Core Course Descriptions

This course presents the anatomy of the human body and relevant embryological development in a lecture and laboratory format. The emphasis is on the relationship of form and function and the use of anatomy in physical diagnosis. Laboratory sessions include dissection of human cadavers. Student progress is evaluated through written and practical examination.

Credits: 7

In this two-quarter series, students are introduced through didactic instruction and clinical case sessions to the basic physiologic principles that underline the normal function of the various organs and organ systems. These core principles provide the foundation through which the student develops an understanding of health in physiologic terms and appreciation of diverse regulatory processes that maintain the homeostasis of the human body.

Credits: 4 credits each course

Students will have an understanding of the structure, function, mechanical properties and repair phases of cellular and extracellular matrix of skin, bone, ligaments, tendons, skeletal muscle, cartilage and peripheral nerves. Concepts of physical stress theory and staging for rehabilitation will be used as a guide for clinical decisions in the case of injury to any of the tissues discussed.

Credits: 3

This course explores human development across the life span, as related to the acquisition and maintenance of optimal health and participation in meaningful activities. The development of movement and the developmental changes of the body tissues and systems supporting movement are analyzed in depth. The interrelationships and management of physical and cognitive domains are briefly examined for individuals of different ages.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I/Embryology; PHYS 1571,1582 Human Physiology I, II; PTHE 1580,1581 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I, II

Medical Terminology is an online course which introduces medical terminology, with a focus on body systems. This foundational course is designed to enable the physical therapy student to gain understanding of technical, scientific, and medical terminology through the comprehensive study of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes derived from Greek and Latin bases.

Credits: 0.5

Health promotion and disease/injury prevention are primary roles fulfilled by physical therapists. This course will provide a conceptual framework for health promotion and disease/injury prevention across the life span. The foundation for the conceptual framework is built on public health policy and basic epidemiological principles. Course content focuses on health promotion and disease/injury prevention, risk and its relation to disease, assessment of risk, interventions to minimize risk/promote health.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1510 Health Professionalism I; PTHE 1501 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1640 Biopsychosocial Issues

The multiple roles of the physical therapist across the healthcare delivery system as a patient/client manager, educator, administrator, consultant, and critical inquirer are described and the implications for physical therapy practice are discussed. Current issues in physical therapy practice, healthcare policy, regulation, healthcare reimbursement, patient advocacy, and contemporary practice concepts are analyzed. Ongoing professional development is emphasized.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1501 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1510 Health Professionalism I; PTHE 1640 Biopsychosocial Issues

This course provides the foundation for the evaluative process in physical therapy. Course topics include history, systems review, range of motion measurements, manual muscle testing, among other basic assessment techniques. Students are taught to use these assessment techniques to identify patient impairments and perform a basic examination of non-complex patient problems. Students have the opportunity to practice documentation and goal writing.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PTHE 1501 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1510 Health Professionalism I; ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I/ Embryology; PTHE 1526 Medical Terminology; PTHE 1640 Biopsychosocial Issues

Physical therapists must understand the biomechanics of normal movement and the pathomechanics of the musculoskeletal system in order to prevent, evaluate, and recommend appropriate intervention for patients with movement dysfunction. Course content includes the basic theories of mechanics applied to normal tissues in static and dynamic states. Students will learn to recognize normal and abnormal alignment and movement of the upper extremity, temporomandibular joint, and cervical spine.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I/Embryology

This course covers the implementation and modification of basic interventions for existing/potential mobility problems at both the impairment and disability levels. This course addresses patient handling, positioning and draping, transfers, bed mobilities, gait training, basic wheelchair prescription, positional/transitional equipment use, bandaging, range of motion and soft tissue mobilization. This course applies early mobilization principles, sterile and non-sterile techniques, standard and isolation precautions, safety, and concepts related to acute care, the ICU, incidents and emergencies.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I; PHYS 1571 Physiology I; PTHE 1501 Clinical Problem Solving I; PTHE 1575 Physical Therapy Evaluation I; PTHE 1580 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I; and concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1560 Educational Principles for the Physical Therapists

Simulated Physical Therapy Clinic I is the first of two courses in the Simulated Physical Therapy Clinic series. Prior to three weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice in a healthcare environment, students practice skills in communication, time management, patient evaluation, infection control/standard precautions, and mobility training in a simulated physical therapy practice environment with simulated patients.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of all coursework through fall quarter in the first professional year

This course is a continuation of the basic research design and methods content introduced in PTHE 1530 Research. The course is intended to help students refine content, organization and presentation skills as they develop their final research product to be presented in PTHE 1706 Scholarly Development in Physical Therapy.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

PTHE 1530 Research; PTHE 1570 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I

Simulated Physical Therapy Clinic II is the second of two courses in the Simulated Physical Therapy Clinic series. Prior to ten weeks full-time supervised clinical practice in a healthcare environment, students practice skills in communication, time management, patient evaluation, examination, infection control/standard precautions, treatment planning, intervention, and patient education in a simulated physical therapy practice environment with evaluation of simulated patients.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of all coursework through fall quarter in the second professional year

This course addresses the theoretical principles of physiological changes that occur as a result of the application of thermotherapeutic, cryotherapeutic, hydrotherapeutic, and therapeutic application of traction and compression pumps. Students will develop skills in application of these modalities and will study the normal and abnormal responses of tissue following the application of these modalities. Wound care and the management of chronic wounds will be covered as a unit in this course.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PHYS 1582 Human Physiology II; PTHE 1517 Life Span Human Development; PTHE 1590,1591,1690 Physical Therapy Interventions I, II, III; PTHE 1673 Applied Neuroscience; PTHE 1675 Physical Therapy Evaluation III; and concurrent enrollment in PTHE 1602 Clinical Problem Solving II

Physiologic factors relevant to responses and adaptations to exercise across the life span are presented. Analysis of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal systems to prescribe and modify exercise is emphasized. Laboratory experiences are utilized to facilitate integration of principles of exercise physiology with clinical practice.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PHYS 1571, 1582 Human Physiology I, II

This course will develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills required for students to evaluate and apply learned management concepts to the current healthcare environment. This course will specifically develop the student's ability to effectively serve in patient/client management and administrative roles. Specific course content includes professional development, case management, time management, organizational infrastructure and delivery systems, reimbursement and payment models, risk management, outcomes and quality improvement/assurance.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

PTHE 1570 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1696 Clinical Experience I

Course is a continuation of the study of human neuroscience with an emphasis on pathological conditions and physical therapy clinical applications.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PHYS 1571,1582 Human Physiology I, II; ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I/Embryology; PTHE 1573 Human Neuroscience

This course builds on the principles of exercise theory introduced in Physical Therapy Interventions II. Exercise principles commonly utilized within the clinical environment will be presented and demonstrated. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) will be introduced. Students will learn how to develop and implement an exercise program for individuals across the life span. Clinical conditions and impairments affecting performance will be discussed as they relate to physical therapy intervention.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1517 Life Span Human Development; PTHE 1576 Physical Therapy Evaluation II; PTHE 1581 Kinesiology/Biomechanics II; PTHE 1573 Human Neuroscience

This course is a three-week, full-time, supervised clinical experience. Students practice patient management in the clinical environment under the direct supervision of an experienced physical therapist. Students practice skills in communication, patient evaluation and management, infection control/standard precautions, and patient education. Students will also practice a variety of professional skills critical to professional development.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of all course work through spring quarter in the first professional year

This course will examine in detail the anatomical joint structures of the extremities and trunk. Muscles, joint structure and function, nerves, tissue and relationship to joint movement will be emphasized. Information about these structures and their function will be applied to surgical and clinical issues that relate to physical therapy intervention and management. Self-directed learning is an expectation of this course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

ANAT 1551 Human Anatomy I/Embryology; PTHE 1580,1581 Kinesiology/Biomechanics I, II; PTHE 1575,1576, 1675 Physical Therapy Evaluation I, II, III; PTHE 1590, 1591, 1690, 1691 Physical Therapy Interventions I, II, III, IV

This course is the culmination of the group research project initiated and nurtured in two prior courses: PTHE 1530 Research and PTHE 1603 Scholarship in Physical Therapy. This course will focus on class presentation of completed research projects. Groups will also format projects for poster display at the annual MWU Dr. Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day event. In addition, students will be encouraged to submit their work for either poster or platform presentation at a professional meeting or conference.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

PTHE 1530 Research; PTHE 1570 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1603 Scholarship in Physical Therapy

This is the second of a two-course series focusing on wellness and prevention. In this course, students will have the opportunity to apply principles presented in Health Promotion I, as well as appropriate principles of teaching and learning presented in Educational Principles for Physical Therapists. Students are expected to plan, implement, and evaluate a health promotion and/or disease/injury prevention program for a community group in need of wellness or prevention services.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1550 Health Promotion I; PTHE 1560 Educational Principles for Physical Therapists

This is the second of three courses which expands upon the student's understanding of the roles of the physical therapist and contemporary practice issues. The impact of a variety of professional issues such as healthcare policy, ethics, reimbursement, socialized medicine, technology, and APTA initiatives on healthcare service delivery and physical therapy practice are discussed, analyzed and debated. Issues related to the transition from a professional preparation program to clinical practice are included.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1570 Physical Therapy Roles and Professional Issues I; PTHE 1560 Educational Principles for Physical Therapists; PTHE 1648 Management in Physical Therapy Systems; PTHE 1779 Applied Management in Physical Therapy Systems; PTHE 1696,1697 Clinical Experience I, II

As they enter the work force, physical therapists need the ability to apply management skills. Specifically, physical therapists are often called upon to develop and execute a plan to integrate a new product, program or service into an existing rehabilitation delivery system. This course is structured around the development of a strategic plan and budget proposal for a rehabilitation service line or business start-up. Concepts related to personnel and accounting regulations, contract law, consultation, sales and marketing, legal and ethical issues will be analyzed.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

PTHE 1648 Management in Physical Therapy Systems

This course is a ten-week, full-time, supervised clinical experience. Students practice patient management skills in the clinical environment under the direct supervision of an experienced physical therapist. Students perform patient examination techniques, the evaluation and interpretation of examination results, determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis, design and safely implement a plan of care, perform interventions, and evaluate patient outcomes. Students will also practice a variety of professional skills critical to professional development.

Credits: 11

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of all previous coursework through fall quarter in the third professional year.