One Year Curriculum

Theories of teaching, learning and adult development provide the foundation for constructing effective educational experiences both in the classroom as well as in the clinic. Students review assertive versus passive or aggressive communication strategies; translate technical information into layman\'s language so the collaboration with patients, caregivers and other professionals is possible; integrate theories of adult development into teaching methods that address characteristics of individual learners, differentiate among various theories of learning as applied to adult learners, examine collaborative and active learning strategies; choose appropriate teaching strategies based on content to be taught, learning environment and characteristics of learners; and integrate information on learning styles into teaching strategies and integrate information on learning theories, motivation, memory and learning styles.

This course was designed by the APTA for physical therapists to understand and employ educational theories in their clinical practice. Theories of teaching, learning and development provide the foundation for constructing effective educational experiences in the clinic.

This comprehensive course helps the physical therapist recognize significant overlaps between common musculoskeletal or neuromuscular conditions and other medical pathologic problems or co-morbidities that can affect clinical decision-making. The knowledge and skills necessary for accurate screening of all clients is emphasized. The purpose of this course is to emphasize the application of systems analysis principles to clinical situations. The course goal is to improve the clinician\'s ability to evaluate the patient's complaint and identify those patients who require additional medical evaluation.

The course is designed to teach examination, detailed assessment, biomechanics, and treatment techniques, including their effects and rationale, of the knee, ankle and foot, including relating them to spinal dysfunction and pathology. There is a focus on a practical, hands-on overview of safe, effective and specific technique procedures. The emphasis will be on techniques, which may be immediately integrated into the approach of each practitioner.

The Clinical Mentorship sequence is a 2-course sequence designed to provide the practicing licensed physical therapist expert clinical mentorship while continuing to practice in their current clinical setting. Clinical Mentorship provides the resident with the opportunity to apply newly developed clinical skills from the courses taken during the academic module while having access to expert clinical mentorship by OPTR faculty. OPTR faculty mentor and assess the reflective processes and critical thinking of the residents remotely through online communication.

The Clinical Mentorship sequence is a 2-course sequence designed to provide the practicing licensed physical therapist expert clinical mentorship while continuing to practice in their current clinical setting. Clinical Mentorship provides the resident with the opportunity to apply newly developed clinical skills from the courses taken during the academic module while having access to expert clinical mentorship by OPTR faculty. OPTR faculty mentor and assess the reflective processes and critical thinking of the residents remotely through online communication.

Prerequisite: PTR 731.

The two Orthopedic Clinical Residency courses (I and II) are designed to fulfill a total of 180 hours of mentored clinical experience throughout the resident’s tenure in the program. Designed for the licensed physical therapist enrolled in the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency (OPTR) program, Orthopedic Clinical Residency I is meant to introduce advanced clinical training in general orthopedics as well as specialty topics such as hand, TMJ and spine. Residents will work with a Clinical Residency Mentor, approved by the OPTR program in advance, with advanced qualifications that are recognized to demonstrate expertise in the care of orthopedics patients/clients. The Clinical Residency I course provides the resident with the opportunity to begin to apply advanced skills developed in the didactic program, including clinical reasoning, critical thinking and concepts such as regional interdependence and the biopsychosocial model of care. As a part of the mentored clinical practice in Clinical Residency I, residents will be required to produce evidence of the advanced quality in their clinical practice. For instance, the resident will 1) perform a live patient evaluation and treatment 2) begin a resident’s case study from their clinical practice with decisions based on the available evidence to be submitted in Clinical Residency II (in conjunction with Mentorship II) for peer-reviewed dissemination.

The two Orthopedic Clinical Residency courses (I and II) are designed to fulfill a total of 180 hours of mentored clinical experience throughout the resident’s tenure in the program. Designed for the licensed physical therapist enrolled in the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency (OPTR) program, Orthopedic Clinical Residency I is meant to introduce advanced clinical training in general orthopedics as well as specialty topics such as hand, TMJ and spine. Residents will work with a Clinical Residency Mentor, approved by the OPTR program in advance, with advanced qualifications that are recognized to demonstrate expertise in the care of orthopedics patients/clients. The Clinical Residency I course provides the resident with the opportunity to begin to apply advanced skills developed in the didactic program, including clinical reasoning, critical thinking and concepts such as regional interdependence and the biopsychosocial model of care. As a part of the mentored clinical practice in Clinical Residency I, residents will be required to produce evidence of the advanced quality in their clinical practice. For instance, the resident will 1) perform a live patient evaluation and treatment 2) begin a resident’s case study from their clinical practice with decisions based on the available evidence to be submitted in Clinical Residency II (in conjunction with Mentorship II) for peer-reviewed dissemination.

This course coordinates the science of anatomy with assessment and treatment of soft tissue dysfunction in common orthopedic and movement disorders. The course will introduce the student to appropriate manual techniques and therapeutic exercise interventions for soft tissue dysfunction based on an anatomical clinical assessment. The application of regional interdependence and references to EBP will be integrated in the decision making process. Additionally, students will be introduced to various exercise modalities, including Pilates and Yoga, that are readily adapted to this population. This course emphasizes to both the novice and the expert clinician the importance of clinical decision in the realm of tissue causation and treatment options for common functional imbalances.

This course is designed to introduce physical therapists to the basic science of imaging modalities including plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), conventional and computed tomography, ultrasound and bone mineral density testing. The ability for physical therapists to communicate with referring physicians is integral to effective management of a patients case. Diagnostic imaging brings an entire realm of adjunct information to the therapist that can dramatically enhance understanding of the patients condition as well as improve monitoring and appropriate intervention selection.

Provides students with an in-depth review of the anatomy, physiology, arthrokinematics and pathomechanics of the foot and ankle, as related to the lower extremity kinetic chain. Emphasis is placed on the study of normal and abnormal mechanics of the foot and ankle in both the open and closed kinetic chains. Evaluation and treatment of various foot and ankle dysfunctions are included and students are introduced to current methodologies regarding the evaluation for and the fabrication of neutral subtalar orthotic devices.

Combining lectures, demonstrations, and hands on laboratory sessions, this course emphasizes the application of evidence-based practice in all areas of spinal management. Where little evidence exists, a pragmatic approach integrating basic principles of biomechanics and pathokinesiology is used. An introduction to the biomechanics, dysfunction types, and their respective terminology is provided. An integrated model of physical therapy examination and evaluation of spinal disorders is presented. Then, a physical therapy management approach of manual therapy of the spine and pelvis combined with patient education and exercise is discussed and incorporated. The course devotes lab time to carefully monitor skills of palpation, examination, and interventions.

This 4-day, 2 credit course explores the evaluation and management of the patient with cervical, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic disorders and associated pain presentations and syndromes. This may include differentiation of nociceptive, nociplastic and neurogenic pain patterns, and acute from chronic pain. The student will be given the tools to effectively manage movement disorders through patient education, manual techniques, and exercise prescription. This course will follow the Clinical Practice Guidelines for best practices related treatment of the spine, with emphasis on sound clinical reasoning and critical thinking.

This course will review TMJ anatomy and normal arthrokinematics, as well as the significance of the functional relationship of the TMJ and Cervical spine. Diagnostic Criteria and screening for TMD will be presented. Myogenous and Arthrogenous Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Craniofacial Pain Syndromes (CFS) will be illustrated with case studies. Treatment options will be explained with opportunity for clinical practice. Students will also spend a day at the NYU dentistry clinic, with exposure to observe patient management by PT of these conditions as well as practice manual treatment techniques.

This course will address the evolution of sports physical therapy. A physical therapist role on the sports medicine team. This course will emphasize examination, evaluation, and intervention for dysfunction that occurs in sports physical therapy. 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. Recent trends in sport rehabilitation will be explored. This class presents the physical therapy student with the fundamental principles and concepts as they relate to sports musculoskeletal clinical practice and will progress to exposure to, and integration of, accepted intervention and advanced therapeutic techniques. Through lecture and problem-solving sessions we will investigate all sports musculoskeletal practice.

An elective course aimed at refining the student’s ability to critically examine and evaluate patients/clients with hand injury and/or dysfunction. The student will learn how specific hand anatomy affects pathological conditions of the hand, and how to choose the most appropriate evidence-based intervention. The student will compare examination and treatment techniques related to the hand, wrist, forearm. The course is aimed at providing students with basic understanding of how to incorporate appropriate hand orthotics into their treatment protocol.