Biopsychosocial Issues in Healthcare; PHYS 1510 Human Physiology I; PTHE 1503 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1512 Health Professionalism I; PTHE 1513 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1515 Research; PTHE 1577 Physical Therapy Evaluation I; PTHE 1582 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I; and concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1565 Physical Therapy Interventions I

This course is the first of two neuroscience courses. This course provides students with the ability to identify and describe the principal structural components and corresponding functions of the nervous system, correlate nervous system lesions with neurological deficits/dysfunction seen in clinical practice, correlate neurological examination with structural components, and begin to relate neurophysiology with the theoretical basis for therapeutic approaches. This course uses lecture, laboratory sessions, and case studies.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

ANAT 1500 Human Anatomy I/Embryology; PHYS 1510, 1511 Human Physiology I, II

This course provides a conceptual framework for health promotion and disease/injury prevention across the life span, and discusses definitions of health promotion and disease/injury prevention; risk and its relation to disease; assessment of risk; interventions to promote health; constraints to health education programming including cultural issues, disability; evaluation of health promotion and disease/injury prevention programs; and the current roles of physical therapists and other health practitioners in health promotion and disease prevention.

Credits: 2

This course presents physical therapy interventions including isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, eccentric and concentric strengthening activities; active and passive stretching; proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF); principles of musculoskeletal treatment and joint mobilization. Selected clinical conditions of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand within a physical therapy framework are addressed. This course includes lecture, group discussions, and laboratory sessions.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1514 Education Principles; PTHE 1527 Clinical Conditions I; PTHE 1565 Physical Therapy Interventions I; PTHE 1584 Kinesiology/Biomechanics II

This course builds on the principles introduced in Physical Therapy Evaluation I, focusing on the identification of dysfunction in specific regions of the body including the upper and lower limbs, the spine, pelvis and the temporomandibular joint using special tests, joint examination procedures, strength testing devices, functional assessment and neurodynamic evaluation. Students select appropriate special tests and examination procedures to identify musculoskeletal diagnoses. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and discussion sessions are used.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PTHE 1503 Clinical Problem Solving I; PHYS 1510, 1511 Human Physiology I, II; PTHE 1514 Education Principles; PTHE 1527 Clinical Conditions I; PTHE 1565 Physical Therapy Interventions I; PTHE 1577 Physical Therapy Evaluation I

This course is a continuation of the principles and theories introduced in Kinesiology/Biomechanics I. Students will be able to recognize and describe basic theories of mechanics and the components of normal movement in static and dynamic states as it relates to the spine, temporomandibular joint, lower extremity, and gait activities. Course content includes the interrelationships between anatomical structure and normal kinematic behavior of joints, muscle function, and human gait. Also, foundations for analyzing and identifying the components of gait are covered.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1582 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I; concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1565 Physical Therapy Interventions I

This course is designed to reinforce and enhance the reasoning process used to make clinical decisions. The course includes in depth analysis of planning the history gathering process, planning the tests and measures including a formal functional outcome assessment, forming a physical therapy impression, developing an intervention plan and re-evaluation plan as applied to a patient with a musculoskeletal condition. Communication to physicians regarding clinical impressions is also included.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1503 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1565, 1566, 1667 Physical Therapy Interventions I, II, III; PTHE 1577, 1578 Physical Therapy Evaluation I, II

This course introduces students to the use of orthoses to improve function as a result of impairment of the upper extremity, lower extremity, or spine. Components, materials, design, fabrication, fitting, alignment, prescription, training, and total patient management are discussed. Emphasis is placed on lower extremity orthotics, development of basic analytical and psychomotor skills for adapting tools, equipment, environments, and activities to enhance function as well as design and fabrication of orthoses.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1578 Physical Therapy Evaluation II; PTHE 1667 Physical Therapy Interventions III; and concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1679 Physical Therapy Evaluation III

Students learn about the medical management of central nervous system, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders as well as other common conditions. Risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms and differential diagnoses are some of the issues addressed. Lectures are combined with weekly problem-based learning sessions to promote critical thinking and an evidence-based approach to treatment.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1527 Clinical Conditions I; PTHE 1532 Human Neuroscience

This course addresses the theoretical principles of physiological and neurophysiological changes that occur as a result of the application of physical modalities. Students will develop skill in application of these modalities including superficial/deep heating agents, cold agents, light therapies and external compression. Content includes manipulation of agent parameters in order to perform an effective and efficient treatment given patient variables. In addition, the course addresses the evaluation and care of the integument system including wound care and lymphatic conditions.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PHYS 1511 Human Physiology II; PTHE 1545 Life Span Human Development; PTHE 1565, 1566, 1667 Physical Therapy Interventions I, II, III; PTHE 1633 Applied Neuroscience; concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1605 Clinical Problem Solving II; and concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1679 Physical Therapy Evaluation III

This is the first of two courses devoted to management in physical therapy settings. The course provides a foundation in healthcare environments and delivery systems, personnel management, organizational structures and systems, supervision, leadership, fiscal management, reimbursement and documentation, sales and marketing, legal issues, risk management and outcomes measurement and management. The course uses a combination of lecture, interactive seminar, discussion and student presentations.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PTHE 1512 Health Professionalism I; PTHE 1513 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1552 Health Promotion I; PTHE 1685 Practicum I

This is the fourth course in the Physical Therapy Interventions series. Content includes the design and implementation of a complete treatment plan for adults and children with neurological dysfunction. Topics include: use of motor control theory in the development of the treatment plan, implementation of treatment strategies and techniques for the attainment of functional goals, and practice of therapeutic interventions for the improvement of balance, vestibular disorders, posture, gait, and functional activities. Lecture, lab, and problem-based formats will be used.

Credits: 5

Prerequisites

PTHE 1545 Life Span Human Development; PTHE 1584 Kinesiology/Biomechanics II; PTHE 1605 Clinical Problem Solving II; PTHE 1608 Orthotics; PTHE 1628 Clinical Conditions II; PTHE 1633 Applied Neuroscience; PTHE 1667 Physical Therapy Interventions III; PTHE 1679 Physical Therapy Evaluation III

This course is a three-week, full-time, supervised clinical practice in a healthcare environment. Students practice skills in communication, patient evaluation and management, infection control/standard precautions, and patient education.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

Successful completion of all Physical Therapy Program courses through the spring quarter of the 1st year and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75

Students develop an evidence-based, publishable quality case report or systematic review. Students meet with their faculty advisor prior to Practicum II and work closely with the advisor writing up the case report or review, with an expectation that preliminary drafts will be submitted. After the written report is accepted, projects are presented orally as either a platform or poster presentation.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1513 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1515 Research; PTHE 1607 Scholarship in Physical Therapy

This course introduces students to the use of upper and lower extremity prostheses. Components, materials, design, fitting, alignment, prescription, training, and total patient management are discussed. Emphasis is placed on lower extremity prostheses, development of basic analytical and psychomotor skills for adapting tools, equipment, environments, and activities to enhance function. A combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory, individual projects, and readings are used to achieve the course objectives.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

ANAT 1500 Human Anatomy I/Embryology; PHYS 1510, 1511 Human Physiology I, II; PTHE 1545 Life Span Human Development; PTHE 1527 Clinical Conditions I; PTHE 1577 Physical Therapy Evaluation I; PTHE 1582, 1584 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I, II; PTHE 1565 Physical Therapy Interventions I

This is the third in a series of three courses that analyze professionalism within physical therapist practice. In this course, students gain practical experience as supervisors and consultants. Students also reflect on and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness in these roles. Independent study methods are used to achieve the course objectives.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

PTHE 1513, 1715 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I, II

This course explores physical therapy practice issues unique to children and older adults. Physical therapist practice in the neonatal intensive care unit, early intervention, educational settings, home care and geriatric rehabilitation are defined. Physical therapy evaluation and intervention strategies specific to infants, children, adolescents, and older adults are discussed. Issues related to legislation (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Medicare) are applied to patient management. Lecture, laboratory experiences, and independent study facilitate learning in this course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1545 Life Span Human Development, PTHE 1577, 1578, 1679 Physical Therapy Evaluation I, II, III

Students apply principles from PTHE 1651: Management in Physical Therapy Systems. Structured around the development of a strategic plan for a rehabilitation product or service, this course includes forming and integrating organization, marketing, sales, management, production/service, financial and evaluation strategies. Student teams design a strategic plan provided by community facilities. Students present their strategic plans via a written report and an oral presentation. This course utilizes seminar, discussion, and lecture.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1651 Management in Physical Therapy Systems

This is the final course in the Physical Therapy Interventions series. Principles of evidence-based practice are applied to clinical decision making skills when evaluating different interventions. Content includes: chronic pain, industrial medicine, complex wounds, women's issues, and complex cardiovascular issues. Non-standard treatments are examined with an evidence-based focus. Motor control principles frame the management of progressive neurological disorders and complex chronic neurological conditions. Lecture, discussion, laboratory, and student-led formats will be used.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1577, 1578, 1679 Physical Therapy Evaluation I, II, III; PTHE 1565, 1566, 1667, 1668 Physical Therapy Interventions I, II, III, IV; PTHE 1601 Cardiopulmonary Evaluation and Treatment

This course is a ten-week, full-time, supervised clinical practice in a healthcare environment. Students earn 1 credit for each 40 hour week of clinic work. The course includes an independent study component that utilizes evidence based practice to answer a clinical question. Students earn 1 credit for the evidence based practice project. For either Practicum III or Practicum IV, students will submit one article review to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) "Hooked on Evidence" database.

Credits: 11

Prerequisites

PTHE 1716 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues III; PTHE 1787 Practicum III