Courses

The discipline of exercise physiology provides a frame of reference for the scientific evaluation of the limits of human performance across a wide spectrum of individual differences. The principle of specificity and its effects on the physiological response to exercise, conditioning and training programs is assessed in individuals with reference to age, gender and level of physical fitness. Exercising for general fitness to improve health and wellness is differentiated from training for physiological capabilities to improve physical performance in specific sports or activities. Special attention is given to exercise and sports-related injuries, and the assessment of the physiological response to rehabilitation exercise. In addition, the physiological consequences of inactivity, detraining, and immobilization are evaluated. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of health-related fitness goals, especially the effects of aerobic training and conditioning on endurance performance and cardiovascular health. The laboratory sessions provide in-depth, hands-on experience to analyze and evaluate the physiological response of young men and women to various forms of work and exercise. The laboratory also provides opportunity to evaluate tests that measure strength, muscular power and endurance, maximum anaerobic power, maximum aerobic capacity, maximum physical work capacity, and cardiovascular fitness.

This course is designed to introduce the physical therapy students to the field of clinical sciences. It uses a systems approach to describe the material needed to understand diseases that require direct intervention of a physical therapist and to analyze pharmacological management. The course is an integrated approach to clinical problem-solving, and will utilize histology and pathology in the evolution of diseases that affect physical therapy practice. The course will first focus on basic histology and pathology so the student can build on this knowledge in understanding the pathophysiology of different diseases. The course will focus on the pathophysiology, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and pharmacological management of common medical disorders encountered in hospital and other patient settings. The mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects and drug interactions will be explored. This course is designed as an integrated approach of histology, pathophysiology, medicine and pharmacology with special attention to situations encountered in physical therapy practice.

This education course is designed to optimize the efficacy of physical therapists in their role as clinical educators facilitating patient-centered care. The effective teaching of patients, caregivers, other clinicians and the public about impairments, physical therapy interventions, exercise, wellness, and injury prevention is an important skill for physical therapists. Utilizing principles of learning, developing varied teaching strategies and participating in structured groups prepare students to interact successfully with diverse audiences. Motivational techniques provide students with additional strategies for behavior change. Reflection and feedback foster refinement of physical therapists’ expertise both as practitioners as well as clinical educators. Throughout the course clinical scenarios will be used to challenge the skills being developed.

This course is designed to introduce the physical therapy student to the use of modalities, including both physical agents and electrotherapy, as interventions in clinical practice. This course will provide the student the guidance to evaluate literature regarding thermal and physical modalities. Through collaborative efforts, students will review literature and apply information to case studies and present to fellow classmates and course instructors. Students will participate in role-play with therapeutic modalities. This will provide the experience needed to develop proficiency in the practical use of modalities as a physical therapy direct intervention. The physics, chemistry, physiological effects, indications and contraindications along with the application of each modality will be studied.

Kinesiology presents the physical therapist with information to analyze normal human motion. The ability to examine, evaluate and design a plan of care is dependent upon a therapist's thorough understanding of kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of normal human motion. This course will emphasize the analysis and examination of normal motion and muscle function to prepare the student for understanding pathologic function as well as providing a foundation for understanding current trends in rehabilitation. This course covers the topics of biomechanics, joint structure and function, muscle structure and function, with emphasis on the extremity joints as well as the vertebral column. Students will learn about human gait and posture, and will participate in human movement analysis and activity analysis. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles needed to understand human function and dysfunction.

This is the first affiliation for the Doctor of Physical Therapy students following three semesters of academic training. It is a six-week, full-time affiliation in selected health care settings that will enable the student to develop professional behavior and to practice early clinical decision-making skills as they apply the patient client management model in direct patient care.

This course serves as an introduction to the structure and function of the human nervous system. The anatomy and physiology of primary neurologic systems will be presented, followed by an analysis of how impairments in these systems result in abnormal movement, dysfunction and disability. Special attention will be paid to understanding the diagnoses that physical therapists are most likely to encounter, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

This course is designed to introduce the physical therapy student to the use of modalities, including both physical agents and electrotherapy, as interventions in clinical practice. This course will provide the student the guidance to evaluate literature regarding thermal and physical modalities. Through collaborative efforts, students will review literature and apply information to case studies and present to fellow classmates and course instructors. Students will participate in role-play with therapeutic modalities. This will provide the experience needed to develop proficiency in the practical use of modalities as a physical therapy direct intervention. The physics, chemistry, physiological effects, indications and contraindications along with the application of each modality will be studied.

This course is specifically designed for the entry-level physical therapy student preparing for their first clinical affiliations. Comprehension and application of the techniques covered in this course are basic to the broad practice of physical therapy. The course will combine the knowledge gained from previous courses with the theory and practice of physical therapy examinations. The theoretical foundations and practical applications of various tests and measures will provide the student with the tools to perform a systems review and examine patients with cardiopulmonary, neurological, musculoskeletal, and integument dysfunction. Lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, laboratory demonstrations and practice will be incorporated to provide the student with a firm understanding of the basic evaluative test and measures used in physical therapy as used in individuals across the lifespan. This course will provide a base upon which subsequent courses will build with more advanced evaluative techniques.

During this course, students will explore research methodologies including analytical, descriptive, experimental and qualitative. Methodological and evaluative research studies will be examined and ethical issues in research raised. Informed consent will be discussed along with the purpose and function of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee. Topics include: principles of measurement, populations and samples, probability and non-probability sampling techniques, experimental control and design, and research hypotheses. Students will read the research literature in order to identify areas of interest as well as significant and meaningful clinical problems that may serve as potential research topics for the research project. Student research study groups will formulate the initial phases of the comprehensive research proposal including the introduction and part of the methodology that includes subject selection and the elements of informed consent where human subjects are involved. Student research groups will select and/or be assigned a faculty research advisor who will work with them to refine research proposals, prepare documents for submission to the IRB Committee, and carry out research projects during the third year.

This course is designed to integrate the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system and to relate these foundation sciences to intervention and prevention strategies for cardiopulmonary impairments, limitations and disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on basic examination and evaluation of the cardiopulmonary system, differential diagnosis of cardiopulmonary practice patterns, prognoses, therapeutic interventions, wellness and prevention programs. Basic ECG interpretation and other cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing will be introduced. Students will be able to plan and implement Phase I cardiopulmonary rehabilitation plans of care including intervention strategies for well and compromised clients of all ages and all backgrounds in settings that include general acute care, and ICU/CCU. To facilitate this process, a problem-solving approach will be utilized throughout the course, in addition to lecture and laboratory sessions.

This course is a clinical course designed to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities to examine, evaluate, diagnose, formulate a plan of care with prognosis, and manage patients with integument disorders such as impaired integument integrity, burns, edema, and restricted lymphatic drainage. A thorough exploration of connective tissue layers, connective tissue repair, and wound healing will precede discussion of the principles and techniques of massage, myofascial release, wound care intervention, and ulcer prevention. Lecture, demonstration, and group problem-solving activities will help the student use critical thinking to synthesize available case information into a well-designed plan of care. Laboratory practice will develop the manual skills necessary for the student to execute the plan of care skillfully, with special focus on massage and myofascial release.

This is the second affiliation for Physical Therapy students following two years of didactic and clinical training. The affiliation provides students with the opportunity to enhance their clinical decision-making skills in the application of the patient client management model. Application and practice allow the student to build confidence in all aspects of patient care. Students are encouraged to explore their role as well as the role of various members of the health care team as they design and implement the plan of care for their patients. As students progress through the Clinical Education sequence they develop an understanding of the PT\'s role as a consultant and as a team member working with PTAs and other supportive personnel. Students should demonstrate the initial ability to function professionally in these roles.

This course will emphasize examination, evaluation and intervention for dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the pathophysiological basis for musculoskeletal dysfunction and the integration of the therapeutic process for the restoration of function of the patient with dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. This class presents the physical therapy student with the fundamental principles and concepts as they relate to musculoskeletal clinical practice and will progress to exposure to, and integration of, accepted intervention and advanced therapeutic techniques. The role of joint mobilization as a type of intervention is introduced. Through lecture, laboratory, and problem-solving sessions, students will investigate all musculoskeletal practice patterns.

Clinical Medicine III is an intensive medicine course that covers the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of common diseases found in Gastroenterology, Neurology, Psychiatry and Nephrology. The pathophysiology of the organ systems in relation to the various disease processes is integrated with the clinical presentations, historical and physical findings, and laboratory and radiographic test results. Emphasis is placed on application of new medical knowledge to clinical situations, on diagnostic problem-solving and differential diagnosis, and on issues of patient education and preventive medicine. Students refine their ability to reason independently in developing treatment and management plans for various patient presentations.

Students study a broad spectrum of research methodologies including analytical, descriptive, experimental, qualitative, methodological and evaluative research studies, as well as ethical issues in research , informed consent and the purpose and function of the IRB Committee. Principles of measurement, populations and samples (probability and non-probability sampling techniques), experimental control and design, and research hypotheses will be emphasized. Students will read the research literature in order to identify areas of interest as well as significant and meaningful clinical problems that may serve as potential research topics for the research project. Student research study groups will formulate the initial phases of the comprehensive research proposal including the introduction and part of the methodology that includes subject selection and the element of informed consent where human subjects are involved.

This is the second course of the Professional Development (PD) Series, the bridge between academics and the clinical experience. The PD courses are designed to enhance the student’s success during the clinical experiences and to enable the students to mature in their future roles as Doctors of Physical Therapy. Additionally, the PD sequences serve to advance their commitment to the physical therapy profession and to promote the students’ knowledge and clinical decision making skills.

PT Interventions IV presents information on prosthetics and orthotics. This includes information on artificial limbs and braces and allows the physical therapist to help in the selection of the proper devices for their patients and to train them in the uses of these devices. This course presents information on the design, biomechanical principles, fit and function of prostheses, and an introduction to the principles of orthotics. In addition, patient treatment, training and prosthetic care are discussed.

In keeping with the Touro College mission to serve the larger community, students in the School of Health Sciences are required to complete an independent study that involves a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of community service with individuals disadvantaged due to illness, disability, or other circumstance. The purpose of this requirement is to (1) provide students in the School of Health Sciences with an opportunity to learn from, and give back to, the larger community; (2) enhance awareness of how a disability or illness impacts the individual, family, friends, caregivers, and community. Through this experience, students may interact with people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with people who have impairments leading to functional limitations in the physical, cognitive, and/or social-emotional domains, or with people who struggle with issues related to poverty, homelessness and hunger. The specifics of the experience and project undertaken are negotiated on an individual basis between the student and the department faculty advisor. HS 669 may be taken as an additional elective, upon approval of the student\'s advisor, in the same or subsequent semesters.

This final course in the Lifespan series is intended to inform the student about the particular physical issues associated with aging. Information provided in this course about how the aging process affects the systems of the body will prepare the student to evaluate and manage the physical therapy related issues and movement dysfunctions found in the aging population. As this population is expected to increase at an extremely fast rate over the next decade, it is of great importance that graduating physical therapists develop an understanding of the specific conditions that face the aging individual, and learn to utilize the appropriate evaluative, assessment, and intervention skills.

The purpose of this course is to continue the training of the physical therapy student to utilize a problem-solving process when confronted with a patient. A case study will be presented to groups of students who will over the course of the term determine the appropriate evaluations, assessments, treatments, interventions, and goals. The problems that students are expected to solve in this case study will be more complex, reflecting the additional coursework and clinical experiences that they have received. The students will present their cases to the rest of the class on the last day.

This is an eight-week, full-time affiliation scheduled in the middle of the third year of Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. It is third out of four full-time affiliations. Students are encouraged to progressively assume a caseload and to develop flexibility in their patient/client management approaches. Students should be able to treat progressively more complex patients competently, and to progress their patients appropriately. The learning experiences allow students to screen, examine, diagnose, prognosticate and design a plan of care for various patient populations across the lifespan utilizing increasingly higher level problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to incorporate health and wellness programs into all aspects of their patient care and to utilize skills learned in educating consumers and the public about health and prevention activities.

This course will cover the examination, evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis of disorders of the vertebral column; including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines, the sacrum and the sacroiliac joints. Students will learn spinal mobilization techniques and other interventions such as postural re-education. Body mechanics and industrial rehabilitation will be covered as well as rehabilitation of temperomandibular disorders.

This is an advanced hands-on course in the physical therapy curriculum designed to help the student synthesize information on normal and abnormal development, anatomy and pathophysiology as it relates to the pediatric patient. This course is designed to foster an understanding of pediatric disorders affecting the neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems. Students will explore the various physical therapy examination, evaluation and intervention approaches to be able to determine appropriate physical therapy diagnoses and prognoses and ultimately prepare a plan of care for the pediatric patient. Various intervention methodologies will be analyzed and appropriate plans designed for the pediatric patient population. After completing this course it is expected that students will be able to integrate information from this course and its prerequisite courses in examining and evaluating the pediatric patient to provide a diagnosis and prognosis as well as plan and implement appropriate treatment interventions for children with specific diagnoses and impairments. Students will be able to prescribe assistive devices and adaptive equipment when necessary. Finally, students will understand and value the role of each team member, including the parent or caregiver, in the multidisciplinary treatment of the pediatric patient.

Peer research study groups complete research projects under the supervision of their faculty advisors, including data collection, data analysis and preparation of the written research report. Student research groups will schedule regular meetings with their faculty advisors during each phase of the research project in order to insure reasonable progress towards successful completion of the study. In addition, periodic seminar meetings will be scheduled with the entire class to provide a forum for students to share their research experiences, both positive and negative, with each other. As opposed to a typical thesis, the written research report will take the form of a journal article prepared for submission for publication and/or a research paper prepared for submission for presentation at a professional conference.

Pharmacology is the comprehensive understanding of how a single chemical mechanism can stop or reverse a disease process and restore normal biochemical and physiological function. Students will be introduced to principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and classifications of drugs used in the treatment of disease. Physical therapy implications of pharmacological treatment will be addressed, including recognition of adverse drug effects in patients commonly treated by physical therapists.

This course is designed to provide the student with health care administration and management principles. During the course, the students will identify and analyze current issues in the health care setting. The students will compare and contrast different practice settings and will problem-solve situations from rehabilitation environments. The focus will be on contemporary, relevant managerial and leadership issues with "real life" examples, from the rehabilitation environment. Critical topics to be explored will include managerial principles and functions; leadership and decision making; quality assurance and accountability; organizational structure, financial and reimbursement concerns; marketing and customer relations; and the regulatory and external environment.

This final seminar series will help prepare the graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy to contribute to the field of physical therapy in any area of professional practice, including clinical practice, education, administration, professional service, and research. Students will reflect upon and analyze the role these areas of practice play in shaping clinical education and the profession of physical therapy. Students will also explore current professional issues such as ethics, evidence-based practice, and generic professional abilities, as well as prepare for entry into the professional job market. The seminars will provide a rich source of ideas for the development of a culminating clinical education project to be implemented during Stage II of the final affiliation (see DPT 660) and for the development of their future careers as potential leaders in the profession.

This course in the advanced evaluation and intervention for the cardiovascular and pulmonary patient will include advanced ECG interpretation including stress testing. Recent advances in cardiopulmonary care as well as ischemic cardiac conditions, cardiac muscle dysfunctions, COPD and restrictive lung dysfunctions and their implications for physical therapy will be discussed. Students will be able to create Phase II and III cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation plans of care.

This course will focus on the consideration of multiple systems when examining and designing a plan of care for complex multi-symptom patients across the life span. Guided self/group study, research of the literature that forms the relevant evidence base, and discussion with expert and novice clinicians will lead to professional demonstrations and presentations. Self-reflection, constructive criticism, and new or emerging information will be incorporated to allow a global approach to the individual and complex patient. Groups will meet with faculty mentors on a scheduled basis to discuss each week\'s independent work.

This course is designed to promote the importance of professional participation and service. Through participation in professional activities, students will understand the organization of the physical therapy profession and how the governance of physical therapy practice and education affects physical therapists and the care of their patients. Students will have an opportunity to become advocates of the profession at the local, state, and national level, witness and participate in the governance of the profession; take part in discussions of professional issues such as ethics and direct access; and interact with physical therapy professionals at different career levels and in varied clinical specialties. Students and their faculty advisors will customize and conduct the student experience as an independent study, following the guidelines established here. Every student in the Touro College Physical Therapy Program is required to be a member in good standing of the American Physical Therapy Association (or other professional PT association) as well as attend three professional physical therapy meetings.

Student research study groups present the results of their research projects. While students have the major responsibility for research presentations, faculty advisors may assist in the presentations. All presentations in the research seminar will follow a format similar to professional conferences, and students are expected to make use of audio-visual materials (e.g. slides, overheads, PowerPoint, handouts, etc.), and be subject to the usual time constraints of approximately 15-20 minutes per presentation including questions, comments and discussion. Students engage in a comprehensive evaluation of the entire research experience. Students will be asked to reflect on and share their individual and group experiences in all phases of the research project. Self, peer and faculty assessments will be required in this course.

DPT 660 represents the fourth and final clinical rotation for the graduating entry-level doctor of physical therapy student. Scheduled after the completion of academic coursework, this full-time, supervised clinical experience in selected health care settings takes place in two stages spread over 16 weeks: Stage I occurs during the initial 8 weeks and Stage II is completed after the last 8 weeks. The affiliation will culminate with a clinical education doctoral project that explores, in depth, one aspect of the physical therapy profession, and addresses the needs of the clinical affiliation site.