Physical Therapy Course Descriptions

402PATH Basic Concepts of Pathology. Study of inflammation and repair, cardiovascular reactions, immunologic responses, metabolic adaptations and cellular replication. Pathological processes encountered in physical therapy emphasized.

505PT Fundamentals of Physical Therapy. Section 1: This section of the course presents patient care skills which are fundamental to the practice of physical therapy. Skills included in the course are patient positioning and turning, transfer training, wheelchair management, gait training, aseptic techniques, and assessment of vital signs. Use of correct body mechanics and patient safety are emphasized throughout the course. Additional topics include an introduction to basic medical equipment and an overview of architectural barriers. Section 2: Designed to orient the student in several areas basic to patient care in preparation for actual clinical experience. Includes an introduction to medical terminology and abbreviations, introduction to medical record systems, extraction of pertinent information from medical records and recording of patient information in progress notes. Also included is an introduction to the Physical Therapy Clinical Education Program, introduction to professional behaviors, and student self-assessment in professional behaviors.

506PT Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy I. This is the first of two courses on the psychosocial aspect of physical therapy. This first course will emphasize the student as an individual and as a professional physical therapist. The student will be asked to assess him/herself with regard to communication styles, conflict management, responses to stress, personal values and belief systems. The content will include an introduction to approaches to helping roles, communication, assertiveness training, conflict management and stress management. The second course, to be held in Winter/Spring, will emphasize the patient and family in the health care system, including human sexuality, psychology of the disabled, addictive behaviors, grief processes, death and dying, children's reactions to illness and selected counseling techniques.

507PT Introduction to Health Sciences. Introduction to health care system, the professionals who are a part of it, and the rights of consumers of health care. Lectures by health professionals on history and development of physical therapy, the trends in Allied health, and the educational backgrounds and professional roles of health professions (including patient advocate or representative) for which academic preparation is offered at UT Memphis. Emphasis on the importance of team work, communication between health care providers, physical therapist’s role as a patient advocate, and as a consultant to other health care providers. Section 2: Basic teaching and learning principles are applied to patient education and group presentations. Students are introduced to the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, its use in practice, and the Department’s standard patient evaluation form.

508PT Principles of Research. Introduction to basic research concepts. During the course the student will learn to become a critical consumer of professional literature and to understand how to design and carry out a research project.

509PT Lifespan Development. Normal development throughout the life span is studied as a basis of examining and evaluating movement dysfunction that may during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Developmental reflexes are discussed, as are normal motor milestones. Stages in psychosocial and emotional development described and information on factors affecting development in these areas presented. Introduction to concepts of motor development, motor learning and motor control is included.

510PT Applied Exercise Physiology for Physical Therapists. This course will explore basic concepts of exercise physiology, including integration of metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems during exercise, and anaerobic and aerobic metabolism during exercise as well as metabolic training principles and adaptations. Physiologic responses of respiratory and cardiovascular systems to various types of acute exercise will be covered as will cardiorespiratory responses to exercise training. Considerations that influence the exercise responses of children, the elderly and pregnant women will be covered. Considerations relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary and skeletal diseases will be covered as will those relevant to other selected clinical conditions. Laboratory sessions will focus on the principles of physical fitness exercise testing and prescription for the promotion of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in apparently healthy adults, as well as various patient populations. Laboratory sessions will complement lectures for a better understanding of applied exercise physiology.

511ANAT Gross Anatomy. The study of the gross structure of the human body, focussing on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Dissection of cadaver supplemented by lecture.

513ANAT Neurobiology. This course covers the basic organization of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system.

514PT Clinical Procedures I. This course deals primarily with the theoretical bases for application of thermal agents but also includes instruction in massage, intermittent pneumatic compression, elastic wrap application, and ultraviolet.

523PT Physical Evaluation Procedures. Section 1: Lecture and laboratory instruction in basic skills utilized to evaluate dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Development of palpation skills is emphasized. Other evaluation procedures included are: active and passive range of motion assessment, goniometry, posture evaluation, gait evaluation, girth measurements, and neurological screening procedures. Behavior and communication problems commonly referred for physical therapy evaluation and treatment are introduced and related to the appropriate evaluation procedures. The importance of evaluation prior to treatment and re-evaluation throughout the course of treatment is emphasized throughout this course. Section 2: This section of Physical Evaluation Procedures deals specifically with the evaluation of muscle strength using manual muscle testing (MMT) techniques.

524PT Applied Statistics. Students will apply statistical analyses to clinical problems which include patient management, administration, and business management.

525PT Applied Pathology. The first of a series of courses on musculoskeletal disorders. Lectures presented by physicians will cover general orthopedic concepts, orthopedic pharmacology, orthopedic radiology, pathology and medical management of common connective tissue diseases, medical/surgical management of common orthopedic diseases and disorders. This course will be correlated with a three-course series on physical therapy in orthopedics.

526PT Kinesiology/Pathokinesiology I. Fundamental biomechanical and kinesiological principles of human movement as related to anatomical and neuroanatomical structures under normal and pathological conditions. Structural and functional classifications of muscles and joints are introduced. Study of the relationships between the structure and function of the human musculoskeletal system. Application of biomechanical principles and science to movement analysis including: the material properties of biological tissues, the effect of normal muscle activity and muscle imbalance, and movement dysfunctions. Kinesiology and pathokinesiology of the extremities, thorax, vertebral column, temporomandibular joint; normal and abnormal posture, balance, gait.

527PT Clinical Correlates in Neurobiology. This course covers the clinical aspects of neuroanatomy and neurobiology.

528PT Physical Therapy in Orthopedics I. This course follows Applied Pathology and is the first of a three-course series on the physical therapy management of orthopedic conditions. Section I: will cover principles of basic therapeutic exercise for fitness and for musculoskeletal conditions. This will include exercise terminology, types, goals, guidelines, and critical evaluation of exercise programs. Options for strengthening and stretching of soft tissues will be presented, analyzed and practiced. Students will be allowed to problem solve through case studies and application. Section II: will include principles, theories and techniques of physical therapy management of acute, post-surgical, rheumatic and pediatric musculoskeletal conditions. The end result will be the development of comprehensive treatment programs for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

530PT Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy II. This is the second of a two-course series on Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy. This course will focus on the recipients of the health care services. It will include discussion of psychology of the disabled including problems with self image, social interactions, and family relationships; the grief process, responses to loss of independence and social status. Study of death and dying issues will include patient, family and health care worker's reactions, euthanasia, right to life, patients' rights and other ethical issues and dilemmas. Discussion of human sexuality will include sexuality of the disabled, methods for assessing sexual difficulties, PT's role in enhancing sexuality for the disabled. Emphasis will also be placed on the child in the health care system; reactions of a child to illness, injury and death; reactions of the parents, siblings and others to the illness, injury and death of a child. Social issues such as AIDS, eating disorders and chemical addictive disorders, and violence will be addressed.

534PT Research Proposal. Development of a research proposal in an area of interest to the student and related to ongoing departmental research as well as to current professional practice. Students will work in small research groups with assigned faculty advisor to complete a comprehensive research proposal in the faculty advisor’s area of knowledge and interest.

603PT Clinical Internship I. Supervised clinical experience in selected physical therapy clinics with emphasis on physical therapy skills in which students have completed the required coursework. Clinical experiences will include basic patient care, evaluation and treatment procedures, communication skills and patient/therapist relationships. Students will have the opportunity to observe and interact with PT clinicians, other health care professionals and client/patients and will observe clinician-patient interactions. Students spend 200 hours in a clinical internship experience.

604PT Pharmacology in Physical Therapy. Physiology and biochemistry of neural synapses and neurotransmitters and their alteration by different classes of drugs: catecholarmines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and anticholinergic drugs. Emphasis on possible side effects and implications for physical therapy.

605PT Physical Therapy in Orthopedics II. Lecture and laboratory instruction in the evaluation and treatment techniques used to manage musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the extremities. Musculoskeletal embryology and the neurophysiology of musculoskeletal pain are also covered. Laboratory sessions emphasize the development of manual skill in peripheral joint assessment and mobilization. Introduction to the treatment of both the adult and child athlete with extremity dysfunction and the principles of sports physical therapy are also included.

606PT Physical Therapy in Neurological Disorders I. This course provides the student with an understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and basic management (including diagnostic tests and procedures) of selected adult neuromotor disorders including cerebrovascular accidents, brain injuries, disorders of the basal ganglia and cerebellum and central nervous system infections and tumors. Students learn how to perform and document examinations of adult clients using a variety of tests and measurement tools and to evaluate relevant information in determining impairments and setting functional goals. Physical therapy intervention and treatment rationale is emphasized through case studies and a multidisciplnary approach.

607PT Physical Therapy in Cardiopulmonary Disorders. Designed to provide the theoretical and practical foundations for the evaluation and physical therapy management of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction. The medical and surgical management of individuals with select cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction are presented. PT management in the acute care and rehabilitation settings are discussed. Students are expected to interpret and apply clinical lab, diagnostic, pharmacologic, and medical/surgical evaluations from selected cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunctions as they affect the overall physical therapy plan of care. Concepts of fitness and health promotion are emphasized.

608PT Kinesiology/Pathokinesiology II. Students will apply motor control theories to biomechanical principles as well as perform kinesiological analysis of upper body and lower body activities such as pitching, running, and stair ascent/descent.

609PT Professional, Ethical and Supervisory Issues. Learning experiences designed to enable students to participate in delegation and supervision of patient care activities by applying theories of human resource management and supervision, performance appraisals; to understand legal and regulatory parameters of physical therapy practice; to practice physical therapy safely, ethically, and legally while utilizing physical therapist assistants and supportive personnel. Also includes discussion of student’s role in clinical education, including assuming responsibility for learning, evaluating learning experiences, and appropriate clinical behavior. Discussions of current issues that affect the practice of physical therapy including education, research, and practice. Patient advocacy, alternate medicine and ethics in the health sciences are discussed. Concepts of professionalization discussed with emphasis on history and development of physical therapy. Additional course work in cultural diversity and ethical issues will be included.

613PT Physical Therapy in Geriatrics. This is an introductory course in geriatrics, designed to facilitate understanding of the elderly and their special needs. Biological and functional changes due to aging are considered, with emphasis on necessary modification of physical therapy procedures for geriatric patients. Evaluation and treatment planning with geriatric patients will provide clinical experience and enhance learning.

614PT Health and Wellness. Components of health promotion and wellness programs are presented with emphasis on intervention, prevention and promotion of health, wellnessand fitness. In addition, principles and theory of therapeutic exercise andfitness exercise are applied to prevention of cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Selected topics concerning the physiological bases of human physical performance and physical fitness, and the acute and chronic responses to exercise. Developing healthy lifestyles through health appraisal, fitness evaluation, identifying cardiovascular risk factors, and individual exercise prescriptions.

622PT Prosthetics and Orthotics. The study of upper and lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics, spinal orthotics, wheelchair design and adaptive seating. Lectures and labs covering options, components, assessment, measurement, prescription, management and patient instruction are taught by physical therapists, prosthetists, orthotists, and medical equipment representatives.

623PT Clinical Internship II. Supervised clinical experience in selected physical therapy clinics. The rotation emphasizes physical therapy skills in which students have completed the required coursework. Clinical experiences will include basic patient care, evaluation and treatment procedures, communication skills and patient/therapist relationships. Students will have the opportunity to observe and interact with PT clinicians, other health care professionals and clients/patients and will observe clinician-patient interactions. Students spend 200 hours in a clinical internship experience.

629PT Physical Therapy in Orthopedics III. Lecture and laboratory instruction in physical therapy evaluation and treatment techniques used to manage musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the spine and trunk. The course also includes TMJ dysfunction and surgical management of spinal dysfunction.

632PT Physical Therapy in Neurological Disorders II. This course is a continuation of 521PT providing the student with an understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and basic medical management of selected pediatric neuromotor and sensory integrative disorders. Students learn how to perform and document examinations of pediatric clients using a variety of tests and measurement tools and to evaluate relevant information in determining impairments and setting functional goals. Physical therapy intervention and treatment rationale is emphasized through case studies and a multidisciplinary approach.

633PT Clinical Procedures II. The second course in the Clinical Procedures series covers the theory and application of electrotherapy as used in the practice of physical therapy.

638PT Administration in Physical Therapy. Theoretical, didactic and practical foundations necessary to manage a health care organization are presented. Topics include organizational theory and structure, personnel recruitment and retention, planning, policies and procedures, quality assurance, risk management, cost analyses, budgeting and controlling, marketing, regulation and public health policy. As part of a group project, students participate in managing a mock physical therapy delivery organization. Format for course is lecture, presentation by students, and independent and group work outside class periods on project.

700PT Physical Therapy in Neurological Disorders III. This course provides the student with an understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and basic management of pediatric and adult neuromuscular disorders including congenital and traumatic spinal cord dysfunction, motoneuron disorders, myopathies, and selected neuropathies. Students learn how to perform and document examinations using a variety of tests and measurement tools, to evaluate relevant information in determining problems and setting goals and to provide physical therapy intervention using a multidisciplinary approach.

701PT Clinical Procedures III. This course includes a review of the physiology and pathophysiology of the neuromuscular system with emphasis on electrophysiology of the system; the theory and practice of electrical testing procedures used in the practice of physical therapy (including galvanic tetanus ratio test, reaction of degeneration test, strength-duration curve and chronaxie test, facial nerve excitability test, repetitive stimulation tests, nerve conduction velocity testing, and electromyographic evaluation); and an overview of biofeedback. Laboratory experience is provided.

702PT Clinical Internship III. Supervised clinical experience in selected physical therapy settings with opportunities for patient evaluation, treatment planning, treatment implementation, and assessment of treatment effectiveness. Skills in which students have completed coursework are emphasized.. The third internship will focus on developing and integrating clinical skills with various patient populations. The internship will include the opportunity to provide care to a patient population. Students spend 320 hours in clinical internship experience

703PT Physical Therapy in Integumentary Disorders. Course provides a comprehensive review of the management of patients with open wounds, burns, and dermatologic disorders. Physical therapy management of such disorders is emphasized; also includes lectures by
physicians, nurses, and other health care providers in management of patients with integumentary disorders.

705PT Research Seminar. Presentation of completed research projects by students. Presentations are to be in poster/platform format. Critiquing done by other students, academic, and clinical faculty. Students complete a research project. A poster presentation is required of all students.

706PT Clinical Internship IV. Full-time clinical education experience in comprehensive management of all types of patients in general acute facilities, rehabilitation centers, and/or specialty settings.

707PT Clinical Internship V. Full-time clinical education experience in comprehensive management of all types of patients in general acute facilities, rehabilitation centers, and/or specialty settings.

812BIOE Fundamentals of Epidemiology. Introduction to the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and demonstration of their applicability in the field of public health. Topics covered include the historical perspective of epidemiology, measures of disease ccurrence and of association, clinical epidemiology, disease screening, causal inference , and study design.

ELECTIVE COURSES
(Students have choice of 2 of the following courses; 1 from the physical therapy courses and one from Health Science Administration)

630PT Clinical Gait Analysis. This course will introduce the student to clinical gait analysis tools including 2 – d and 3-d gait analysis, pressure analysis, temporo-spatial gait analysis, and force platforms. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to recommend treatment based upon interpretation of data.

637PT Issues in Women’s Health. This course is designed to provide the learner with an awareness of women’s health issues from adolescence to post-menopause. Common problems encountered during pregnancy and post-partum will be discussed as well as a variety of gynecological problems. Self-care and preventive strategies that address these problems throughout a woman’s lifespan are included. This course will also focus on the role of the physical therapist in marketing and education in the area of women’s health.

639PT Sports Physical Therapy. Lecture and laboratory instruction in patient/client management of the injured athlete, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis,prognosis, intervention and outcomes. Topics include emergency medical care of the athlete; taping; pre-season screening; the female athlete; the child athlete; common medical, dermatologic and infections of the athlete; and the roles of the physical therapist and athletic trainer on the sports medicine team

642PT Special Topics in Physical Therapy. Current topics in physical therapy. May be repeated with topic change.

811HSA Fundamentals of Health Policy. An introduction to the field of health policy, primarily in the United States. This survey course is taught through collaboration of the faculties of thecolleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health, and Social Work to explore health policy issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students are expected to learn theories, methods, and skills needed for policy development and analysis and to apply those skills to selected health issues.

877HSA Health Care Economics. This course is concerned with the economics of health care delivery. The main objectives are 1) to learn, understand, and appreciate the distinctive economic characteristics of the health service industry, 2) to analyze and evaluate, from the standpoint of economics, the American systems of health care financing and delivery, and 3) to discuss various current health reform issues such as health care costs, access to health care, health human resource surpluses and shortages, health laws and regulations, reimbursement methods, competitions, and alternative delivery systems.

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