DPT Curriculum

 

 

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DPT Courses

 

Clinical Education Hours

 

Number	Title	Hours
PT 7120	Clinical Education Orientation	1
PT 7150	Directed Clinical Experience	1
PT 7370	Clinical Education I	3
PT 7480	Clinical Education II	4
PT 7481	Clinical Education III	4
PT 7690	Clinical Education IV	6
	Total

Curriculum

PT 7115 Evidence-Based Practice. (1-0) This course introduces the concept of evidence-based practice in physical therapy including the formulation of answerable clinical questions, methods of obtaining peer-reviewed evidence to those clinical questions, and how to critically appraise evidence once located.

PT 7120 Clinical Education Orientation. (1-0) This course provides an orientation to the requirements of the clinical education course sequence including patient education as well as the legal, ethical, and professional requirements of physical therapy practice.

PT 7125 Clinical Decision Making I. (1-0) This course provides a venue in which students can explore multiple aspects of patient evaluation, intervention, and outcomes in a problem-based learning environment.  Students will identify complicating issues in patient care including physical, psychosocial, financial, and environmental factors as well as develop possible solutions to identified problems.

PT 7135 Clinical Decision Making II. (1-0) This course provides a venue in which students can explore multiple aspects of patient evaluation, intervention, and outcomes in a problem-based learning environment.  Students will identify complicating issues through case scenarios incorporating factors from all courses taken through the first year spring semester. Prerequisite: PT 7125.

PT 7145 Clinical Decision Making III. (1-0) This course provides a venue in which students can explore multiple aspects of patient evaluation, intervention, and outcomes in a problem-based learning environment.  Students will identify complicating issues through case scenarios incorporating factors from all courses taken through the second year summer term. Prerequisite: PT 7135.

PT 7150 Directed Clinical Experience. (0-15) A structured clinical experience in which the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to apply the theory and clinical skills acquired during didactic course work into the clinical environment. This course will be completed in the Texas State Physical Therapy Clinic. Prerequisite: PT 7120.

PT 7155 Clinical Decision Making IV. (1-0) This course provides a venue in which students can explore multiple aspects of patient evaluation, intervention, and outcomes in a problem based learning environment.  Students will identify complicating issues through case scenarios incorporating factors from all courses taken through the second year fall semester. Prerequisite: PT 7145.

PT 7231 Anatomy II – Spine. (1-2) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the vertebral column and skull including bony landmarks, muscular, ligamentous attachments, and blood and nerve supply will be studied through lecture, lab, dissection of human cadavers, and independent study. Prerequisite: 7311.

PT 7233 Body Systems II – Diagnostics. (2-0) An in-depth presentation of pharmacology, medical imaging, and electroneuromyography.  Emphasis will be on expected and adverse effects of select medication, understanding medical imaging procedures and documentation of results, and the use of muscle and nerve integrity testing via nerve conduction velocity techniques. Prerequisite: PT 7313.

PT 7241 Anatomy III - Lower Extremity. (1-2) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the lower extremity including bony landmarks, muscular, ligamentous attachments, and blood and nerve supply will be studied through lecture, lab, dissection of human cadavers, and independent study. Prerequisite: PT 7231.

PT 7251 Anatomy IV - Upper Extremity. (1-2) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the upper extremity including bony landmarks, muscular, ligamentous attachments and blood and nerve supply studied through lecture, lab, dissection of human cadavers, and independent study. Prerequisite: PT 7241.

PT 7294 Special Issues in Physical Therapy. (2-0) Provides opportunities for learning through lecture covering multiple physical therapy practice settings and areas of specialization.  Also designed to provide information relevant to the licensure process, preparation for the licensure exam, and test-taking strategies to enhance performance. Prerequisite: Taken in last semester of program.

PT 7311 Anatomy I. (2-2) Study of the structure and basic function of the human body with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.  Laboratory study of the human cadaver is included.

PT 7312 Patient Care Skills I. (2-3) This course introduces students to basic patient care skills and documentation.  Topics emphasized include body mechanics, patient positioning, mobility, transfers, patient communication/instruction skills, and documentation format. Students will also receive an introduction to therapeutic exercise, health promotion and wellness, and infection control as well as patient rights and reimbursement issues.

PT 7313 Body Systems I – Pathology. (3-0) Overview of normal and abnormal organ systems function from a physical therapy perspective.  Focuses on pathologic conditions as outlined in the components of physical therapy clinical practice.  Topics range from tissue inflammation and repair, infection, degenerative processes, and organic changes related to the aging process.

PT 7326 Functional Neuroanatomy. (2-2) An in-depth study of structure and function of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems in the context of human development. Content will include laboratory experience to identify components of the nervous system. Students will have an opportunity to study pathology, review case studies, and research and apply relevant literature.

PT 7327 Research in Physical Therapy I. (3-0) Three-course sequence introducing the physical therapy student to research and statistical methodologies.  This initial course emphasizes the application of basic principles of the scientific method for: 1) critically reviewing physical therapy literature; 2) developing research proposals; and 3) identifying the tools necessary for analysis and assessment of clinical practice patterns.

PT 7328 Examination Techniques. (2-3) This course introduces students to basic evaluation and examination techniques used in physical therapy.  Students will perform basic orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary evaluations in open lab and case-based learning environments. An emphasis will be placed on body mechanics, communication skills, positioning, and draping. Prerequisite: PT 7312.

PT 7336 Neuroscience I – Pediatrics. (2-2) An in-depth study of human growth and motor development from birth to young adulthood within the context of the theories of motor control and motor learning. An overview of the history of motor control and motor learning will set the foundation for understanding postural control. Prerequisite: PT 7326.

PT 7346 Neuroscience II – Adults. (2-3) An in-depth study of neurological dysfunction secondary to trauma and disease that affect posture, movement, and behavior of the adult physical therapy client. Content will emphasize medical and physical therapy examination, treatment planning, and education of individuals with neurological dysfunction. Prerequisite: PT 7336.

PT 7347 Research in Physical Therapy II. (3-0) Three-course sequence introducing the physical therapy student to research and statistical methodologies.  This second course emphasizes the proposal writing aspect of research, building on knowledge of research methods and statistics gained in PT 7327.  Includes introduction to statistical software packages used for data-analysis and generating bibliographic material. Prerequisite: PT 7327.

PT 7356 Neuroscience III – Geriatrics. (2-3) A comprehensive study of the impact of physical disability on the aging adult. This course serves to integrate all previous courses in the neuroscience sequence with an emphasis on the loss of postural control due to both normal aging and pathological changes. Prerequisite: PT 7346.

PT 7363 Body Systems III – Cardiopulmonary. (2-3) An in-depth review of the concept of fitness, wellness, and pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary and metabolic systems with emphasis on implications for physical therapy treatment.  Basic principles of care in respiratory therapy, chest physical therapy, electrocardiography, exercise testing, cardiac rehabilitation, and exercise prescription will be included. Prerequisite: PT 7233.

PT 7370 Clinical Education I. (0-20) A full-time clinical education experience in which the student will apply the theory and clinical skills acquired during previous didactic course work in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: PT 7150 and full academic standing.

PT 7428 Therapeutic Interventions. (2-4) Provides an introduction to basic therapeutic interventions. Topics emphasized include current theory and application of tissue mobilization, light, heat, cold, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, compression, and electrical currents as well as assistive devices, traction, and isokinetics. Introduces therapeutic exercise including energy metabolism, muscle physiology, and response to exercise. Prerequisite: PT 7312.

PT 7462 Patient Care Skills II. (2-4) Introduces students to physical therapy care for complicated patients with multi-system involvement.  While the primary focus is on integumentary physical therapy, significant time will be dedicated to spinal cord injuries and complicating factors such as age, malnutrition, pain, infection, vascular compromise, obesity, diabetes, HIV, and specific allergies. Prerequisite: PT 7312.

PT 7467 Research in Physical Therapy III. (4-0) Three-course sequence introducing the physical therapy student to research and statistical methodologies.  This final course builds upon the knowledge of research methods and statistics gained in evidence-based practice (EBP).  The emphasis of this course is on the application of EBP in a clinical setting.  Prerequisite: PT 7347.

PT 7474 Management Issues. (3-0) Study of basic management theories, principles, and practices as they relate to the health care delivery system, reimbursement resources and issues, and internal and external forces that impact health care delivery.

PT 7480 Clinical Education II. (0-20) A full-time clinical education experience in which the student will apply the theory and clinical skills acquired during previous didactic course work in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: PT 7370 and full academic standing.

PT 7481 Clinical Education III. (0-20) A full-time clinical education experience in which the student will apply the theory and clinical skills acquired during previous didactic course work in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: PT 7370, satisfactory progress in PT 7480, and full academic standing.

PT 7539 Musculoskeletal I – Spine. (3-4) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the vertebral column and skull studied through lecture, lab, literature review, and independent study.  Knowledge and skill will be integrated to identify problems, prognosis, functional goals, and to develop comprehensive intervention programs related to the spine, including preventative health planning. Prerequisite: PT 7328.

PT 7549 Musculoskeletal II - Lower Extremity. (3-4) Study of static structural and dynamic aspects of the lower extremity. Emphasizes the effects and affects of forces on function. Clinical decision-making involving the integration of knowledge and skill to identify problems, establish goals, and develop comprehensive physical therapy programs related to the region of study. Prerequisite: PT 7539.

PT 7559 Musculoskeletal III - Upper Extremity. (3-4) Study of static structural and dynamic aspects of the upper extremity. Emphasizes the effects and affects of forces on function. Clinical decision-making involving the integration of knowledge and skill to identify problems, establish goals, and develop comprehensive physical therapy programs related to the region of study. Prerequisite: PT 7549.

PT 7690 Clinical Education IV. (0-40) A full-time clinical education experience in which the student will apply the theory and clinical skills acquired during previous didactic course work in the clinical setting. Prerequisite: PT 7481

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MSPT Curriculum

 

The physical therapy program offers a 2 year full-time lock-step curriculum. There are 6 major tracks in the curriculum – core courses, neuroscience, orthopaedics, research, professional, and clinical education. Courses are taught one time per year in a specified sequence. Courses each semester build upon the courses from the previous semesters.

Core

• PT 5212 Patient Examination
• PT 5214 Patient Management
• PT 5310 Body Systems
• PT 5313 Physical Agents
• PT 5350 Body Systems II

Neuroscience

• PT 5311 Neuroscience I
• PT 5521 Neuroscience II
• PT 5531 Neuroscience III

Orthopaedics

• PT 5620 Spine
• PT 5630 Lower Extremity
• PT 5640 Upper Extremity

Research

• PT 5241 Research I
• PT 5253 Research II
• PT 5351 Project
• or
• PT 5299 A/B Thesis

Professional

• PT 5122 Professional Issues
• PT 5241 Management Issues
• PT 5252 Special Issues

Clinical Education

• PT 5110 Directed Clinical
• PT 5150 Clinical Practicum
• PT 5360 Clinical Ed I
• PT 5461 Clinical Ed II
• PT 5462 Clinical Ed III

Physical Therapy Courses

5110 Directed Clinical. (0-8) Structured experience in which the student will be provided the opportunity to apply the theory and skills acquired during didactic course work in the clinical setting. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: PT 5310, PT 5311, PT 5212, PT 5313, and PT 5214.

5115 Problems in Physical Therapy. (1-0) An in-depth independent study of a singular problem or related problem in the rapidly changing field of physical therapy. Special emphasis will be placed on the problems’ current relevance and the value to the participant. May be repeated for credit.

5122 Professional Issues. (1-0) Introduction to the historical, current and future issues faced by the physical therapy profession.

5150 Clinical Practicum. (0-8) Part-time clinical experience in which the student will be provided the opportunity to apply the theory and skills acquired during didactic course work in the clinical setting. May be repeated for credit. Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisites: PT 5310, PT 5311, PT 5212, PT 5214, PT 5620, PT 5521, PT 5110, and PT 5122.

5212 Examination Techniques. (1-3) Introduction to physical therapy examination techniques including palpation, range of motion, muscle performance, sensory and reflex integrity, anthropometric characteristics, muscles length, posture, ventilation, respiration, circulation, gait, locomotion, balance, documentation, isokinetics, ergonomics, and body mechanics.

5214 Patient Management. (1-3) A core course in which the patient intervention skills of communication, patient/client related instruction and basic direct intervention skills of therapeutic exercise and functional training are emphasized. Included are learning and health promotion theories as related to patient instruction and peer education.

5241 Research in Physical Therapy I. (2-0) A two course sequence that introduces the physical therapy students to research methodologies. This initial course emphasizes the application of basic principles of the scientific methods for: (1) critically reviewing physical therapy literature and (2) developing research proposals.
Prerequisites: HP 3302 or equivalent and permission of the instructor.

5242 Management Issues. (2-0) Study of basic management theories, principles and practices as they relate to the health care delivery system, reimbursement resources and issues, and internal and external forces that impact health care delivery.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous coursework.

5252 Current Issues in Physical Therapy. (1-4) Provides opportunity for students to be exposed to the specialist certification process and certified specialists in the profession. Students are also introduced to additional special topics from experts and will have the opportunity to participate in a specific area of practice.

5253 Research in Physical Therapy II. (2-0) A two course sequence that introduces the student to research and statistical methodologies. This second course will emphasize the proposal writing aspect of research. Students will build on the knowledge of research methods and statistics gained in the first course.
Prerequisite: PT 5241.

5310 Body Systems. (3-0) Exploration of the physiology of disease introducing the student to the pathophysiological processes of tissue inflammation and repair, infection, degenerative processes including normal aging processes, disturbances in all body systems including circulatory, metabolic, endocrine, respiratory, integumentary, gastrointestinal, and the relevant pharmacology.

5311 Neuroscience I. (3-2) Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological foundations for understanding movement. Basic sciences of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology will be covered and related to current neuroscience theories of the regulation of posture and movement and how motor abilities are influenced by disease, trauma, learning and developmental changes.

5313 Physical Agents. (3-2) Physics and physiological effects of light, heat, cold, ultrasound, high frequency electrical currents, and water are presented as they relate to treatment for indicated pathological conditions. Principles of differential diagnosis to be used in selecting/recommending the appropriate modality. Principles and methods of teaching and supervising supportive personnel in relation to these modalities.

5350 Body Systems II. (2-2) An in-depth review of the concept of adult fitness as well as the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system and metabolic system with emphasis on implications for physical therapy treatment.
Prerequisites: Completion of PT 5310 and all previous PT courses.

5351 Physical Therapy Project. (3-0) Provides the student the opportunity to conduct a supervised investigation and write a manuscript. The investigation may include a research paper, a review of the literature, a case study, a clinical perspective, or a professional perspective. Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis. Student continues to enroll in this course until this project is completed.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

5360 Clinical Education I. (0-40) Full-time clinical experience in which the student will be provided the opportunity to apply the theory and skills acquired during didactic course work in the clinical setting. Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisite: PT 5110.

5399A Physical Therapy Thesis. This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in PT 5399B. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

5399B Physical Therapy Thesis. This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisite: PT 5399A.

5461 Clinical Education II. (0-8) Full-time clinical experience in which the student will be provided the opportunity to apply the theory and skills acquired during didactic course work in the clinical setting. Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisites: PT 5110, PT 5150, and PT 5160.

5462 Clinical Education III. (0-8) Full-time clinical experience in which the student will be provided the opportunity to apply the theory and skills acquired during didactic course work in the clinical setting. Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.
Prerequisites: PT 5160 and PT 5461.

5521 Neuroscience II. (3-6) In-depth study of human growth and development which will be related to developmental, neurological and pathologies of pediatric clients. Emphasis will be placed on screening and assessments of infants, children, and adolescents for the formulation and implementation of comprehensive treatment plans for a wide variety of settings.
Prerequisites: PT 5311 and permission of instructor.

5531 Neuroscience III. (3-6) An in-depth study of neurological trauma and diseases that affect movement and behavior of the adult. Content will emphasize medical and physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, and education of individuals with neurological dysfunction and their families in order to minimize impairments and functional limitations, and to enhance their quality of life within the financial constraints of the health care system.
Prerequisites: PT 5521 and permission of instructor.

5620 Spine Evaluation and Intervention. (4-6) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the vertebral column and skull studied through lecture, lab, and dissection of human cadavers and independent study. Knowledge and skill will be integrated to identify problems, prognosis, functional goals, and develop comprehensive intervention programs related to the spine, including preventative health planning.

5630 Lower Extremity Evaluation and Intervention. (4-6) Study of static and dynamic aspects of lower extremity, studied through lecture, lab, dissection of human cadavers and independent study. Knowledge and skill will be integrated to identify problems, prognosis, functional goals, and develop comprehensive intervention programs related to the lower extremity, including preventative health planning.

5640 Upper Extremity Evaluation and Intervention. (4-6) Study of static and dynamic aspects of the upper extremity, studied through lecture, lab, dissection of human cadavers and independent study. Knowledge and skill will be integrated to identify problems, prognosis, functional goals, and develop comprehensive intervention programs related to the upper extremity, including preventative health planning.