Academic Catalog

Physical Therapy (DPT) (PDPT)

PDPT 59500-59505 Clinical Grand Rounds (NLA)

Provides students with the opportunity to participate in physical therapy services for a variety of patients/clients with neuromusculoskeletal pathologies seen in the Ithaca College Occupational and Physical Therapy Clinic. Students participate in the physical therapy patient/client management model under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
1 Credit

PDPT 59900-59905 Selected Topics in Physical Therapy (NLA)

Clinical and professional topics of current interest to faculty and students. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. (IRR)
0-3 Credits

PDPT 60100 Wellness and Prevention (NLA)

Explores the role of physical therapy in wellness and prevention of common health concerns of individuals, groups and communities. Develops the awareness and expertise of the physical therapist in functioning in this capacity. Reinforces the physiological rationale behind designing comprehensive wellness programs. Emphasis on identifying risks, performing culturally appropriate health and wellness interventions, general concepts of program development and assessment, and integration for teaching/learning and motivation strategies. Also explores national agenda regarding health promotion and prevention of chronic disease. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,Y,B)
1 Credit

PDPT 60200 Neuroscience (NLA)

This course covers an in-depth study of the nervous system structure and function important to the practice of physical therapy. Topics include the physical and electrical properties of cells in the nervous system, sensory-motor integration, motor and postural control, clinical syndromes, plasticity and nervous system development. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (B,F,Y)
5 Credits

PDPT 60300 Musculoskeletal II (NLA)

Examination of and interventions for patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine. Students learn objective measurements of spinal posture, mobility, and function to differentiate among various spinal conditions. Selected interventions are presented and practiced. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 60400 Neuromuscular Foundations (NLA)

Prepares students to perform a complete physical therapy neurological examination of patients with peripheral and central nervous system disorders. Students will be directed to perform specific tests that examine cognition, sensation, perception, muscle tone, motor function, balance, gait, and function. The measurement properties of these clinical tests and balance and gait outcome measures will be discussed. Neuroplasticity and motor control theories will be presented. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 60500 Pharmacology (NLA)

The course analyzes the action of basic drugs, including such variables as how the drug is administered, absorbed, distributed, stored, metabolized, and excreted. Evaluation of how drugs are selected for specific pathology is also included. Special emphasis is placed on drugs that are commonly used to treat disorders seen in patients receiving physical therapy. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,Y)
2 Credits

PDPT 60600 Integrated Clinical Experience III (NLA)

This clinical education experience provides students with an opportunity to work with patients under the supervision of a faculty member with increasing independence in a diverse experience. Students will apply knowledge and skills in order to assume greater responsibilities in direct patient care. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,S,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 60700 Pathokinesiology (NLA)

This course presents specific pathological conditions (primarily organized according to anatomical regions) that result in disorders of posture, movement and locomotion. The presentation and analyses of these pathological conditions include neurological, neuromotor, and musculoskeletal aspects with respect to the causes of dysfunction. Laboratory exercises require the student to use movement analysis equipment to demonstrate pathomechanics and abnormal movement patterns. The course builds upon the foundations of movement analysis examined during Applied Biomechanics PTBS-50400. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 60800 Evidence-Based Practice II (NLA)

Focus is on how research is used to guide clinical decision-making and form the basis for contemporary physical therapist practice. Specifically, this course will build upon principles introduced in PTBS 50800 and acquaint students with how to access and critically review the literature to answer clinical questions. Students will evaluate and categorize specific articles that illustrate various types and levels of evidence. Students will also explore specific clinical questions, access the scientific literature using computer databases, and plan interventions based on the strength of the available evidence. Finally, this course will prepare the student to enter PDPT 61600 in their final professional year so they will be able to examine the existing literature and identify areas for future research. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (S,Y)
2 Credits

PDPT 60900 Motor Development across the Lifespan (NLA)

Typical motor development processes from the embryo to old age. Review of research and theory; evaluation of gross motor and fine motor development; and the influence of perception, visualization and auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input on the acquisition of motor skills. Lifespan issues will be addressed. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (S,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 61000 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Testing and Management (NLA)

A review of normal cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, and the response of these systems to exercise and disease. Cardiovascular and pulmonary pathologies are discussed, including a review of the medical and surgical management of specific diseases. Evaluation procedures used to determine the status of cardiovascular and pulmonary function are studied and performed in the laboratory. Clinical management procedures used by all members of the rehabilitation team are reviewed, with emphasis on specific physical therapy procedures for people with cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. (S,Y)
4 Credits

PDPT 61100 Neurological Rehabilitation I (NLA)

This course focuses on the body structure/function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions experienced by individuals with neurologic health conditions resulting from acquired disorders of the central nervous system. Students will apply a systematic clinical decision-making approach to the physical therapy examination of these individuals. By integrating data from the patient's medical history with reports from interdisciplinary team members, and findings from standardized examinations and functional task analysis, a movement system diagnosis and a realistic prognosis will be established. Design and progression of the physical therapy plan of care will be considered, guided by current concepts of neuroplasticity and neurotherapeutics. Prerequisites: Completion of BS in Clinical Health Studies. (S,Y)
4 Credits

PDPT 61200 Clinical Education I (NLA)

The first full time placement for the student in a clinical environment where he or she has the close supervision of a clinical instructor. This experience provides an opportunity to practice and develop skills in analyzing motor performance, in examination and intervention of joint and soft tissue pathologies and spinal dysfunction. The student should also exhibit an understanding of the administration of a physical therapy department. The student continues to synthesize all previous professional coursework. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (U,Y)
4 Credits

PDPT 61300 Clinical Orthopedics (NLA)

Reviews the medical and conservative management of common orthopedic disorders. Initially the course focuses on review of basic principles of orthopedic diagnosis and pathology, followed by medical and conservative management of common orthopedic disorders of the extremities and spine. An expectation is that students will integrate information gained from prior coursework. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (B,F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 61400 Clinical Administration in Physical Therapy (NLA)

In this course students learn how to start and manage a physical therapy practice. The course focuses on organizational structure, management, program development, facilities, staffing, information systems, reimbursement, marketing, and fiscal planning. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 61500 Neurological Rehabilitation II (NLA)

This course builds on concepts introduced in PDPT 61100, with a focus on the body structure/function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions experienced by individuals with neurologic health conditions resulting from specific acquired disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. Students will gain continued exposure to the application of a systematic clinical decision-making approach to the physical therapy examination process, integrating data from the patient's medical history with reports from interdisciplinary team members and findings from standardized examinations and functional task analysis to arrive at a movement system diagnosis and establish a realistic prognosis. Design and progression of the physical therapy plan of care will be considered, guided by current concepts of neuroplasticity and neurotherapeutics as it applies to the health conditions that are considered. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 61600 Case Report I (NLA)

This course is focused on case report methodology to model evidence based practice. Students will identify a relevant case during Clinical Education I and use the information to base their project on. Online lectures will focus on how to prepare a manuscript, abstract, and poster presentation. Students will have frequent individual and small group meetings with a project mentor throughout the semester. Prerequisites: PDPT 61200. (F,Y)
2 Credits

PDPT 61700 Pediatric Rehabilitation (NLA)

This course focuses on the etiology, pathology, diagnosis, medical, surgical, and physical therapy management of pediatric disorders of the neuromuscular system (inherited and acquired disorders of development and movement). Using the International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF) framework, students will apply systematic clinical decision-making that integrates all aspects of patient-client management for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and young adults aged birth to 21 years. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (F,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 61800 Orthotics/Prosthetics (NLA)

An in-depth review of the principles and practices of orthotics and prosthetics as applied by a physical therapist. This includes a survey of the basic biomechanical principles used in applying orthotic and prosthetic appliances as well as principles of patient application, training and management of complications. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (F,Y)
2 Credits

PDPT 61900 Clinical Education II (NLA)

This is a student's second full time placement in a clinical environment, giving the opportunity to apply more advanced theories and treatment procedures to a selected patient caseload with guidance from a clinical instructor. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (S,Y)
5 Credits

PDPT 62000 Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Care (NLA)

A review of psychological and social issues affecting patients and therapists in the clinic, home, and community. Addresses special topics relevant to assessing a patient's and a clinician's response to illness. These topics include health, culture, sexuality, bias, disability, abuse, psychosomatic illness, pain perception, grief and loss, and selected psychiatric disorders. Students will consider psychological, social, cultural and ethical issues of clients/patients and physical therapists' interactions in current practice settings. Emphasis will be placed on health, illness, and disability. Various theoretical frameworks will be introduced. Students will participate in large and small group discussions and have opportunities to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and biases as well as their past health-related experiences. The aim of the course is to integrate the psychosocial and physical aspects of patient care and yield reflective and effective health care providers. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (S,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 62100 Advanced Clinical Management (NLA)

This course focuses on the clinical reasoning process to manage complex cases and the interaction with other healthcare specialists. Students will be required to integrate concepts from previous coursework as they consider reasoning strategies for cases with multisystem disease. This case-based course will require students to work through diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions, including treatment progression and consideration of the need for referral of multi-disciplinary management. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (S,Y)
2 Credits

PDPT 62200 Case Report II (NLA)

This course is a continuation of Case Report I that is focused on case report methodology to model evidence based practice. Frequent meetings with a project mentor occurs throughout the semester while the student writes their final paper and prepares for presentation. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (S,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 62300 Professional Development III (NLA)

A continuation of the professional development series, this course advances the students' understanding and application of their role as a professional in their relationship with patients/clients, in the practice setting and in our society. Analyses of clinical situations facilitate student exploration of ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, cultural diversity, leadership, and application of professionalism. Strategies for adaptability and time management in the clinical setting are presented. This class prepares students to enter the workforce, begin clinical practice, and continue on a path of lifelong learning. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (S,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 62400 Clinical Education III (NLA)

This is a student's final full time placement in a clinical environment. This course is the capstone course in the clinical education series. At the conclusion of the 12-week placement, the student is expected to demonstrate entry level physical therapy practice. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all prior required coursework. (U,Y)
6 Credits

PDPT 62500 Integrated Clinical Experience II (NLA)

Provides students with an opportunity to work with patients under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will apply learned knowledge and skills and assume appropriate responsibilities in direct patient care. This second clinical education experience is integrated into the curriculum. (F,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 62800 Health Care Systems (NLA)

Introduces the basic constructs of the US health care system with emphasis on how system components influence patient referrals, delivery of care, reimbursement, and outcomes in physical therapy. (F,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 62900 Independent Clinical Study (NLA)

This course is designed to meet the individual needs of a student, which are identified during a clinical education course. Content of this course will address specific objectives identified by the student, the clinical instructor(s), and the director of clinical education. Prerequisites: All previous coursework; faculty permission required. (F,S,Y)
1-3 Credits

PDPT 63100 Research Project I (NLA)

Review literature relevant to the research question, practice and modify the methods based on pilot data, complete CITI training, and potentially start data collection in small groups. Complete a draft of the introduction and method section of a manuscript. This is the first of a three-course research sequence based on a faculty-lead research project. (F,S,IRR,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 63200 Research Project II (NLA)

Continue a research project with a faculty mentor. Revise drafts of introduction and methods sections. Collect data in small groups. Begin data analysis and drafts of results section. This is the second of a three-course research sequence based on a faculty-lead research project. Prerequisites: PDPT 63100. (F,IRR,S,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 63300 Research Project III (NLA)

Continue a research project with a faculty mentor. Complete final data analysis and revise drafts to complete a final paper and prepare an abstract and presentation. This is the third of a three-research course sequence based on a faculty mentored research project. Prerequisites: PDPT 63200. (F,IRR,S,Y)
1 Credit

PDPT 69000-69005 Selected Topics in Physical Therapy (NLA)

Clinical and professional topics of current interest to faculty and students. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. (IRR)
0-3 Credits

PDPT 69300 Clinical Education IV

This is the fourth course in the clinical education series. The student is expected to begin to assume the role of the primary physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The student begins to manage all aspects of patient care. One six-week session. Student must register for this course and PDPT 69400 or register for PDPT 69500. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. (Sum,Y)
3 Credits

PDPT 69900 Independent Study (NLA)

This course, which requires a faculty sponsor, allows students to complete an in-depth study or project in an area of their interest related to physical therapy. Includes a final presentation. Prerequisites: Permission of faculty sponsor, academic adviser, graduate chair, and dean. May be repeated for a total of (F,S,Y)
1-3 Credits