COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PT-301. Human and Clinical Anatomy
This course involves a detailed study of the human body through lecture, laboratory presentations, and cadaver dissection. The emphasis is on gross anatomy and the relationships between the musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular systems of the human body. In addition, the course introduces the student to the surface anatomy and palpation skills of clinically pertinent anatomical structures of the head, trunk, and upper and lower limbs. Emphasis is placed on the location and differentiation of bony landmarks, muscle bellies, tendons, ligaments, bursas, nerves, arteries, and joint cavities of a live subject.
PT-302. Surface Anatomy - Palpation
This course is devoted to the study of surface anatomy and palpation of the human body. The emphasis is on the location of important regional and local bony and soft tissue structures, including bony landmarks, joint spaces, muscles, ligaments, bursae, nerves and vessels, and the demonstration of appropriate palpation techniques. This course is coordinated with PT-D 301, Human Clinical Anatomy.
PT-303. Embryology, Histology, Pathology & Tissue Biomechanics I
This course covers tissue structure and major function of the cells and tissues of the body. Topics in this course include: structure and function of the cells and tissues of the body, tissue diversity, histology of major organs, basic cellular anatomy, developmental biology / embryology, cell structure, function, cell diversity and cell communication. The course covers topics of embryology from conception through birth. The course also presents the basic science of tissue biomechanics, and the response of muscle, bone, joints, and soft tissue to disease and injury. The normal repair process and the effects of physical therapist's interventions including rest, stress, stretch, resistance, immobilization and work is discussed. Complications and benefits of interventions, the effects of nutrition, aging, exercise and immobility are discussed.
PT-304. Human Development
This course covers normal human development from birth to death including the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and economic aspects. Emphasis in the course is on physical development. This course highlights the diversity of development among individuals and cultures.
PT-305. Physical Therapist Interventions I
In this course, students are introduced to the basic physical therapist patient interventions and examinations used to ensure safe patient interaction, including: patient communication, safe and effective patient positioning and movement, monitoring of vital signs, use of assistive ambulatory devices, protective bandaging/taping. An emphasis is placed on psychomotor performance including transfers, gait training, positioning, and basic patient handling skills.
PT-306. Practice Management/Health Delivery Systems
In this course, students are introduced to the role and function of the physical therapist in contemporary health care with an awareness of ethical principles, historical foundations of the profession, current health care issues, and health economics. Introduction to the patient management model in physical therapy including patient examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcomes. The course includes a discussion of practice policies, models of disability, models of clinical decision-making and documentation. Students develop initial skills in patient interviewing.
PT-307. Movement Sciences I/Biomechanics
This course addresses basic concepts relating to the architectural design and function of synovial and non-synovial joints, the morphology and function of skeletal muscle, observational joint and movement analysis, anthropometry, and biomechanical force systems. Free body diagrams as well as trigonometric and algebraic functions are used to solve biomechanical problems related to physical therapy practice. Emphasis is on static analysis of both stationary and moving bodies.
PT-308. Clinical Experience I
This course will serve as the initial entry point into the clinical environment. A variety of patient types and settings will be observed during four full day (8 hour) experiences. Emphasis will be placed on integrating didactic information and developing psychomotor skills in the clinical setting. Students will also be exposed to a variety of professional practice issues and roles of physical therapists. Licensed clinical and/or academic faculty will provide direct supervision of the students. The supervisory model for this course will not exceed 4 students: 1 clinical instructor.
PT-311. Neurosciences
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human central nervous system. The students are introduced to concepts and terminology in basic and applied neuroscience. Detailed accounts of the surface and internal anatomy of the central nervous system are presented. Neural mechanisms of electrical excitability and synaptic transmission are examined in detail. The neurophysiological basis of movement and motor control is addressed, including a comprehensive examination of the somatic sensory and motor systems. In addition, the other special sensory systems are reviewed, as are plasticity in developing and adult nervous systems and the neural basis of cognition. The course will comprise lectures, laboratory exercises, clinical case presentations and student-lead, special topic conferences.
PT-312. Embryology, Histology, Pathology & Tissue Biomechanics II
In this course, an introduction to diseases commonly seen in patients receiving physical therapy is presented. Body responses to injury and disease is traced from the cellular level to the systems level. Typical disease processes in these areas are covered: pulmonary, cardiac, neurological, infectious, genetic, immunosuppressive, metabolic, and metastatic.
PT-313. Physical Therapists Intervention II
This course covers strategies and techniques to manage pain, edema, loss of normal motion, soft tissue dysfunction and weakness through direct interventions. Interventions include: basic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, relaxation, splinting and compression garments, thermal modalities, cryotherapy, deep thermal modalities, electrotherapeutic modalities, and hydrotherapy.
PT-314. Integumentary Practice Management
The practice management model for patients with pathology or impairments to their integumentary system is presented. Medical lectures and clinical physical therapist lectures combine to present current management of patients who have skin lesions. Direct physical therapist intervention for wound examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention is presented.
PT-315. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Practice Management
This course gives an overview of the related pathologies of the cardiopulmonary system, examination and evaluation procedures, diagnostic procedures, goal setting, interventions, and patient management. A major focus of this course is laboratory sessions with cardiac and pulmonary patients, applying examination and evaluation procedures, and the direct interventions related to exercise and airway clearance. This course covers the principles of training, exercise and health promotion as related to the cardiovascular system.
PT-316. Clinical Examinations, Evaluations, Diagnosis and Prognosis
This course prepares students for clinical practice by providing the basis of and rationale for the five elements of patient/client management that lead to optimal patient outcomes. Lectures and laboratories cover examination (history and interview, systems review, gross observation, gross functional testing, active motion, passive motion, palpation, muscle performance, selected special tests, and upper and lower quarter screening), evaluation, developing hypotheses of diagnosis, and prioritizing impairments as a guide to intervention selection. Students are encouraged to approach patient examination and evaluation from a global, full-body/total-person perspective rather than focusing narrowly on a specific system or joint complex.
PT-317. Evidence-Based Practice I
This course covers the theory and methods of the research process in physical therapy including research designs, research methods, and basic data analysis. The course emphasizes the student's ability to access literature, read and critically evaluate research findings.
PT-318. Clinical Experience II
This course will continue to reinforce principles learned throughout the program to date. Under the guidance of licensed clinical faculty, students will integrate concepts, principles and techniques with emphasis on interventions learned during the first Spring semester. The structure of this phase of clinical education will consist of four full days in the clinic. The focus will be on the practice areas of cardiac and pulmonary, and integumentary care. Students will spend two days in each of the above practice areas where they can experience and learn how physical therapists function in these environments. The supervisory model for this experience will not exceed 3 students: 1 clinical instructor.
PT-321. Movement Science II/Motor Control
Current concepts of motor control and motor learning are synthesized from multiple disciplines to provide a framework for physical therapy practice. Neurological mechanisms are examined and integrated with other physiological, psychological, and biomechanical contributions to movement and function. The role of task and environment in the control of movement also is analyzed.
PT-322. Arthrological and Pathological Movement Science I
A critical examination of the morphology and function of the articulations of the axial skeleton, including the temporomandibular and lumbosacral joints. Course content stresses normal musculoskeletal biomechanics of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments as well as the pathomechanics of common spinal deformities. The course exposes student to normal and pathological orthopedic radiology of the trunk pertinent to clinical practice.
PT-323. Diagnostic Imaging
This course covers study of the principles, procedures and interpretation of diagnostic imaging techniques. Emphasis is on plain film radiography, myelograms, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine.
PT-324. Musculoskeletal Practice Management I
This course starts with the introduction to principles of orthopedic medicine, the general concepts of selective tissue evaluation, and joint mobilization. The course goes on to cover the etiology, pathology, specific evaluation treatment prognosis, and prevention of common musculoskeletal problems of the temperomandibular joint (TMJ), cervical spine, and upper extremities. Included is the basis of medical and surgical treatment of patients with spinal and TMJ pathologies as well as physical therapist intervention. The course includes lecture, laboratory, mock practicals, clinical hours, case problems, and outside projects.
PT-325. Medical Practice Management
In this course, students will learn about the medical and physical therapy management of patients with general medical conditions that are not readily categorized as musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, or integumentary. Thus, the course will cover rheumatic diseases, metabolic diseases, some malignancies, psychiatric problems, renal disorder, hepatic disorders, eating disorders, gynecologic disorders, and organ transplantation.
PT-326. Physical Therapist Intervention III
The final physical therapist intervention course introduces the direct interventions of therapeutic exercise and ambulation, functional training in self-care and home management, functional training in community and work integration, and the prescription and application of assistive/orthotic/prosthetic devices and equipment. The effects of exercise across the lifespan is discussed. Specific patient populations is discussed as they are impacted by exercise training.
PT-327. Patient/Client Management Seminar I
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to integrate and present medical and physical therapy management related to patients with general medicine conditions, cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal diseases. Students contrast different approaches to examination and intervention. They analyze the influence of medical, social, and behavioral issues as well as age and developmental stage and discuss the clinical decision making process for specific patients.
PT-328. Clinical Internship I
This first full time clinical experience will consist of a four-week learning experience in an inpatient setting, including acute care, subacute, or skilled nursing. The focus of the experience will be the development of psychomotor skills, professional behaviors, gross & specific examination, intervention procedures and documentation skills. Exposure to the multiple roles of the PT will be emphasized (e.g. administration, case management, consultation). The student will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist. The supervisory model for this experience will not exceed 2 students: 1 clinical instructor.
PT-402. Arthrological and Pathological Movement Science II
A critical examination of the structure, morphology, and functions of each of the articulation of the upper and lower limbs. Course content stresses normal and pathological musculoskeletal biomechanics of each region and provides exposure to clinically pertinent orthopedic radiology of each segment. The last section of the course addresses the kinematics and kinetics of normal and pathological locomotion and provides opportunities for gait analysis of normal subjects and patients.
PT-403. Musculoskeletal Practice Management II
This course covers the etiology, specific evaluation, diagnosis, assessment, prognosis, treatment and prevention of common musculoskeletal problems of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint and lower extremities. The class includes specific joint testing, joint mobilizations, medical and surgical management, prevention, and physical therapy intervention. The class is composed of lecture, laboratory, mock practicals, written patient evaluations and clinical cases.
PT-404. Neurologic Practice Management I
This is the first part of a two semester/session course. Management of children and adults with complex central nervous system (CNS) and multisystem disorders will be presented. Neuropathology, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention will be stressed. Acquired injuries (e.g. acquired brain injury and cerebrovascular disease), and congenital disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy) will be included. Availability and appropriate use of wheelchair and assistive technologies will be presented. Students will be required to attend three-four half-day shadowing experiences with a neurorehabilitation physical therapist.
PT-405. Evidence-Based Practice II
In this course, principles of teaching and learning are covered and applied to the health care setting. Students learn to use a variety of teaching methods selected and developed for a specific audience. Students formulate and implement a plan for personal and professional development as well as techniques for facilitating behavioral change.
PT-406. Patient/Client Management Seminar II
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to integrate and present medical and physical therapy management related to patients who have disorders of several systems (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular). Students meet with an instructor to present a patient, including the patient history, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention as well as objective determination of success of intervention. Students articulate and justify their clinical reasoning as they contrast different approaches to examination and treatment.
PT-411. Psychosocial Aspects of Care
In this course students survey the various factors affecting the patient, the family, and the patient therapist relationship in situations of chronic illness and loss. Students increase their skills in developing an effective helping relationship with other people. Experiential learning experiences and self-observation are used to promote this development.
PT-412. Neurological Practice Management II
This is the second part of a two semester/session course. This section continues focus on the management of children and adults with complex central nervous system (CNS) and multisystem disorders, and also will consider peripheral nervous system (PNS) and neuromuscular disease. Neuropathology, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention will be stressed. Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis), spinal cord disorders (e.g. traumatic spinal cord injury, spinal bifida), peripheral neuromuscular diseases (e.g. muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Guillian Barre syndrome, peripheral nerve injury and degeneration), vestibular disorders, and balance disorders will be included. Use of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG), availability and appropriate use of assistive devices, and use of aquatic therapy will be presented. Class discussion of contemporary research and panel discussion of clinical practice will be used to focus students attention on the undergirding principles of neurorehabilitation and their practical application.
PT-413. Educational Theory & Practice
In this course, principles of teaching and learning will be introduced and applied to the health care setting. Students will learn to use a variety of teaching methods, selected and developed for a specific audience. Students will formulate and implement a plan for facilitating personal behavioral change.
PT-414. Administration I
Administration topics include concepts and methods for the recruitment and effective utilization of personnel in a team atmosphere and identification of factors encompassing professional practices.
PT-415. Patient/Client Management Seminar III
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to present studies to demonstrate integration of medical and physical therapy management of patients with medical, musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders. Students identify sequelae of these disorders, e.g., musculoskeletal impairments with neurological injury, and articulate management approaches that encompass both the acute management and the sequelae to the disease process.
PT-416. Clinical Internship II
This 20 week clinical internship may occur in varied settings under the supervision of a licensed clinical mentor. The required focus of this clinical experience will be in either the musculoskeletal or neuromuscular practice areas. Under supervision, students will learn skills in all components of the physical therapy practice management model, including conducting patient examinations and evaluations, establishing patient diagnoses and prognoses, conducting patient interventions, and measuring patient outcomes. When possible, students will experience patients in these practice patterns who are across the range of acute to chronic conditions. Students will practice all administrative aspects of ethical and efficacious practice. Performance expectations will include safe and effective examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and patient management skills. Students will complete a variety of learning experiences related to patient care, education, administration, service and research. The maximum supervisory ratio for this course will be 2 students: 1 clinical instructor.
PT-501. Clinical Pharmacology & Nutrition
This course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology and nutrition. Study of pharmacologic intervention and nutritional practices for patients commonly seen in physical therapy are included.
PT-502. Administration II
The knowledge and skills required for planning and implementing a physical therapy practice in multiple settings, is covered in this course. Students are introduced to the primary legal and management issues required of physical therapy practices, including strategies to ensure safe and effective delivery of high quality services.
PT-503. Primary Care Practice
This course guides the student in exploring the related concepts of direct access to physical therapy care, autonomous/independent physical therapist practice, and physical therapists in the role of point-of-entry providers or primary care providers. Examples of autonomous physical therapist practice in the United States are covered as well as the historical, legal, political, ethical, and liability issues surrounding the concept of autonomous practice. In this course, the student will integrate the coursework and clinical experiences thus far in the curriculum into the context of the practice of physical therapy without physician referral. Using case examples, the students apply their knowledge of screening for medical diseases/conditions and practice decision-making regarding the need for referral to a physician or other health care provider. In addition, several practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lecture and discuss their disciplines with the students. The disciplines include acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, massage therapy, chiropractic, mind-body medicine, meditation, and hypnosis. The goals of these sessions are to familiarize the students with the educational background, requirements for credentialing/licensure, risks and benefits, and types of care patients receive when being treated by a CAM practitioner.
PT-504/505. Practice Electives I and II
In these courses students choose two electives in which to deepen their knowledge base for practice. Advanced practice electives are offered in: Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Sports, Cardiopulmonary, Neurology, Education, Research, and Administration.
PT-506. Clinical Internship III
This 20 week clinical internship may occur in varied settings under the supervision of a licensed clinical mentor. The required focus of this clinical experience will be in either the musculoskeletal or neuromuscular practice areas. Under supervision, students will learn skills in all components of the physical therapy practice management model, including conducting patient examinations and evaluations, establishing patient diagnoses and prognoses, conducting patient interventions, and measuring patient outcomes. When possible, students will experience patients in these practice patterns who are across the range of acute to chronic conditions. Students will practice all administrative aspects of ethical and efficacious practice. Performance expectations will include safe and effective examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and patient management skills. Students will complete a variety of learning experiences related to patient care, education, administration, service and research. The maximum supervisory ratio for this course will be 2 students: 1 clinical instructor.
PT-507. Professional Practice Development & Evaluation
In this course, students will read about and discuss the concept of professionalism and interpret this concept for their own careers. Students will integrate the didactic, clinical and research components of their experience in preceding course work, with the goal of evaluating their strengths and weaknesses for professional practice. Students will develop skills in self assessment and planning for continuous professional development in five areas of physical therapy: teaching, research, administration, clinical practice and service.
PT-508. Evidence-Based Practice III
In this third course in the sequence, the student will finalize their research or scholarly project in written form, and will complete a formal research presentation of their project results. Class time will also be spent discussing the role of critical inquiry in the first few years of practice.
PT-509. Health Promotion and Injury Prevention
In this course the student learns to identify and assess the health needs of individuals, groups, and communities through screening for prevention of injury, developing wellness programs, and triaging appropriate patients for physical therapy. The student is able to design and execute programs to promote optimal health by providing information or consultation on many aspects of health risks and disability. The student is exposed to a multidisciplinary approach to health promotion and injury prevention and participates in an existing program.
PT-510. Portfolio
In this transcurricular course, students will document the didactic, clinical and research components of their experiences throughout the curriculum, with the goal of evaluating their strengths and weaknesses for professional practice. Students will produce a portfolio document that follows guidelines set forth in their first semester. Students will review this portfolio with several peers and with their academic advisors and in so doing will develop skills in self-assessment and planning for continuous professional development in five areas of physical therapy: teaching, research, administration, clinical practice and service. |
*** READ THE DUKE DPT ALUMNI NEWSLETTER***
DHTS Web Services
DUKE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
DUKEHEALTH.ORG