Curriculum

Medical Terminology
This six-week intensive online course investigates medical specialties and body systems as facilitated by the study of medical terminology.

The curriculum in the Department of Physical Therapy is based on the Problem-Based Learning philosophy of learning. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program utilizes an integrated approach in which all learning is driven by the patient/client cases.  The core of this type of learning is the tutorial process.  In this online course, the theoretical basis of this style of learning, including the assumptions that underlie the process, will be investigated.  The process and the roles that individuals take in professional discussion will be explained.  Group dynamics will also be discussed.

This course is designed to allow the student to bring forward anatomy knowledge previously learned in prerequisite coursework and to apply it to the practice of physical therapy.  This will be accomplished through six weekly online modules that will guide the student through the basics of anatomical surface palpation of bony structures, muscles, their actions, and attachments.  These tasks and principles will be applied to the trunk and extremities using another person on whom to practice.  Competence will be evaluated through the use of quizzes, assignments, and comprehensive multiple-choice midterm and final examinations.

Introduction to the Profession of Physical Therapy
This course will define and describe professionalism as it applies to the profession of physical therapy.  It will provide the student with the expectation of what a graduate of our physical therapy program should demonstrate with respect to professionalism in their daily practice as a physical therapist.  In addition, a working knowledge of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and specific resources relating to professionalism, available through the American Physical Therapy Association’s web page, will be presented.

This course guides students to study structures and functions of the body in healthy and impaired states; the impact of health care evaluations and interventions on structures and functions of the human body. This course includes study of bones, joints, muscles, peripheral nerves, connective tissues, body composition, circulation and energy management, related biomechanics of the body and posture in static and ambulation, principles of exercise prescription for general health, fitness, and in disease states. Topics are integrated closely with client cases introduced in Clinical Science II. This course uses the Problem-Based Learning approach, and students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as begin to develop the ability to use scientific literature to discuss evidence-based approaches in the relevant topics.

Problem-Based tutorial using the Patient/Client Management Model as a basis to explore the application of physical therapy for a variety of pathologies, impairments, and functional limitations and participation restrictions. Emphasis on the foundations of normal movement, categories of interference with normal movement, and application of principles of evidence-based practice of physical therapy in the evaluation and treatment of specific conditions resulting in the impairment of body structures or functions, activity limitations, participation restrictions, or disabilities are explored. The instructor will guide the student in the acquisition of professional behaviors and facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making.

This course is a Problem-Based course using the Patient/Client Management Model and the Normative Model as bases to explore the application of physical therapy for a variety of pathologies, impairments, and functional limitations.  Orientation to basic physical therapy assessment and treatment procedures will be utilized in individual and small group activities, which include the learning of qualitative (e.g. observation, palpation.) and quantitative (measurement) tools necessary for clinical practice.  The activities will be closely related to the patient/client cases presented in Clinical Science II.

Lecture and group discussions on the information presented in the term as it relates to the patient/client management of the cases presented in Clinical Science II and the practice of physical therapy. Pass/Fail.

This course presents the role of research in development and critical analysis of physical therapy practice through introducing the American Physical Therapy Association vision on training the next generation of Physical Therapy profession in the Scientist-Practitioner model. In this course, the philosophy behind the scientific and clinical research including causation, and the pillars of Evidence-Based Practice, their importance for future practitioners and their application as it relates to Physical Therapy practice are emphasized. This course also introduces overall organization and elements of a clinical research project, principles of hypothesis writing, and basic statistical and epidemiological concepts. It also provides an opportunity to practice data entry and running descriptive statistics in SPSS. Components of the class are directed self-reading of documented research, understanding good research design, research variables, basics of descriptive analysis, and computing them on SPSS. Students will be directed to work with a faculty member to develop their research topic and write “Chapter 1-Intorduction” of their research project.

This course will provide physical therapy students with the opportunity to evaluate and serve the needs of the local community utilizing basic examination and treatment skills under faculty supervision. The students will evaluate their role as health professionals and as citizens to promote positive change within their community. Pass/Fail.

This is the second course in the thread of Professional Issues. This course will focus on American Physical Therapy Association issues (Core Values, Code of Ethics, and life-long membership), professionalism matters (technology, health care informatics, social media, professional responsibilities, ethics, professional relationships, verbal/nonverbal/written communication, life-long learning), clinical education topics (clinical settings and what to expect, clinical education experience expectations, CPR/First Aid/Emergency Codes/Safety, HIPAA/standard precautions, database training), and clinical performance areas (generational differences, teaching and learning for patients and as a clinical instructor, teaching and learning styles related to conflict management, communication with various stakeholders, leadership).

This course is a study of the structures and functions of the body’s systems in healthy and impaired states which is guided by the course instructor. Additionally, the impact of health care evaluations and interventions on structures and functions of the body will be discovered while incorporating the Evidence-Based Practice model. In this course, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as begin to develop the ability to use scientific literature to discuss evidence-based approaches in the relevant topics. Topics are integrated closely with patient/client case scenarios in Clinical Science III.

Problem-Based tutorial using the Patient/Client Management Model as a basis to explore the application of physical therapy for a variety of pathologies, impairments, functional limitations, and participation restrictions.  Emphasis on the foundations of normal movement, categories of interference with normal movement, and application of principles of evidence-based practice of physical therapy in the evaluation and treatment of specific conditions resulting in the impairment of body structures or functions, activity limitations, participation restriction, or disabilities are explored. The instructors will facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making to guide the student in the acquisition of clinical reasoning.

Practical experiences in evaluation and intervention strategies for selected impairments in movement. Topics are related closely to patient/client cases presented in Clinical Science III.

A variety of topics, reviews, podcasts, speakers as available, and labs that will address case and semester relevant information and issues as pertain to the content of this term’s courses. Pass/Fail.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop the methods section (Chapter 3) of their research project with the guidance of the research advisors. Relevant contents like sampling methods and participants selection, reliability, validity, and threats to research will be discussed. In this course, students will also be introduced to the process of paper appraisal/research critique, ethical issues in clinical research and human subject protection, components of consent form, and Institutional Review Board process. Students are required to complete Institutional Review Board training modules, and ultimately submit completed research methods and the proposal (combining Chapters 1 and 3) to the Institutional Review Board.

This course will provide physical therapy students with the opportunity to evaluate and serve the needs of the local community utilizing basic examination and treatment skills under faculty supervision. The students will evaluate their role as health professionals and as citizens to promote positive change within their community.  Pass/Fail.

This is the third course in the thread of Professional Issues. This course will focus on legal practice issues (direct access, state practice acts, supervision guidelines in the clinic as a student physical therapist, documentation in the clinic as a student physical therapist, billing considerations, fraud and abuse, working with a physical therapist assistant and other physical therapy personnel), professionalism matters (mission of the university, program, and profession, World Physical Therapy Day, advocating for the profession through participation in professional, community, legislative activities, state and national association membership and leadership, professional conferences), clinical education experience topics (preparation for clinical education experiences, professional flow chart, professional portfolio, professionalism in the clinic, clinical education experiences focus group meeting), and clinical performance areas (using American Physical Therapy Association resources in the clinic as a student physical therapist, clinical performance tool use in the clinic, minimum skills required for entry-level clinical practice, residency and fellowship, board-certified specializations, and professional certifications).

Students will accompany faculty to community organizations, which have need for services from our department. These arrangements are mutually beneficial to the community and to the educational goals of our academic program. Students will gain basic communication, screening, examination, treatment, and documentation skills. Pass/Fail. (Regional Experience)

• 637-01 – Appalachia Public Health
  This course will provide physical therapy students with the opportunity to observe, understand, and serve the needs of the Appalachian community utilizing their skills in public health education.    The students will evaluate their role as health professionals and as citizens to promote positive change within their community. 

• 637-02 – Camp Gizmo
  This course will provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and serve the needs of the regional community utilizing basic examination and treatment skills, team meetings, and project completion under faculty supervision.    The students will evaluate their role as health professionals and as citizens to promote positive change within their community.  Patients will have the right to consent to treatment which includes student participation.  If the patient requests that students not be present for their physical therapy session, this will be honored.

Supervised clinical practice of physical therapy skills learned in the preceding terms.  (eight weeks – three hundred twenty hours)

Study of structures and functions of the body in healthy and impaired states, the impact of health care evaluations and interventions on structures and functions.  Includes study of basic physiology and pathology of the nervous system.  Topics are integrated closely with patient/client cases in Clinical Science IV.

Problem-Based tutorial includes the study of patient/client cases illustrating an increasingly complex variety of causes and manifestations of movement dysfunction. Cases incorporate an array of ethical, social, psychological, communication, and economic issues.

Laboratory experience in patient management and intervention strategies for selected impairments in movement.  Topics related closely to patient/client cases presented in Clinical Science IV.

The course introduces the student to the historical development, structure, operation, and major components of the American health care delivery system and the federal laws that influence the practice of physical therapy. The course examines the ways in which health care services have developed, are organized and delivered, the influences that impact healthcare delivery decisions, and factors that determine the allocation of healthcare resources. The course provides the student with a basic understanding of the structure and function of the system in which they will work as a licensed health care provider, enabling them to work as an effective team member.

Lecture and group discussions on the information presented in the term as it relates to the patient/client management of the cases presented in Clinical Science IV and the practice of physical therapy. Pass/Fail.

This course is a continuation of the research track that builds up the scientific search methods, critical evaluation of the literature, and the skills of summarizing literature into a scientific writing. Primary goal of this course is the completion of Chapter 2 (Review of Literature). Students are also required to update Chapter 3 (Methods and Materials) that is proposed in Term III, if any changes are necessary. It requires the students to finalize the methods and procedure for collecting data that will be gathered in Research & Evidence Based Practice IV as continues in Term V. Additionally, students are required to complete necessary paperwork to submit a full proposal to the Institutional Review Board for approval, if not already approved. Students are also provided with the knowledge of ethical aspects of performing research on human subjects through Institutional Review Board training modules. A final version of Chapters 1-3 (Introduction, Review of Literature, and Methods) of the research project and the completed Institutional Review Board application paperwork will be submitted to the faculty research advisor. 

This hybrid course is a continuation of the research track. In this term, students are required to finalize the tools that will be needed, and to initiate data collection of the research project. This course will provide the required knowledge to manage the collected data, and guidance on the relevant data analysis process. Students will be guided on how to interpret their findings and formulate it in the Results section. At the end, the course will be culminated by submitting a written status of the research plan and timeline for completion of the research due to the research advisor. 

Study of structures and functions of the body in healthy and impaired states, the impact of health care evaluations, and interventions on structures and functions.  Includes study of complex pathologic conditions.  Topics are integrated closely with patient/client cases in Clinical Science V.

Problem-Based tutorial includes the study of patient/client cases illustrating multiple simultaneous and sequential causes and manifestations of movement dysfunction.  Cases incorporate an array of ethical, social, psychological, communication, and economic issues.

Laboratory experiences in evaluation and intervention strategies for selected impairments in movement. Topics are related closely to patient/client cases presented in Clinical Science V.

Emphasis of this course is on legal and ethical issues that influence the practice of physical therapy, cultural competence, and leadership.  The student will learn the common federal laws that influence the practice of physical therapy and gain a basic understanding of the various aspects of being a professional (e.g. by adhering to rules and regulations, and being culturally aware).  In addition, the student will develop a marketing plan to aid in their professional development and career planning.  Orientation to health care marketing and strategic planning will be covered.

Material is presented to integrate and clarify information for each case during the term. The material is presented by faculty or by guest speakers to assist the students in comprehension of specific concepts. Pass/Fail.

In this course students will complete data collection and data analysis.  They will start constructing their Results section based on the data analysis of their research project. At the end, the course will be culminated by submitting a written draft of the Results chapter due to the research advisor. 

This course will provide physical therapy students with the opportunity to evaluate and serve the needs of an international community utilizing basic examination and treatment skills under faculty supervision. The students will evaluate their role as a global citizen, as well as a health professional and develop an appreciation for the cultural practices of people in Central or South America. Pass/Fail. (International Experience)

Supervised clinical practice of physical therapy skills learned in the preceding terms. (eight weeks – three hundred twenty hours) 

Study of structures and functions of the body in healthy and impaired states, the impact of health care evaluations, and interventions on structures and functions.  Includes study of complex pathologic conditions.  Topics are integrated closely with patient/client cases in Clinical Science VI.

Problem-Based tutorial includes the study of patient/client cases illustrating multiple simultaneous and sequential causes and manifestations of movement dysfunction. Cases incorporate an array of ethical, social, psychological, communication, and economic issues.

Laboratory experiences in evaluation and intervention strategies for selected impairments in movement. Topics are related closely to patient/client cases presented in Clinical Science VI.

Orientation to health care organizations including the personnel function, management of physical facilities, quality assurance and risk management, budgeting, marketing, and planning. Discussion, small group projects and presentations of projects are used to promote learning. Independent individual projects completed during the term are presented in written format.

The primary goal of this course is to prepare students for the comprehensive exams; eventually for the NPTE Board exam. This is a crash course providing students with the opportunity to self-evaluate their knowledge of each body systems through the BaseCamp platform from Scorebuilders. By doing this self-evaluation, students will improve their comprehensive testing skills and synthesize an appropriate study plan to prepare for the Board exam. Additional topic of ImPACT test related to the Clinical Science VI case scenario will also be covered by a guest lecturer. Pass/Fail

In this course students will complete the Results and Conclusion sections, and will compile all chapters into a completed final version of their research project. They will also design, present, and defend a professional poster, which will include the Results section and Conclusion of their research project and the clinical implications of the entire study. This course will culminate with an oral defense and a Capstone in the form of an open platform presentation. A final paper prepared as a manuscript ready for publication and a poster is required to be submitted to the research advisor. 

Students are required to choose a suitable forum for submission of their paper and follow the guidelines for submission for that publication

Supervised clinical practice of physical therapy skills learned during the preceding terms. (ten weeks – four hundred hours) 

Supervised clinical practice of physical therapy skills learned during the preceding terms. (ten weeks – four hundred hours)

This course is a six-week online review course designed to help students prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination.  This course will cover test strategies, as well as key topics related to Examination, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Interventions.