Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum Descriptions
First Year-First Semester
PTH 409 Kinesiology and Pathomechanics
This course covers the study of joint and muscle function, applying the principles of biomechanics and motion to both normal and pathological populations including gait and gait analysis, posture and posture analysis, and goniometry. Palpation of surface anatomy, application of biomechanical theory and muscle function to normal and pathological movement is the basis for laboratory study on human subjects. Students will receive an introduction to manual therapy including non-thrust techniques to the spine and extremities. Students compare pathological movement to normal and analyze the probable causes.
5 credits
HPS 405 Gross Anatomy and Histology
A detailed study of bony landmarks and musculoskeletal system of the human body underlying physical therapy assessment and intervention.Gross anatomy includes examination of the anterior and posterior abdominal wall, the superficial and deep back muscles, lower extremities, head and neck, upper extremities, and thoracic organs. The histological structure and development of the musculoskeletal, connective tissue, integumentary, vascular and respiratory systems will be examined.
6 credits
PTH 411 Principles in Physical Therapy
This introductory course stresses transcurricular components of the curriculum. Because this is a first-semester, first-year course, all elements are introduced to provide students the knowledge to integrate the skills learned into the remainder of the curriculum. The components are covered under the major areas of communication (written and oral), teaching/education in physical therapy, research, and professional development. Professionalism, legal issues, ethics, prevention and wellness, Benedictine values and servant leadership, teaching, evidenced-based practice, and diversity are the transcurricular components introduced in this course.
4 credits
PTH 407 Physiology of Rehabilitation
The physiology of the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and renal systems is the focus of this class. Special emphasis is given to the functions of the neurological and musculoskeletal systems during exercise and motor control. Intermediary metabolism is presented in terms of the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical and heat energy during exercise. Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in healthy and sedentary/pathology subjects is presented in relationship to diffusion capacity, blood flow changes, work capacity, and training adaptations. Special attention is given to the response of the heart during exercise and blood pressure changes. The pulmonary and renal regulation of total body acid – base will also be a focus of this course.
3 credits
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First Year-Second Semester
PTH 452 Physical Assessment
Physical examination and screening for the neurological, muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine and integumentary systems, and the determination of a differential physical therapy diagnosis will be addressed. The course covers the identification, selection, and prioritization of clinical signs and symptoms in order to integrate them for the purpose of clinical diagnosis. The content is applied to preparing the student for primary care patient situations as a basis for evaluating and interpreting assessment data and determining the indications and contraindications for physical therapy treatment and patient referral to other practitioners.
5 credits
PTH 438 Physical Agents & Massage
The course emphasizes the theory, indications, contraindications, clinical decision-making, and the safe application of physical agents including heat, cold, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, traction, compression, and massage.
4 credits
PTH 450 Pharmacology
A course covering basic pharmacotherapeutics, including the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of drugs relevant to physical therapists. New drugs are identified with special emphasis on their effects on PT interventions. This course will present some of the basic drug classes and their physiologic basis of action. Drugs are grouped according to their general effects and the type of disorders they are routinely used to treat. This course will address how drug therapy interacts with physical therapy and how drugs can exert beneficial effects as well as adverse side effects that impact on rehabilitation.
3 credits
PTH 434 Neuroscience
A detailed study of the central and peripheral nervous systems of the human body. Neuroscience includes the study of the cell biology and development of the nervous system, examination of the vascular and CSF systems, sensory and motor pathways, and the neurophysiology of the central nervous system.
3 credits
PTH 442 Pathophysiology
Pathological conditions as they relate to differential diagnosis in physical therapy. The course is an overview of the normal and common pathological conditions of the major systems of the body, including the endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, nervous, gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, urinary tract, skin, musculoskeletal, fluid and hemodynamic, hematopoietic, respiratory, eye, and ear systems. Course content also covers cell pathology, tumors, and recognition of common pathological conditions, and when musculoskeletal symptoms may be related to disease.
3 credits
First Year-May/June
PTH 530 Patient Care
This course prepares the student in the principles of body mechanics and safety precautions, patient transfer, positioning and draping, wheelchair fitting and mobility, ambulation with assistive devices, infection control, bandaging, initial wound care, and introduction to orthotic devices. This course is also the final step in preparation for the student’s first clinical education experience. This includes information on supervision rules, reimbursement, HIPAA, CPI, and conflict resolution. Students will also contact their site and provide documentation regarding their background, goals, and learning preferences as well as making sure they have all documentation ready as required by their sites (criminal background checks, immunizations, etc.).
2 credits
PTH 552 Musculoskeletal Assessment
The course is an introduction to orthopedic evaluation skills in neuromusculoskeletal assessment. Emphasis focuses on basic evaluation techniques in orthopedic and manual physical therapy with an introduction to functional rehabilitation. It provides the foundation for selection of appropriate assessment and treatment planning. Students learn an algorithm approach to screening, examination, and evaluation, which all involve a critical thinking process to establish an orthopedic physical therapy diagnosis.
3 credits
PTH 537 Therapeutic Exercise
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of therapeutic exercise including active and passive range of motion, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, stretching, manual therapy including thrust and non-thrust techniques, strengthening, and aerobic exercises, strengthening, and aerobic exercises.
3 credits
First Year-July/August
PTH 501 Clinical Education
Each student is placed in a clinical setting for an eight (8)-week experience. The experience is in an area emphasizing rural practice, general outpatient, acute care, or a combination. The purpose is to allow the student the opportunity to integrate academic knowledge with clinical practice.
6 credits
Second Year-First Semester
PTH 623 Motor Control
This course consists of the issues and theories of motor control and motor learning. Students will build on their knowledge of physiology of motor control by applying this knowledge to clinical practice. Included in the course will be normal postural and motor control throughout the lifespan, abnormal motor control, and gait and gait analysis.
4 credits
PTH 612 Advanced Orthopedics
This course emphasizes the patient/client clinical management following a thorough examination, evaluation, and differential diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal impairments. Particular emphasis is placed on the prognosis, intervention, and outcomes of neuromusculoskeletal conditions for conservative and post-operative orthopedic conditions of the upper and lower extremities. Special attention is applied to the on field management of the athlete including advanced evaluation, diagnosis, conditioning, performance enhancement, and treatment techniques using the sports medicine model. Additionally, the advanced evaluation and intervention through manual therapy are addressed including soft tissue and joint mobilization/manipulation including thrust and non-thrust techniques of the upper and lower extremities. This course also exposes the students to the medical management of orthopedic conditions through the perspective of area physicians.
4 credits
PTH 615 Clinical Inquiry I
The course presents the components of a plan for the student’s research topic, the research proposal. The student selects a research topic related to physical therapy practice; students then provide background and justification for the topic, and a plan for data collection and analysis in a written proposal. The proposal is presented to peers and faculty as an oral presentation. The course also includes a case–based statistical analysis laboratory in which the student writes the hypotheses for the cases, performs the appropriate statistical analysis, and writes the conclusion in terms of applying the results to practice. Principles of research design are also studied in relationship to appropriate statistical analysis and application to clinical practice. Ethical considerations of authorship, the protection of subjects’ rights, and the institutional review process are also presented using a case – based approach.
2 credits
PTH 631 Cardiopulmonary
This course presents the central and peripheral cardiovascular system in a cellular through system format. Emphasis is placed on the specificity of anatomic location and cellular function of the structures and the relationship between that function and circulatory systemic responses and physiologic ventilatory and respiratory systemic responses. Emphasis will be placed on the specificity of anatomic location and cellular function of the structures and the relationship between impairment and function. Use of the electrocardiogram for baseline testing and subsequent monitoring is presented to include both test performance and clinical utilization. Focus is on recognition, interpretation, and application. Use of pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, oximetry, and expired gas analysis are presented to include both test performance and clinical utilization.
3 credits
PTH 627 Psychosocial Aspects of Pt Care
This course includes didactic and student presentations (15 minutes) of his or her experience and evaluation of an interview with a person with a disability. The course addresses the psychological and psychosocial problems associated with chronic disease, traumatic injury and being in the “patient role.”
2 credits
PTH 635 Integumentary Management
This course emphasizes the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and intervention of wounds as well as amputation/prosthetic care. The student synthesizes the knowledge of the disease process with rehab management. The student collaborates with health care professionals to gain hands-on experiences working with patients with wounds and amputations.
2 credits
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Second Year-Second Semester
HPS 602 Service Oriented Leadership Experience (elective for students traveling to Guatemala)
This course presents students with an overview of the recent social and economic conflicts in Guatemala and how this compares to cultures and communities within the United States. Students are encouraged to question and dissect these theories and formulate their own understandings and explanations as to the causes of social conflict and socioeconomic inequities. Students will also be exposed to aspects of social, educational, and health care management while experiencing firsthand the cultural diversity.
1 credit
PTH 632 Cardiopulmonary II
The multi-system impact of bed rest and reconditioning will be presented and discussed to include consideration of normal individuals and those with diagnosed system pathology. Pathophysiology and examination of acute and chronic pulmonary conditions that impact airway management, airway clearance, and gas exchange (pneumonia context of multiple-system impairment issues and specificity of training outcome.) Techniques of exercise testing from maximum testing of healthy individuals through clinical assessment of patients with multiple impairments are presented. A review of the protocols in the literature will focus on reliability, validity, and utility of these protocols. Lab familiarization and practice with equipment and protocols to include: maximal exercise testing. Six-minute walk testing, exercise testing with multiple equipment types and protocols, exposure to and practice with oxygen delivery equipment, ventilatory muscle testing and training equipment, suction equipment and mechanical ventilators.
3 credits
PTH 624 Neurological Rehabilitation
Concepts and principles in the examination, evaluation, and ethical and collaborative treatment and care plan of the adult client with neurological pathology are presented. Students use case studies to manage various neurological conditions and use simulated conditions to develop therapeutic techniques for use in treatment of such conditions.
3 credits
PTH 644 Principles of Aging
This course provides information on current issues that impact health care delivery for the older adult population. Theory of normal aging processes, sociocultural, environmental factors, psychosocial issues, and systemic changes are discussed in relation to health promotion, prevention and wellness, optimal daily function, and quality of life. Collaboration with other health care providers, the community, and family resources are addressed. The Benedictine values, particularly respect for person and hospitality are stressed as essential to the development of a therapeutic environment. A service-learning component is included to offer the student a "hands-on" opportunity to work with an elderly person while also developing a relationship with and assisting the person to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
3 credits
PTH 636 Women’s and Men’s Health
While many of the conditions discussed in this class are typically considered “women’s problems," this class also emphasizes the necessity of awareness of problems for men. Starting with an overview of health concerns in the young, students also explore health problems in the child-bearing years and health concerns in the aging population. The student practices examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and intervention of musculoskeletal concerns in pregnancy, pelvic floor dysfunction, and breast cancer care. The student also gains experience in community education and marketing.
2 credits
PTH 613 Advanced Orthopedics II
This course emphasizes the patient/client clinical management following a thorough examination, evaluation, and differential diagnosis. Particular emphasis is placed on the prognosis, intervention, and outcomes of neuromusculoskeletal conditions for conservative and post-operative orthopedic conditions of the spine. Special attention is placed on the workplace management of the industrial athlete, including advanced evaluation, diagnosis, conditioning, performance enhancement, and treatment techniques. Additionally, the advanced evaluation and intervention of manual therapy are addressed including soft tissue and joint mobilization/ manipulation including thrust and non-thrust techniques of the spine. This course also exposes the students to the medical management of orthopedic conditions through the perspective of area physicians.
3 credits
PTH 638 Pediatrics in Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy is a course covering abnormal physical and motor development, common pediatric conditions, therapeutic theory and technique, adaptive equipment and devices, synthesis of knowledge into management of a pediatric condition, ethics, and collaboration with other professionals for development of a plan of care.
3 credits
Second Year-May/June
PTH 700 Clinical Education II
This eight (8)-week clinical education experience provides students an opportunity to practice and gain further experience in content areas of advanced orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, manual therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, rural or burn/wound therapy.
6 credits
PTH 751 Diagnostic Imaging
Identification of normal and abnormal radiographic findings in spine, thoracic and extremity injuries. Principles of radiographic and other imaging evaluation including MRI, C-Scan, tomography, and bone scans as they apply to physical therapy. Pros, cons, indications and contraindications of imaging studies are highlighted. Lecture, case studies.
1 credit
PTH 815 Clinical Inquiry II
The students compose their final research manuscript in this course and complete the preparation of their case report. The manuscript is written for submission to a professional physical therapy journal or to a peer-reviewed journal in a related field. The organization, style, and ethical considerations of the professional dissemination of research results are studied using research cases. Students complete a 15-minute oral presentation of their research to the faculty, fellow students, physical therapy clinicians, and other health care professionals.
2 credits
Electives (Choose 2 of 4)
PTH 821 Manual Therapy Elective
This course involves an eclectic approach to manual therapy techniques including the evidence base to support the use of such techniques. Emphasis will be placed on mastering a basic skill set of traditional manual therapy techniques including High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust (HVLAT), strain/counterstrain (SCS), myofascial release (MFR), and muscle energy techniques (MET) for segments of the spine and extremities. The history of manual therapy, indications and contraindications for selected manual therapy techniques are reviewed. Review of literature on the effectiveness and risks of selected manual therapy techniques incorporates the scientific evidence base. Selected manual therapy techniques are demonstrated and practiced in lab including thrust and non-thrust techniques. This course will also present topics on the McKenzie approach to management of spine an extremity dysfunction.
3 credits
PTH 823 Sports Medicine Elective
This course covers advanced sports injury concepts with special emphasis involving traumatic injury examination and on-field injury management. Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in this specialized area of sports medicine include taping, bracing, injury prevention, spine injury, spinal immobilization, head injury assessment, sports equipment, ergogenic aids, integumentary, biomechanical analysis, return to sports testing, and nutrition.
3 credits
PTH 829 Pediatrics Elective
This course further prepares students for practice in pediatrics. A variety of pediatric pathological conditions are studied in greater depth as to assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Students do examination, evaluation, and intervention including all parts of clinical management with two patients: one with neurological and one with developmental coordination disorders.
3 credits
Third Year-First Semester
PTH 742 Administration
In this course, students study the health care system and the role of the physical therapist in the health care system. Students examine various payment systems and their impact on health care delivery. Students explore different personal management styles, human resource management, financial management, and program development. They also learn record keeping, liability, malpractice, consultation, and professional communication. Additional ethical, legal, and practice issues are also discussed on an asynchronous discussion board.
4 credits
PTH 805 Advanced Physical Therapy Management Seminar
This course is a capstone course which includes five problem-based learning experiences for physical therapy management of patient cases. Special emphasis is placed on screening for differential diagnosis, management of comorbidities, integration of other diagnostic information (lab, radiological, EKG and EEG, pulmonological studies etc.). Students work in groups with a faculty mentor to develop an evidence-based management plan based on their interpretation of screening and examination. They synthesize the information and develop a management plan, which includes all aspects of patient care including treatment, environmental management, including home, work, social, and physical environments, and consideration of ethical or legal implications. The course also includes an online Differential Diagnosis course.
6 credits
PTH 801 Leadership Seminar
Students participate in a field work experience that includes an emphasis on service learning, Benedictine values, and the competences of scholarship, valuing, environmental contexts, and professionalism. During this experience, self-selected students will work in a rural, 3rd World Country, impoverished area, or foreign environment under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Special emphasis is placed on students examining the University of Mary components of leadership in these environments. During the remainder of the semester, students explore the broader health care environment through lecture from various community members, readings, and active participation in interview and gathering of information.
3 credits
Electives (Choose 1 of 2)
PTH 827 Women’s Health Elective
This course further prepares students for practice in women’s health. A variety of conditions will be studied in greater depth as to assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Students work with local experts in the region in order to gain hands-on lab experience and patient care skills. This elective is considered beyond entry-level; students will be introduced to pelvic floor examination and intervention.
3 credits
Third Year-Second Semester
PTH 805.1 & 850.2 Clinical Education III and IV
The final two eight (8)-week clinical experiences continue to progress the student to entry-level. The placements round out the student’s clinical experiences so that the student will have had practice in four diverse settings. The student must be at entry level at the completion of these experiences in order to graduate from the program.
12 credits
