(Bachelor of Science/Master of Science)

Department of Biology

Coordinator: Professor Jeffrey Rothman, Engineering Technologies-East Building (5N), Room 207

The combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science degree program in Physical Therapy is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the profession. Upon successful completion of all the requirements, students will be awarded both degrees: the B.S. in Physical Therapy and the M.S. in Physical Therapy. The two degrees will be awarded concurrently.

The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Admission Requirements to the professional phase of the program:

The Physical Therapy admissions committee, comprised of Physical Therapy faculty, Biology faculty, Physical Therapy clinicians, and a representative of the Admissions Office, determines the admission of candidates to the program. Students must successfully complete the general education requirements and the Pre-Major Requirements with a minimum cumulative grade-point-average of 2.8 in the Pre-Major Requirements to be considered for the program.

Admission to the program is competitive and criteria for selection include the strength of the academic record (with particular emphasis on performance in science courses); written and oral communication skills; volunteer and/or work experience in a physical therapy setting, minimum of 200 hours, of which 100 hours must be in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, ;nd recommendations.

Retention Standards

Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) to be retained in a graduate program. Students whose GPAs fall below 3.0 are on probationary status. If a student has completed the number of credits required for both the graduate and undergraduate degrees and has less than a 3.0 average in the graduate phase (600-level courses or above), he/she may repeat no more than two 600-level or above courses (6-8 credits) in order to bring the average to 3.0. Written permission of the program coordinator is required. The specific courses to be taken must be approved in writing by the program coordinator.

Physical Therapy (B.S./M.S.)

Students must maintain an average of 3.0 (B) in the 41 credits of graduate courses for retention in the program.

General Education Requirements for the B.S.

ENG 111, ENG 151, COR 100, PED 190: 12 credits

Whenever possible, these four courses should be completed within the first 36 credits.

Scientific Analysis; Social Scientific Analysis; The West and the World; Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis; Pluralism and Diversity requirements: 21-27 credits

Whenever possible, these courses should be completed within the first 60 credits.

1. Scientific Analysis: (11 credits)

a. Science and Technology: (8 credits)

b. Mathematics: (3 credits)

2. Social Scientific Analysis: (3-4 credits)

3. The West and the World: (4 credits)

4. Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis: (3-4 credits)

a. Literature: 200-level

b. Arts and Communications: 100-level

c. Arts and Communications: 200-level

5. Pluralism and Diversity Requirement: (0-4 credits)

See section on general education requirements for approved course lists and complete details.

Pre-Major Requirements: 37-39 credits

BIO 150 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits

BIO 160 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits

CHM 141 General Chemistry I 3 credits

CHM 121 General Chemistry I Laboratory 1 credit

CHM 142 General Chemistry II 3 credits

CHM 127 General Chemistry II Laboratory 1 credit

BIO 272 Biometrics

or

MTH 214 Applied Statistics Using Computers 4 credits

MTH 123 College Algebra and Trigonometry 4 credits

or

MTH 130 Pre-Calculus Mathematics 3 credits

PHY 116 Physics I 4 credits

PHY 156 Physics II 4 credits

PSY 100 Psychology 3 credits

PSY 242 Developmental Psychology 4 credits

Major Requirements: 94 credits: 53 undergraduate credits and 41 graduate credits

BIO 318 Histology 4 credits

BIO 332 Advanced Physiology 4 credits

BIO 342 Advanced Human Anatomy 4 credits

BIO 368 Neuroscience 4 credits

BIO 382 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 credits

BIO 432 Clinical Pathology 3 credits

PHT 310 Health Promotion for Self and Society 3 credits

PHT 200 Physical Therapy Praxis I: Basic Patient Skills 4 credits

PHT 230 Biomechanics and Kinesiology 3 credits

PHT 250 Physical Therapy Praxis II: Tests and Measurements 4 credits

PHT 270 Clinical Practicum I 3 credits

PHT 300 Physical Therapy Praxis III: Therapeutics Modalities 4 credits

PHT 350 Physical Therapy Praxis IV: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 4 credits

PHT 370 Clinical Practicum II 3 credits

PHT 405 Research Methodologies 3 credits

PHT 600 Physical Therapy Praxis V: Orthopedic Evaluation and Treatment 4 credits

PHT 605 Research Design 3 credits

PHT 606 Research Seminar I 3 credits

PHT 608 Health Care Administration 3 credits

PHT 615 Interventions in Developmental Disabilities

3 credits

PHT 630 Pathokinesiology 3 credits

PHT 631 Advanced Assessment of Human Motion 3 credits

PHT 650 Physical Therapy Praxis VI: Neuromotor Facilitation 4 credits

PHT 651 Physical Therapy Praxis VII: Current Topics in Rehabilitation 3 credits

PHT 660 Advanced Topics in Physical Therapy 3 credits

PHT 670 Clinical Practicum III 6 credits

PHT 706 Research Seminar II 3 credits

Electives: 7-10 credits

Total Credits Required: 162

COURSES

PHT 200 Physical Therapy Praxis I: Basic Patient Skills

3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

Examines the multifaceted role of the physical therapist in the health care delivery system. Introduces the student to basic clinical skills and problem-solving abilities that will serve as the foundation for future course work. Application of basic evaluation tools and intervention strategies introduced in lectures.

Prerequisites: BIO 160, PHY 156, and acceptance into the PT program

PHT 230 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

2 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 3 credits

This course provides an in-depth study of the biomechanics and kinesiology of human motion. Examines the normal patterns in preparation for clinical assessment and integration.

Prerequisites: BIO 332, BIO 342, PHT 200

PHT 250 Physical Therapy Praxis II: Test and Measurements

3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

Evaluation and clinical interventions related to therapeutic exercise techniques; includes goniometry, manual muscle testing, posture and gait assessment as they are adapted to

pathokinesiological conditions and their relationship to specific exercise choices. History and evolution of therapeutic exercise leading to techniques for isolated and segmental manual exercises followed by multisegmental and full-body integration methods.

Prerequisites: PHT 200, PHT 230

PHT 270 Clinical Practicum

40 hours per week, full-time for 6 weeks; 3 credits

A clinical internship in a general hospital setting. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, the student will integrate and apply course work to provide quality care in the evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of diagnoses. The emphasis is on exposure to and participation in the environment in which a staff therapist functions.

Prerequisites: PHT 300, PHT 350

PHT 300 Physical Therapy Praxis III: Therapeutics Modalities

3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

This course is designed to acquaint the student with thermal, electrotherapeutic, and hydrotherapeutic procedures used in the evaluation and treatment of pain and dysfunction. Includes the examination of the effect of thermal and electrical modalities on the human body. Includes a laboratory component that is designed to provide the necessary experiences for the student to develop problem-solving skills in the application of therapeutic modalities along the wellness-illness continuum, i.e., consideration of the psychological, social, and environmental factors which may contribute to the success of the therapeutic program.

Prerequisite: PHT 250

PHT 310 Health Promotion for Self and Society

3 hours; 3 credits

The study of traditional and contemporary definitions of health. Describes the holistic approach to health care with emphasis on the illness-wellness health continuum across the life span. Examines the interrelationships between nutrition and health; mind and body; physical activity and health. Students will assess their own health status from a holistic perspective. Students will begin to identify community needs that would benefit from a program of health promotion and disease prevention.

Prerequisites: PHT 350, PHT 450

PHT 350 Physical Therapy Praxis IV: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

Application of principles of cardiopulmonary physiology to an understanding of pathology and disease and prevention. The student will learn to evaluate and treat chronic and acute cardiopulmonary problems, and to teach clients strategies for preventing cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The student will also learn to predict and manage cardiopulmonary dysfunction in patients with other primary diagnoses.

Prerequisite: PHT 250

PHT 370 Clinical Practicum II

40 hours per week, full-time for 8 weeks; 3 credits

An eight-week affiliation in a facility for the developmentally disabled that will serve to further refine and enhance students' skills while building on past clinical experiences. Provides the opportunity for the student to concentrate on skills and increase poise and efficiency, especially in the area of developmentally disabled.

Prerequisites: PHT 600, PHT 650

PHT 405 Research Methodologies

3 hours; 3 credits

Introduction to the scientific methods of inquiry used in research and their meaning in physical therapy practice. Includes identification of problems, research design, methodology, and reporting of results. Applications of computer technology to research is emphasized. Students begin to identify a research area of interest related to the developmental disabilities.

Prerequisite: PHT 250

PHT 600 Physical Therapy Praxis V: Orthopedic Evaluation and Treatment

3 class hours. 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

Examines the theoretical applications of various mobilization techniques and pain and stress management for the orthopedic patient. Emphasis upon joint and vertebrae evaluation and mobilization techniques.

Prerequisites: PHT 270, PHT 350

PHT 605 Research Design

3 hours; 3 credits

Emphasis will be placed in the acquisition of methods and techniques for extending the scientific base of knowledge for advanced physical therapy practice. Research studies that address questions of impact on rehabilitation and that are drawn from an interdisciplinary health perspective will serve as the focus for discussion. Research designs and related statistical processes will be examined in terms of their appropriateness for addressing various rehabilitation problems.

Prerequisite: PHT 405

PHT 606 Research Seminar I

3 hours; 3 credits

Implementation of research study and preparation to submit for publication in a professional journal. Independent study with faculty adviser.

Prerequisites: PHT 405, PHT 310

PHT 608 Health Care Administration

3 hours; 3 credits

Lectures and discussions will provide information concerning the physical therapist's responsibility in the management of the physical therapy department within a health care system. Areas include financial consideration, supervision and leadership skills, hospital administration, and socioeconomic aspects of health care.

Prerequisite: PHT 270

PHT 615 Interventions for Developmental Disability

3 hours; 3 credits

Through lecture and laboratory experiences, discussion, clinical visits, and readings, the student will be able to examine the various theories and practices designed for intervention for developmental disabilities and discuss and analyze current research findings in the area.

Prerequisite: PHT 650

PHT 630 Pathokinesiology

2 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 3 credits

Critical review and assessment of physical therapy treatments and evaluation for pain and stress management as related to the musculoskeletal system. Students will compare and analyze current theories of orthopedic physical therapy management. Students will design a corporate fitness or pain presentation program.

Prerequisites: PHT 600, PHT 650

PHT 631 Advanced Assessment of Human Motion

2 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 3 credits

Advanced study of the neurophysiological principles underlying human motion with special attention to the application of principles to assess normal and abnormal motion. Examination of theoretical concepts that attempt to explain motor control. Examination of principles of motor learning and task analysis, and their application to rehabilitation and patient and family education. Evaluation of neurophysiological techniques to improve the quality of motion.

Prerequisites: PHT 650, PHT 310

PHT 650 Physical Therapy Praxis VI: Neuromotor Facilitation

3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits

Evaluation of patients with neuromotor dysfunction and application of therapeutic techniques to facilitate improved neuromotor function. Introduction to theoretical applications of Bobath, Brunnstrom, Rood, and Voss. Also includes rehabilitation of the spinal cord patient.

Prerequisites: PHT 270, PHT 350

PHT 651 Physical Therapy Praxis VII: Current Topics in Rehabilitation

2 class hours, 3 laboratory hours; 3 credits

Study of advanced assessment and specialized treatment methodologies in physical therapy practice. Areas include dance and athletic injuries, burns, hand and cancer rehabilitation. Includes laboratory prosthetics and orthotics, and clinical activities.

Prerequisite: PHT 631

PHT 660 Advanced Topics in Physical Therapy

3 hours; 3 credits

Examines the theoretical foundations and the principles of practice of selected alternative treatments in physical therapy. Reviews the efficacy of physical therapy procedures. Presents the conceptual bases of alternative approaches from a critical analytical perspective. Assessment of clinical strategies is an important aspect of the course. Student presentations and demonstrations of these approaches are utilized, along with current research findings.

Prerequisites: PHT 631, PHT 370

PHT 670 Clinical Practicum III

40 hours per week, 12 weeks of full-time clinical internship; 6 credits

An affiliation of approximately 12 weeks. The overall purpose is for the student to practice and perfect treatment techniques, skills, and knowledge previously acquired and utilized in the clinical setting. Students may opt for an acute care facility to see a variety of patient problems or for a more specific specialty area such as pediatrics or sports medicine. These affiliations build on past experiences and integrate coursework and skills from the third year.

Prerequisites: PHT 600, PHT 605, PHT 608, PHT 615, PHT 631

PHT 706 Research Seminar II

3 hours; 3 credits

Continuation of PHT 606; implementation of research study and submit for publication in a professional journal. Independent study with faculty advisement.

Prerequisite: PHT 606