Non-Degree Courses

Primary Instructor: Christopher Voltmer, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, MSCS, CFPS
1 credit, CRN #16585

Introduces students to the process of interpretation, analysis and evaluation of research in physical therapy; to the development of a scientific approach to problem-solving in clinical practice; and to critical thinking in the assessment of new and established intervention protocols. Emphasis is placed on the integration of research methodology with the appropriate statistical treatments that logically complement specific research designs in clinical research. Preference is given to the analysis and evaluation of research studies that examine significant clinical problems, including the efficacy of new and 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 is 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 assess the limitations of statistical inference, especially where categorical qualitative or subjective data and/or non-normal populations are considered. Special attention is given to ethical considerations in the use of human subjects in clinical research. In addition, this course is designed to prepare qualified students to carry out independent research work in DPT 795/796 (Doctoral Project).

Primary Instructor: James Pierre-Glaude, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS, CSC
1 credit, CRN #16586

This online course is designed to expand and explore issues of cultural diversity and providing culturally competent care for future & current health care providers. This course considers issues of diversity broadly defined to include (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, cultural, nationality, religion, sexual/romantic orientation, gender identity, ability, veteran status, etc. This course prepares the clinician/student to conduct basic cultural assessments and develop skills in transcultural care. The clinician/student will learn to be prepared to participate in and provide culturally competent care while living and working amongst and with diverse cultures. This course will build on standard models of multicultural competence that emphasize cultural knowledge, awareness, skills, humility, and culturally specific approaches to practice. This course will allow clinicians/students to recognize and appropriately address cultural bias in themselves and others throughout the process of healthcare delivery.

Primary Instructor: Vanessa Reddin, PhD
2 credits, CRN #16587

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 #16619

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: Michele Roy, BSc, PT, MCPA, FCAMT
1 credit

The course will utilize case-based instruction to demonstrate specific conditions and the decision-making processes utilized to attain their complete management. It is designed to develop beginning to intermediate clinical reasoning skills in the field of orthopaedic manual physical therapy. Participants will study an evidence-informed approach to clinical reasoning and develop the skills to generate an initial patho-anatomical diagnostic hypothesis. We will look at reason-based development of individualized assessment sequences aimed at patient/client classification into: management of an initial diagnosis, progression to a specific, segmental, joint-centered biomechanical examination sequence, symptom/intervention/rule-based classification groupings, or referral to another health-care provider. The participants will identify the concepts of health, function, pain behaviors and their role in total patient/client management.

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.

Primary Instructor: David Volkringer, PT, OCS
Assistant: Jessica Smith, PT, DPT
2 credits
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

This is a 4-day intensive course that provides the student with an in-depth review of anatomy, physiology, arthrokinematics and pathomechanics of the foot and ankle as it relates 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 the students are exposed to current methodologies regarding the evaluation for the fabrication of customizable orthotic devices as a treatment adjunct.

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: Maria Meigel, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT
Instructor: Eveline Erni, PT, MA, CMA, CCTT, CODN
Assistant: Michael Dombrowski, DPT
2 credits
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

CTI
Instructor: Maria Meigel

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 with emphasis on the Clinical Practice Guidelines, 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, in class lecture, case studies 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.

TMJ Instructor: Eveline Erni

This one day we will review TMJ anatomy and function and highlight its close relationship to the cervical spine. The various Myogenous and Arthrogenous Temporomandibular Disorders will be presented and illustrated with case studies. The second half of the course will give the participant a chance to learn the tools and techniques to screen for Temporomandibular Disorder and learn basic treatment interventions: instructions for patient self-help, therapeutic exercises, manual techniques for soft tissue and temporomandibular joint mobilizations.

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

This course is designed for 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. This course will:

• Introduce students to the basic understanding of nutrition
• Help students to identify dietary sources, intake levels, physiological role, and requirements of major nutrients
• The role of nutrition in growth and health through the life cycle
• The role of diet in the development of chronic disease, cancers, diabetes, etc.

Primary Instructor: Raymond 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.

Primary 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. Basic management principles:
   Planning, Leading, Organizing & Controlling
2. Basic Budgeting
3. Business plan development
4. Change Management
5. Risk Management
6. Application of management principles for return to work and community reintegration

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: Michele Roy, BSc, PT, MCPA, FCAMT
Assistant: Michael Dombrowski, DPT
1 credit
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

The course is designed to teach examination, detailed assessment, biomechanics, and treatment techniques, including their effects and rationale, of the lower extremity musculoskeletal systems, 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.

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

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 dictates the treatment. The student will compare, and contrast examination and intervention techniques related to the hand, wrist, and forearm. The course is aimed at teaching the student how to choose and design intervention programs incorporating appropriate hand orthotics.

Instructor: Gary Welch, PT, DPT, CFCE, CFMT, CKTP, COMT
2 credits
Location: On campus (Central Islip, Long Island)

Combining lectures, demonstrations, and hands on laboratory sessions, this course will emphasize 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 will be used. An introduction to the biomechanics, dysfunction types, and their respective terminology will be provided. An integrated model of physical therapy examination and evaluation of spinal disorders will be presented. Then, a physical therapy management approach of manual therapy of the spine and pelvis combined with patient education and exercise will be discussed and incorporated. The course will devote lab time to carefully monitor skills of palpation, examination, and interventions.

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