Physical Therapy
ACCREDITATION The Physical Therapy educational program at the Erie, PA campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. For further information on accreditation, contact: CAPTE, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085. Phone: (703) 706-3245.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCES Students participate in four full-time clinical experiences [forty (40) total weeks] spaced throughout the curriculum. The clinical education component is designed to allow students the opportunity to practice and refine their assessment process, skills and techniques immediately following the presentation of the didactic material. Many of the clinical sites that the DPT Program uses for clinical placements require a clear criminal record or the student may not be assigned to that site. Once admitted to a DPT program, a DPT student with a criminal record may be limited in clinical site assignments. Many clinical sites also require drug testing prior to starting the clinical experience. A clear drug test may be required for the student to participate in the learning experience. The Directors of Clinical Education formally tracks the clinical site placements of each student, makes site selections, and advises each student to gain the most diverse exposure possible. Students are encouraged to complete clinical experiences outside of northwestern Pennsylvania.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS GDPT 802 Foundations in Pathology and Medical Management for the PT 1 3 credits This is the first in a two-semester course sequence which will take a systematic approach to examine the structural and physiologic changes with various diseases and conditions, current medical and pharmaceutical management, and the role of the physical therapist. Basic pathologic principles will be discussed for all diseases and conditions covered within each system, with a focus placed on clinical presentation, etiology, risk factors, genetic predispositions, physiology and pathophysiology. Basic pharmacologic principles and general drug classifications within each system will also be reviewed. Drug therapy rationale and implications will be discussed, with an emphasis on adverse effects and impact on physical therapy intervention. Basic review of and rationale for laboratory values, medical imaging and diagnostic testing will be discussed as part of the management of these diseases and the role of the physical therapist. Clinical decision-making skills will be applied using selected patient case studies.
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Systems and/or topics which will be covered in this course sequence include: genomics, immunologic, infectious disease, integumentary, oncology, hepatic, pancreatic, biliary, hematologic, lymphatic, renal, urologic, reproductive, and biopsychosocial diseases/disorders. GDPT 810 Health Care Systems and Policy 1 2 credits Physical therapists work within the healthcare system, and have responsibilities and reimbursement impacted by health policy. This course will facilitate first year physical therapy students’ awareness of their role as a physical therapist related to reimbursement, ethics, advocacy, and team-based patient care. Using a blended classroom and online module approach to the course, the student will develop an understanding of the configuration of the US health care system and the delivery of physical therapy services, including the types of financing for these services. GDPT 811 Applied Anatomy 2 credits An advanced study of human anatomy with cadaver dissection and clinical correlation to the practice of physical therapy. The course is structured to provide laboratory experiences that supplement the didactic material presented in GDPT 815 and GDPT 818. Incorporated in the course are activities to develop skills of teamwork and education of peers and review of professional literature as it relates to anatomy. GDPT 812 Foundations in Pathology and Medical Management for the PT 2 2 credits This is the second in a two-semester course sequence which will take a systematic approach to examine the structural and physiologic changes with various diseases and conditions, current medical and pharmaceutical management, and the role of the physical therapist. Basic pathologic principles will be discussed for all diseases and conditions covered within each system, with a focus placed on clinical presentation, etiology, risk factors, genetic predispositions, physiology and pathophysiology. Basic pharmacologic principles and general drug classifications within each system will also be reviewed. Drug therapy rationale and implications will be discussed, with an emphasis on adverse effects and impact on physical therapy intervention. Basic review of and rationale for laboratory values, medical imaging and diagnostic testing will be discussed as part of the management of these diseases and the role of the physical therapist. Clinical decision-making skills will be applied using selected patient case studies. Systems and/or topics which will be covered in this course sequence include: endocrine/metabolic, musculoskeletal, autonomic nervous system, peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic and multi-system diseases.
