Courses

Clarkson University » Center for Health Sciences & Physical Therapy » Doctor of Physical Therapy

PT505: Foundation Sciences for Physical Therapy
Credit hours: 9
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisite: Admission to graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT506, PT508

Gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous, and vascular systems. Relationship of anatomy to kinesiology, function, and dysfunction associated with common injuries and illness. Addresses concepts such as bone, muscle, and nerve physiology, anatomical and physiological changes related to normal growth and development from infancy through old age, as well as selected pathophysiological conditions such as facture healing, and physical therapy examination procedures such as strength testing. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, cadaver laboratory, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT506: Professional Foundation for Physical Therapy
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisite: Admission to graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT505, PT508

Completion of prerequisites for Professional Practice courses. Exploration of the structure of the health care system and the evolving role of physical therapy as a primary participant. Topics integrate history, ethics, politics, sociology, and economics, drawing from assigned readings and students' life experiences. Seminars use seminal articles to encourage information sharing and discussion. Acquisition of skills in using multiple resources to develop a strong foundation for seeking, organizing, and using information.

PT508: Principles of Measurement
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisite: Admission to graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT505, PT506

Different types and methods of measurement (subjective vs. objective; qualitative vs. quantitative; nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio), principles of measurement error, reliability, and validity are presented and used in examples. Discussion of the basics of epidemiology related to commonly used measurements in physical therapy and epidemiology. Presentation and discussion of current literature, collection of data for selected measurement, and completion of an independent project analyzing these data.

PT515: Cardiopulmonary-Exercise Science
Credit hours: 9
Offered: Every spring
Prerequisites: PT505, PT506, PT508 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT517, PT518

Anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, pharmacology, and pathology as applied to patients/clients with cardiopulmonary and renal involvement, and as applied to the health and fitness of patients/clients in a variety of physical therapy environments. Application of 1) patient information, medical test results, physical therapy tests and measures, 2) applied physiology, pathophysiology pathology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pharmacology, and 3) evidence-based practice, to analyze and interpret patients' signs and symptoms, and response to interventions, and to use screening procedures for conditions requiring referral to, or consultation by, other practitioners. Development of skills in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention planning and implementation for a variety of pathology and impairment of the cardiopulmonary and renal systems. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, cadaver laboratory, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT517: Professional Practice I
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every spring
Prerequisites: PT505, PT506, PT508 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT515, PT518

Participation in planned small group part time professional practice experiences. Observation and participation in Phase II and III cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and acute care, with emphasis on examination and intervention for patients with cardiac and pulmonary illness or disease. Emphasis on addressing administrative and professional issues inherent to such clinical environments. Integration of these professional practice experiences with the case studies used in PT515 Cardiopulmonary-Exercise Science.

PT518: Evidence-Based Practice
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every spring
Prerequisites: PT505, PT506, PT508 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT515, PT517

Presentation and development of concepts of evidence-based practice (EBP), and skills for critical evaluation of physical therapy research literature. Evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Each student selects an EBP question to pursue throughout the semester. Emphasis on learning how to search for, identify, and obtain appropriate literature, analyze different types of evidence critically, and summarize findings. Individual research articles are critiqued, and a comprehensive review of literature related to the topics chosen are developed. This course culminates in a mock professional meeting at which each student presents his/her findings in a formal Poster Presentation.

PT525: Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
Credit hours: 9
Offered: Every summer
Prerequisites: PT515, PT517, PT518 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT527, PT528

Analysis of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions commonly seen by physical therapists in orthopedic practice. Muscle and joint structure contributions to function, response to injury or illness, and intervention. Application of 1) patient information, medical test results, physical therapy tests and measures, 2) applied physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pharmacology, and 3) evidence-based practice, to analyze and interpret patients' signs and symptoms, and response to interventions. Use of screening procedures for conditions requiring referral to, or consultation by, other practitioners. Development of skills in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention planning and implementation for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT527: Professional Practice II
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every summer
Prerequisites: PT515, PT517, PT518 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT525, PT528

Two week full-time professional practice experience in an acute care, cardiopulmonary, or orthopedic setting. Focuses of this experience are 1) orientation of students to the clinical setting they will attend in PT537, 2) exposure to examination and interventions primarily for patients in acute care, cardiopulmonary, or orthopedic, environments, and 3) to observe professional parameters of clinical practice in such environments. Discussion of clinical practice and administrative issues pertinent to orthopedic environments. Integration of these clinical experiences with the case studies used in PT525 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy.

PT528: Physical Therapy Research Design
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every summer
Prerequisites: PT515, PT517, PT518 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT525, PT527

Research ethics, subject selection, experimental design, budget, and planning are the focus of this course. Non-experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative research models are also addressed. Assignments focus on the process of project selection, review of relevant literature, planning, and proposal development. Development of a research proposal provides an understanding of scientific method, issues related to clinical research, and the ethical and scientific basis for evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Under the direction of a faculty research advisor, groups develop project proposals which are implemented in future semesters.

PT537: Professional Practice III
Credit hours: 6
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT525, PT527, PT528 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT605, PT607, PT608

Seven weeks full-time professional practice experience in a cardiopulmonary/acute or orthopedic care setting. This experience occurs in the same clinic that the student oriented to in PT527. The focus of this experience is on the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention for patients/clients in the treatment setting. Synthesis of knowledge of musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disorders, and development of an appreciation for managing multiple patients and responsibilities. Comparison of predicted prognosis with actual patient progress. Integration of these experiences with the case studies used in PT515 Cardiopulmonary-Exercise Science and 525 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy.

PT605: Neuromuscular Physical Therapy I
Credit hours: 3
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT525, PT527, PT528, PT537 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT537, PT607, PT608

Development of the nervous system, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and neural adaptation to injury and recover of function as applied to patients/clients of all ages with pathology of the central nervous system. Application of 1) patient information, medical test results, physical therapy tests and measures, 2) applied physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pharmacology, and 3) evidence-based practice, to analyze and interpret patients' signs and symptoms, and response to interventions. Use of screening procedures for conditions requiring referral to, or consultation by, other practitioners. Development of skills in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention and implementation for a variety of neurological disorders. Development of an awareness and understanding of the complex nature of neurological injury including the psychosocial aspects of loss of function, dependence, role changes, wellness and preventions issues and the road to recovery. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, cadaver laboratory, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT606: Neuromuscular Physical Therapy II
Credit hours: 6
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT537, PT605, PT607, PT608 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT615, PT617, PT618

Development of the nervous system, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and neural adaptation to injury and recover of function as applied to patients/clients of all ages with pathology of the central nervous system. Application of 1) patient information, medical test results, physical therapy tests and measures, 2) applied physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pharmacology, and 3) evidence-based practice, to analyze and interpret patients' signs and symptoms, and response to interventions. Use of screening procedures for conditions requiring referral to, or consultation by, other practitioners. Development of skills in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention and implementation for a variety of neurological disorders. Development of an awareness and understanding of the complex nature of neurological injury including the psychosocial aspects of loss of function, dependence, role changes, wellness and preventions issues and the road to recovery. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, cadaver laboratory, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT607: Professional Practice IV
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT525, PT527, PT528, PT537 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT537, PT605 PT608

Part time professional practice experiences with patients/clients with a variety of neurological diagnoses. This experience focuses on the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention techniques unique to the neurological patient, as well as documentation skills. Professional/legal/ethical issues inherent to the treatment environment. Understanding the parameters of developing community based prevention projects, and integration of this knowledge into a proposal for a community-based project to be carried out in PT617 Professional Practice V. Integration of these clinical experiences with the case studies in PT605 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy I.

PT608: Physical Therapy Data Analysis
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT525, PT527, PT528, PT537 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT537, PT605 PT607

Statistical concepts and tests that are used in physical therapy research are considered. Selection and application of specific statistical tests relevant to physical therapists. Under the direction of a faculty research advisor, finalization of a group research proposal and submission to Clarkson University Institutional Review Board.

PT615: Physical Therapy for Multiple System Disorders I
Credit hours: 3
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT537, PT605, PT607, PT608 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT606, PT617, PT618

Integration and application of knowledge of all bodily systems to the comprehensive management of patients/clients with complex medical conditions, secondary pathologies and multi-system disease processes such as diabetes mellitus, lymphedema, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Identification of medical co-morbidities or complications that may impact the rehabilitation of such patients/clients through knowledge of screening tools, nutrition, laboratory values, diagnostic imaging, and pharmacology. Addresses the team approach to the care and case management of medically complex patients. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT616: Physical Therapy for Multiple System Disorders II
Credit hours: 6
Offered: Every Summer
Prerequisites: PT537, PT605, PT607, PT608, 615 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisite: PT627

Integration and application of knowledge of all bodily systems to the comprehensive management of patients/clients with complex medical conditions, secondary pathologies and multi-system disease processes such as diabetes mellitus, lymphedema, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Identification of medical co-morbidities or complications that may impact the rehabilitation of such patients/clients through knowledge of screening tools, nutrition, laboratory values, diagnostic imaging, and pharmacology. Addresses the team approach to the care and case management of medically complex patients. Development of the concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT617: Professional Practice V
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT537, PT605, PT607, PT608 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT606, PT615, PT618

Six weeks of community-based activities in one of the following areas: prevention, wellness, fitness, or health promotion. Activity is modeled after the project developed in PT607 Professional Practice IV. Participation for seven weeks as a clinical laboratory instructor to students in lower level physical therapy courses, developing the basic skills of clinical instruction they will use in PT657 Advanced Clinical Skills. Integration of these professional practice experiences with case studies used in PT615 Physical Therapy Multiple System Disorders I.

PT618: Research Data Collection
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT537, PT605, PT607, PT608 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT606, PT615, PT617

Implementation of IRB-approved research proposals. Document several milestones (such as subject recruitment and data collection), as well as problems and potential sources of error during the semester using standard 'progress report' format. Demonstration of professional interactions among students and participants. Development of teamwork and equitable distribution of work tasks among team members. Subject recruitment and data collection may not begin until the proposal has been approved by Clarkson's Institutional Review Board. Collection and analysis of data as planned in proposals.

PT627: Professional Practice VI
Credit hours: 9
Offered: Every Summer
Prerequisites: PT606, PT615, PT617, PT618 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisite: PT616

Twelve weeks of full time professional practice with an emphasis on implementation of the physical therapy patient/client management process to persons with a variety of diagnoses. Increased appreciation for the effect of impairments, functional limitations, and/or disabilities on patients/clients. Development of time and resource management skills in the professional practice environment. Located in any of our contracted sites within the US . Integration of clinical experiences with case studies used in PT616 Physical Therapy for Multiple System Disorders II.

PT645: Practice Management in the Autonomous Environment
Credit hours: 8
Offered: Every Fall
Prerequisites: PT616, PT627 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT657, PT665, PT648

Builds upon the elements of professionalism and clinical exposure of the previous five semesters. Case studies are used to explore management of care delivery, consultation, business development and management, reimbursement, and regulatory and legal requirements for the practice of physical therapy. Showcasing integration of this knowledge with human resource management, creation of policies and procedures, mission statement, and a comprehensive business plan. Demonstration of the ability to create a positive culture for autonomous practice is emphasized. Prepares facilitators and practitioners of autonomous practice. Development of concepts of communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity, critical inquiry and life-long learning, education, ethics, and interpersonal and professional issues. Professional behaviors are developed through participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism in a variety of classroom environments. The course is taught in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format using cases studies (problems) to promote student learning via tutorial, clinical skills laboratory, inquiry seminars, and self-directed learning.

PT648: Writing and Presenting Research
Credit hours: 2
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT616, PT627 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT645, PT657, PT665

Elements of research journal articles, the process of writing to publish in standard journal formats, and the peer review process. Interpretation and writing of research or case reports in Physical Therapy journal format. Presentation of research project in a Platform Presentation at the end of the semester. Participation in the peer review process.

PT657: Advanced Clinical Skills
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every fall
Prerequisites: PT616, PT627 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT645, PT648, PT665

Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical skills that progress, refine, and expand skills previously acquired. Includes topics such as: pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological treatment, exercise progression, post-surgical care, alternative modalities, manual therapy. Didactic presentations of evidence-based practice literature and clinical laboratory skills. Presentations by students who have had the opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills under mentorship during their clinical experiences. Application of principles of professional practice education through planning, supervising and assessing peers' clinical skills practice. Integration of professional practice experiences with case studies used in PT645 Practice Management in the Autonomous Environment.

PT665: Social Responsibility and Advocacy
Credit hours: 1
Offered: Every Fall
Prerequisites: PT616, PT627 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisites: PT645, PT657, PT648

Forty hours of individual volunteer experiences in areas that promote social responsibility, and advocacy. Volunteer experiences will be designed such that the students can hone their socialization skills by participating in activities at the local, state, or national level involving membership (APTA or major organizations affiliated with physical therapy delivery), governance, and/or advocacy. Preparation for this course, including the development of individual specific practice objectives, occurs during PT645 Practice Management in the Autonomous Environment.

PT667: Professional Practice VII
Credit hours: 7
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT645, PT648, PT657, PT665 and good standing in the physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisite: PT677

Eight weeks of full time professional practice experience in one of a variety of practice settings (orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, etc….). Professional practice employing critical thinking and clinical decision making strategies includes participation in all aspects of the physical therapy patient/client management process, including case management and administration. Professional practice sites are selected from a list of contracted sites within the US.

PT677: Professional Practice VIII
Credit hours: 7
Offered: Every Spring
Prerequisites: PT667 and good standing in the graduate physical therapy professional curriculum (DPT)
Corequisite: PT667

Eight weeks of full time professional practice experience in one of a variety of practice settings (orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, etc….). Professional practice employing critical thinking and clinical decision making strategies includes participation in all aspects of the physical therapy patient/client management process, including case management and administration. Professional practice sites are selected from a list of contracted sites within the US.