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 doctorate degree are required to successfully complete a minimum of 36-48 hours, depending on their previous coursework. Each doctoral-level 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 previous courses will substitute for an ScD course. Requirements within each course section for Doctoral, Master’s, or Bachelor’s graduates are provided below. Students will select either the Education or Research Track within two years of beginning the program. While each student’s curriculum schedule is flexible, students are expected to finish the program within seven years.

Clinical Coursework

Masters and Doctoral graduates complete 6 (18 hours); Bachelors graduates complete 10 (30 hours).  

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 (forums) that complements the other course experiences. These sessions will provide discussions and interactions concerning topics that are linked to the course material.

Core Coursework

Masters and Doctoral graduates complete 9 hours. Bachelors graduates complete all. 

The core coursework will include systems screening, neuroscience of pain, and sensorimotor control concepts that are necessary for advanced contemporary 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

Masters and Doctoral graduates complete 3 (9 hours); Bachelors graduates complete 6 (18 hours)

The total elective coursework will include basic and applied sciences related to orthopedic medicine, clinical science, and rehabilitation 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 weekend 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 forum discussions.

Education Track

This track emphasizes the theories, skills, and tools required for effective teaching in rehabilitation sciences. 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 rehabilitation settings. 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 TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Academic Conduct. Expenses incurred during all weekend courses and clinical rotations are the responsibility of the student.

• HPDS 1002 Foundations of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice with TeamSTEPPS Essentials (0:0:0,O)

  An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

• HPDS 6110 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (1:1:0,O)

  This course is intended to provide a review of current interprofessional collaborative practice concepts. These concepts are foundational for practicing healthcare providers as they deliver services to diverse populations as well as interact with other healthcare providers. These same concepts are foundational to clinicians returning to the academic setting as they learn and study with individuals with diverse experiences. Selected special topics covering team communication skills, a review of institutional resources, and current healthcare challenges will serve as the cornerstone of the course.

• HPDS 6303 Basic & 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 orthopedic dysfunction.

• HPDS 6304 Medical Screening for Rehabilitation Sciences (3:2:3,H)

  This course will enhance clinicians’ knowledge and clinical skills designed to assist in the screening of patients for orthopedic and neurological conditions which require examination by a physician. The class experiences should strengthen professional communication between clinicians and physicians facilitating ideal patient referral decisions. Laboratory screening, emergency medicine and acute injury management are presented as special topics to enhance understanding of pathology and the clinical implications of patient presentation.

• HPDS 6305 Updates in Orthopaedic Surgical Management-Spine and Lower Extremity (3:2:3,H)

  This course will evaluate recent developments from the literature in lower extremity orthopaedic surgical management, in terms of indications, methodology, and rehabilitation. Will include topics ranging from pain management, to arthroplasty, to soft and osseous tissue repair. 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.

• HPDS 6306 Updates in Orthopaedic Surgical Management-Upper Extremity & Pain Management before & after surgery (3:2:3,H)

  This course will evaluate recent developments from the literature in upper extremity orthopaedic surgical management, in terms of indications, methodology, and rehabilitation and pain management before and after surgery. Will include topics ranging from the glenohumeral joint and its surrounding tissues, tendon repairs in the hand, and hand and wrist instabilities. 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.

• HPDS 6310 Performance Enhancement & Resiliency (3:2.5:4,H)

  This evidence-based course is designed to enable students to safely implement strategies for forming resilient, robust, and adaptable performing clients. It is aimed at encouraging the optimal performance and injury reduction in physically active individuals, including athletes. Lecture components will focus on contemporary approaches to enhancing strength, speed, power, mobility, coordination, agility, and endurance for performance-based activities. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate progressive performance examination techniques. Program design, implementation and progression will focus on specific measures to enhance performance and prevent injury.

• HPDS 6311 Clinical Studies in Anatomy (3:2.5:4,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.

• HPDS 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.

• HPDS 6313 Biomechanics in Orthopaedics (3:2.5:4,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.

• HPDS 6314 Sensorimotor Control Science and Practice (3:2:3,H)

  This course will emphasize motor control strategies associated with musculoskeletal function and motor control dysfunction associated with orthopedic 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 orthopedic patient. Additionally, patient management strategies derived from these principles will be discussed.

• HPDS 6317 Diagnostic Imaging (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 xray, 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. Evidence-based readings and web-supported tutorials will be utilized.

• HPDS 6318 Cultural Determinants of Health/Health Disparities (3:2:3,H)

  This course will provide perspective on existing healthcare disparities, and furthermore will explore solutions and strategies to address the disparities. Key concepts will include: recognizing the impact of personal values while learning to respect and align treatment to patient values and the importance of authentic informed consent.

• HPDS 6319 Psychological-Behavioral Aspects of Health (3:2:3,H)

  This course will provide an overview of the interprofessional field of behavioral medicine, emphasizing integration of social and behavioral sciences in the service of understanding physical health and illness related to occupation.

• HPDS 6321 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Shoulder Complex (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the shoulder complex conditions, including glenohumeral, acromio- and sterno-clavicular joints and scapulothoracic dysfunctions. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, impingement, instability, labral conditions, and soft tissue lesions. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6324 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Hip Complex (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the hip complex and pubic symphysis. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment, and soft tissue conditions (including tendinopathy and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6325 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Knee Complex (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the knee complex. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, meniscal conditions, and soft tissue conditions (including tendinitis and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6326 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Ankle & Foot (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the ankle/foot complex. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment (including Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome), and soft tissue conditions (including tendinitis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6333 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Cervical Spine (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the cervical spine complex. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, degeneration, cervicogenic headache, vascular conditions, soft tissue conditions and recurrent conditions that include instability and stenosis/spondylosis. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6334 Advanced Clinical Practice for Thoracic Spine, Ribs, and TOS (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the thoracic spine, ribs and thoracic outlet syndrome. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to acute, recurrent, and chronic thoracic spine conditions, instability, arthrosis/arthritis, soft tissue conditions, neurogenic and vascular dysfunctions. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6335 Advanced Clinical Practice for Lumbosacral Disorders (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint conditions. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examination, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to discogenic conditions, instability, stenosis/spondylosis, arthritis/arthrosis, soft tissue conditions and sacroiliac joint pain, hypomobilities and hypermobilities. Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6336 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Elbow/Forearm, Wrist, and Thumb Complex (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the elbow/forearm, wrist and thumb complex. Course components include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examinations, pathology, and treatment approaches. This course includes management approaches to arthritis/arthrosis, instability, peripheral nerve mobility limits and entrapment, and soft tissue conditions (including tendinopathy and bursitis). Case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6340 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Fascial Diagnosis and Treatment (3:2:3,H)

  This evidence-based course addresses the impact of fascial dysfunctions on movement and movement-related disorders. The lecture components of this course include historical perspectives on soft tissue management. Fascial Structural and Pathoanatomical relationships will be discussed. Biomechanics of soft tissue injury will be considered. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate soft tissue evaluation and special testing, as well as indications, contraindications and precautions in management. Laboratory experiences will include an introduction to treatment implements. Intermediate instrumented and hand-on treatment techniques will be practiced, while treatment implements and complementary movement-based strategies will be introduced.

• HPDS 6341 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Instrument Assisted STM (3:2.5:4,H)

  This evidence-based course addresses the impact of various soft tissue dysfunctions on movement and movement-related disorders. The lecture components of this course include impact of connective tissue, ligament, tendon, and peripheral nerve mechanical dysfunction on movement. Connective tissue structural and pathoanatomical relationships will be discussed. Biomechanics of soft tissue injury will be integrated into the content. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate advanced soft tissue evaluation and special testing. Advanced instrumented and hand-on treatment techniques will be practiced, while different contemporary treatment implements and complementary movement-based strategies will be incorporated.

• HPDS 6342 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Topics in Dry Needling (3:2:3,H)

  This evidence-based course is designed to enable students to safely perform dry needling techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The lecture components of this course include a discussion of myofascial trigger point development and clinical presentation and examination techniques, as well as safety and regulatory issues that surround trigger point dry needling practice. Clinical contact sessions will include practical experience in dry needling applications for the upper and lower extremities as well as the lumbar and cervical spine.

• HPDS 6360 Functional Evaluation and Management of the Upper Quarter (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course is designed to enable clinicians to execute systematic, evidence-based examination and management of sensorimotor control at the Upper Quarter (cervicothoracic spine and upper extremities). It is aimed at functional recovery for patients suffering from upper quarter pain, dysfunction and performance deficits. Lecture components will focus on Upper Quarter sensorimotor control and dysfunction as they relate to musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate progressive manual detection and functional examination techniques. Program design, implementation and progression will focus on neuromotor and somatosensory fundamental reactivation, corrective strategies, functional advancement and performance training relevant to each patient’s clinical presentation. Clinical case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6361 Functional Eval and Management of the Lower Quarter (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course is designed to enable clinicians to execute systematic, evidence-based examination and management of sensorimotor control at the Lower Quarter (lumbosacral spine and lower extremities). It is aimed at functional recovery for patients suffering from Lower Quarter pain, dysfunction and performance deficits. Lecture components will focus on Lower Quarter sensorimotor control and dysfunction as they relate to musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate progressive manual detection and functional examination techniques. Program design, implementation and progression will focus on neuromotor and somatosensory fundamental reactivation, corrective strategies, functional advancement and performance training relevant to each patient’s clinical presentation. Clinical case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6362 Functional Evaluation and Management of Persistent Pain (3:2.5:4,O)

  This course is designed to enable clinicians to execute systematic, evidence-based examination and management of sensorimotor control for patients with persistent, recurrent and or chronic sensitized pain. It is aimed at functional recovery for these patients suffering from chronic pain and fear-related dysfunction and movement deficits. Lecture components will focus on the interaction between long-standing intolerable pain, biopsychosocial adaptations and sensorimotor control and dysfunction. Clinical contact sessions will incorporate progressive manual detection and functional examination techniques. Program design, implementation and progression will focus on fundamental reactivation and corrective strategies that are specific to this population. Clinical case studies will be discussed and mock clinic sessions will be conducted.

• HPDS 6363 Advanced Therapeutic Exercise (3:2:3,H)

  This course offers the exploration of current evidence-based principles of therapeutic exercise intervention across the continuum of rehabilitation sciences practice. Emphasis will be placed on the advanced reasoning and psychomotor skills necessary for the clinician to create and implement advanced intervention using the major therapeutic exercise domains explored throughout this course including flexibility training, resistance training, aerobic training, neuromotor training, and functional training.

• HPDS 6364 Neurological Injury in Sports and Occupation (3:2.5:4,H)

  A clinical course that will address diagnosis and management of central and peripheral nerve pathologies and injuries encountered in sports and occupation. Topics will include: concussion, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, and peripheral neuropathies.

• HPDS 7000 Clinical Dissertation 1 (3:0:4,O)

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

• HPDS 7001 Clinical Dissertation 2 (3:0:4,O)

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

• HPDS 7002 Clinical Dissertation 3 (2:0:3,O)

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

• HPDS 7104 Clinical Dissertation Presentation (1:0:3,H)

  For this credit, the student will present the development and findings from the clinical dissertation before the ScD committee and faculty, other students and individuals from the community.

• HPDS 7201 Introduction to Scholarship in Rehabilitation Sciences (2:1:3,O)

  This course will familiarize the student with basic concepts of significance testing and introduce fundamental descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Students will learn how to effectively read current scientific literature and prepare an academic manuscript.

• HPDS 7301 Seminar in Clinical Research Design (3:2.5:4,H)

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

• HPDS 7304 Educational Evaluation in Health Professions (3:2:3,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.

• HPDS 7305 Curriculum Design and Teaching in Health Professions (3:2.5:4,H)

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

• HPDS 7306 Advanced Statistics in Health Professions (3:2:3,H)

  This course will educate the student regarding intermediate-to-advanced statistical tools used in parametric and nonparametric statistical analyses. Descriptive statistical analyses will include measures of normality, homogeneity of variance, and sphericity. Parametric tools will include two- and three-way analysis of variance, correction factors, post-hoc comparisons, and ANCOVA. Nonparametric tools will include Friedman Two-Way ranked ANOVA, Chi-square, phi, and point biserial correlation coefficients. Students will be familiarized with selected multivariate designs, to include multiple regression, logistical regression, discriminate analysis, factor analysis, and MANOVA. The course will include single-subject design, sequential clinical trials, and survey methodology. Measures of clinical reliability and validity will be covered, to include diagnostic accuracy measures. Emphasis will be placed on research findings that evaluate specific clinical populations.