ScD Curriculum

The following courses are offered at least once every two years. Sc.D. students with a Bachelor’s degree are required to successfully complete a minimum of 70 hours from the following curriculum. Students with a Master’s degree are required to successfully complete a minimum of 48 semester hours. Students with a DPT are required to successfully complete a minimum of 36-48 hours, depending on their previous DPT coursework. Each DPT applicant’s transcript is considered on a case-by-case basis and final required hours are determined by the admissions committee who will evaluate if any DPT courses will substitute for a ScD course. Requirements within each course section for DPT, Master’s or Bachelor’s graduates are provided below. Students will select either the Teaching or Research Track early in their curriculum. While each student’s curriculum schedule is flexible, students are expected to finish the program within seven years.

Clinical Coursework

D.P.T. & Master’s graduates are required to successfully complete 6 courses in either of the following ways:

1. All extremity courses
2. All spine courses
3. All upper quarter with 3 upper extremity courses + 3 upper spine courses
4. All lower quarter with 3 lower extremity courses + 3 lower spine courses

B.S.P.T. graduates are required to successfully complete all.

Each of these courses will include equal amounts of online work (including lecture, discussion and problem solving) on the ScD website and face-to-face lab coursework at the contact session (lecture, discussion, clinical laboratory, and practice) that will be conducted over an extended weekend. In addition to the outside reading that will be assigned to the students, they will participate in online inter- active work (threaded discussions) that complements the other course experiences. These sessions will provide discussions and interactions concerning related basic and applied science topics that are linked to the course material.

Core Coursework

D.P.T., Master’s, and B.S.P.T. graduates are required to successfully complete all.

The total core coursework (7 semester hours for all students) will include systems screening and imaging content and skills that are necessary for advanced contemporary Physical Therapy practice. Class attendance will be accomplished in two different ways: (1) web-supported learning; (2) traditional classroom or laboratory setting over long weekends.

Elective Coursework

D.P.T. & Master’s graduates complete 3 courses and B.S.P.T. graduates complete 6 courses.

The total elective coursework (9 semester hours for the DPT and Master’s graduate and 18 hours for the BSPT graduate) will include basic and applied sciences related to orthopedic medicine, clinical science and Physical Therapy management. Class attendance will be accomplished in two different ways (1) web supported learning; (2) traditional classroom or laboratory setting over long weekends.

Student evaluation for each didactic course will depend on the course. For many of the long week- end courses, the students will be evaluated through course participation, article abstracts, examinations, and term papers. For the website courses, students will be evaluated with online examinations, term papers, and logged participation in chat-room discussions.

Teaching Track

This track emphasizes the theories, skills and tools required for effective teaching in Physical Therapy. Students’ clinical dissertations will emphasize the development, implementation and evaluation of a course or course component with other health professionals, patients, or the general public.

Research Track

This track emphasizes the theories, skills, and tools required for effective research in Physical Therapy. Students’ clinical dissertations will emphasize the development, implementation, analysis and discussion of a clinical research project in a practice setting.

During post-professional studies, students are required to adhere to all program policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as stated in the Physical Therapy Doctoral Student Policy Manual. Expenses incurred during all weekend courses and clinical rotations are the responsibility of the student.

• HPPT 6111 Teaching Assistantship 1 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6112 Teaching Assistantship 2 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6113 Teaching Assistantship 3 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6114 Teaching Assistantship 4 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6115 Teaching Assistantship 5 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6116 Teaching Assistantship 6 (1:0:3,H)

  Enrollment allowed only after instructor pre-approval. This course provides the platform for students to receive mentoring from ScD faculty in the delivery of clinical track courses with the ScD. Students will be mentored on a case-by-case basis. Student will participate with the ScD faculty clinical course coordinator in the design, delivery and administration of online doctoral coursework and threaded discussions, where their clinical expertise will benefit the ScD Faculty and Students. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be executed.

• HPPT 6303 Basic and Applied Science in Orthopaedics (3:2:3,H)

  This course addresses select basic science processes associated within the musculoskeletal system. These include histology and physiology of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Muscle physiology will also be discussed as it relates to orthopaedic dysfunction.

• HPPT 6305 Updates in Orthopaedic Surgical Management (3:2:3,H)

  This course will evaluate recent developments from the literature in orthopaedic surgical management, in terms of indications, methodology, and rehabilitation. Emphasis will be placed on the implications of each procedure for rehabilitation. Specific rehabilitation measures will be discussed and related to techniques taught in other ScD courses within the curriculum.

• HPPT 6311 Clinical Studies in Anatomy (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course will allow students to observe prosected human cadaveric specimens with emphasis on musculoskeletal structures. Each ½ day session will include a short lecture at the beginning for review of anatomical structures to be observed, as well as the relevance of each of those structures to examination and treatment of orthopaedic afflictions.

• HPPT 6312 Neuroscience of Pain (3:2:3,H)

  This course addresses select neuroscience processes associated within the musculoskeletal system. These include the sensory function and integration; and dysfunction of the nervous system as it relates to orthopaedic afflictions, including pain production and control; neuroscience of motor planning, initiation and control in response to pain.

• HPPT 6313 Biomechanics in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course will emphasize the biomechanics of musculoskeletal structures, including bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, and muscle tissue. Emphasis on joint and tissue mechanics will be related to musculoskeletal injury and orthopaedic affliction.

• HPPT 6314 Motor Control in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (3:2:3,H)

  This course will emphasize motor control strategies associated with musculoskeletal function and motor control dysfunction associated with orthopaedic pathologies. This course will integrate concepts from exercise science and experimental psychology for the explanation of relevant issues concerning motor learning and control for the orthopaedic patient. Additionally, patient management strategies derived from these principles will be discussed.

• HPPT 6317 Radiological Anatomy (3:2:3,H)

  Examines the technology and applications of imaging for understanding normal and pathological human anatomy. Plain-film imaging, MRI, CT, and diagnostic ultrasound will be appropriately applied to this discussion. A systematic approach to understanding various images across different joint systems will be provided. In addition, specific normal and pathological anatomy for the spine and extremities will be viewed on x-ray, MRI, and CT, along with special topics in diagnostic ultrasound. Emphasis will be placed on defining normal and pathological anatomy associated with various joints systems as it relates to musculoskeletal conditions. These topics will be related to evidence-based clinical practice of musculoskeletal disorders that is appropriate for the Physical Therapist. Evidence-based readings and web-supported tutorials will be utilized.

• HPPT 6319 Contemporary Topics in Autonomous Practice (3:3:0,H)

  This course will address selected special topics in modern orthopaedic Physical Therapy practice. This course will emphasize special topics not covered in the other courses within the ScD curriculum. Selected special topics will serve as the cornerstone of the course, including modern soft tissue examination and management, while other topics will change in pace with changes in contemporary Physical Therapy clinical practice. Patient examination and management strategies derived from these principles will be discussed.

• HPPT 6321 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Shoulder Complex (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the shoulder complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, impingement, instability, labral afflictions, and soft tissue lesions. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6322 Advanced Clinical Practice for Elbow & Forearm (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the elbow/forearm complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment, and soft tissue afflictions (including tendinitis and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6323 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Wrist & Hand (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the wrist/hand complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment (including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), and soft tissue afflictions (including tendinitis and tenosynovitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6324 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Hip Complex (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the hip complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment, and soft tissue afflictions (including tendinitis and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6325 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Knee Complex (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the knee complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, meniscal afflictions, and soft tissue afflictions (including tendinitis and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6326 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Ankle & Foot (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the ankle/foot complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment (including Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome), and soft tissue afflictions (including tendinitis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6327 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Upper Cervical Spine (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the Upper Cervical complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, chondropathy/chondromalacia, instability, degeneration, cervicogenic headache, vascular afflictions, and soft tissue afflictions. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6328 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Lower Cervical Spine (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the Cervical Disc Segments (CDS). The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to acute cervical spine afflictions; recurrent afflictions that include instability, stenosis/spondylosis, and soft tissue afflictions; and chronic cervical pain. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6329 Advanced Clinical Practice for the CTJ & TOS (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the Cervico-Thoracic Junction (CTJ). The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to acute upper thoracic afflictions, recurrent upper thoracic afflictions, instability, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), soft tissue afflictions, and chronic upper thoracic pain. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6330 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Thoracic Spine & Ribs (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of afflictions in the Thoracic Spine and ribs. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to acute thoracic spine afflictions, recurrent thoracic spine afflictions, instability, arthrosis/arthritis, soft tissue afflictions and chronic thoracic pain. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6331 Advanced Clinical Practice for Acute Lumbosacral Pain (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of acute lumbar spine afflictions and afflictions of the SIJ. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, treatment to acute discogenic afflictions, and joint-specific treatment measures to the sacroiliac joint. This course includes management approaches to acute discogenic afflictions, as well as SIJ pain, hypomobilities and hypermobilities. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 6332 Advanced Clinical Practice for Recurrent and Chronic Lumbosacral Pain (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course presents the examination and treatment of recurrent and chronic afflictions in the lumbar spine. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examination and special tests, soft tissue treatments, and joint-specific treatment measures. This course includes management approaches to instability, stenosis/spondylosis, arthritis/arthrosis, chondropathy/chondromalacia, soft tissue afflictions and chronic lumbosacral pain. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPPT 7000 Clinical Project (1-3:0:1-3,O)

  This is the student’s independent clinical dissertation. Content and goals will be established through mutual consent of student and instructor.

• HPPT 7001 Clinical Project 2 (1-3:0:1-3,H)

  Prerequisite: HPPT 7000. This is the continuation of a student’s independent clinical dissertation. Content and goals will be established through mutual consent of student and instructor.

• HPPT 7002 Clinical Project 3 (2-3:0:3,O)

  Prerequisite: HPPT 7000 & HPPT 7001. This is the continuation of a student’s independent clinical dissertation. Content and goals will be established through mutual consent of student and instructor.

• HPPT 7104 Clinical Project Presentation (1:0:3,H)

  For this credit, the student will present the development and findings from the clinical dissertation before the Sc.D. faculty, other students and clinicians from the community.

• HPPT 7301 Seminar in Clinical Research Design (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course will emphasize methods in clinical research. This will include processes of obtaining, processing, interpreting, and using clinical data.

• HPPT 7305 Curriculum Design and Teaching in Health Professions (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course discusses the theories and applications of curriculum design, emphasizing applications to entry-level and post-professional educational settings in Physical Therapy. Students are exposed to core theories, principles and applications that relate to teaching Physical Therapy students and professionals.

• HPPT 7404 Educational Evaluation in Health Professions (4:3:3,H)

  This course will discuss educational evaluation theory and tools, emphasizing methods of objective and performance-based evaluation. Students will learn to draft specific evaluation measures used in an educational setting.

• HPPT 7406 Advanced Statistics in Health Professions (4:3:3,H)

  This course will familiarize the student with various tools used in parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses. Parametric tools will include Pearson r correlation, regression, t-test, analysis of variance, and selected multivariate designs. Non-parametric tools will include one, two, and k-sample designs; as well as Spearman, phi, and point biserial correlation coefficients. The course will include single-subject design, sequential clinical trials, and survey methodology. Emphasis will be placed on research findings that evaluate specific clinical populations.