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 core ScD faculty who will evaluate if any DPT courses will substitute for an 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 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

DPT & Master’s graduates are required to successfully complete 6 courses. BSPT graduates are required to successfully complete 10 courses.  

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 related basic and applied science topics that are linked to the course material.

Core Coursework

DPT, Master’s graduates are required to complete 9 hours. BSPT graduates are required to successfully complete all. 

The core coursework will include systems screening, imaging content, and motor control concepts 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

DPT & Master’s graduates complete 3 courses and BSPT 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 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.

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 TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Academic Conduct. Expenses incurred during all weekend courses and clinical rotations 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 6110 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (1:1:0,O)

  Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (Required for Bachelor’s) (1/0/0,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. No textbook is required.

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

  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,O)

  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,O)

  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,O)

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

  This course will enhance physical therapists’ knowledge and clinical skills designed to assist in the screening of patients for orthopedic conditions which require examination by a physician. The class experiences should strengthen professional communication between physical therapists and physicians facilitating patient referral to physician. Laboratory screening are presented as special topics to enhance the therapist’s understanding of pathology and the clinical implications of patient presentation.

• 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 6310 Performance Enhancement and Resiliency (3:2:3,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.

• 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 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 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,O)

  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 6324 Advanced Clinical Practice for the Hip Complex (3:3:3.5,O)

  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,O)

  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,O)

  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 6333 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management for the Cervical Spine (3:3:3.5,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the cervical spine 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 and joint-specific approaches including manipulative techniques. 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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6334 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management for the Thoracic Spine, Ribs, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (3:3:3.5,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the thoracic spine, ribs and thoracic outlet syndrome. 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 and joint-specific approaches including manipulative techniques. 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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6335 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management for Lumbosacral Complex (3:3:3.5,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint conditions. 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 and joint-specific approaches including manipulative techniques. 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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6336 Advanced Musculoskeletal Management for the Elbow/Forearm, Wrist and Thumb Complex (3:3:3.5,O)

  This course presents the examination and management of conditions in the elbow/forearm, wrist and thumb complex. The lecture components of this course include advancements in pathoanatomy, biomechanics, interpretation of clinical examinations, pathology, and treatment approaches. Clinical contact sessions include surface anatomy, basic clinical examinations and special tests, soft tissue and joint-specific approaches including manipulative techniques. 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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6340 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Fascial Diagnosis and Treatment (3:3:3.5,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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6341 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (3:3:3.5,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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6342 Advanced Soft Tissue Management: Topics in Dry Needling (3:3:3.5,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. Textbook: Donelly JM, et al. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 3rd ed. 2018. ISBN-13: 978-0781755603

• HPPT 6360 Functional Evaluation and Management of the Upper Quarter (3:3:3.5,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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6361 Functional Evaluation and Management of the Lower Quarter (3:3:3.5,H)

  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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6362 Functional Evaluation and Management of Persistent Pain (3:3:3.5,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. No textbook is required.

• HPPT 6363 Advanced Therapeutic Exercise (3:3:3.5,H)

  This course offers the exploration of current evidence-based principles of therapeutic exercise intervention across the continuum of physical therapy 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.

• 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,O)

  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 7020 Audit (0:0:0,H)

  Audit

• 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 7201 Introduction to Statistical Analysis (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.

• 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 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.

• 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 7306 Advanced Statistics in Rehabilitation Sciences (3:2:3,H)

  This course will educate the student regarding intermediate-to-advanced statistical tools used in parametric and non-parametric 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. Non-parametric 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. ISBN: 0131716409 Prerequisite: HPPT 7201 Introduction to Statistical Analysis