Physical Therapy
PT 600 Human Anatomy I 3 cr
A comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the superficial back, upper extremities, head, neck, and face. Lab consists of prosected material and dissection of aforementioned body parts. Skeletal models and diagnostic imaging will be introduced of each area of dissection. Labs also include surface palpation on live human subjects. Special fee.
PT 601 Human Anatomy II 3 cr
A comprehensive study of human anatomy concentrating on the nervous, skeletal, arthrodial, muscular and circulatory systems of the deep back, trunk, pelvis, and lower extremity. Lab consists of prosected material and dissection of the aforementioned body parts. Skeletal models and diagnostic imaging will be introduced for each area of dissection. Labs also include surface palpation on live human subjects. Special fee.
Prerequisite: PT 600 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C
PT 602 Life Span Human Development 2 cr
A study of the process of typical human development and aging across the life span, including neuromotor development in childhood and changes associated with aging.
Prerequisite: PT 682 Minimum Grade of S
PT 603 Neuroscience in Phys Therapy 3 cr
A survey of the structure and function of the nervous system, with emphasis on principles related to physical therapy practice. Includes laboratory study of anatomic specimens. Special fee.
PT 604 Pathophysiology I 2 cr
A physiological approach to the study of pathological changes in the human body brought about by trauma or disease, including cell injury, inflammation, immunopathology, neoplasia, infections, and the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems.
Prerequisite: PT 601 Minimum Grade of C
PT 605 Human Learning 1 cr
This course incorporates application of the principles of human learning to patient/client management including patient, family/caregivers, and community education. Roles of the physical therapist as a clinical educator and academician are discussed as well as opportunities/responsibilities for lifelong learning and professional development.
Prerequisite: PT 673 Minimum Grade of C
PT 606 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation 2 cr
A study of pharmacological principles in relation to rehabilitation, with emphasis on the possible benefits and side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents on patients receiving physical therapy treatment.
PT 607 Pathophysiology II 2 cr
A physiological approach to the study of pathological changes in the human body brought about by trauma or disease, including vascular, hematopoietic, nutritional, neurologic, urogenital, GI and hepatobiliary systems.
Prerequisite: PT 604 Minimum Grade of C
PT 610 Principles of Research & EBP 2 cr
An introduction to evidence-based practice as it relates to physical therapy, including basic understanding of research designs and research statistics, formulating appropriate clinical questions based on patient/client, accessing current evidence using databases and other resources to answer clinical/practice issues, and summarizing evidence for clinical case application.
PT 611 Applied Research in Physical Therapy 1 cr
This course prepares students with essential skills and knowledge required to excel in conducting and critically evaluating clinical research within the field of physical therapy. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, methodologies and statistical analyses relevant to contemporary research in physical therapy.
PT 612 Advanced Healthcare Analytics: Statistical Methods and Health Informatics 2 cr
In today's data-driven world, the intersection of statistical methods and health informatics plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare research and decision-making. This research course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of healthcare analytics.
Prerequisite: PT 611 Minimum Grade of P
PT 613 Clinical Case Report 2 cr
This course allows the student to develop a clinical case report based on a patient the student has treated during a full-time internship, an administrative/education process or a clinical risk management situation. An in-depth analysis of research from recent publications related to the case is required. The student will prepare a written case report and a presentation in seminar format.
PT 620 Clinical Kinesiology 3 cr
A study of human movement as it relates to clinical physical therapy practice, with an emphasis on biomechanical principles.
PT 621 Introductory PT Skills 4 cr
An introduction to the principles and techniques of patient care utilized in physical therapy practice. These basic therapeutic skills include, but are not limited to, positioning, draping, patient transfers, assistive gait devices, wheelchair use, and basic examination. Techniques including assessment of joint range of motion, muscle strength and length testing, massage, and soft tissue mobilization are presented. Includes laboratory study.
PT 622 Clinical Exercise Physiology 4 cr
A study of the effect of physical activity on human physiology with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. Modes of exercise, environmental considerations, and selected clinical populations are also covered in this course. Includes laboratory study.
PT 623 Movement Analysis 1 cr
This course is designed as an introduction to motor control and movement analysis focusing on normal postural control and gait in adult populations.
Prerequisite: PT 601 Minimum Grade of C
PT 624 Movement Analysis II 1 cr
This course is designed to expose students to concepts of motor control and movement analysis for various functional tasks in adult populations.
PT 625 Therapeutic Intervention 4 cr
A study of specific techniques of therapeutic intervention in physical therapy practice including electrophysical agents and manual therapy techniques. The electrophysical agents unit will include the physical principles, physiological effects, therapeutic uses and clinical application of thermal, mechanical, electrical and photic energy. The manual intervention unit will include manual therapy techniques including soft tissue massage. Includes laboratory study. Special fee.
Prerequisite: PT 621 Minimum Grade of C
PT 626 Health Prom & Prev in PT 2 cr
A course to identify disablement risk factors and provide educational intervention to prevent certain diseases and facilitate a positive change in the health behavior of patients.
Prerequisite: PT 622 Minimum Grade of C
PT 627 Medical Screening 2 cr
A course focusing on the use of screening tests and clinical tools to enhance the therapist's role as an independent practitioner with the ability to identify medical conditions of concern that require referral to an appropriate health care provider.
Prerequisite: PT 607 Minimum Grade of C
PT 628 Mobility Ortho & Prosthetics 2 cr
Prerequisite: PT 620 Minimum Grade of C
PT 631 Musculoskeletal Disorders I 3 cr
Etiology, pathophysiology, medical management, and physical therapy examination of selected musculoskeletal disorders. Includes laboratory studies.
PT 632 Musculoskeletal Disorders II 4 cr
A continuation of PT 631 that emphasizes physical therapy examination, diagnostic procedures, and radiology associated with select musculoskeletal disorders. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 631 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C
PT 633 Musculoskeletal Disorders III 2 cr
A continuation of PT 632 that includes emphasizes physical therapy intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 632 Minimum Grade of C
PT 634 Musculoskeletal Disorders IV 3 cr
A continuation of PT 633 that includes etiology, diagnostic procedures and radiography, medical management, physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on the cervical and thoracic spine. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 633 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C
PT 635 Musculoskeletal Disorders V 2 cr
Special topics in the management of musculoskeletal conditions including, but not limited to, industrial medicine, sports physical therapy, and chronic musculoskeletal issues. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 634 Minimum Grade of C
PT 640 Neuromusc PT Exam/Eval 4 cr
This course includes study of the principles and concepts of normal human movement and PT examination/evaluation in patients with disorders of the neuromuscular systems. The course will focus on examination (patient/client history, systems review, tests and measurements), evaluation of examination data (clinical decision-making), with formulation of problem list, functional goals and PT plan of care. Includes laboratory study.
PT 641 Ped Neuromusc PT Exam/Eval 2 cr
This course prepares the student to provide services to children with special health care needs/disabilities and their families in a manner consistent with family-centered care; includes patient/family history, systems review, and tests and measures and opportunities for clinical decision-making and establishing a plan of care based on examination data with emphasis on prognosis for a wide variety of pediatric diseases, conditions, and syndromes impacting typical development. Review of pediatric practice settings and legislation, medical management, pharmacologic treatment, radiographic imaging and other diagnostic testing related to neuromuscular disorders and developmental delay are included.
PT 642 Neuromuscular PT Intervention 4 cr
A course to follow PT 640 with added emphasis on principles and concepts of physical therapy intervention in patients with disorders of the neuromuscular systems. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 640 Minimum Grade of C
PT 643 Physical Therapy in Neuromuscular Case Applications 2 cr
This course includes the application of current neuromuscular physical therapy principles in developing a client centered physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention plan. The course will focus on developing clinical reasoning through application to patient cases.
Prerequisite: PT 642 Minimum Grade of C
PT 644 PT Pediatric Interventions 2 cr
This course is the second in a sequence of two courses that provides an in-depth exploration of assessment and intervention procedures used with pediatric patient populations. The focus of this course will be on conditions present from birth or acquired in childhood. Clinical competence in the treatment of children with movement dysfunction is to be developed.
Prerequisite: (PT 641 Minimum Grade of C)
PT 645 Physical Therapy for Aging Adults 1 cr
The course will focus on primary and secondary aging processes and their impact on the physical therapy management of aging adults. The course will include an overview of physiological changes and psychosocial aspects of aging, as well as consideration of the aging process in the evaluation and treatment of this population.
PT 650 PT in Integumentary Disorders 4 cr
A study of the practice of physical therapy in management of skin disorders and underlying disease with an emphasis on the patient with open wounds, including burns. Includes laboratory study.
Prerequisite: PT 604 Minimum Grade of C
PT 660 PT Cardio/Pulmonary Disorders 4 cr
A study of the principles and practice of physical therapy for patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, including radiography, and medical and surgical management. Includes laboratory study.
PT 671 Clinical Case Studies I 1 cr
A case-based course providing opportunities to develop clinical judgment as part of patient management including establishment of differential diagnosis, patient prognosis, and development of a plan of care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders of peripheral joints. Students will also analyze cases involving ethical, legal and psychosocial concerns for which professional decisions and interprofessional practice or referrals are necessary.
PT 672 Clinical Case Studies II 1 cr
A case-based seminar designed to provide opportunities to develop clinical reasoning and communication skills as part of patient management. Students will develop skills in communicating with the healthcare team, recognizing and ameliorating barriers to patient outcomes, and developing plans of care for patients with complex health and psychosocial issues.
PT 673 Clinical Case Studies III 1 cr
A case-based course to provide opportunities to apply clinical reasoning to promote evidence-based physical therapy practice by integrating best available evidence for patient management and to challenge the status quo of practice to raise it to the most effective level of care.
Prerequisite: PT 672 Minimum Grade of C
PT 674 Clinical Synthesis & Pat Mgmt 1 cr
A review and synthesis of physical therapy examination, evaluation, and development of a plan of care in patient management for specific clinical disorders, emphasizing clinical decision-making based on clinical experience and evidence.
PT 675 Comprehensive Capstone 1 cr
A comprehensive review of didactic material covered within the curriculum that prepares students for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination. All students must pass the final capstone exam to be awarded the DPT degree.
PT 676 Advanced Topics in PT 1 cr
This elective course involves advanced study (beyond entry level) of selected topics within physical practice, research, education and leadership. Topics vary from year to year.
PT 677 Physical Therapy Licensure Board Preparation 0 cr
This course will provide additional preparation to the physical therapy licensure exam.
PT 680 Professional PT Practice 2 cr
A study of physical therapy as a profession with emphasis on the history of physical therapy; role and scope of practice; professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities; licensure; physical therapy education; contemporary practice issues; and professional communication.
PT 681 Clinical Practice Issues - W 2 cr
This course is designed to prepare the student for clinical practice by incorporating the patient management model, clinical decision-making models, health care systems, patient documentation including electronic health records, cultural competence, universal precautions, and risk management.
Prerequisite: PT 680 Minimum Grade of C
PT 682 PT Internship I 6 cr
A planned learning experience of clinical education designed to integrate previous didactic knowledge in a full time, supervised clinical internship in Physical Therapy practice settings.
PT 683 PT Internship II 8 cr
A continuation of PT 682, providing another planned learning experience, designed to integrate previous knowledge in a full time, supervised clinical internship in Physical Therapy practice settings. Good Academic Standing with no required course retakes pending.
PT 685 Management of PT Practice 3 cr
A study of current organizational and management principles and issues related to health care delivery systems with special emphasis on the current and future roles of Physical Therapy.
Prerequisite: PT 687 Minimum Grade of C
PT 687 Collaborative Practice in Physical Therapy 1 cr
This course offers an in-depth exploration of collaborative practice within the profession of physical therapy, emphasizing interprofessional teamwork, effective communication strategies, and person- and family-centered care. Students will examine the importance of collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes and promoting holistic care. Through interactive case studies, guest lectures, and class discussions, students will develop essential skills for effective collaboration, such as shared decision-making, role delineation, and cultural sensitivity.
Prerequisite: PT 681 Minimum Grade of C
PT 689 Evidence Library Skills 1 cr
Discussion of evidence-based practice (EBP) and the importance of literature searching and information management skills.
PT 690 Update in Exercise Physiology 1 cr
This course reviews the effects of exercise intervention upon human physiology and the acute and chronic adaptations associated with physical activity.
PT 691 Clinical Reasoning 2 cr
This course should be one of the first courses taken and will include principles of evidence-based practice, access and evaluation of scientific literature, and application to clinical decision making in specific patient populations.
PT 692 Applied Human Movement 2 cr
This course will focus on recent advances in the understanding of human movement with particular emphasis on biomechanics, kinesiology and motor control.
PT 693 Adv in Musculoskeletal PT 2 cr
An interactive discussion and exploration of physical therapy practice for populations with orthopedic disorders, including examination, intervention and outcome. The focus will be on evidence-based clinical practice. Course topics will include updated research on operative and non-operative procedures for the peripheral joints and spine, spinal and peripheral joint diagnostic imaging (radiography), pharmacology, therapeutic exercise, clinical reasoning, and lifespan issues with a focus on geriatrics.
PT 694 Adv in Neuromuscular PT 2 cr
An interactive discussion and exploration of physical therapy practice for populations with neuromuscular disorders, including examination through intervention and outcomes. The focus will be on clinical practice in this population based on evidence. The course will include diagnostic imaging (radiography), pharmacology, therapeutic exercise, clinical reasoning, and lifespan issues with a focus on geriatrics.
PT 695 Adv in Integumentary PT 2 cr
An interactive discussion of new developments in skin and wound care with an emphasis on development of a plan of care that evolves over the episode of care, prevention of recurrence, and the interaction with the patient and other health care providers.
PT 696 Adv in Cardiovasc/Pulmonary PT 2 cr
An in-depth, interactive discussion of issues related to the examination, evaluation, and plan of care for patients/clients with primary and secondary cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders across the lifespan. Clinical reasoning, pharmacology and imaging techniques will be emphasized.
PT 697 DPT Directed Study 1-3 cr
Directed research or comprehensive review of evidence-based literature completed in a clinical area of interest under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The student will document incorporation of course content into their current clinical practice. This course may be repeated up to two times with a different focus-topic each time.
PT 698 Professional Issues/Ethics 2 cr
Discussion of current professional issues including clinical practice, management, legal, ethical/moral and psychosocial topics embedded within the current health care market faced by health care providers. This course will include interactive discussions among students and instructor and will include literature to support discussion topics.
PT 699 DPT Seminar - 1-8 cr
An elective seminar to update information in specific areas of study. Course number may be repeated three times.
Faculty
| Faculty Name | Faculty Department | Faculty Position | Degrees Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews, Tara Childers | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BS, Auburn University DPT, University of South Alabama |
| Burley, Troy Raymond | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BS, California Polytechnic-San Lui MPT, Western U Of Health Sciences PHD, Rocky Mtn Univ of Hlth Profess |
| Cahanin, Richard Louis | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BS, Louisiana State University DPT, University of South Alabama PHD, Rocky Mtn Univ of Hlth Profess |
| Coale, Tracey Lynne | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | AS, Coastal Alabama Comm College BSPT, University of South Alabama DPT, Boston University |
| Drake, Shawn M. | Physical Therapy | Professor | BS, Arkansas State University-Main MS, Arkansas State University-Main PHD, University of Southern Miss MPT, Arkansas State University-Main |
| Saale, Blair Purcell | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BA, Furman University DPT, Belmont University |
| Strehler, Kevin Yannick Emanuel | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BS, Minnesota St Unversity-Mankato PHD, University of Florida DPT, University of Florida |
| Warren, Preston Palmer | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BFA, University of South Alabama DPT, University of South Alabama MD, University of South Alabama |
| White, Laura Wilson | Physical Therapy | Assistant Professor | BS, Baylor University MS, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham DSCPT, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham |
Emeritus Faculty
Dennis Fell, PT, MD
Charles Grey, DPT
Elizabeth Kennedy, PT, PhD, PCS
James C. Wall, PhD