Physical Therapy Courses (PHT)

PHT 5000. Histology (3). This course involves the study of the structure of cells, tissues and organs on a microscopic level, with linkages to function. Additional emphasis is placed on connective, contractile and neural tissue.

PHT 5010. Kinesiology/Biomechanics (7). This course examines selected anatomical, structural and functional properties of human connective, muscular, and nervous tissues, as well as skeletal structures. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical, neuroregulatory, and muscular events that influence normal and pathological motion. The fundamental patient assessment skills of muscle testing and goniometry are presented. Students will take 3 credit hours in the fall and 4 credit hours in spring for a total of 7 semester hours.

PHT 5020. Human Physiology (6). This course involves the study of human physiological systems with special emphasis placed upon acute and chronic responses, and intercommunication of these systems, when confronted with changes in environment, activity, and/or age.

PHT 5030. Critical Inquiry I (2). The focus of the course is on the practical use of research. Commonly accepted research principles, ethics associated with research, concepts of measurement, and research designs most pertinent to the clinical practice of physical therapy are addressed. Areas of emphasis include reading and interpreting professional literature, identifying independent, dependent and control variables within research studies, conducting literature reviews, and critically analyzing new concepts and findings.

PHT 5040. Therapeutic Exercise (1). This course is a combination lecture/lab course emphasizing the development of clinical knowledge and skills necessary to plan and implement goal-oriented therapeutic exercise programs in Physical Therapy. Basic principles and techniques of exercise for improving mobility, flexibility, strength, neuromuscular control, balance/coordination, and muscular endurance are emphasized. Rehabilitation home exercise program design is integrated throughout the course. The course also includes instruction in basic clinical skills such as assessment of vital signs, patient positioning and draping, transfer techniques, fitting and use of assistive devices and gait training. The format of the course includes lecture, discussion, laboratory experiences, and patient-centered case study learning activities.

PHT 5100. Human Anatomy (7). The focus of this course is an in-depth study and analysis of the regional and systemic organization of the body. Emphasis is placed upon structure and function of human movement. Students will take 4 credit hours in the fall and 3 credit hours in spring for a total of 7 semester hours.

PHT 5110. Pathophysiology (3). This course presents the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of disease to include their causes, lesions, and mechanisms. The diseases are approached by organ system, with a review of the anatomy and physiology involved, epidemiology of each disease, pathologic and clinical manifestations and diagnostic techniques.

PHT 5120. Physical Therapy Foundations I (3). This lecture course covers the theory and application of physical agents, mechanical modalities, and electrotherapeutic modalities. It also includes electromyography studies, massage, and an introduction to the CPT code system as it pertains to the use of modalities.

PHT 5130. Critical Inquiry II (3). This course deals with the study of the statistical methods most pertinent to physical therapists in clinical practice. Management and synthesis of data are emphasized, and data interpretations are related to relevance for clinical practice. A computer laboratory is used to provide the students with an opportunity to use both Windows-based spreadsheet and specialized statistical software.

PHT 5140. Theory and Evaluation Principles (2). The course provides a general overview of the fundamental concepts and principles central to the development of physical therapy as a clinical science. Areas addressed include introduction to formulation and use of theory and differing sources of knowledge, specific professional issues central to clinical practice, role of conceptual models of evaluation, introduction to the concept of a scanning examination, development of clinical reasoning/judgment/decision making skills, the APTA Guide to Clinical Practice, and simple analysis of clinical cases and case reports.

PHT 5150. Clinical Experience I (1). This course introduces the student to the clinical environment and helps to develop interpersonal skills needed to successfully interact with patients, families, health care professionals and the community. The development of writing skills for clear, concise and accurate medical record documentation is emphasized. Patient cases guide the learning activities to enhance the clinical experience gained one morning each week at local facilities.

PHT 5200. Neuroscience (6). The focus of this course involves a study of the development, structure and function of the human nervous system. Emphasis is placed on applied anatomy and the clinical consequences of injury and pathology within the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Additionally, the course makes reference to theories of motor control and motor learning, muscle tone, posture, balance, sensory perceptions, and both normal and abnormal movement.

PHT 5210. Physical Therapy Foundations II (3). This course presents a study of the physical therapy and medical management of selected patient populations including patients whose impairments or disabilities require prostheses, orthoses, wound care, or electromyography studies.

PHT 5220. Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I (6). This course is the first in a sequence of two that provides an in-depth exploration of the evaluation, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of various musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the upper quarter. Physical therapy evaluation, assessment, intervention and prevention of soft tissue, bony, and post-surgical problems of the cervical, thoracic, and upper extremities is discussed from the orthopedic perspective. This course includes planning and implementing treatment programs including exercise, mobilization, and other orthopedic physical therapy concepts. Clinical competence in the evaluation and treatment of upper quarter dysfunction is developed.

PHT 5230. Psycho-Social-Cultural Implications in Human Development (3). This course presents the study of normal sequences of neuromuscular, perceptual, psycho-socio-cultural development, diversity and their relationship from infancy through old age. Human interaction and communication, strategies for understanding adaptations to disease and disability, and development of cultural sensitivity and competent skills for practice are included.

PHT 5240. Critical Inquiry III (1). This course applies research design and evaluation principles to answer clinical science questions. This is the first phase of a group scholarly project in which the research question is formulated, researched, and a proposal is written for submission to the Belmont University Institutional Review Board. Elements of this process may include pilot work, biomedical instrumentation, survey and questionnaire development, and other procedures necessary to address the variety of questions posed. The group project is supervised and mentored by a minimum of two physical therapy faculty members, with additional outside coordination when applicable.

PHT 5250. Clinical Experience II (1). This course promotes further development of interpersonal, communication, and patient care skills. Students evaluate and treat patients under the supervision of a clinical instructor one-day each week at local clinical facilities to practice skills learned in the didactic portion of the program. Students also begin to develop an individual plan for physical therapy practice affiliations.

PHT 5300. Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II (6). This is the second in the sequence of two courses that provides for the continuation of the in-depth exploration of the evaluation, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of various musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the lower quarter. While techniques of physical therapy evaluation and management learned in previous courses will be reviewed and expanded, the main focus will be on lower quarter dysfunction. Physical therapy evaluation, assessment, intervention and prevention of soft tissue, bony, and post-surgical problems of the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities will be discussed from the orthopedic perspective.This course includes planning and implementing treatment programs including exercise, mobilization, and other orthopedic physical therapy concepts. The format of the course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory expereinces, and problem-based, patient centered case study learning activities. Clinical competence in the evaluation and treatment of lower quarter dysfunction is to be developed.

PHT 5310. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy I (6). This course is the first in a sequence of two courses that provides an in-depth exploration of the assessment and intervention procedures used with persons with various neurological pathologies. The focus of this course will be on neurological problems acquired in adulthood. Theories of motor control and motor learning will be studied and applied to assessment and treatment. Laboratories will be used to strengthen evaluation and intervention skills, especially the analysis of movement as well as planning, practicing, and modifying treatment. The format of this course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory experiences, problem-based learning activities, community-based experiences, and patient-centered case study learning activities. There will also be contact with persons with neurological dysfunction as part of this course. Clinical competence in the evaluation and treatment of persons with neurological impairments is to be developed.

PHT 5320. Ethics in Health Care (3). This course prepares the student to approach ethical dilemmas objectively with a thorough understanding of professional moral responsibility. Information presented in the course assists students to: distinguish ethical from other kinds of issues in health care; identify the morally relevant features of a case; identify the options open to a therapist faced with a moral problem; provide justification for the best options; consider counter arguments for one's position(s); and enhance commitment to promoting the dignity of others.

PHT 5330. Pathophysiology II (2). Introduction to the pathophysiologic mechanisms of human diseases seen in current health care practice, with a focus on those encountered by physical therapists. Study and recognition of signs and symptoms that may cause movement impairment or dysfunction is included. The recognition of patient problems that are non-movement related and may require referral to other health care professionals is emphasized. The format of the course includes lectures, discussions and problem-based, patient-centered study learning activities. This course was formerly titled Clinical Medicine.

PHT 5340. Health and Wellness (2). Contemporary issues related to wellness and health promotion are the focal points of this course.

PHT 5350. Clinical Experience III (1). Further development of interpersonal, communication, and patient care skills is the focus of this course. Students evaluate and treat patients under the supervision of a clinical instructor one-day each week at local clinical facilities to practice skills learned in the didactic portion of the program. Students finalize the plan for physical therapy practice affiliations.

PHT 5360. Critical Inquiry IV (1). This course is the second phase of a group scholarly research project that was begun in Critical Inquiry III (PHT 5240). The primary focus of this seminar class is on data collection. Students are responsible for all the elements associated with the data collection process, to include, but not limited to: recruiting subjects, coordinating laboratory space and equipment, calibrating equipment, completing data and informed consent forms, collecting data, and entering and securing data. The faculty mentors from PHT 5240 continue to provide mentorship and assistance with this phase of the project.

PHT 5370. Physical Therapy Practice I (8). This course consists of an eight (8) week full-time clinical experience.

PHT 5400. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy II (6). This course is the second in a sequence of two courses that provides an in-depth exploration of the assessment and intervention procedures used with persons with various neurological pathologies. The focus of this course is on neurological problems present from birth or acquired in childhood. Emphasis is placed on motor control and learning, motor development and developmental disabilities. Family and environmental contexts are stressed. Laboratories (which include some contact with children with neurological dysfunction) are used to strengthen evaluation and intervention skills, especially the analysis of movement, as well as planning, practicing, and modifying treatment. Clinical competence in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological and developmental pathologies is developed.

PHT 5410. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy (4). Physical therapy evaluation, assessment, intervention and prevention in patients with primary and secondary disorders of the cardiopulmonary systems are the focus of this course. Principles of exercise testing and training for both healthy adults and for patients are included. The emphasis is on designing comprehensive programs that include patient education, assistance with life-style changes and activity prescriptions.

PHT 5420. Pharmacotherapeutics (2). The student is to utilize their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to develop an understanding of the effects of medication on human performance. The course will cover the human throughout many phases of life, and will cover a number of disease states. The course is developed to provide an understanding of substance misuse, drug interactions, drug compliance, and dosage recommendations. The format of the course includes lectures, discussions, and problem-based, patient-centered case situation learning activities.

PHT 5430. Health Care Systems (2). This course will cover such topics as managed care, risk-sharing (capitation), provider and payor-sponsored delivery models, market analysis and healthcare product design. Through case studies, panels, and lectures, the course will not only provide instruction in the basic strategies of managed healthcare; but will also expose the student to real-time market dynamics.

PHT 5440. Physical Therapy Management (2). This course focuses on the skills and knowledge needed by the physical therapist to effectively fulfill supervisory and management roles in the health care setting. Concepts of management theory, organizational behavior, time management, quality and outcomes, medical malpractice, resource needs analysis, fiscal management, risk management, personnel management, and supervisory skills are included.

PHT 5450. Sports Physical Therapy (2). The main focus of this course is related to the understanding of the role that physical therapists in both the industrial continuum and sports physical therapy. Emphasis on acute management of traumatic injuries and/or sudden illness. In addition, injury prevention with an emphasis on the advanced clinical competencies related to the practice of sports physical therapy will also be covered. The format of the course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory experience, and problem based, patient-centered case study learning activities. Students who successfully complete this course will also receive American Red Cross certification in professional rescuer CPR and First Responder certification.

PHT 5460. Critical Inquiry V (1). This is the final phase of the group scholarly project begun in Critical Inquiry III (PHT 5240). All elements of the research process are brought together to generate a scholarly manuscript suitable for publication in a professional, peer reviewed, physical therapy journal. The majority of the semester will be dedicated to data analysis, interpretation, and generation of the scholarly manuscript. As has been the case with the previous courses associated with this group research requirement (PHT 5240 and PHT 5360), faculty mentors will assist the students in developing their project into a professional manuscript.

PHT 5470. Collaborative Teaching (1). The intent of this class is for the student to develop accountability for integrating clinical information with classroom instruction by taking on roles as prospective faculty members addressing the pedagogy of their discipline. The design of this class is an instructional strategy in which small groups work together toward a common goal of providing accountable instruction with plans, objectives, appropriate implementation, and outcomes assessment in terms of student learning. This course is an introduction to the treatment of teaching as a scholarly activity, and encourages a variety of techniques that represent the transformation of ideas for particular students in particular contexts.

PHT 5500. Physical Therapy Practice II (8). This course is an eight (8) week full-time clinical experience.

PHT 5510. Physical Therapy Practice III (8). This course is an eight (8) week full-time clinical experience.

PHT 5520. Physical Therapy Practice IV (8). This course is an eight (8) week full-time clinical experience.

PHT 5540. Strategic and Financial Planning in Healthcare (2). This course serves as a capstone course to prepare graduating students on the financial and strategic planning issues in healthcare services delivery.