Course Descriptions

3 Credits, Fall Semester

Prerequisite: None

The course will provide students with an understanding of and appreciation for population approaches to improving the health of our nation and the world, as well as knowledge of various career paths in public health. Course content includes: public health perspectives on health, wellness, illness, and population well-being; key influences on the health and well being of individuals and populations; assessing public health problems from a population health perspective; using the five core components of public health to address health problems; effectively utilizing health information to address public health issues; and career paths in public health and the training/expertise required to pursue them. Students will engage in critical assessment of historical and current public health events, and creative application of their foundational knowledge to new public health problems. The course is particularly applicable to students preparing to pursue a health-related career and to students in health professions programs desiring a knowledge of public health approaches.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients’ families, and other related individuals in a safe and professional manner. To accomplish this, students will be exposed to the history of the profession and the professional association, the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice, APTA Core Documents including the Code of Ethics, the New York State Practice Act, current and future modes of delivery of health care, behavioral sciences, and safety in clinical practice. The emphasis in the area of behavioral sciences will include ethics and values, teaching and learning theory, applied professional behavior, and communication and decision making in the interprofessional environment.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals in a safe and professional manner. To accomplish this, students will be exposed to the history of the profession and the professional association, the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice, APTA Core Documents including the Code of Ethics, the New York State Practice Act, current and future modes of delivery of health care, behavioral sciences, and safety in clinical practice. The emphasis in the area of behavioral sciences will include ethics and values, teaching and learning theory, applied professional behavior, and communication and decision making in the interprofessional environment.

First course of a two semester sequence of courses covering topics in the medical sciences relevant to rehabilitation professionals. Medical Sciences I emphasizes the principles and concepts of inflammation and repair, infection, immunology, pharmacology and neoplasms. In addition, the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and endocrine systems is covered with emphasis on etiology, cellular and tissue pathology, impairments, medical diagnosis and management, and indications/contraindications for rehabilitation. The intent of this course is to provide students with knowledge of medical disorders commonly encountered by physical and occupational therapists and to facilitate the students' understanding of the medical management of disease. A seminar portion of the course provides a forum for students to integrate pharmacologic management with rehabilitation interventions.

Second semester of Medical Sciences focuses on the pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, endocrine, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems. Again emphasis is placed on etiology, cellular and tissue pathology, impairments, and medical diagnosis and management, and indications/contraindications for rehabilitation. This course is offered in a seminar format to facilitate the students understanding of medical management of disease and to initiate problem solving related to physical therapy management. The seminar component of the course will enable students to integrate medical and pharmacologic management with physical therapy interventions.

Physical therapists require state-of-the-art knowledge of evidence‐based diagnostic and prognostic tests of interventions used in daily practice. This course provides the student with the foundational knowledge to understand the principles of evidence‐based physical therapist practice, to learn how to search for evidence through available databases, the elements of evidence including research design, subject selection, psychometric properties of variables and statistical approaches that will inform clinical practice. Physical therapy students must have a thorough foundation of evidence‐based skills in order to become consumers of physical therapy research to inform their clinical practice. This foundation will be built upon in Part II (PT608) which will enable the student to utilize research evidence, to support decisions for appraising diagnostic and prognostic tests as well as to identify and plan for evidence-based physical therapist treatments. Additionally, the student will be introduced to the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) where the student will evaluate scientific evidence and determine if treatment specification is adequate. The RTSS will carry forward in greater depth in EBP Part II (PT608).

This course will prepare the student to effectively manage patients with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary impairments and related disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the components of physical therapy practice – screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, development of a plan of care, intervention, and evaluations of outcomes. Students will learn the evaluation and management of patients with acute and chronic cardiac and pulmonary impairments across the lifespan and across treatment settings (critical care to outpatient). The interrelationship of other health care professionals in the team care of patients will be discussed. Application of the following concepts is included: communication, individual and cultural differences, professional behavior, critical inquiry and clinical decision-making, patient/family education, pharmacology, and management of care delivery. Course material is integrated in patient case studies and simulation experiences. The course incorporates seminars, small group patient case discussions, self-study assignments, clinical labs, and simulations. The use of case studies and high fidelity simulations allows students to be more active in the learning process and emphasizes problem solving, integration of knowledge, skill development, and clinical decision making. Individual student preparation is essential for each seminar, case discussion, and laboratory session. To do well in this course, you will have to be more responsible and independent than you would be in more lecture-oriented courses.

This foundational course will focus on the physical therapy evaluation techniques of anatomical palpation, manual muscle testing and goniometry. The course will also cover systems review, general exercise prescription and implementation of basic therapeutic exercise to treat the upper extremities, spine, and lower extremities. The study of medical terminology is imbedded within the course. Application of the following concepts will arise: communication, professional behavior, critical inquiry, clinical decision-making, and patient/family education.

Foundations II provides the necessary skills to perform a comprehensive systems evaluation and the necessary skills for effective patient management. Attention will focus primarily on examining the major systems of the body, as well as performing a functional screen and using appropriate documentation for different practice settings. Special emphasis will be placed on patient safety and handling techniques, patient’s transfers and mobility and assistive devices. Application of the following concepts will arise: communication, professional behavior, patient-practitioner interaction, critical inquiry & clinical decision-making (differential diagnosis), and therapeutic prescription. Theory, principles and methods of direct interventions will be discussed in lecture while psychomotor skills will be practiced in laboratory. Lecture and laboratories will include small group discussions related to selected clinical cases. Individual student preparation is required for each lecture and laboratory session.

Prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients and other related individuals on all levels. A primary goal for the practicum is for students to gain an appreciation of health and wellness programs available in the community. The second important goal is to give the student the opportunity to practice interacting with clients. To develop these skills takes practice, and the most meaningful practice is that which occurs in the community rather than in an academic setting.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals on all levels.  To accomplish this, students will participate in direct patient care in a variety of settings.  The experience will be under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students will be required to maintain a representative caseload of patients by the conclusion of the clinical experience. 

This course prepares the student to practice entry-level orthopedic physical therapy relative to the management of the axial skeleton and all the joints associated therewith. Preparation includes evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal system dysfunction utilizing specific musculoskeletal problems and the planning and implementation of appropriate physical therapy interventions. Students learn to recognize major signs and symptoms of systemic disease that can mimic primary musculoskeletal lesions. Evaluation tools are presented to help students recognize problems that are beyond physical therapy expertise. Students learn how to make treatment versus referral decisions for patients who present with presumed musculoskeletal problems. 

This course prepares the future physical therapist to effectively manage patients with neuromuscular dysfunction. To do this students will apply the components of physical therapy practice, screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, outcomes assessment and evaluation, to the patient with neuromuscular dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the physical therapist as a Movement Scientist with development of skills to determine movement dysfunction leading to functional limitations. Students will learn to identify underlying impairments that lead to functional limitations for a variety of patients across the lifespan with neuromuscular dysfunction irrespective of the medical diagnosis. The course is offered in a lecture, laboratory and seminar format to facilitate the students problem solving and critical analysis of patients with Neurologic dysfunction. Examination and intervention skills discussed in lecture will be practiced in lab, and applied to case scenarios discussed and critically analyzed in seminar. Individual student preparation is required for each laboratory session. 

This course prepares the future physical therapist to effectively manage pediatric and adult patients with specific neuromuscular diagnoses. Students will apply the components of physical therapy practice, screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, outcomes assessment and evaluation, to patients with spinal cord injury, vestibular dysfunction, traumatic brain injury and multi-system problems. Students will incorporate analysis of movement and identification of underlying impairments that lead to functional limitations for a variety of patients with specific medical diagnosis. The course is offered in a lecture, laboratory and seminar format to facilitate the students problem solving and critical analysis of patients with Neurologic dysfunction. Examination and intervention skills discussed in lecture will be applied to case scenarios and practiced in lab. Individual student preparation is required for each laboratory session.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to function as an effective member of an interprofessional healthcare team by developing their professional skills and their teamwork and communication skills. Through seminars and case discussions with other health professions students, students will develop the core competencies of interprofessional collaborative practice (values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, teams and teamwork, communication, and cultural engagement) and have opportunities to develop plans of care using an interprofessional approach. Management of patients across the continuum of care using an interprofessional team approach will prepare students for subsequent interprofessional clinical experiences. The student’s will have opportunity to demonstrate their current clinical knowledge and skills by engaging in an instructional standardized patient exam (ISPE). Professional development will occur through self-assessment activities and mentoring and peer-review experiences. Students will prepare for their professional career through exploration of physical therapy careers, development of a professional resume, and gaining skills for identifying and evaluating potential employment opportunities. This course is offered in a seminar format and incorporates team-based learning to facilitate the student’s problem solving and critical analysis of the topics discussed. 

This course will provide a framework in which students can continue to develop professional attitudes and insights requisite for sustained growth throughout their careers. This course will integrate fundamental concepts of inquiry and problem solving that are addressed throughout the DPT curriculum.

This three-credit lecture/laboratory course prepares the future physical therapist to select, provide rationale for, and administer to surrogate patients physical agents including massage, cold, superficial heat, hydrotherapy, short wave diathermy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, and electrotherapy for inducing muscle contractions, reducing pain and enhancing wound healing. The course also introduces basic concepts of electrophysiologic testing including nerve conduction studies and clinical electromyography. Application of the following general concepts will be included: communication, individual & cultural differences, professional behavior, critical inquiry and clinical decision-making, patient/family education. Theory, principles and methods of direct interventions and electrophysiologic testing will be discussed in lecture; psychomotor skills for direct interventions will be practiced in lab. Lecture sessions and labs will also include small group discussions related to selected concepts and clinical cases. Individual student preparation is required for each instructional session.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to effectively manage patients with integumentary dysfunction, as well as those requiring orthotics or prosthetic management. Students will apply the components of physical therapy practice, screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, outcomes assessment and evaluation, to the patient. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the physical therapist as a Movement Scientist and skills developed to assess a variety of patients across the lifespan including those with integumentary dysfunction, and those requiring orthotics or prosthetic management, irrespective of medical diagnosis.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals on all levels.  To accomplish this, students will participate in direct patient care in a variety of settings.  The experience will be under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students will be required to maintain a representative caseload of patients by the conclusion of the clinical experience.   This experience is the second in a series of five full-time clinical rotations.  The course objectives and behaviors will be enhanced and expanded during this clinical experience.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals on all levels.  To accomplish this, students will participate in direct patient care in a variety of settings.  The experience will be under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students will be required to maintain a representative caseload of patients by the conclusion of the clinical experience.  Ideally the student will display clinical decision-making skills that are reflected in performance. This experience is the third in a series of five full-time clinical rotations.  The course objectives and behaviors will be enhanced and expanded during this clinical experience.

This course will provide an in-depth, critical review of management and leadership issues relevant to the physical therapist. Students will be exposed to the business aspects of physical therapy and learn the mechanics of developing and promoting rehabilitation services. Students will also be exposed to management and financial theories and practices, professional Codes of Ethics and Practice Acts, health care and rehabilitation service delivery, design and structure of rehabilitation clinics, supervision issues, ethical issues, and the development and implementation of outcome measures. Learning experiences provided for students will include lectures, blackboard posting/responses, self learning projects, and small group discussions. Students are expected to complete required readings and assignments in preparation for each class. 

Physical therapists are responsible for the critical analysis of care provided to their patients. This course, founded on evidenced-based practice, will require students to critically analyze the management of patients they had treated on clinical rotations. More specifically, analysis will include the physical therapy examination, evaluation, intervention and outcomes documented during the patient’s rehabilitative care as well as the medical management of the condition. Students will present case analyses to their peers, faculty and master clinicians. 

This course prepares future physical therapists to effectively examine and provide physical therapy interventions to pediatric and geriatric populations. Students will apply the components of physical therapy practice, screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, outcomes assessment and evaluation, to patients at each end of the lifespan. Students will learn to identify underlying impairments in multiple physiological systems that lead to functional limitations in pediatric and geriatric populations. The course is offered in a lecture and laboratory format. Examination and interventions skills discussed in lecture will be practiced in the laboratory, and applied to case scenarios.

This course will be the final course in the professional development series. The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to professional excellence and leadership expressed in service to others. Individuals achieve excellence and become leaders by seeking professional development and service opportunities that extend beyond the requirements of the workplace and classroom. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), state, and local physical therapy associations are committed to advancing the profession of physical therapy and improving the health and physical function of the public. These organizations provide numerous opportunities for professional development and service that go beyond the minimum expectations of the classroom and workplace. This course will emphasize lifelong learning, advocacy for the profession, as well as involvement in the APTA. Additionally, this course will provide clinical enrichment in various practice areas through the presentation of elective seminars.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals on all levels.  To accomplish this, students will participate in direct patient care in a variety of settings with supervision by a licensed Physical Therapist.  An emphasis in an area of specialization will also be encouraged but not required at this time.  Students are expected to work towards maintaining a “full” caseload of patients throughout the clinical residency.  Students are expected to work towards entry-level practice with the goal of achieving this level by the end of the clinical rotation.

This course prepares the future physical therapist to interact with patients, patients' families, and other related individuals on all levels.  To accomplish this, students will participate in direct patient care in a variety of settings with supervision by a licensed Physical Therapist.  An emphasis in an area of specialization will also be encouraged but not required at this time.  Students are expected to work towards maintaining a “full” caseload of patients throughout the clinical residency.  Students are expected to work towards entry-level practice with the goal of achieving this level by the end of the clinical rotation.