Public Administration (MPA

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. 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.

GDPT 814 Evidence-Based Practice 1

2 credits This course teaches students how to ask a focused clinical question; search for the best available evidence to answer the question; understand how to critically appraise the evidence; and understand how the application of evidence supports clinical decision-making. Students will develop their knowledge of research terms, concepts, designs and the most frequently used statistical analyses in physical therapy literature. Students will learn how to critically appraise evidence related to diagnostic testing, clinical measures, prognosis, treatment efficacy and effectiveness, and systematic reviews with and without meta-analysis.

GDPT 815 Essentials of Physical Therapy Practice

2 credits The essential concepts of the physical therapy patient/client management model are introduced, set within the context of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, and ICF model of disability and functioning. The five elements of patient/client management are defined with an emphasis on data that may be generated from a patient/client history. The profession and history of physical therapy are introduced. Medical terminology is reviewed. Applications of fundamental physical therapy interventions are initiated including standard precautions, patient/client positioning, transfers, assistive ambulation, wheelchair management, and negotiation of architectural barriers. Students begin learning patient data collection including obtaining a patient/client history, assessing vital signs, and functional ability levels.

GDPT 816 Community Health Initiatives 1

1 credit The purpose of this course sequence is for students to understand their expanding and potential professional role in the community; and to develop skills and application of educational activities, health promotion, prevention and wellness through experiential community-based learning (service learning). In the first course of this sequence, students will engage in community activities supportive of the Erie community and society. Students will begin to study the scope of local community services agencies that promote improving the health of the community and its constituents. Concepts of health promotion, wellness, and service learning will be introduced. Oral discussion, reflective writing, and student directed readings are used to link social responsibility with professional role in the community.

GDPT 818 Foundations in Human Movement GDPT 819 Foundations in Human Movement Lab

6 credits This course is an in-depth analysis of normal and pathological human motion that provides a framework for much of the basic and applied foundation and clinical content areas of the physical therapy curriculum. A major emphasis is placed on normal anatomical structure and function. Incorporated within the course is a study of the pathological mechanisms affecting human movements. Basic theories of biomechanics and kinesiology are presented, along with application of these principles to biologic tissues, providing students with the necessary principles to analyze the forces generated by muscles and the forces applied to joints during gait and other activities. Fundamental patient evaluation procedures of palpation, joint motion, strength assessment, gait, posture assessment movement/task analysis, and sensory and reflex testing are also presented. Laboratory experiences are designed to enhance, integrate and apply lecture concepts.

GDPT 821 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Dysfunction 1

2 credits

GDPT 823 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Dysfunction 2

3 credits These courses provide an integrated approach to the study of normal movement and movement system dysfunction of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Model including relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, differential diagnoses, pharmacology, imaging, medical and therapeutic concepts associated with these systems. The context of the course fosters evidence-based practice and is set within the framework of patient/client management model. Understanding the implications of psychosocial, cultural, economic, and vocational aspects of impairment and disability are incorporated into case discussions. The course offers lecture, clinical case-based discussion and laboratory learning experiences building on patient/client problems that facilitate development of student competencies linked to cardiovascular/pulmonary movement system function and dysfunction.

Part 1 (GDPT 821): The first course in this two-part series focuses primarily on examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions of movement dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. The impact of acute and chronic cardiovascular system dysfunction with pulmonary implications are studied. Interconnections of the cardiovascular system with diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease are explored with an introduction to the sequelae of amputation. Exercise physiology concepts are reviewed including how the autonomic nervous system affects the cardiac and pulmonary systems during movement and the exercise response.

Part 2 (GDPT 823): This second course in the two-part series focuses primarily on examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions of movement dysfunction of the pulmonary system. The impacts of acute and chronic pulmonary dysfunction are emphasized with interconnections to the cardiovascular and peripheral vascular systems. Structure and function of the pulmonary systems, mechanics of ventilation/perfusion, lung volumes and capacity constructs are integrated within the context of pathologies, diagnostic testing (including arterial blood gases), mechanical ventilation, and interventions that optimize breathing or promote

airway clearance and improve movement system function. Basic concepts about anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the vascular, lymphatic and integumentary systems are identified as related to wound physiology, and normal and abnormal healing.

GDPT 826 Community Health Initiatives 2

1 credit In the second course of this sequence, students take a more active role in work with community partners. Basic concepts of educational theory and development of behavioral objectives related to teaching and learning are introduced and applied to work with community partners. Cultural competency and differences within individuals and among cultural groups are introduced. Communication, health promotion and wellness, and professional roles and values are reinforced as students engage with new community partners.

GDPT 822 Examination, Evaluation & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of the Extremities GDPT 824 Examination, Evaluation & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of the Extremities Lab

9 credits The GDPT 822 & 824 course sequence is an integrated approach to the study of relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, medical and therapeutic concepts related to musculoskeletal aspects of physical therapy practice of the extremities. The course includes the physical therapy evaluation process, physical therapeutic techniques and procedures, reimbursable documentation and patient care program development from a collaborative management approach. The course offers classroom, laboratory and clinical field experiences building from simple to complex problems to assist the student in developing necessary competencies in musculoskeletal physical therapy. Experiences related to psychological, social, cultural, economic and vocational aspects of impairment and disability are included. The course offers learning experiences using the problem oriented case study approach, organized around the musculoskeletal system, with an orientation toward health maintenance, promotion and prevention of disease and disability.

GDPT 825 Examination, Evaluation & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of the Spine GDPT 827 Examination, Evaluation & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of the Spine Lab

4 credits The GDPT 825 & 827 course sequence is an integrated approach to the study of relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, medical and therapeutic concepts related to musculoskeletal aspects of physical therapy practice in the spine. This course will follow the same format and build on concepts and skills taught in GDPT 822 & 824. The course includes the physical therapy evaluation process, physical therapeutic techniques and procedures, reimbursable documentation and patient care program development from a collaborative management approach. The course offers classroom, laboratory and clinical field experiences. Experiences related to psychological, social, cultural, economic and vocational aspects of impairment and disability are included. The course offers learning experiences using the problem oriented case study approach, organized around the musculoskeletal system, with an orientation toward health maintenance, promotion and prevention of disease and disability.

GDPT 830 Health Care Systems and Policy 2

2 credits Physical therapy practice related to insurance regulations for documentation, billing and reimbursement varies in each setting. As the first year physical therapy student prepares to enter into the outpatient setting, this course will facilitate a deeper awareness of the physical therapists’ role in the outpatient setting. Using a blended classroom and online module approach to this course, the student will develop an understanding of the legal, ethical and compliance standards for patient care in the outpatient physical therapy practice setting, their responsibilities related to supervision of physical therapist assistants, and the process related to emergency preparedness in patient care.

GDPT 831 Foundations in Geriatrics

2 credits Foundations in Geriatrics is part of the lifespan content of the curriculum and complements the Foundations in Pediatrics course. Normal versus pathologic aging of all body systems will be defined. Common pathologies associated with aging will be considered. Specific examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for the elderly will be identified. The impact of psychosocial aspects of aging are considered as they affect the health and well-being of the older adult. Ethical, legal, and health care issues specific to the geriatric population will be discussed.

GDPT 832 Clinical Experience 1 (10 weeks)

5 credits This is a ten-week, full-time clinical experience provided primarily throughout the United States. The experience is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop competency in the management of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction.

GDPT 841 Foundations in Pediatrics

4 credits An in-depth study of the theories and concepts related to normal motor development and motor control. Building upon this foundation, the course provides an integrated approach to the study of all relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathological, medical and therapeutic concerns related to pediatric musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary physical therapy practice. This course includes the physical therapy evaluation process, physical therapeutic techniques and procedures, and patient care program development from a collaborative management paradigm. The course offers learning experiences using direct patient care opportunities in laboratory and clinical settings to assist the student in developing some of the instrumental competencies in pediatric physical therapy.

Experiences related to psychological, social, cultural, economic, and vocational aspects of impairment and disability of acute, subacute and chronic cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal care are included. The course offers learning experiences presented using the problem/case study approach, organized around the musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems, with an orientation toward health maintenance and promotion and prevention of disease.

GDPT 843 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Neuromuscular Movement Dysfunction 1 GDPT 845 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Neuromuscular Movement Dysfunction 1 Lab

4 credits An integrated approach to the study of relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, medical and therapeutic concepts related to pediatric neurological physical therapy practice. The course includes the physical therapy evaluation process, physical therapeutic techniques and procedures, and patient care program development from a collaborative management paradigm. The course offers learning experiences using direct patient care opportunities in the laboratory through the utilization of children from various community resources to assist the student in developing the necessary competencies of physical therapy practice in these areas. The course offers learning experiences using the problem/case study approach, organized around the body system, with an orientation toward health maintenance and promotion and prevention of disease and disability.

GDPT 844 Evidence-Based Practice 2

1 credit Students will advance their evidence-based practice skill selecting databases of synthesized evidence rather than primary resources to answer focused clinical questions. Quality Appraisal of various types of outcomes, self-report outcomes and qualitative research paradigms are introduced. Utilizing the synthesized evidence databases, students will individually develop an annotated bibliography related to evidence-based practice topics that are faculty developed and lead.

GDPT 847 Clinical Synthesis 1

1 credit This course is designed to facilitate in the physical therapy student the ability to synthesize clinical data with the research evidence supporting the examination and treatment of the selected diagnoses. The student will be required to analyze the literature regarding a selected case, facilitate a discussion of examination findings and treatment selection in a group setting with colleagues, and critique and reflect upon their previous examination and treatment of the case. A comprehensive examination is incorporated in this course to assist in review and synthesis of information presented during the first year of the curriculum.

GDPT 848 Neuroscience GDPT 849 Neuroscience Lab

5 credits This course is a study of structure and function of the human central and peripheral nervous system including vascular components and special senses. The course emphasizes nervous system control of movement. Laboratory sessions include human nervous system material as depicted in the course lab manual and atlas, brain sections, and anatomical models. The course uses clinical correlations to reinforce comprehension of structure and function.

GDPT 850 Health Care Systems and Policy 3

2 credits Physical therapists work within the healthcare system, and have responsibilities and reimbursement impacted by health policy. This course will facilitate second year physical therapy students’ awareness of their role as a physical therapist related to reimbursement, ethics, advocacy, and team-based patient care. 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 851 Evidence-Based Practice Guidance 3

1 credit The purpose of this course is for student groups to work with their EBP Content advisors to continue developing and refining their evidence-based practice skills. Under the guidance of their content advisor, student EBP groups will synthesize: a written narrative review of the literature related to their evidence-based project topic; and, prepare and present to peers a synopsis of their EBP topic. Content advisors will also assist their student group to identify research design methods and data analyses for a specific problem/purpose statement and/or research question related to their EBP topic.

GDPT 853 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Neuromuscular Movement Dysfunction 2 GDPT 855 Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention for Neuromuscular Movement Dysfunction 2 Lab

9 credits An integrated approach to the study of relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, medical and therapeutic concepts related to adult cerebrovascular, traumatic and degenerative neurologic physical therapy practice. The course includes the physical therapy examination and evaluation process, physical therapeutic techniques and procedures, and patient/client care program development from a collaborative management paradigm. The course offers learning experiences using direct observation and supervised interaction in the laboratory and clinic with adult volunteers with various neurologic disabilities, to develop the necessary competencies of physical therapy practice in these areas. Also incorporated are direct patient care opportunities in the clinical setting through the use of experienced clinicians working with the students in a clinical mentoring program. The course offers learning experiences which