Non-Degree Courses

Primary Instructor: Christopher Voltmer, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, MSCS, CFPS
1 credit, CRN #15325

This on-line course is designed to provide the student with guidance and direction in comprehending the scope of practice for the doctoral level physical therapist. Students will review the basic scientific principles related to histology, genetics, and the immune response. Special topics will include the physical therapist’s role in the treatment of pain and the appropriate evaluation of the body systems treated. Students will learn the importance of interprofessional development, consultation services, supervision and delegation of activities, and discharge planning. The course will emphasize evidence-based rationale for selecting appropriate objective tests and for potential interventions. Various types of symptom clusters will be presented, and participants will be able to develop a highly effective treatment plan for specific conditions.

Primary Instructor: TBD
2 credits, CRN #15322

This online course is designed to introduce the Physical Therapy student 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 analyze pharmacological management. This 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.

This course will first focus on basic pathology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of different diseases. The course will be taught using the systems approach. We will focus on the pathophysiology, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and pharmacological management of common medical disorders encountered in hospital, clinic, and patient settings. The pharmacological aspect of the lectures will address the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects and drug interactions of medications used to treat disease. This course is designed as an integrated approach of histology, pathophysiology, medicine and pharmacology with special attention to situations encountered in physical therapy practice.

Primary Instructor: Leah Verebes, PT, DPT
1 credit, CRN #15324

This course is a clinical course designed to provide the Physical Therapy 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

Primary Instructor: Dr. Rolando Lazaro
1 credit, CRN #15318

This course is a clinical course designed to provide the Physical Therapy 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

Instructor: Farica Bialstock, PT, DPT, MS
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

The Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program (CCIP) provides clinicians with the skills and information necessary to provide a structured learning environment and enhanced educational experience for students. Course content reflects an interdisciplinary approach to experiential learning methods, with an emphasis on didactic content related to clinical teaching, supervision, and evaluation. Participants are expected to understand and integrate the behaviors and traits of highly effective educators, role models, and mentors into their performance as a clinical instructor.

Primary Instructor: Christopher Voltmer, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, MSCS
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course is a hands-on course designed to provide the student with guidance and direction in comprehending therapeutic modalities and choosing appropriate modalities and parameters for a variety of patients and pathological conditions. Students will review the basic scientific and physiological principles underlining the application of physical agents. Students will be able to effectively utilize therapeutic modalities to enhance therapeutic outcomes, recognize indications and contraindications and learn about current research supporting the use of therapeutic modalities in rehabilitation. The course will emphasize evidence-based rationale for selecting a modality and for the interventions. Various types of symptom clusters will be presented, and participants will be able to develop a highly effective treatment plan for specific conditions.

Instructor: Christopher Voltmer , PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, MSCS
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course addresses the evolution of the management and treatment of a patient following the development of hemiplegia. The goal of the course is to help the physical therapist in creating a realistic and unique approach to treating an individual with hemiplegia. Recent trends in rehabilitation will be explored. The most clinically significant current research will be discussed, and when appropriate demonstration with practice will be provided. Teaching will take place via lecture, group activity, literature search and laboratory practice, the student will learn the theories and applications of these processes.

Instructor: Michael Langino, MPT, MBA
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course is aimed at providing the participant with a theoretical basis of successful management principles as well as practical implementation strategies for these principles as they apply to the field of Physical Therapy. The course will include emphasis in the following areas:

1. Regulatory and public policy issues.
2. Healthcare Reimbursement /Trends
3. Marketing Theory
4. Quality Improvement
5. APTA / Public Policy

Instructor: Dr. Casey Imperio
2 credits
Location: Hybrid Course

DPT 710 is designed to introduce students to the process of interpretation, analysis and evaluation of research in physical therapy, to develop a scientific approach to problem solving in clinical practice, and to encourage critical thinking in the assessment of new as well as established intervention protocols. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of research methodology with the appropriate statistical treatments that logically complement specific research designs in clinical research. Preference will be given to the analysis and evaluation of research studies that examine significant clinical problems including the efficacy of new as well as established intervention protocols in order to assess the relationship of research to clinical evidence-based practice. Students are expected to integrate basic and advanced statistical treatments with various research design strategies utilized in clinical research in physical therapy. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to select and evaluate the appropriate parametric and/or non-parametric statistical tests for use with normal and/or special and non-normal sample populations, respectively. With the integration of advanced statistical procedures that make use of non-parametric tests students will assess the limitations of statistical inference, especially where categorical qualitative or subjective data and/or non-normal populations are considered. Special attention will be given to ethical considerations in the use of human subjects in clinical research.

Instructor: Dr. Olalekan Ogunsakin
2 credits
Location: Hybrid Course

In this course, we will cover general principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of common drugs used in clinical medicine. We will examine the use of pharmacological agents for disorders of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and neuromuscular systems.

Instructor: Dr. Laura Hagan
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This graduate course is grounded in moral philosophy and addresses topics that constitute Physical Therapy Ethics. The course is based on the premise that that the practice of physical therapists shares common ground with other health professions as well as having features which are unique to physical therapists. Students will have the opportunity to study and apply ethical concepts to their present and future practice in physical therapy. The course includes assigned readings, lectures, class discussions and practice in ethical analysis. The primary course objective is to assist the student in developing and utilizing a personal moral language that results in moral action.

Instructor: Christine Hahl
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course is designed for students in physical therapy who may work with older adults and the geriatric population. Students will develop a basic understanding of nutritional concerns in the aging population. This course will: Introduce students to the biological changes of the body during the aging process, help students to identify dietary practices and nutritional needs specific to older individuals as it relates to different disease progressions, allow students to develop interventions needed by health practitioners to promote successful aging, provide a foundation for students to facilitate counseling to older adults to minimize disease impact through nutrition interventions.

Primary Instructor: Rufino Singson
Assit. Lab Instructor: Michael Turcinovic
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course is a clinical course designed to provide the PDPT 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 sensory deficits. A thorough exploration of connective tissue layers, connective tissue repair, and wound healing will precede discussion of the principles and techniques of wound care intervention, and ulcer prevention including self-care. 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.

Primary Instructor: Dr. Christopher Voltmer
2 credits
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course addresses the evolution of the management and treatment of a patient following the development of hemiplegia. The goal of the course is to help the physical therapist in creating a realistic and unique approach to treating an individual with hemiplegia. Recent trends in rehabilitation will be explored. The most clinically significant current research will be discussed, and when appropriate demonstration with practice will be provided. Teaching will take place via lecture, group activity, literature search and laboratory practice, the student will learn the theories and applications of these processes.

Primary Instructor: Dr. Maria Meigel
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This advanced spine course builds upon clinical and didactic knowledge presented in basic courses relating to the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities. A review of the anatomy, arthrokinematics and pathomechanics of the articular, neural, and myofascial structures is included. With emphasis on current evidence and Clinical Practice Guidelines, the student is encouraged to use clinical reasoning skills to integrate, synthesize, and sequence techniques to specific dysfunctions of the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle and LQ peripheral nervous system if applicable. Further emphasis is placed on evaluation and treatment functional patterns, including gait mechanics as they relate to the athogenesis of dysfunction in this region. Selected topics include the integration of functional technique, muscle energy, neural flossing /release, and therapeutic prescriptive exercise. 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 limitations in the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, and lower quarter region.

Instructor: Boris Gilzon PT, DPT, OCS, CHT
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

A 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, and forearm. The course is aimed at providing students with basic understanding of how to incorporate appropriate hand orthotics into their treatment protocol.

Instructor: Melinda Stoski PT, DPT, MS, OCS, CCI, CPI, CYT
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

Introduces the concept of evidence-based practice and explores this concept as it relates to clinical practice. Strategies for development of this type of practice are examined, including introduction and maintenance of an evidence-based practice in various settings. Students critically analyze available scientific evidence, utilize the principles of evidence-based practice to evaluate a patient case, integrate research evidence and clinical expertise into patient care, demonstrate skill in the use of technology to locate research evidence, and efficiently initiate and carry out a web-based search.

Instructor: Michael Langino MPT, MBA
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

A course is aimed at providing the participant with a theoretical basis of successful management principles as well as practical implementation strategies for these principles as they apply to the field of Physical Therapy.

Instructor: Christine Hahl RD, CDN
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

The course is designed for graduate students in physical therapy who may require elective credits toward their degree. The role of nutrition and the decisions we make about the food we eat has a critical impact on our quality of life and risk of chronic disease. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, your diet can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote your overall health. Students will develop a basic understanding of nutrition with emphasis on human biological needs through the stages of life and the role nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Instructor: Dr. Nathaniel Mailloux PT, DPT, MSPT, OCS, CPI, CCI
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course coordinates the sciences of histology, anatomy, and kinesiology with assessment and treatment of soft tissue dysfunction in common orthopedic and movement disorders. The course will introduce the student to appropriate intervention techniques for soft tissue dysfunction based on an anatomical clinical screening and complete assessment of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. The focus will be directed to the relevant tissue and regional anatomy, central and peripheral neural integrity, reflexes, and differential diagnosis. The application of regional interdependence and references to EBP (Evidence based practice) will be integrated by the instructor in helping students with the decision-making process. This course emphasizes to the novice and expert clinician the importance of using informed clinical decision-making in tissue causation and treatment options for common functional imbalances. Considerations for pain presentation, pediatrics and emergency response in an orthopedic setting will be addressed in this course.

Instructor: David Volkringer PT, MPT
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

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.

Instructor: Dr. Raymon Mattfeld PT, DPT, OCS, ATC
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

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 occur 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.

Instructor: Dr. Christopher Voltmer PT, DPT, PhD, MSCS, CFPS
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This course is designed to provide the student with guidance and direction in comprehending the scope of practice for the doctoral level physical therapist. Student will review the basic scientific principles related to histology, genetics, and the immune response. Special topics will include the physical therapist role in the treatment of pain and the appropriate evaluation of the body systems treated. Students will learn the importance of interprofessional development, consultation services, supervision and delegation of activities, and discharge planning. The course will emphasize evidence-based rationale for selecting appropriate objective tests and for potential interventions. Various types of symptom clusters will be presented, and participants will be able to develop a highly effective treatment plan for specific conditions.

Instructor: Dr. Christopher Voltmer PT, DPT, PhD, MSCS, CFPS
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

As baby-boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, turn 65, the percentage of the U.S. population considered “older” continues to increase significantly. Older adults were 4% of the U.S. population in 1900, were greater than 14% in 2019, and are projected to be greater than 20% in 2026. The physical therapist can directly impact major public health concerns that often occur with ageing leading to improved health outcomes, and reducing overall healthcare costs. This course will present age-related changes and diseases conditions affecting both the neuromuscular and metabolic systems. The student will participate in interactive learning activities that will guide the development of proficiency in geriatric physical therapy assessment and intervention. Through lecture, laboratory, role playing, and group problem solving the student will learn to use critical thinking to analyze the problem presented, synthesize the solution, and communicate this sequence with other health professionals and patients or clients. Problems introduced are representative of those that clinicians encounter in all practice settings.