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Physical Therapy (TDPT)

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Curriculum Requirements

The number of credits required to complete the TDPT program depends on your educational background. Applicants with a BS degree need 45 credit hours (13 classes), those with an MS degree require 27 credit hours (7 classes) and those with a PhD, EdD (or equivalent) require 20 credit hours (5 courses)*. The degree awarded is the Doctor of Physical Therapy.

The TDPT program offers three terms per year: Fall (August-December), Winter (January - May) and Summer (May-August). The application deadline is 45 days prior to the start of the semester.

Note: NSU M.S. degree graduates require 24 credit hours to graduate from the program.

Students with a PhD degree will take 5 core classes from the list below.

* Choose only one of the patient/client management courses below.

Course Credits
PHT 7415: Radiology and Pharmacology
This course provides an overview of current medical diagnostic tests and medical interventions so that physical therapists can (a) recognize indications and implications for medical diagnostic tests, including diagnostic imaging; (b) augment information obtained from the physical therapy examination with information provided by the physician or physician assistant; and (c) communicate effectively with other health care providers regarding medical diagnosis and treatment. Course content is organized into two subsections; diagnostic imaging and pharmacology. (Offered in Fall)
4
PHT 7605: Applying Research in Evidence-based Practice
This class reviews basic research methodology, including statistical analysis, so that students can critically read and evaluate research. Students are exposed to Sackett’s model of evidence-based practice (EBP). Students will learn to use the PICO format to ask clinically relevant questions. Students will locate source of evidence, evaluate the evidence, and make recommendations based on the evidence. The class explores the work of the Philadelphia Panel, the PEDRO scale, and Hooked on Evidence as methods for critiquing the literature. A course outcome is that all students contribute to the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Hooked on Evidence database. (Offered in Fall)
4
PHT 7615: Advanced Differential Diagnosis
This course is designed to offer students the skills to make clinical decisions to screen medical diseases independently from a physician, dentist, or psychologist. It is not the intent of this course to instruct students to become medical diagnosticians, but rather to give students the tools to rule out medical problems in which physical therapy is contraindicated or that may require additional medical or psychological evaluation or treatment. Course content includes subjective and physical exam of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, integumentary, and endocrine systems, among others. (Offered Winter)
4
PHT 7805: Contemporary Theories of Movement, Exercise, and Motor Learning
This course addresses current theories of motor function (motor control and motor learning), exercise training (therapeutic exercise and aerobic conditioning), and movement science to enhance the practitioner’s ability to choose and apply appropriate examinations and interventions for patients with movement-related dysfunction. Students will apply contemporary theories to develop treatment strategies related to their current practice environment or patient population. (Offered Winter)
4
Choose one of the following patient/client management courses:

PHT 7878: Patient/Client Management Upper Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and shoulder girdle. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions.(4 credits) (Offered fall)

4

PHT 7877: Patient/Client Management Lower Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits) (Offered winter)

4

PHT 7879: Patient/Client Management Distal Extremities

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow, wrist/hand complex and knee, ankle/foot complex. General principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region will be included. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be discussed, emphasizing the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits) Prerequisite: PHT 7877 or PHT 7878 (Offered summer)   

4

PHT 7439: Patient/Client Management Soft Tissue Mobilization   

This course will address soft tissue manipulative techniques for the spine and peripheral joints.   It will address connective tissue biomechanics and muscle tone physiology. The course will cover examination/evaluation, diagnosis/prognosis, and plan of care for patients with common soft tissue connective disorders of the spine and peripheral joints. It will also address procedures as coadjutant to classic joint manipulative therapy.  Intervention methods will cover classic soft tissue manipulative therapy procedures for soft tissue tightness, hypertonicity, and inflammation. (4 credits) (Offered winter)

4
* PHT 7881: Patient/Client Management Lymphedema and Wound Management (Offered summer) 6
* PHT 7825: Patient/Client Management - Neuromuscular (Offered winter - odd years) 4
* PHT 7835: Patient/Client Management - Women's Health (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7845: Patient/Client Management - Pediatric Practice (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7855: Patient/Client Management - Geriatric Practice (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7865: Patient/Client Management - Sports Medicine (Offered summer) 4

 

Students with a M.S. degree will take 7 core classes from the list below. Those who have graduated from NSU with a M.S. degree need to take 6 core courses.

* Choose only one of the patient/client management courses below:

course credits

PHT 7405: Professional Roles of the DPT

Course explores the emerging roles of the physical therapist as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). Emphasis is on the role of the DPT in patient/community education, prevention and health promotion, and managing services through administration, consultation, and supervision. The class is organized into 2 modules: Module 1-Teaching/Learning and Health Promotion/Disease Prevention and Module 2-Managing Services through Administration, Consultation, & Supervision. (Offered in fall)

4

** PHT 7215: Introduction to Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis

Students explore the conceptual basis for effective clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis using the disablement model, clinical-decision making model, elements of patient/client management, and reflective practice theories. (Offered in fall, online)

3

PHT 7605: Applying Research in Evidence-based Practice

This class reviews basic research methodology, including statistical analysis, so that students can critically read and evaluate research. Students are exposed to Sackett’s model of evidence-based practice (EBP). Students will learn to use the PICO format to ask clinically relevant questions. Students will locate source of evidence, evaluate the evidence, and make recommendations based on the evidence. The class explores the work of the Philadelphia Panel, the PEDRO scale, and Hooked on Evidence as methods for critiquing the literature. A course outcome is that all students contribute to the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Hooked on Evidence database. (Offered in fall)

4

PHT 7615: Advanced Differential Diagnosis

This course is designed to offer students the skills to make clinical decisions to screen medical diseases independently from a physician, dentist, or psychologist. It is not the intent of this course to instruct students to become medical diagnosticians, but rather to give students the tools to rule out medical problems in which physical therapy is contraindicated or that may require additional medical or psychological evaluation or treatment. Course content includes subjective and physical exam of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, integumentary, and endocrine systems, among others. (Offered winter)

4

PHT 7805: Contemporary Theories of Movement, Exercise, and Motor Learning

This course addresses current theories of motor function (motor control and motor learning), exercise training (therapeutic exercise and aerobic conditioning), and movement science to enhance the practitioner’s ability to choose and apply appropriate examinations and interventions for patients with movement-related dysfunction. Students will apply contemporary theories to develop treatment strategies related to their current practice environment or patient population. (Offered winter)

4

Choose one of the following patient/client management courses:

PHT 7878: Patient/Client Management Upper Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and shoulder girdle. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions.(4 credits) (Offered fall)

4

PHT 7877: Patient/Client Management Lower Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits) (Offered winter)

4

PHT 7879: Patient/Client Management Distal Extremities

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow, wrist/hand complex and knee, ankle/foot complex. General principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region will be included. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be discussed, emphasizing the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits) Prerequisite: PHT 7877 or PHT 7878 (Offered summer)   

4

PHT 7439: Patient/Client Management Soft Tissue Mobilization   

This course will address soft tissue manipulative techniques for the spine and peripheral joints.   It will address connective tissue biomechanics and muscle tone physiology. The course will cover examination/evaluation, diagnosis/prognosis, and plan of care for patients with common soft tissue connective disorders of the spine and peripheral joints. It will also address procedures as coadjutant to classic joint manipulative therapy.  Intervention methods will cover classic soft tissue manipulative therapy procedures for soft tissue tightness, hypertonicity, and inflammation. (4 credits) (Offered winter)

4
* PHT 7881: Patient/Client Management Lymphedema and Wound Management (Offered summer) 6
* PHT 7825: Patient/Client Management - Neuromuscular (Offered winter - odd years) 4
* PHT 7835: Patient/Client Management - Women's Health (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7845: Patient/Client Management - Pediatric Practice (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7855: Patient/Client Management - Geriatric Practice (Offered winter - even years) 4
* PHT 7865: Patient/Client Management - Sports Medicine (Offered summer) 4

 

Students entering with a B.S. degree will take 7 core courses and 6 elective courses from the lists below. Total credits to complete the TDPT program for students entering with a B.S. degree are 45 credit hours (13 courses).

Core Courses

* Choose only one of the patient/client management courses below.

COURSE

CREDITS

PHT 7405: Professional Roles of the DPT

Course explores the emerging roles of the physical therapist as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). Emphasis is on the role of the DPT in patient/community education, prevention and health promotion, and managing services through administration, consultation, and supervision. The class is organized into 2 modules: Module 1-Teaching/Learning and Health Promotion/Disease Prevention and Module 2-Managing Services through Administration, Consultation, & Supervision. (Offered in Fall)

4

PHT 7415: Radiology and Pharmacology

This course provides an overview of current medical diagnostic tests and medical interventions so that physical therapists can (a) recognize indications and implications for medical diagnostic tests, including diagnostic imaging; (b) augment information obtained from the physical therapy examination with information provided by the physician or physician assistant; and (c) communicate effectively with other health care providers regarding medical diagnosis and treatment. Course content is organized into two subsections; diagnostic imaging and pharmacology. (Offered in Fall, online)

4

PHT 7215: Introduction to Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis

Students explore the conceptual basis for effective clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis using the disablement model, clinical-decision making model, elements of patient/client management, and reflective practice theories. (Offered in Fall)

3

PHT 7605: Applying Research in Evidence-based Practice

This class reviews basic research methodology, including statistical analysis, so that students can critically read and evaluate research. Students are exposed to Sackett’s model of evidence-based practice (EBP). Students will learn to use the PICO format to ask clinically relevant questions. Students will locate source of evidence, evaluate the evidence, and make recommendations based on the evidence. The class explores the work of the Philadelphia Panel, the PEDRO scale, and Hooked on Evidence as methods for critiquing the literature. A course outcome is that all students contribute to the American Physical Therapy Associations’ (APTA) Hooked on Evidence database. (Offered in Fall)

4

PHT 7615: Advanced Differential Diagnosis

This course is designed to offer students the skills to make clinical decisions to screen medical diseases independently from a physician, dentist, or psychologist. It is not the intent of this course to instruct students to become medical diagnosticians, but rather to give students the tools to rule out medical problems in which physical therapy is contraindicated or that may require additional medical or psychological evaluation or treatment. Course content includes subjective and physical exam of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, integumentary, and endocrine systems, among others. (Offered Winter)

4

PHT 7805: Contemporary Theories of Movement, Exercise, and Motor Learning

This course addresses current theories of motor function (motor control and motor learning), exercise training (therapeutic exercise and aerobic conditioning), and movement science to enhance the practitioner’s ability to choose and apply appropriate examinations and interventions for patients with movement-related dysfunction. Students will apply contemporary theories to develop treatment strategies related to their current practice environment or patient population. (Offered Winter)

4

PHT 7878: Patient/Client Management Upper Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and shoulder girdle. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions.(4 credits)

4

PHT 7877: Patient/Client Management Lower Quadrant 

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions. Foundational concepts of the neuro-musculoskeletal manual therapy program, principles of evidence-based practice, pain science, and the effects of manual therapy will be discussed as well as general principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be emphasize the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, muscle energy techniques, stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits/16 CEHs)

4

PHT 7879: Patient/Client Management Distal Extremities

This course will address components of the patient client management model including examination techniques, diagnosis, prognosis, manual therapy intervention, and outcome assessment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow, wrist/hand complex and knee, ankle/foot complex. General principles of functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathophysiology for each region will be included. Examination procedures including quantitative and qualitative assessment of observation/posture, range of motion, segmental mobility testing, and soft tissue mobility will be discussed, emphasizing the relationships between regions using an evidence-informed approach. Interventions for movement dysfunctions including mobilizations/non-thrust manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and stabilization/strengthening exercises, and stretching will be addressed. Indications, precautions, and contraindications for all assessments and interventions will be provided, as well as integration of sound clinical decision-making to maximize outcomes. The didactic component will be the focus of the online portion and education and training of psychomotor skills will be the focus of the on-campus sessions. (4 credits) Pre requisite PHT 7877 or PHT 7878   

4

PHT 7439: Patient/Client Management – Soft Tissue Mobilization 

The course addresses soft tissue mobilization techniques for the spine and peripheral joints and connective tissue biomechanics and muscle tone physiology. The course covers examination/evaluation, diagnosis/prognosis, and plan of care for patients with common soft tissue connective disorders of the spine and peripheral joints. It also addresses procedures as coadjutant to classic joint manipulative therapy. Intervention methods will cover classic soft tissue mobilization therapy procedures for soft tissue tightness, hypertonicity, and inflammation. (Offered Winter)

4

* PHT 7825: Patient/Client Management - Neuromuscular (offered Winter odd years)

4

* PHT 7835: Patient/Client Management - Family Practice & Women's Health (offered Winter even years)

4

* PHT 7845: Patient/Client Management - Pediatric Practice (offered Winter even years)

4

* PHT 7855: Patient/Client Management - Geriatric Practice (offered Winter even years)

4

* PHT 7865: Patient/Client Management - Sports Medicine (offered Summer every year)

4

* PHT 7881: Patient/Client Management Lymphedema and Wound Management (offered Summer every year) 

4

Elective Courses (choose 6 courses)

Student may also select from the Patient/Client Management courses and from the Health Science program offerings at http://healthsciences.nova.edu/healthsciences/index.html.

course credits
PHT 7025: The Healthcare Educator
Patient education is an integral part of health care in every setting, from patient treatment, to health and wellness promotion, to injury and illness prevention. The focus of this course is to explore the many issues that impact patient education, from both a health care professional and management perspective. Adult education theory, patient/therapist interaction, communication barriers, strategies for success, web-based patient education, documentation, federal laws and initiatives and standards for patient education are some of the topics students will examine. (online)
3
PHT 7975: The Physical Therapist in Home Health Care
This course addresses common issues affecting the physical therapist in the evolving homecare environment. The student will develop an understanding of the various types of home care organizations and identify optimal methods to work effectively within each. Included in this course will be a review of regulatory guidelines, assessment principles, care planning, and identification and implementation of targeted interventions to achieve successful outcomes. Principles of interdisciplinary case management using evidence based standards of care will be reviewed for the most common homecare diagnoses. The common legal and ethical principles including patient right, abuse and neglect will also be addressed. (online)
3
PHT 7065: Independent Study-Case Report
Students engage in an individualized program of study to develop and write a case report based on a case in his/her own practice using the guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association. The process of writing a case report includes identification of an appropriate case, a review of the literature, identification of valid and reliable outcome measures, and documentation of the elements of patient/client management: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care, and interventions. Students may also design an independent study with specific goals and objectives upon approval of the Program Director and faculty 'mentor.' (online)
1-3
 
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