School of Health Professions 2024 - 2025 Catalog

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The DPT program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program directly, please call 806-743-4525 or email kerry.gilbert@ttuhsc.edu.


The Physical Therapy Profession

The profession of physical therapy developed as a result of societal needs during the world wars and the poliomyelitis epidemics in the early 20th century. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, patients’ homes, schools, industrial settings, and fitness/wellness centers. Physical therapists are an integral part of the healthcare team managing a wide variety of patients across the lifespan with very high levels of professional responsibility.

Physical therapy is a profession aimed at restoring maximum function and functional ability to patients following injury, illness, disease, or surgery. Physical therapists develop evidence-based, patient-specific, therapeutic intervention plans to minimize or alleviate impairments, functional limitations, or disabilities. These patient-specific intervention plans are formulated after a detailed physical therapy examination and evaluation. Physical therapists collaborate with a variety of other professionals through consultation, education, and research to provide patient/client services. Physical therapists also act as consultants for businesses, public and private organizations, and their communities to promote health, wellness/fitness, and illness/injury prevention. Physical therapist practice relies on the application of a well-developed body of scientific and clinical knowledge from the foundational, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences. In addition, physical therapists are investigators in basic and applied clinical research, and serve as both academic and clinical faculty members at universities.

After graduating from an accredited physical therapy professional education program, physical therapist candidates must pass a national licensure examination in order to practice physical therapy. Additional licensure requirements for physical therapists vary from state to state, according to practice acts and state regulations that govern the practice of physical therapy.

Program Description

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is located within the School of Health Professions and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Increases in the professional responsibility of the physical therapist created a need for continued development of physical therapy professional educational programs across the United States. This development led to the transition of physical therapy programs from bachelor’s degree programs to master’s degree programs and finally to doctoral degree programs. The TTUHSC School of Health Professions obtained approval to award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in July of 2007.

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is to develop collaborative healthcare professionals through innovative teaching, research, and service for West Texas communities and beyond.

The three-year DPT program has two components: academic and clinical. The academic component, via classroom and laboratory experiences, includes applied foundational sciences, behavioral sciences, and clinical sciences. The clinical component consists of 36 weeks of full-time clinical experience. Clinical experiences feature inpatient and outpatient experiences and may include foundational skills, musculoskeletal, neurological and elective settings. Elective settings are designed to meet individual student interests and may include pediatrics, rural health, pelvic floor, sports medicine, etc. Sites for clinical experiences are located primarily throughout Texas and the Southwestern United States but may be located anywhere in the United States mainland. Students should anticipate additional costs during their clinical component of the DPT program. Students must pass a Criminal Background Check in order to participate in clinical component of the program, and many clinical sites require a drug screening prior to the beginning of the clinical experience. Additionally, most clinical sites have specific vaccination requirements that students must meet in order to participate in a clinical experience in their facility. Costs for criminal background checks, drug screenings, and vaccinations or titers required for clinical experiences are the responsibility of the student.

The TTUHSC DPT program is one program located on three campuses: Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa. Class sizes at all campuses are monitored to ensure optimal student/instructor ratios and to maximize comprehensive instructional and laboratory experiences. Faculty and students on all campuses communicate with each other in person, via a synchronous interactive multimedia environment, by e-mail, and by telephone. Students entering the program should possess basic computer skills, including, but not limited to the use of e-mail, accessing the internet, and the use of word processing programs.

Technical Standards

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is a rigorous and intense educational program that places specific professional, intellectual, physical, and social requirements and demands on its students. An objective of the TTUHSC DPT program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a broad spectrum of individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments. The technical standards set forth by the DPT program establish the functional capabilities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies for entry-level practice in didactic (classroom) and clinical educational experiences. The ability to meet these technical standards, with or without accommodations, is required for admission to the DPT program and must be maintained throughout the time a student is enrolled. These technical standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care/physical therapy scope of practice.

Applicants to the TTUHSC DPT program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards, or that they believe that with reasonable accommodations they can meet the technical standards.

In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our program. Any student with a disability who is accepted to the DPT program must contact the Student Disability Services (SDS) in the TTUHSC Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible. SDS Staff will determine whether the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws and work with the program faculty to determine reasonable accommodations. 

There are two separate and distinct components in the curriculum for the DPT program: 1) didactic (classroom) component; and 2) clinical component. Accommodations in place for the didactic component may not be the same accommodations available for the clinical component of the curriculum. 

To successfully complete the didactic and clinical portions of the TTUHSC DPT program, a student must meet the following technical standards:

  1. Observation:

    a. Observe a patient using visual, auditory, and palpatory sensory systems as a component of providing safe and effective patient care.

    • Sufficient vision is required to perform components of patient assessment and intervention including (but not limited to) accurate review and interpretation of medical records, observation of patient behaviors and movement, patient inspection, and cadaveric dissection.
    • Sufficient auditory function is required to perform components of patient assessment and intervention including (but not limited to) accurate auscultation and interpretation of sounds from the pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems.
    • Sufficient tactile sensation is required to perform components of patient assessment and intervention including (but not limited to) accurate palpation and discernment of muscles, bones, joints, lymph nodes, and other subcutaneous or internal structures.
    b. Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.

    Note:  Participation in the DPT program requires the successful completion of a gross anatomy course, which includes extensive hands-on dissection of human cadavers.  Additionally, labs are taught in a co-educational environment, and students are required to practice observation and intervention skills on individuals of both sexes, as well as all body types and genders.  In order to simulate patients for assessment and interventions, students are often required to dress in shorts and t-shirts/sports bras to allow appropriate visualization or palpation.

  2. Communication:

    a. Recognize and accurately interpret verbal (oral and written) and non-verbal (facial expression, body language, etc.) communication for the provision of safe and effective patient care.

    b. Communicate professionally (orally and in writing) as required for course work and clinical placements to ensure safe and effective patient care.

    c. Communicate efficiently (orally and in writing) in order to meet academic and clinical productivity requirements in assigned tasks, patient care, and documentation.


  3. Psychomotor Skills: 

    a. Demonstrate sufficient strength and coordination to stabilize and/or move both oneself and patients/subjects in 3-dimensional space for activities including (but not limited to) bed mobility, transfers, locomotion, ambulation, and joint mobilizations safely and effectively.

    b. Demonstrate sufficient fine motor coordination for safe and effective hands-on patient assessments and interventions as well as for the manipulation of the environment, materials, and equipment involved in patient care.

    c. Sustain necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday.

    d. Demonstrate safe and effective application of knowledge and behaviors as they relate to clinically relevant motor skills.

    e. Use technology to meet requirements of coursework and clinical placements (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to internet access, word processing, and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).

    f. Access transportation for timely attendance to academic courses and clinical placements.

  4. Cognition:

    a. Comprehend, integrate, analyze, and synthesize a large body of information in a reasonable period of time.

    b. Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from patient/caregiver interviews, patient records, diagnostic tests, and equipment to ensure safe and effective patient interactions.

    c. Comprehend and accurately interpret the spatial relationships of 3-dimensional structures.

    d. Demonstrate the ability and willingness to self-assess academic and clinical skill performance.


  5. Social Behavioral Skills:

    a. Demonstrate respect for all persons (including respect for differences in age, sex, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, lifestyle, health or disability status, or learning style) during academic and clinical interactions.

    b. Develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with individuals in academic and clinical settings.

    c. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations, including the ability to tolerate taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.

    d. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.


Admission to the Program

The professional phase of the DPT program begins in late May each year. Applications for admissions to the DPT program are considered on a rolling basis with one application deadline (October 1st) each year. Applicants to the physical therapy program should understand that students admitted to the program are assigned to a specific campus (Lubbock, Amarillo, or Odessa), and requests for campus transfers are not typically granted. Students who are unable or unwilling to accept assignment to a specific campus should not accept admission to the DPT program. All students attend classes during the first summer session on the Lubbock campus.

Application Process

All DPT applications are submitted through PTCAS. Please go to http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx to access the required applications. The application must be verified by PTCAS and the TTUHSC SHP supplemental application must be complete by the application deadline, October 1st. Please note there is a lag in submitting your application to PTCAS and the application being verified. Applicants will need to plan accordingly. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all application materials have been received and verified by PTCAS and the SHP Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.

Individual applications are reviewed and interviews are scheduled for competitive applicants once all materials have been received. It is in the applicant’s best interest to complete their application, including submission of transcripts, GRE scores, recommendation letters, and clinical experience documentation forms, as early as possible. Applicants who have completed all or most of their prerequisite courses at the time of application may be at an advantage during the admission process.

GPA Requirements

A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 prerequisite grade point averages (on a four point scale) are required for admission. Competitive GPA’s are considered in light of the strength of the applicant pool during the year of application.

GRE Requirement

Competitive GRE scores are required for admission, considering verbal, quantitative, and analytical subscale scores. Competitive GRE scores are dependent upon the strength of the application pool during the year of admission. The GRE code for the TTUHSC DPT Program is 7155.

Experience 

Applicants are expected to have some experience within the profession prior to application to the program. This experience may be acquired in several ways, including volunteer work, paid employment, or observations in clinical settings. Applicants are required to have completed at least 50 clock hours of experience in a physical therapy setting with a licensed physical therapist prior to May 1 of the year of matriculation. While applicants are encouraged to gain as much experience in as many different settings (inpatient, outpatient, rehab, acute care, aquatics, wound care, etc.) as possible, observation hours in excess of 50 or the total number of settings observed are not considered as part of the holistic application review. 


Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a physical therapist, and it is recommended that one letter be from a previous or present instructor, academic counselor, or employer.


*Applicants who meet the above-listed requirements and are deemed competitive candidates for admission will be invited to TTUHSC for interviews. Applicants should understand that fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The admissions committee selects the most qualified applicants from the pool of applicants interviewed considering: cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, GRE scores, interview scores, recommendation letters, student essay, and other factors.

Prerequisite Courses

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation. Applicants who have completed all or most of their prerequisite coursework at the time of application may be at an advantage during the admissions process. No more than 16 hours of science prerequisite courses may be in process at the time of application. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission into the DPT program. In addition, specific DPT program prerequisites are listed below and may be completed at any accredited college or university.

Required Course
Semester Hours

Chemistry I & II (for science majors, lab required)

8

Physics I & II (for science majors, lab required)

8

Biology I & II (for science majors, lab required)

8

Anatomy & Physiology (for science majors, lab required)

8

Psychology

3

Statistics                                                                                                                                            

3


Total Hours = 38                   
* Recommended courses: English, technical writing, speech, advanced human physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, motor control, developmental psychology.

DPT Curriculum

FIRST-YEAR
Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8100      Professional Development

1

HPPT 8203      Functional Anatomy

2

HPPT 8500      Gross Anatomy                                                                             

5


Total Hours = 8             

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8201      History & Systems Screening

2

HPPT 8205      Evidence-Based Practice I

2

HPPT 8209      Clinical Applied Physiology

2

HPPT 8301      Foundational Skills & Assessment

3

HPPT 8303      Biomechanics

3

HPPT 8407      Pathophysiology                                                                                     

4


Total Hours = 16              

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8212      Pharmacology

2

HPPT 8216      Physical Agents & Modalities

2

HPPT 8310      Therapeutic Exercise

3

HPPT 8314      Inpatient/Integumentary Physical Therapist Practice

3

HPPT 8318      Neuroscience

3

HPPT 8414       Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist Practice                                  

4


Total Hours = 17              

SECOND-YEAR
Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8120      Communication & Clinical Education

1

HPPT 8123      Clinical Reasoning I

1

HPPT 8228      Motor Control

2

HPPT 8222      Clinical Experience I (4 weeks)                                                

2


Total Hours = 6            

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8231      Diagnostic Imaging

2

HPPT 8329      Human Development

3

HPPT 8425      Musculoskeletal Physical Therapist Practice I

4

HPPT 8521      Neuromuscular Physical Therapist Practice                                       

5


Total Hours = 14              

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours
HPPT 8114      Evidence-Based Practice II1
HPPT 8226      Orthotics and Prosthetics2
HPPT 8327      Health Care and Business Management3
HPPT 8422      Pediatric Physical Therapist Practice4
HPPT 8426      Musculoskeletal Physical Therapist Practice II4

Total Hours = 14  


THIRD-YEAR
Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8142      Assistive & Adaptive Technology

1

HPPT 8224      Clinical Reasoning II

2

HPPT 8240      Differential Diagnosis

2

HPPT 8246      Advanced Topics in Physical Therapy                                     

2


Total Hours = 7            

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8144      Professional Project

1

HPPT 8453      Clinical Experience II (8 weeks)

4

HPPT 8455      Clinical Experience III (8 weeks)                                                 

4


Total Hours = 9            

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPT 8160      Graduate Seminar

1

HPPT 8456      Clinical Experience IV (8 weeks)                                                                     

4

HPPT 8458      Clinical Experience V (8 weeks)                                                                            

4

                                                                                                                                                      

Total Hours = 9                   
Total Curriculum Hours = 100      


During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all program policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as stated in the TTUHSC Student Affairs Handbook-Code of Professional and Academic Conduct and the DRS Student Handbook. Expenses incurred on/for clinical rotations (such as but not limited to housing, transportation, immunizations, drug screening, and criminal background check) are the responsibility of the student.

  • HPPT 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

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

  • HPPT 8100 Professional Development (1:2:0,F)

    This course introduces future clinicians to the concepts of professionalism, professional associations, and leadership as they relate to the practice of physical therapy. Additional emphasis will be on the core documents which guide the profession of physical therapy, principles which govern ethical decisions, and ethical issues related to health care providers.

  • HPPT 8114 Evidence-Based Practice 2 (1:0:1,F)

    This course prepares students to critically appraise peer-reviewed scientific literature and apply evidence to physical therapist practice. The primary goal of the course is for students to become confident consumers of scientific literature.

  • HPPT 8120 Communication and Clinical Education (1:3:0,F)

    This course is designed to improve the students’ communication through written, verbal and nonverbal forms, enhance professional behaviors and address issues concerning clinical education. Topics discussed are related to documentation styles, teaching and learning, components of respectful interaction with cultural and generational differences, difficult patients and various age groups. Professional behaviors as they relate to the generic abilities and clinical education will also be addressed, along with using the PT MACS on clinical internships.

  • HPPT 8123 Clinical Reasoning I (1:2:3,D)

    This course explores the nature of clinical reasoning in the profession of physical therapy and provides strategies to assist students as they develop their reasoning expertise. Activities in this course sharpen clinical problem-solving strategies used in the context of minimally to moderately complex clinical cases. Knowledge and skills from the curriculum taught to this point will be incorporated. The didactic portion of the course will encourage comprehensive content review through the first academic year of the curriculum. The laboratory portion of the course places an emphasis on case-based competency, problem solving, and patient management. The clinical reasoning process is emphasized through the use of case studies and the application of current practice paradigms within the students’ educational exposure.

  • HPPT 8142 Assistive & Adaptive Technology (1:2:0,F)

    This course provides a detailed study of assistive technology including manual and powered mobility, standers, gait trainers and technologies that aid manipulation of objects. In addition, current technologies to assess and document architectural barriers will be addressed, including, but not limited to: environmental controls, augmentative communication, and transportation.

  • HPPT 8144 Professional Project (1:0:1,O)

    This course applies skills learned in previous evidence-based practice courses, specifically, critically appraising peer-reviewed scientific literature and applying evidence to physical therapy practice. While on clinical experiences, students will integrate evidence-based practice into their clinical experience by developing patient-specific clinical questions and completing literature review and course projects related to the best available scientific evidence to direct patient assessment and care.

  • HPPT 8160 Graduate Seminar (1:0:1,F)

    This integrative capstone seminar course format is designed to prepare graduates for the licensure examination and entering the work force. Learning method includes online supplementary review and seminar format.

  • HPPT 8201 History and Systems Screening (2:1:3,F)

    This course introduces the history taking and screening skills necessary for the physical therapist to make informed decisions related to patient referral and physical therapy diagnosis vital to a primary care environment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of properly collecting information during the patient interview/chart review as well as appropriate physical screening tests as they relate to the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, cardiopulmonary, and cognitive systems. Lab activities include various history taking activities along with detailed systems review including, but not limited to vital signs and upper and lower quadrant screening. Knowledge gained in this course will assist the physical therapist in clinical decision making as to when to treat a patient and when to refer patients to another healthcare professional.

  • HPPT 8203 Functional Anatomy (2:2:3,F)

    This course examines anatomical structure within the context of normal function. Emphasis is placed on joint orientation and description of normal osteokinematic and arthrokinematic components of movement of the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine. Laboratory experiences are designed to promote accurate surface anatomy palpation, visualization of kinematic motion, and recognition of abnormal motion.

  • HPPT 8205 Evidence-Based Practice 1 (2:2:0,F)

    This course prepares students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for evidence-based physical therapist practice. Students will obtain requisite knowledge about the research process, including the general features of research designs commonly used in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The fundamental concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics will be explored. Students will learn to apply evidence to clinical practice by integrating evidence, patient values, and clinical experience. Specifically, students will be able to perform all steps involved in evidence-based practice: pose a question based on a patient problem, search the literature for evidence, critically appraise the evidence for validity and reliability, and determine whether the evidence is applicable to clinical practice.

  • HPPT 8209 Clinical Applied Physiology (2:2:0,F)

    This course is designed to provide students an understanding of basic exercise physiology with a focus on the acute physiological responses and adaptive changes to exercise across systems, between genders, and over the lifespan. Students will develop their understanding of the body’s ability to perform physical work, adapt to stressful situations, and improve its physiological capacities for health and exercise performance.

  • HPPT 8212 Pharmacology (2:2:0,O)

    This course provides a survey of pharmacology and covers key concepts related to the cellular actions, therapeutic uses, and side effects of major drug classes used in humans. Basic principles of pharmacology are addressed with focus on the mechanisms of action of classes of drugs and effects of specific drugs on the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and other body systems. Basic principles of pharmacology and their relation with pathophysiology are addressed with focus on and relevant applications to the practice of Physical Therapy.

  • HPPT 8216 Physical Agents and Modalities (2:1:3,F)

    This course presents material that allows development of clinical skills fundamental to patient management for the Physical Therapist. Course content includes theory, scientific principles, and clinical applications associated with a Physical Therapy evaluation, assessment, and intervention with physical agents and modalities. This course emphasizes instruction in physical agents and modalities available to the practicing Physical Therapist. These will include: electrophysiology, thermal agents, laser, application of traction, electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, biomedical compression, alternative and palliative care, soft tissue modalities, and the practical usage of each agent or modality. Both classroom and laboratory learning will be included.

  • HPPT 8222 Clinical Experience 1 (2:0:40,F)

    Four weeks of full-time clinical experience (approximately 160 hours) in a Physical Therapy practice setting. During Clinical Experience 1, the student has the opportunity to integrate patient evaluation and management skills in a clinical setting to develop entry-level competencies for entry-level Physical Therapists as defined in the Physical Therapist Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PT MACS).

  • HPPT 8224 Clinical Reasoning 2 (2:2:3,F)

    This course explores the nature of clinical reasoning in the profession of physical therapy and provides strategies to assist students as they develop their reasoning expertise. Activities in this course sharpen clinical problem-solving strategies used in the context of minimally to moderately complex clinical cases. Knowledge and skills from the curriculum taught to this point will be incorporated, emphasizing clinical courses in the curriculum: inpatient/integumentary, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, pediatrics and neuromuscular physical therapist practice. The didactic portion of the course will encourage comprehensive content review through the first and second years of the curriculum in preparation for the licensure examination. The laboratory portion of the course places an emphasis on case-based competency, problem solving, and patient management. The clinical reasoning process is emphasized through the use of case studies and the application of current practice paradigms within the students’ educational exposure.

  • HPPT 8226 Orthotics and Prosthetics (2:2:0,F)

    This course focuses on orthotic and prosthetic prescription and training based on patient assessment, the materials and designs of devices, and the expected functional outcome of use of the device. Topics include patient evaluation with emphasis on gait analysis, device checkouts, training strategies, and exercise prescription.

  • HPPT 8228 Motor Control (2:5:0,F)

    This course examines the principles and theories of motor control, motor learning, and motor development as related to normal motor performance and function. The topics include patient evaluation and management as related to postural control, motor skill acquisition, motor control precision, and motor control sequences.

  • HPPT 8231 Diagnostic Imaging (2:2:0,F)

    This course examines the basic science underlying multiple imaging modalities (x-rays, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, etc.), how each of these differ, and why each is useful for diagnosing certain types of conditions. This course will also introduce evaluation of radiographic studies, in a systematic fashion, in order to correlate the image findings with evidence-based, clinical information. The course will emphasize the anatomy of the components of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiopulmonary systems as it appears on the various imaging modalities. In addition, fracture terminology and the radiographic appearance of common fractures will be covered. The role of the physical therapist both in suggesting imaging studies for their patients and communicating with the radiologist will be a focus.

  • HPPT 8240 Differential Diagnosis (2:2:3,F)

    This course examines the differential diagnosis of conditions that may require referral to or examination by a physician or other health care provider. Incorporation of basic to complex case studies from a variety of physical therapy practice settings, trains the student to properly screen for medical disease and to make an informed physical therapy diagnosis. Students will be required to draw upon their comprehensive knowledge of all body systems to distinguish musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pathology from systemic conditions involving medical pathology.

  • HPPT 8246 Advanced Topics in Physical Therapy (2:4:0,F)

    This course includes selected advanced topics of interest to the profession of physical therapy. Topics may include, but are not limited to: health and wellness promotion, women’s physical therapy, ergonomics, alternative therapies, and biopsychosocial pain patterns. Additional topics of interest may be presented.

  • HPPT 8301 Foundational Skills and Assessment (3:2:3,D)

    This course presents foundational tests and measures necessary for the physical therapy examination. Using didactic lecture and clinical laboratory practice, foundational physical therapy skills and assessments are covered including but not limited to: goniometry, manual muscle testing, postural assessment, balance assessment, gait assessment as it relates to gait training, use of assistive devices, transfer training, and general positioning and draping.

  • HPPT 8303 Biomechanics (3:3:0,F)

    This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and integrated human movement with clinically relevant applications.

  • HPPT 8310 Therapeutic Exercise (3:2:3,F)

    This course provides students with the psychomotor skills and reasoning tools necessary to create and implement a plan of care incorporating therapeutic exercise based interventions across the continuum of physical therapy practice. The major therapeutic exercise domains explored include flexibility training, resistance training, cardio-respiratory/aerobic training, relaxation, aquatic exercise, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, balance, coordination, stabilization training and return to function.

  • HPPT 8314 Inpatient/Integumentary Physical Therapist Practice (3:2:3,F)

    This course presents material essential to a physical therapist’s role in patient/client management in the inpatient setting (i.e., general medicine, surgical practice, acute care, ICU, and post-acute care rehabilitation placement), and the wound care/burn care setting. Utilizing didactic lecture and clinical laboratory practice, material associated with the five elements of the patient/client management by the physical therapist are acquired. These elements include the examination, evaluation of examination results, diagnosis, establishing a prognosis, and instituting appropriate interventions. Specific attention will be given to assessments and interventions within the inpatient/acute care setting and wound care/burn care.

  • HPPT 8318 Neuroscience (3:3:0,F)

    This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of the functions and pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS) as a basic science course in the neurorehabilitation curriculum. The emphasis will be on “systems-level neuroanatomy,” i.e., functional neuroanatomy (e.g., motor and sensory pathways) and regional neuroanatomy (e.g., organization of spinal cord, brainstem, cerebral cortex, etc.). In addition, information processing by neurons will be addressed by coverage of axon physiology, synaptic neurotransmission and plasticity. The course will first survey the anatomical organization of the CNS, then sensory and motor functions of the CNS, and finish with a description of a number of neurological disorders that have clinical relevance to Physical Therapists.

  • HPPT 8327 Healthcare and Business Management (3:3:0,F)

    This course examines healthcare business principles and concepts for the entry-level physical therapist in a clinical setting. Business principles, healthcare regulation, and compliance are applied to a range of clinical settings and organizational structures. The topics include business processes common to all business entities with an emphasis on the unique aspects of healthcare delivery, compliance, payment and daily operational tasks.

  • HPPT 8329 Human Development (3:3:0,F)

    This course examines human growth and development issues across the lifespan and theories relevant to the practice of physical therapy. The course focuses on typical development from conception to senescence within the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains.

  • HPPT 8407 Pathophysiology (4:4:0,F)

    This course provides a survey of clinical pathophysiology and covers key concepts related to the function and biological control of cells, tissues, organs, and body systems as well as structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie human disease. Basic principles of pathophysiology are addressed with focus on the cause, development, progress, and consequences of diseases related to the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal and other body systems.

  • HPPT 8414 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist Practice (4:3:3,F)

    This course examines primary and secondary cardiopulmonary impairments that limit patient outcomes in various settings including, intensive care units, long term care facilities, outpatient settings, school settings, and home health care. Emphasis is placed on the components of physical therapy practice – screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, development of a plan of care, intervention, and evaluation of outcomes. The integration of other health care professionals into patient care will be discussed. Application of the following concepts is included: communication, individual and cultural differences, professional behavior, critical inquiry and clinical decision making, patient and caregiver education, pharmacological management, and management of health care delivery.

  • HPPT 8422 Pediatric Physical Therapist Practice (4:3:3,F)

    This course focuses on physical therapist examination, evaluation, interventions, and expected outcomes for pediatric patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, or general medical impairments and functional limitations. The course includes discussion of physical therapist practice in specialized settings such as neonatal intensive care, early childhood intervention programs, and public schools.

  • HPPT 8425 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapist Practice 1 (4:3:3,F)

    This course provides an in-depth study of the principles of orthopedic/musculoskeletal examination, evaluation, and intervention, and incorporates a detailed working knowledge of pathologic anatomy as it relates to functional limitation and movement dysfunction. This course provides the foundation for orthopedic intervention through the use of modalities, physical agents, joint mobilization/manipulation, and therapeutic exercise, as well as functional and post-surgical rehabilitation principles.

  • HPPT 8426 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapist Practice II (4:3:3,F)

    This course provides an in-depth study of the principles of orthopedic/musculoskeletal examination, evaluation, and intervention, and incorporates a detailed working knowledge of pathologic anatomy as it relates to functional limitation and movement dysfunction. This course provides the foundation for orthopedic intervention through the use of modalities, physical agents, joint mobilization/manipulation, and therapeutic exercise, as well as functional and post-surgical rehabilitation principles.

  • HPPT 8453 Clinical Experience 2 (4:0:40,F)

    Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience (approximately 320 hours) in a predetermined specific PT clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to integrate patient management and evaluation skills and to develop entry-level and advanced competencies for entry-level physical therapists as defined in the Physical Therapist Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PT MACS).

  • HPPT 8455 Clinical Experience 3 (4:0:40,F)

    Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience (approximately 320 hours) in a predetermined specific PT clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to integrate patient management and evaluation skills and to develop entry-level and advanced competencies for entry-level physical therapists as defined in the Physical Therapist Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PT MACS).

  • HPPT 8456 Clinical Experience 4 Clinical Experience 4 (4:0:40,F)

    Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience (approximately 320 hours) in a predetermined specific PT clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to integrate patient management and evaluation skills and to develop entry-level and advanced competencies for entry-level physical therapists as defined in the Physical Therapist Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PT MACS).

  • HPPT 8458 Clinical Experience 5 Clinical Experience 5 (4:0:40,F)

    Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience (approximately 320 hours) in a predetermined specific PT clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to integrate patient management and evaluation skills and to develop entry-level and advanced competencies for entry-level physical therapists as defined in the Physical Therapist Manual for the Assessment of Clinical Skills (PT MACS).

  • HPPT 8500 Gross Anatomy (5:6:10,F)

    An integrated study of gross human anatomy embodying gross morphology and coordinating with developmental and histological aspects of the body. Included is regional dissection with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems.

  • HPPT 8521 Neuromuscular Physical Therapist Practice (5:4:3,F)

    This course examines the pathology, medical diagnosis process, and medical and surgical interventions of neuromuscular conditions in adults that are commonly seen by Physical Therapists. It focuses on Physical Therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention for adult clients with neurological disorders based on current research, evidence, and practice guidelines.