Recommended Sequence of Courses for Two Year Curriculum

Year 1

FALL SEMESTER (AUGUST - JANUARY)

DPTN 723 - Advanced Strategies in Teaching and Learning (1 Credit)

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.

DPTN 763 - Fundamentals of Diagnostic Imaging (1 Credit)

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.

PTRN 731 - Clinical Mentorship I (.5 Credits)

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.

PTRN 734 - Clinical Residency I (.5 Credits)

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.

PTRN 737 - Integrative Orthopedic Theory and Practice (2 Credits)

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.

SPRING SEMESTER (FEBRUARY - JUNE)

DPTN 768 - CTI and TMJ (2 Credits)

In this course, students will learn basic musculoskeletal examination skills of the cervical, thoracic spine and costal cage based upon a thorough review of relevant anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology. Using a treatment-based classification, treatment options will include myofascial techniques, joint mobilization, muscle energy technique, directional preference (McKenzie) technique, prescriptive and therapeutic exercise. Coursework will include online audio lectures, lecture and lab sessions. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to classify a patient in a general treatment category and manage patients seen in the clinic who present with impairment and functional limitation in the cervical, thoracic spine and upper quarter region.

DPTN 767 - Foot and Ankle (2 Credits)

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.

PTRN 729 - Differential Diagnosis In Orthopedics (1 Credit)

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.

PTRN 732 - Clinical Mentorship II (.5 Credit)

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.

Year 2

FALL SEMESTER (AUGUST - JANUARY)

DPTN 764 - Advanced Skills in Extremity Treatment I (2 Credits)

Teaches examination, detailed assessment, biomechanics, and treatment techniques, including their effects and rationale of the upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal systems, including relating them to spinal dysfunction and pathology. Focus is on a practical, hands-on overview of safe, effective and specific technique procedures. The emphasis is on techniques, which may be immediately integrated into the approach of each practitioner.

DPTN 762 - Treatment of Lumbo Pelvic Dysfunction (2 Credits)

Treatment of Lumbo Pelvic Dysfunction

PTRN 735 - Clinical Residency II ( .5 Credit)

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.

SPRING SEMESTER (FEBRUARY - JUNE)

PTRN 730 - Advanced Skills in Extremity Treatment II (1 Credit)

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.

PTRN 769 - High Velocity Thrust (2 Credits)

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.

DPTN 724 - Clinical Instructor (CI) Credentialing (1 Credit)

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.

Complete All Requirements

*Residents will be required to take either DPTN 723 or DPTN 724

*PLEASE NOTE: Students who have taken a Continuing Education course identical to any one of the seven 2-credit courses offered, have the opportunity, for a fee, to take a test (test out) which will exempt them from this course.