DPT 5000: Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice (3 credits)

This course introduces the student to the scope and history of physical therapist practice. APTA Vision 2020 and Core Values will be key documents studied and discussed in this course. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be introduced, familiarizing students with a model of patient/client management and the range of tests and measures available to physical therapists. Skills that are essential for success in the field, such as accessing research literature, communication skills (including documentation), group work skills, generic abilities, critical thinking and learning skills, cultural competence, leadership, and dealing with legal/ethical issues will be emphasized. A broad overview of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems will be provided and study of basic physiological principles relevant to the science of PT will be initiated. Anatomical foundations for understanding, describing, and assessing human movement will be introduced. Students will develop skills in observing normal movement and begin to appreciate deviations from normal. Students will be oriented to and will begin integrated clinical education (ICE). The course will conclude with a full day Leadership Symposium and White Coat Ceremony, at which time DPT students will take the Student Physical Therapist Pledge.

DPT 5010: Outpatient Physical Therapy I (6 credits)

This course integrates the basic sciences of anatomy, kinesiology, tissue biomechanics, muscle physiology and pathology with clinical skills pertaining to shoulder and elbow examination, evaluation and intervention in the outpatient orthopedic setting. Students practice application of physical therapy skills within the patient management model. Examination skills include observation, goniometry, manual muscle testing, palpation, and special tests for the shoulder girdle and elbow. Interventions include basic massage techniques, physical agents, and an introduction to therapeutic exercise. Course content will emphasize the importance of sound psychometric properties of various outcome measures with the emphasis on measuring upper extremity function. Students will learn appropriate documentation using different formats. Students receive an introduction to pharmacology principles and medical screening. Learning activities will include lecture, lab, tutorial and case based learning, student presentations, and small group work. This course expands on the professional roles of the physical therapist in an outpatient setting.

DPT 5020: Acute Care I (5 credits)

This course provides students with an introduction to acute care clinical practice. Included in this course are topics related to the clinical anatomy and kinesiology of the hip and knee, especially as they relate to degenerative joint disease and potential subsequent total joint procedures. Related to this, students learn manual muscle testing, goniometry, sensory and proprioceptive testing, muscle length testing, special testing of the hip and knee, and assessment of a patient’s functional mobility, as these skills are essential to a typical acute care examination. Cadaver dissection of the hip and knee is also an integral part of coursework. The primary pathologies covered in this course are hip arthroplasty, hip fractures and total knee arthroplasty. Students are instructed in infection control procedures, as well as in measuring vital signs. Students also learn how to interpret and begin to make clinical decisions about basic lab values, vital signs, infection control, post surgical complications, and surgical lines and tubes. The application of the basic concepts of normal gait, as well as patient handling skills such as gait training and transfers are taught and assessed. By the end of the course, the students will apply and integrate appropriate tests and measures to perform an initial PT examination for a patient in an acute care setting.

DPT 5030: Outpatient Physical Therapy II (6 credits)

This course involves an in-depth study of the peripheral nervous system and spine, including both neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology. The clinical focus is on differential diagnosis of nerve entrapment syndromes of the spine and upper extremity using applied spine, forearm, and hand anatomy. Selected examination techniques are introduced, emphasizing evaluation of nerve integrity. Additional manual examination skills are added around spinal conditions. Intervention techniques include therapeutic electrical stimulation, spine and arm soft tissue techniques and exercises. Finally, evidence based medicine principles address research design and article critique.

DPT 5040: Rehabilitation I (6 credits)

This course introduces students to physical therapy practice in the neurologic rehabilitation setting with an emphasis on the clinical management of patients with a diagnosis of CVA. Students are exposed to pathology, pharmacologic intervention and physical therapy tests and measures specific to this population. Basic neurorehabilitation intervention techniques are also introduced. In addition, students explore the structure and function of the central nervous system, normal and pathological gait, experimental design, evidence-based practice and business practice principles related to peer review and continuous quality improvement.

DPT 5050: Subacute I (5 credits)

This course introduces physical therapy management of patients/clients in the subacute setting, with a focus on PT evaluation and intervention for the pulmonary, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems. The effects of aging on body systems is introduced in this course, specifically examining the effects on connective tissue, the pulmonary system, and the integumentary system. The use of exercise physiology principles in the areas of pulmonary testing, resistance exercise and aerobic exercise are used throughout the course and are applied to the adult population across the lifespan. Knowledge of relevant functional anatomy and kinesiology of the foot and ankle developed in this course, as well as anatomical review from previous DPT coursework, is then applied via an introduction of the manual therapy skill of joint mobilization.

DPT 5060: Home Care (4 credits)

This course challenges the student to integrate concepts from foundational and clinical sciences, patient/client management, professional practice issues, and physical therapy administration in the management of patients in the home care setting. Management of patients with cancer and diabetes will be emphasized. Examination and initial intervention for patients with spinal dysfunction (cervical, lumbar, SI) is also included. The medical screening process in PT practice will be addressed. The course will culminate in a comprehensive oral/practical exam, requiring that the students integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the first year of the DPT curriculum. Students will also learn the process, structure, and expectations of full-time clinical education courses in preparation for DPT 5070: Clinical Education I. Problem solving strategies for maximizing clinical learning will be discussed.

DPT 5070: Clinical Education I (6 credits)

Clinical Education I is the first internship of the DPT Program and occurs at the end of the first year. For this internship, the student is placed in one clinical setting, full-time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The student will deliver direct physical therapy services to patients/clients under the supervision of a physical therapist/s (clinical instructor/s). The primary purpose of this internship is to allow the student to gain experience in basic patient/client management in either an orthopedic outpatient, acute care, general practice (rural hospital), or subacute/skilled nursing facility. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical application and integration of the knowledge and skills learned during the first year of the DPT Program. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences unique to the clinical site, such as observation of surgery, medical rounds, staff meetings/inservices, diagnostic tests and/or other services (occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, respiratory therapy, prosthetics/orthotics, etc.).

DPT 6000: Acute Care II (5 credits)

This course will review and expand on the gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and immune systems. Selected cardiac, renal, hepatic, and immune system pathologies will be covered. Physical therapy, for patients with the above conditions involving advanced acute care management/intervention issues will be the focus of the course. Cardiac rehabilitation is covered in depth. Concepts of wellness and health promotion will be introduced and a community based health and wellness event will be planned. Management concepts including organizational structure and outcomes measurement will be addressed.

DPT 6010: Rehabilitation II (5 credits)

This course builds upon content in DPT 5040: Rehabilitation I by advancing students’ knowledge and skills as they relate to physical therapy practice in the rehabilitation setting. Pathology, pharmacologic intervention, and clinical management of adult patients with neurologic conditions such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease are addressed. In addition, the course integrates a deepened understanding of the central nervous system with an emphasis on the structure and function of the spinal cord, brain stem, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Content related to psychosocial issues, documentation, selected statistical tests, neuroplasticity and motor learning is also included.

DPT 6020: Subacute II (5 credits)

This course builds upon DPT 5050: Subacute I by addressing physical therapy patient/client management of the older adult in the long term care, subacute, assisted living, and outpatient settings. Theories of aging and the effects of normal aging on the neuromuscular and integumentary systems are introduced. Effects of normal aging on the cardiopulmonary system and musculoskeletal systems are expanded upon from DPT 6000 and DPT 5050. Concepts of and issues related to successful aging, frailty, sexuality, polypharmacy, nutritional needs, and institutional care of older adults are covered. Topics include dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, introduction to vestibular dysfunction (BPPV), elder abuse, wellness/prevention, osteoporosis, and administration issues (compliance, marketing, restraints). Connective tissue disorders are defined and rheumatoid arthritis is studied. The neuroscience of emotion, cognition, and the limbic system; fundamentals of teaching/learning theory; and design of a teaching presentation are included. Multiple sclerosis is presented and integrated with issues of aging, serving as a model for students who will integrate aging, a selected diagnosis, and their knowledge of teaching/learning in class presentations. Reimbursement systems (Medicare) are addressed, as is evidence-based practice with regard to selected functional outcome measures. Research topics include epidemiology, reliability, chi square and kappa.

DPT 6030: Rehabilitation III (4 credits)

This course will introduce the student to the medical and physical therapy management of patients who have undergone amputation of an upper or lower extremity. Peripheral vascular disease, as a common cause of amputation will be emphasized. Principles of biomechanics as they relate to components of gait and orthotic/prosthetic interventions are addressed. This course will also apply clinical decision making and use of interventions specific to the healing of wounds of various etiologies.

DPT 6040: Outpatient Physical Therapy III (7 credits)

This course will build upon knowledge and skills from DPT 5010: Outpatient Physical Therapy I and DPT 5030: Outpatient Physical Therapy II. DPT 6040 will cover a greater breadth of topics with advanced scope and greater complexity relevant to physical therapy practice in the outpatient care setting. Pathology and management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments will be central to this course. Common conditions of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, lower extremity, and upper extremity will be addressed in detail, including pathomechanics, key history and examination findings, physical therapy intervention, and medical management for each condition. Practical application of knowledge and skills is a focus of this course; including utilization of case studies, advanced therapeutic exercise program design, and case-based tutorials. Additional major topics include arthrology with cadaver joint dissection, peripheral and spinal joint mobilization/manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, health care administration and health care outcomes, ethics in health care, and medical screening/differential diagnosis.

DPT 6050: Clinical Education II (6 credits)

Clinical Education II occurs in semester 2 of the second year of the DPT Program. The student is placed in one clinical setting, full-time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The purpose of this internship is to provide students an opportunity to utilize their developing skills in patient/client management, with an emphasis on integrating knowledge and techniques learned during the first year and a half in the DPT program. The student will deliver direct physical therapy services to patient/clients under the supervision of a physical therapist/s (clinical instructor/s). Students will be placed in an orthopedic outpatient, acute care, general practice (rural hospital), subacute/skilled nursing, or inpatient rehabilitation facility. The student will complete preliminary work for a case report, based on a patient seen during this internship; the case report will be written during DPT 6060 Pediatrics. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences unique to the clinical site, such as observation of surgery, medical rounds, staff meetings/inservices, diagnostic tests and/or other services (occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, respiratory therapy, prosthetics/orthotics, etc). The student will identify a clinically relevant ethical situation during this clinical course (as assigned in DPT 6040 Outpatient II) that will be discussed in DPT 6060 Pediatrics.

DPT 6060: Pediatrics (6 credits)

This course focuses on the physical therapy management of children from birth to 21 who require rehabilitation services. Basic concepts of genetics as well as normal embryonic and fetal development provide a foundation for learning about optimal versus non-optimal development in children. Common pediatric diagnoses, family-centered services, state and federal laws related to delivery of services and ethical issues associated with pediatric physical therapy are addressed. In addition, as part of the research/evidence-based practice thread, content related to qualitative research is integrated into this course.

DPT 7000: Research Project Credits I (2 credits)

The focus of this course is on searching peer-reviewed medical databases to locate research articles relevant to a research project or case report, analyzing and interpreting these articles, integrating the findings, and synthesizing and summarizing the results in written form. Students will be required to develop and demonstrate skills in scientific writing using the American Medical Association (AMA) format for references.

DPT 7040 Research Project Credits II (2 credits)

This course focuses on the process of data collection, followed by analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of results. Students will learn and practice oral presentations skills. This course will culminate in the public presentation of research results in front of an audience of peers, faculty, and clinicians.

DPT 7100: Complex Medical and Trauma Care (4 credits)

This course will advance the student’s knowledge and skill in the medical and physical therapy management of patients with complex trauma and/or medical conditions. Patients with burns, cancer, and involvement of multiple systems (musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, and/or integumentary) will be the focus of the course. Issues of mental illness and chemical dependency will also be addressed. The students’ clinical decision-making skills in complex case scenarios will be assessed through group presentations, group papers, and an individual paper.

DPT 7110: Clinical Education III (6 credits)

Clinical Education III occurs at the beginning of year 3 of the DPT Program. The student is placed in one clinical setting, full-time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The primary purpose of this internship is to provide students an opportunity to utilize their developing skills in patient/client management, with a wide variety and complexity of patients/clients. Emphasis will be placed on integrating knowledge and techniques learned during the first 2 years of the DPT program. The student will deliver direct physical therapy services to patients/clients under the supervision of a physical therapist/s (clinical instructor/s). Students will be placed in an orthopedic outpatient, acute care, general practice (rural hospital), subacute/skilled nursing, or inpatient rehabilitation facility. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences unique to the clinical site, such as observation of surgery, medical rounds, staff meetings/inservices, diagnostic tests and/or other services (occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, respiratory therapy, prosthetics/orthotics, etc).

DPT 7121: Outpatient Physical Therapy IV (5 credits)

This course will continue to build on the knowledge from the previous Outpatient PT courses. The course will introduce the student to the physical therapy management of patients who have cumulative trauma/stress injuries, especially related to occupational injuries with emphasis on ergonomics, Workman’s Compensation rules/regulations, and psychophysiological responses to stress. Hand examination and rehabilitation will be covered, including fabrication of thermoplastic splints. In addition, further specific musculoskeletal topics will be covered including sports medicine, spine manipulation, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, lymphedema, and women’s health. The principles of community work and learning (service learning) will begin to be introduced in preparation for the implementation of this component of the DPT curriculum in the following winter semester. Time will also be provided for continued work on management projects due in the next course as well as research projects in preparation for DPT Research Day.

DPT 7131: Rehabilitation IV (3 credits)

Rehabilitation IV builds upon students’ prior course work with an emphasis on comprehensive integration and application of previous knowledge, skills and values related to the management of clients with neurological diagnoses both across the lifespan and the care continuum. Use of motor control theory, motor learning principles and current evidence to support and guide care plans will be emphasized. Pathology and management of patients with vestibular conditions is also addressed. Students will orally present a comprehensive business or management plan which serves as a capstone group project for the management/business practice thread of the DPT curriculum. In addition, the didactic portion of the program’s service learning thread comes to conclusion in this course, in preparation for the experiential service learning component in the following semester.

DPT 7140: Clinical Education IV (6 credits)

Clinical Education IV occurs at the beginning of semester two of year three of the DPT Program. The student is placed in one clinical setting, full-time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The primary purpose of this internship is to provide students an opportunity to utilize their developing skills in patient/client management, with a wide variety and complexity of patients/clients. Emphasis will be placed on integrating knowledge and techniques learned during the first two and a half years of the DPT program. The student will deliver direct physical therapy services to patients/clients under the supervision of a physical therapist/s (clinical instructor/s). Students will typically be placed in an orthopedic outpatient, acute care, general practice (rural hospital), subacute/skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, or pediatric facility. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences unique to the clinical site, such as observation of surgery, medical rounds, staff meetings/inservices, diagnostic tests and/or other services (occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, respiratory therapy, prosthetics/orthotics, etc). The student will prepare a critically appraised topic (CAT) during this internship that is relevant to the PT practice at the assigned site and present findings to facility staff in an inservice.

DPT 7150: Clinical Education V (6 credits)

Clinical Education V occurs during semester two of year three of the DPT Program and it is the final clinical internship of the DPT curriculum. The student is placed in one clinical setting, full-time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The primary purpose of this internship is to provide students an opportunity to achieve and demonstrate entry-level skills in patient/client management, with a wide variety and complexity of patients/clients. Emphasis will be placed on integrating knowledge and techniques learned during the DPT program. The student will deliver direct physical therapy services to patients/clients under the supervision of a physical therapist/s (clinical instructor/s). Students will be placed in an orthopedic outpatient, acute care, general practice (rural hospital), subacute/skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, or pediatric facility. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences unique to the clinical site, such as observation of surgery, medical rounds, staff meetings/inservices, diagnostic tests and/or other services (occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, respiratory therapy, prosthetics/orthotics, etc).

In preparation for the final component of DPT 7160: Ethics and Leadership Summit, the student will engage in focused reflection on the community work and learning component of DPT 7160 and other assigned topics. The final component of DPT 7160 occurs immediately following DPT 7150 Clinical Education V. The student will use the clinical education learning journal as a vehicle for this reflection.

DPT 7160: Ethics and Leadership Summit (1 credit)

This course has two components: 1) a community work and learning (service learning) experience and 2) an integrative seminar experience in which the students will synthesize their prior coursework in physical therapy practice, health care ethics, clinical education, and community work and learning (service learning) experiences. Students receive didactic preparation in DPT 7121 and 7131 for the experiential community work and learning (service learning) component. DPT 7150 Clinical Education V, which occurs between component 1 and 2 of DPT 7160, provides a reflective bridge for students to reflect upon the relevance of their community work and learning (service learning) experience with clinical PT practice and to prepare for the integrative activities of the ethics and leadership summit.

Using a case-based approach to ethical and servant-leadership issues, the seminar component will develop depth in applying theory and decision-making procedures to clinical, ethical, and social issues. Through small group work, discussion, and role plays the students will be challenged to demonstrate leadership in developing strategies for implementing ethical decisions within institutions, private practice, in professional organizations, and in the formation of public policy. The student will engage in reflective writing, synthesizing their clinical education learning journal and community work and learning reflections with APTA Core Values, Code of Ethics, Catholic Social Teaching principles, and the Physical Therapist Pledge.

DPT 8000: Resesarch Project Credits III (2 credits)

This course will require students to complete a scholarly paper in AMA style, based on the research presentation completed for DPT 7040. This paper will include an abstract, an updated review of the relevant literature, detailed methods, a report of the relevant results/outcomes, discussion of the findings, and final conclusions. The quality of the project and written report must be such that it has the potential for submission for publication and/or presentation at a professional conference.