In
keeping with the expectations of physical therapist education and the
Commission on Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the faculty has rooted its DPT curriculum in 7 domains of learning which include the following courses.
The purpose of the program is the preparation of competent physical therapists who, by virtue of their graduate education, can enter the health care arena primarily as clinicians, with beginning skills in research, administration and education.
Students come into the program with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including the humanities and sciences. Professional education builds on and refines this knowledge base and develops skills in the learner in concept formation, analysis, synthesis, problem-solving and evidence-based practice.
Domain |
Definition
Of |
Coursework |
Scientific
Foundations |
Basic science
courses that provide the fundamental knowledge related to normal and abnormal
human structure, function & response to injury & disease. Courses necessary to make
quantitative and qualitative observations & facilitate understanding of
the clinical sciences |
Gross
Anatomy
Neuroscience
Movement
Science
Applied
Physiology |
Kinesiology
& Biomechanics I, II
Histology
& Pathology
Pharmacology |
Clinical Sciences |
Acquisition of PT
knowledge & skill preparation necessary for clinical practice. Students acquire skill to examine,
evaluate & prepare a plan of care for individuals served. Provide the knowledge necessary for
understanding, presenting rationale for and applying intervention strategies. Critical decision-making &
evidence-based practice are integrated throughout these courses. The advanced specialization and
sub-specialization track courses allow for greater knowledge & skill in a
clinical area of interest. |
Examination
& Evaluation
PT
Procedures
Concepts
of Therapeutic Exercise
Physical
Modalities
Integumentary Management
Soft
Tissue Mobilization
Medical
Screening I, II
Diagnostic
Imaging
Orthotics
Prosthetics
Cardiopulmonary
Conditions I, II |
Adult Neurorehabilitation I, II, III
Orthopedics
I, II, III
Pediatrics
I, II
Clinical
Geriatrics
Advanced
Specialization Track Courses in
- Adult Neurorehabilitation
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
Advanced
Sub Specialization Course in
- Women’s Health
- Cerviogenic Headaches & Chronic Pain
|
Critical
Exploration |
Develop skills
necessary for evidence- practice and to analyze interventions within a
disablement framework from multiple perspectives. Students explore an area of interest for the Capstone
project & can gain more advanced knowledge through the research elective. |
Theory
& Application of PT Research
Clinical
Case Management Seminar |
Capstone
Project Advisement
Elective
in Research Option |
Professional
Development |
Introduction to
the profession of PT & the roles & responsibilities they and other
health care professionals assume in today’s health care system. Development of clinical reasoning
skills related to professional & legal judgments necessary for transition
into the clinical environment. |
Professional
Development I, II
Psychosocial
Adaptation to Illness & Disability |
|
Health Care
Systems & Management |
Practice,
insurance, billing and reimbursement issues related to a variety of practice
settings. Students also develop
skill in defining market “nitch” and business management. |
Issues
& Approaches in Health Policy
Marketing
& Business Management in PT |
Health
Education and Promotion in PT Practice |
Electives |
Supplement the
clinical science courses. Afford
students the opportunity to study highly specialized areas of clinical
practice or develop greater competency in teaching or research. |
Teaching
Practicum in Anatomy
Teaching
Practicum in Kinesiology
Research
Practicum
Performance
PT
Rehabilitation
of the Athlete |
Contemporary
Therapeutic Approaches
Pilates
Foot
& Ankle Rehabilitation
Hand
Rehabilitation |
Clinical
Experiences |
Collective
experiences in direct patient care, teaching and administrative aspects under
the supervision of a PT. Integrates clinical skills developed in the curriculum with various
patient populations. Clinical
education seminars help prepare students for their clinical experiences by
providing a thorough understanding of roles & responsibilities. |
Mentorship
(eases transition into Clinical Education I)
Clinical
Education Seminars |
Clinical
Education I, II
Internship |
