Transition DPT Course DescriptionsDPT 590 Pharmacology 1 credit
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their use in medical treatment. In this course the student will gain knowledge in the basic pharmacologic principles and application to rehabilitation therapy. Pharmacotherapeutic agents (drugs) will be discussed based on a combination of organ systems and general drug classifications to provide the rationale of drug therapy. Emphasis will be placed on the types of disorders these agents treat, adverse effects they cause and special implications of specific drugs to the therapist. Also available in CD ROM format.
DPT 790 Evidence-Based Practice 2 credits
This course is concerned with evidence-based practice (EBP) as a framework for clinical decision-making by physical therapists. A historical overview of EBP and discussion of the evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making will be presented. Students will gain hands-on experience in utilizing both filtered and unfiltered databases of the professional literature to answer specific clinical questions. Ultimately, the strength and quality of evidence supporting the use of select physical therapy tests, measures, and interventions will be critically appraised. Prerequisites include a working knowledge of statistics and research methods/design.
DPT 795 Physical Therapy Examination and Interventions 2 credits
This course is based on the disablement model and will focus on examination and interventions used in the four physical therapy practice pattern areas (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and integumentary) across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on examination of the patients and on modes of intervention that are applicable for specific diagnostic categories. Measurement properties and the scientific evidence supporting select tests, measures and direct interventions will be emphasized through lecture and demonstration. This course will enable the practitioner to utilize and understand the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.
DPT 800 Applied Anatomy & Physiology 2 credits
This course is designed to help students understand and apply anatomical and physiological principles that influence physical therapy practice. Information will build upon prior basic and clinical science coursework. An emphasis will be placed on understanding how systemic and cellular adaptations that result from both intrinsic (e.g., disease, aging) and extrinsic factors (e.g., injury, training, and pharmacological intervention) influence rehabilitation. Examples will cross all major practice pattern categories (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary) and the lifespan. Students will integrate this knowledge into examination, evaluation, and the development of care plans.
DPT 810 Advanced Diagnostics 2 credits
This course describes diagnostic testing procedures used in the examination of patients with acute and chronic disorders and disease processes. An emphasis will be placed on the type of information gained in testing, the sensitivity and specificity of each test, and how test results can be used to influence the physical therapy examination, interventions, and plan of care.
DPT 820 Differential Diagnosis 2 credits
This course will enhance the student's ability to develop pattern recognition skills for conditions or diseases across the human body systems. Hypothesis development and testing as pertains to the physical therapy differential diagnosis will be emphasized. This course also addresses appropriate physical therapist interventions, to include referral for conditions or diseases that are not within a physical therapist's scope of practice. Cases of patients having multiple conditions will be used so that students must determine which condition or disease drives intervention.
DPT 830 Management of the Medically Complex Patient 2 credits
This course is designed to help students perform thorough physical therapy examinations and develop effective care plans for medically complex patients. Building upon an understanding of the relevant pathophysiology, the learner will be challenged to integrate the findings of laboratory tests, diagnostic testing, medical treatment and procedures as well as information gained from the patient, their families, and other members of the health care team into the decision making process. A case study format will be used to address multiple system impairments across the lifespan and continuum of care. This course should be the last course completed prior to the Integration Project.
DPT 850 Integration Project 3 credits
This capstone project is intended to assist the student in integrating content covered throughout the curriculum. Options include developing a patient case report, authoring a scholarly paper (annotated bibliography), or designing an original project unique to the student's professional interests, including performing a clinical research project. Ideally, the project represents an original contribution by the student to the profession of physical therapy and is worthy of presentation to the professional community. Proposed projects should be submitted during the student's final year of study and approved by the student's Project Committee.
