Clinical Education III
General Objectives
Clinical Education III is the student’s third placement in a health care facility under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The student is given the opportunity to apply more advanced theories and treatment procedures to a selected patient caseload with guidance from a CI. The student continues to develop professional behaviors while developing effectiveness in all aspects of the patient client management model.
The academic coursework has given the student adequate preparation for patient care in a variety of settings. Students at this level have not yet completed orthotics/prosthetics, differential diagnosis, medicine/surgery or wellness and prevention academic coursework.
Courses Completed Prior To:
Clinical Education III: PDPT-69200
HUMAN ANATOMY Study of the gross anatomical components of the human body through the use of lecture and cadaver dissection. Emphasis on the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems found in the extremities, trunk, chest, abdominal walls and in the head and neck.
MASSAGE AND SURFACE ANATOMY A predominantly laboratory-based course includes a presentation of theory, principles, and techniques of various forms of therapeutic massage. Regional palpation and surface anatomy are emphasized.
MOBILITY TRAINING Designed to teach the principles and skills involved in ambulation training with and without assistive devices, transfer training, wheelchair management, safety in patient handling, and proper body mechanics.
TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE CLINICAL SETTING Preparation to teach in a variety of settings and formats for academic, clinical, and professional purposes. Content is applicable to community presentations, group in-services, as well as patient/family teaching. Includes impact of age, culture, environment, and motivation, domains of learning, instructional objectives, teaching methods, and instructional technology.
PROFESSION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY Description of physical therapy as a profession in the United States including history, professional organization,, roles of the physical therapist and related personnel, and scope of practice.
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS Constructs of the U.S. health care system, with emphasis on how system components influence patient referrals, delivery of care, and reimbursement. The course focuses on the health care system’s influence on rehabilitation services with emphasis on allied health.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I Introduction to the Practice Act, Code of Ethics, roles of paraprofessionals, professional and ethical behavior, and effective communication styles. Instruction in clinical education teams, models of clinical education and assessment of clinical performance.
MUSCULOSKELETAL EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION A clinical decision-making model for assessment of musculoskeletal problems. Emphasis on problems related to the extremities, but some basic evaluation techniques for cervical and lumbar regions are introduced. Assessment includes subjective history taking and objective measurements, passive ROM and goniometry, manual muscle testing, flexibility testing, special orthopedic tests, and posture analysis.
BIOMECHANICS Application of mechanical principles to human movement. Particular attention is directed towards studying the effect of forces in producing normal movement. Students are required to apply their knowledge of anatomy towards understanding individual joint function, as well as the integrated function of several joints during complex activities such as normal gait.
ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC MODALITIES AND PHYSICAL AGENTS The study of the biophysical, physiological, and clinical principles and procedures associated with the application of electromagnetic and acoustic energy in the treatment of pathological conditions.
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE A comprehensive analysis of the physiology of skeletal muscle, including a review of developmental concepts and adaptations of muscle to changes in activity and hormone/drug levels. Forms of exercise are analyzed in terms of their physiological effects and their relationship to training and treatment programs.
CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY The study of human physiology from a clinical perspective. Addresses normal function in the primary physiologic systems and how physical therapy interventions influence system functions. Introduces pathophysiologic syndromes common to patients receiving physical therapy treatment. Describes physiologic responses in patients receiving specific physical therapy interventions.
PATHOLOGY FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS Examination of the components of general disease and injury processes and specific components of selected diseases likely to be encountered in physical therapy practice.
SOFT TISSUE AND PERIPHERAL JOINT EXAMINATION AND MOBILIZATION This lecture and lab course is an introduction to the physical therapy methods of stretching, soft tissue treatment techniques, and mobilization of peripheral joints.
NEUROANATOMY Comprehensive study of the structural features and connectivity of the human central and peripheral nervous systems.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Study of the concepts, terms, and methods of investigating the physiology of the human nervous system.
CLINICAL ADMINISTRATION I First of a two-part course series on effective and efficient administration of rehabilitation services. Emphasis is on department organization and planning, reimbursement, foundations of control, management information systems, fiscal planning, risk management, quality assurance, external regulatory mechanisms, marketing and public relations, and assessment of service outcomes.
SPINE EXAMINATION AND REHABILITATION Examination 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.
BIOSTATISTICS Discussion of descriptive and inferential statistics. Particular emphasis is placed on the statistical interpretation of basic science and clinical research studies. The course involves use of calculators and computers.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT II Provides the tools for personal career development. Includes professional behavior and generic abilities, resume writing, professional portfolios, effectiveness as an individual and team player, and professional development during clinical affiliations.
CLINICAL ADMINISTRATION II: PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT: Second in a two-part series on clinical administration. Personnel issues in the clinical environment are examined. Basic personnel management concepts affecting the new graduate are covered. Included are concepts and theories of human behavior in organizations, motivation, leadership, supervision, power, organizational climate and behavior, effective teamwork, performance rewards and appraisal, conflict management, and coping with personal stress in the work environment.
PHARMACOLOGY Presents the basic drug classes and the physiological bases of their action. Drugs are grouped according to their general effects and the type of disorders they are routinely used to treat. Special emphasis on drugs commonly used to treat disorders frequently seen in patients receiving physical therapy.
NORMAL MOTOR DEVELOPMENT Normal motor development processes from the embryo to old age. Review of research, theory; evaluation of gross motor and fine motor development; and the influence of perception, vision and auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input on the acquisition of motor skills. Introduction to theories of motor control and motor learning.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION Current and historical perspectives in the electrophysiological evaluation of neuromuscular diseases and disorders. Students perform fundamental electrodiagnostic tests including EMF and NCV.
PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF PATIENT CARE A review of psychological and social issues affecting patients and therapists in the clinic, home and community environments. Addresses special topics relevant to assessing a patient’s and a clinician’s response to illness. These topics include terminal illness, sexuality and illness or disability, psychosomatic illness, and selected psychiatric disorders.
PATHOKINESIOLOGY
Presents specific pathological conditions (primarily organized according to anatomical regions) that result in disorders of posture, movement, and locomotion. The presentations and analyses of the pathokinesiological conditions include neurological, neuromotor, and musculoskeletal aspects with respect to the cause of dysfunction.
RESEARCH III: Research Seminar
This course is taught over three academic blocks (1 credit per block). It is designed to provide a mentored experience in research for entry-level physical therapy students. Working in groups with a faculty adviser, the student will propose a hypothesis, complete a literature review, and develop a research method, followed by data collection and a summary of results. The style of the projects is not restricted, allowing freedom to design projects that are practical and meaningful. At the completion of the project each research team will present its findings, which will be evaluated by faculty, professionals from the community, and student peers.
NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION I
Focus primarily on specific movement-related impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities experienced by individuals with neurologic involvement as a result of acquired nonprogressive disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Students will be directed to apply a systematic clinical decision-making approach to physical therapy care, integrating findings from a patient's medical history and reports of other rehabilitation team members with results of standardized neurological examinations, observations of movement, and analysis of functional tasks. Students will be guided to synthesize this information to identify functional problems and their probable causes (i.e., reach a physical therapy diagnosis), establish a realistic prognosis, and begin to plan and execute appropriate physical therapy interventions for individuals with acquired, nonprogressive CNS disorders.
NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION II
Builds on concepts introduced in PDPT 67400. Focuses on the movement-related impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities experienced by individuals with neurologic involvement as a result of specific acquired progressive or nonprogressive disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Students will learn to apply a systematic clinical decision-making approach as they integrate findings from a physical therapy examination to identify functional problems and their causes (i.e., reach a physical therapy diagnosis), establish a realistic prognosis, and plan and execute physical therapy interventions for individuals with nervous system disorders of a progressive or nonprogressive nature.
PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION
The etiology; pathology; diagnosis; medical, surgical, and clinical examination; evaluation; and physical therapy management of pediatric disorders of the neuromuscular system. The physiological basis and therapeutic techniques of neurophysiological approaches to intervention are examined.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT III
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. Prepares students for participation in clinical education coursework and clinical practice. Strategies for adaptability and time management in the clinical setting are presented. Analyses of clinical situations facilitate student exploration of ethical decision making, patient advocacy, cultural diversity, leadership, and application of professionalism.
CLINICAL SCIENCE – ORTHOPEDICS
Covers pathogenesis, clinical presentation, medical and surgical management, and rehabilitation of orthopedic disorders. Both physical therapist and physicians present information on their respective roles in providing evaluation and treatment.
CARDIAC TESTING AND MANAGEMENT
A review of normal cardiac physiology and the response of this system to exercise and disease. Cardiac pathologies are discussed, including a review of the medical and surgical management of specific disease groups. Evaluation procedures utilized to determine the status of the cardiac system's performance 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.
PULMONARY TESTING AND MANAGEMENT
Review of normal pulmonary physiology and the response of the pulmonary system to exercise and disease. Pulmonary pathologies are discussed, including a review of the medical and surgical management of specific disease groups. Evaluation procedures utilized to determine the status of the pulmonary system's performance 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 utilized in treating patients with pulmonary disease
