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Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program Curriculum

Curriculum by Semester
Effective Summer Fall 2023

SUMMER 1st year (10 Credit Hours, 10 Academic Weeks)
DRSC 6301 Normal Physiology/Embryology
PT 6107 Surface Anatomy
PT 6202 Professional Practice in PT
PT 6208 Patient Care Skills
PT 6216 Research Methods for PT

FALL 1st year (15 Credit Hours, 15 Academic Weeks)
DRSC 6388 Pathophysiology
DRSC 6495 Anatomy for Rehab Sciences
PT 6104 Clinical Spanish in PT
PT 6206 Tests and Measures
PT 6233 Behavioral Science Topics
PT 6316 Exercise Physiology/Prescription

SPRING 1st year (15 Credit Hours, 15 Academic Weeks)
DRSC 6390 Neuroscience
PT 6110 Integrative Seminar I
PT 6203 Differential Diagnosis
PT 6207 Motor Control and Motor Learning
PT 6307 Cardiopulmonary Patient Management
PT 6407 Med Kinesiology/Motion Analysis

SUMMER 2nd year (9 Credit Hours, 10 Academic Weeks)
PT 6105 Integrated Clinical Education
PT 6106 Biophysical Agents in PT
PT 6205 Pharmacology in PT
PT 6212 Evidence Based Practice in PT
PT 6311 Musculoskeletal I

FALL 2nd year (15 Credit Hours, 15 Academic Weeks)
PT 6108 Integument Patient Management
PT 6116 PT Capstone Project I
PT 6201 Law and Ethics in PT Practice
PT 6213 Advanced Exercise Prescription
PT 6312 Musculoskeletal II
PT 6314 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation I
PT 6315 Pediatrics

SPRING 2nd year (14 Credit Hours, 15 Academic Weeks)
PT 6109 Imaging
PT 6111 Integrative Seminar II
PT 6214 PT Across the Lifespan
PT 6313 Musculoskeletal III
PT 6340 Management and Finance in PT
PT 6414 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation II

SUMMER 3rd year (6 Credit Hours, 2 Academic Weeks, 8 Clinical Weeks)
PT 6215 Special Populations
PT 6403 Clinical Education in PT I

FALL 3rd year (8 Credit Hours, 16 Clinical Weeks)
PT 6404 Clinical Education in PT II
PT 6405 Clinical Education in PT III

SPRING 3rd year (7 Credit Hours, 3 Academic Weeks, 12 Clinical Weeks)
PT 6117 PT Capstone Project II
PT 6606 Clinical Education in PT IV

Course Descriptions :

DRSC 6301 Normal Physiology/Embryology 3 credits
A review of the basic processes and events of human embryology that lead to morphogenesis, and the timing of major events in embryogenesis are presented. These topics inform the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of adult organ systems directly affected by physical therapy intervention, and prepare the student for future coursework in gross anatomy, pathophysiology, and neuroscience. 

DRSC 6388 Pathophysiology 3 credits
An in-depth evaluation of disease and injury processes across the lifespan and their relevance to therapeutic rehabilitation are presented. Attention is given to all major physiological systems. 

DRSC 6390 Neuroscience 3 credits
Human neuroscience with an emphasis on normal and abnormal structures and functions of the nervous system, as applied to neurological dysfunction and its impact on physical and occupational functioning of an individual are studied. 

DRSC 6495  Anatomy for Rehab Sciences 4 credits
A study of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and central and peripheral nervous systems of the human body. The course focuses on human anatomy through didactic methods and cadaver dissection of the trunk, extremities, head, neck, and internal organs.

PT 6104 Clinical Spanish in PT 1 credit
This course is designed to improve the students’ speaking and understanding of clinically-relevant Spanish commonly used in physical therapy practice. (Students will be grouped according to level of proficiency.) 

PT 6105 Integrated Clinical Education 1 credit
This introduction to the clinical setting will assist students in integrating their didactic knowledge thus far in the curriculum into clinical practice. Acculturation to the profession is a key component of this course. 

PT 6106 Biophysical Agents in PT 1 credit

Thermal, mechanical, and electrotherapeutic modalities and techniques commonly used in physical therapy practice are studied. Therapeutic effects of heat, cold, sound, electricity, light, water, and mechanical interventions are assessed, and practical applications of these modalities are demonstrated.

PT 6107 Surface Anatomy 1 credit
Students will identify bony landmarks, tendons, muscles, joint boundaries, and ligaments of the trunk, head, and extremities. This identification will be extended to include visualization of the locations and boundaries of deeper structures including bones, deep muscles, and internal organs. 

PT 6108 Integument Patient Management 1 credit
A comprehensive review of the integumentary system concentrating on the prevention of integument disruption and management of patients with open wounds, burns, and other dermatologic disorders is presented. Attention is given to the examination of and intervention for integumentary conditions across the lifespan. 

PT 6109 Imaging 1 credit
This course introduces the student to physical principles of imaging methods and provides a framework for interpreting medical images. Medical imaging systems include conventional X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine (PET and SPECT), and ultrasound. Basic concepts in medical image processing and analysis, as well as medical applications, will be introduced. 

PT 6110 Integrative Seminar I 1 credit
Course work completed by the student across the first year of the curriculum is integrated in this seminar. Course work includes part-time clinical experiences. The students will take a comprehensive exam demonstrating their mastery of curricular content, permitting them to begin their second year of didactic coursework. Comprehensive case studies are presented to the student, who must demonstrate proficiency in patient management skills. 

PT 6111 Integrative Seminar II 1 credit
Course work completed by the student across the second year of the curriculum is integrated in this seminar. Course work includes part-time clinical experiences. The students will take a comprehensive exam demonstrating their mastery of curricular content, permitting them to go on their full-time clinical experiences. Comprehensive case studies are presented to the student, who must demonstrate proficiency in patient management skills. 

PT 6116 PT Capstone Project I 1 credit
This is the first of two Capstone courses for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The Capstone courses will culminate in a completed study, a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, and a poster appropriate for presentation at a scholarly conference. The Capstone courses build upon relevant research content and experiences integrated across the DPT curriculum. By the end of the first Capstone course, students will complete a review of the literature, design a study, have data collection in progress, and begin to draft early components of the manuscript.

PT 6117 PT Capstone Project II 1 credit
This course continues the scholarly project begun in PT 6116. All students must produce a manuscript suitable for publication in a faculty-approved peer reviewed journal and a poster appropriate for presentation at a state or national conference. 

PT 6201 Law and Ethics in PT Practice 2 credits
Ethical principles and legal factors which influence healthcare in general and physical therapy practice in Texas are introduced. 

PT 6202 Professional Practice in PT 2 credits
Attributes, behaviors, and values embodied by physical therapists in the conduct of professional practice, including documentation skills, teaching and learning principles, and maintenance of effective therapeutic relationships are introduced. 

PT 6203 Differential Diagnosis 2 credits
An evaluation of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary conditions encountered by physical therapists, with emphasis on physical therapist diagnosis are presented. Recognition of signs and symptoms associated with various conditions beyond the scope of physical therapist intervention is developed, enabling the practitioner to make appropriate referrals.

PT 6205 Pharmacology in PT 2 credits
Foundational information concerning pharmacologic interventions and how drugs can be used as part of a comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation regimen are the focus of this course. 

PT 6206 Tests and Measures 2 credits
This laboratory course is an introduction to the physical therapy examination and clinical reasoning process. Focus is on developing knowledge and skills to select and administer evidence-based tests and measures commonly used in physical therapy practice.

PT 6207 Motor Control and Motor Learning 2 credits
The neural, physical, and behavioral processes that govern human motor performance across the lifespan are studied. Theories of motor learning and re-learning following trauma are emphasized, with attention given to how intervention and feedback variables impact the learning process. Factors that influence postural control during life are addressed. 

PT 6208 Patient Care Skills 2 credits

Students will acquire basic patient care skills in this course, including: correct body mechanics, infection control, patient positioning and draping, transfer training, gait training, lines and tubes management during mobility, low-tech assistive technology (including manual wheelchairs and gait assistive devices), vital sign assessment, and movement system analysis.

PT 6212 Evidence Based Practice in PT 2 credits

Concepts developed in Research Methods, with a focus on incorporating scientific evidence into physical therapy practice are continued. The student is exposed to the discipline of evaluating and incorporating the findings of scientific literature in the conduct of clinical practice. Students will focus on the utility of various study designs, the statistical analysis used in these studies, and how this information informs clinical practice.

PT 6213 Advanced Exercise Prescription 2 credits

Content introduced in Exercise Physiology/Prescription will be expanded, with a focus on analysis of movement, and development and modification of safe and evidence-based exercises. This course focuses on physical therapy exercise prescription for clinical populations and for health promotion.

PT 6214 PT Across the Lifespan 2 credits

Course focuses on the physical therapy management of impairments related to changes across the lifespan to the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and neurosensory (communication, cognition, affective) systems. Special emphasis will be placed on aging adults.

PT 6215 Special Populations 2 credits

This course focuses on special populations and emerging trends in the contemporary healthcare environment that are relevant to physical therapy practice.

PT 6216 Research Methods for PT 2 credits
Basic research methods, measurement protocols, and applied statistics, for the purpose of critiquing scientific literature are introduced. Research design (experimental and non-experimental) and common statistical tests (parametric and nonparametric) are reviewed. The course emphasis is on the critique and application of research literature. 

PT 6233 Behavioral Science Topics 2 credits
Psychosocial aspects of health and disability are explored from individual and population health perspectives. Topics include culture, communication, social determinants of health, health behavior change, motivational interviewing, and pain science.

PT 6307 Cardiopulmonary Patient Management 3 credits
This course provides theoretical and practical instruction for the evaluation and management of physical therapy patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Emphasis is placed on the etiology and pathology of selected cardiopulmonary medical conditions, as well as the therapeutic management of patients with these conditions. Students will create a physical therapy plan of care for selected cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunctions using diagnostic, pharmacologic, and clinical laboratory data. Concepts of health promotion and fitness are explored. 

PT 6311 Musculoskeletal I 3 credits
This course focuses on the examination, evaluation, and management of patients/clients with surgical and non-surgical orthopedic conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines; temporomandibular joint, pelvis, sacroiliac and pubis joints including the management of orthotics.

PT 6312 Musculoskeletal II 3 credits
This course focuses on the examination, evaluation, and management of patients/clients with surgical and non-surgical orthopedic conditions of the hip, knee, or foot/ankle, including the management of orthotics and prosthetics.

PT 6313 Musculoskeletal III 3 credits
This course focuses on the examination, evaluation, and management of patients/clients with surgical and non-surgical orthopedic conditions of the shoulder, elbow, or wrist/hand including the prescription of orthotics and prosthetics.

PT 6314 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation I 3 credits
Building on anatomical knowledge presented in Neuroscience for Health Sciences, this course offers a systematic review of clinical disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, with emphasis on accompanying sensorimotor sequelae. Basic neurological tests and measures are introduced along with basic treatment interventions. 

PT 6315 Pediatrics 3 credits
The etiology and pathology of neurological and orthopedic dysfunction in the pediatric patient/client from birth through age 18 are presented. Emphasis lies in clinical application of examination and intervention for the pediatric patient in early childhood. 

PT 6316 Exercise Physiology/Prescription 3 credits

This course focuses on the fundamental physiology of exercise and an introduction to clinical exercise prescription. Physical therapists must understand the acute and adaptive physiological and metabolic responses to endurance and resistance exercise in normal and clinical populations. Proper understanding of cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, thermoregulatory, and renal system responses facilitate implementation of safe exercise testing and prescription.

PT 6340 Management and Finance in PT 3 credits
Management theory and fiscal discipline relevant to healthcare delivery as it relates to physical therapy are presented. Alternate means and sources of healthcare delivery are assessed, as well as administrative factors that impact care giving. Concepts and strategies applicable to the marketing and management of physical therapy practice are discussed. The principles and ethics underlying effective conflict resolution are emphasized. 

PT 6403 Clinical Education in PT I 4 credits
This course is the 1st in a series of 4 full-time clinical experiences. A synthesis of applied knowledge acquired from the didactic curriculum applied to the physical therapy management of patients/clients is integrated in this clinical experience. Students are placed in a clinical setting that meets Doctor of Physical Therapy Program requirements. (8 weeks, full-time) 

PT 6404 Clinical Education in PT II 4 credits
This course is the 2nd in a series of 4 full-time clinical experiences. A synthesis of applied knowledge acquired from the didactic curriculum and prior clinical experience applied to the physical therapy management of patients/clients are integrated in this clinical experience. Students are placed in a clinical setting that meets Doctor of Physical Therapy Program requirements. (8 weeks, full-time). 

PT 6405 Clinical Education in PT III 4 credits
This course is the 3rd in a series of 4 full-time clinical experiences. A synthesis of applied knowledge acquired from the didactic curriculum and prior clinical experiences applied to the physical therapy management of patients/clients is integrated in this clinical experience. Students are placed in a clinical setting that meets Doctor of Physical Therapy Program requirements. (8 weeks, full-time). 

PT 6407 Medical Kinesiology and Motion Analysis 4 credits
The kinematics and kinetics of the human body, postural control, and the basics of gait analysis are comprehensively studied. Biomechanical principles that control human movement are applied to motion analysis. 

PT 6414 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation II 4 credits
Building on knowledge acquired in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation I, this course develops clinical approaches to the long-term management of pathology and trauma in neurologic patients. Using differential diagnosis, students develop the ability identify neurologic disorders in real and simulated patients, with the goal of implementing an effective plan of care. Emphasis on clinical application. 

PT 6606 Clinical Education in PT IV 6 credits
This course is the 4th and final full-time clinical experience for the physical therapy student. Curricular objectives are culminated in a 12 week clinical experience in a setting that will advance the student's skills in a specific area of practice. Professionalism, autonomous practice, and evidence-based practice are emphasized in all practice settings. Students must integrate all aspects of patient and practice management skills within the individual's practice setting. (12 weeks, full-time) 

Elective Courses :

PT 6101 Special Topics in PT 1 credit
An elective course that investigates special topics related to physical therapy. 

PT 6204 Special Topics in PT 2 credits
An elective course that investigates special topics related to physical therapy. 

PT 6301 Special Topics in PT 3 credits
An elective course that investigates special topics related to physical therapy. 

PT 6401 Special Topics in PT 4 credits
An elective course that investigates special topics related to physical therapy.