The Walsh University Physical Therapy curriculum, an intensive three-year (8-semester) program, including summers, leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Coursework builds upon a foundation of basic sciences and problem-solving skills. Students gain knowledge and develop skills in teaching and scientific inquiry as well as physical therapy patient diagnosis and intervention. Students must perform original research and present their work prior to graduation. Students take a comprehensive examination toward the end of the second year and must pass that examination to graduate. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical components of the curriculum, graduates meet the educational requirements to take the licensure examination required in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and Guam to practice as a physical therapist.
We in the Division of Physical Therapy have committed ourselves to providing an educational program that both challenges and enhances a student's ability to learn through a student-centered, values-based teaching environment that focuses clinical-decision making, evidence-based practice, and on service to the wider community. We have organized the curriculum around impairments found in the major body systems. We use problem-solving learning learning activities and case-study teaching methods in the major clinical science courses to enhance student learning.
Course descriptions
PT 603 Human Anatomy 6 sem. hrs.
This course is a study of normal gross anatomy of the human body using regional and functional approaches. Emphasis is on the musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous, circulatory and the respiratory systems. Normal structural development and changes occurring during the lifespan are addressed. The laboratory experience involves study of human cadavers. .
PT 604 Foundations of Neuroscience 4 sem. hrs.
This course expands on previous science courses to provide a more in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the human nervous system. Changes in the structure of the nervous system that occur with development, responses of the nervous system to injury, blood supply of the central nervous system, the ventricular system, and regional anatomy of the brain and spinal cord are examined. Basic function of the nervous system is examined at the molecular, cellular, and systems level. In addition, the course introduces the basis for complex human functions.
PT 605 Clinical Neuroscience 3 sem. hrs.
This course will introduce students to basic mechanisms of major categories of nervous system disease through presentation of clinical cases. The course includes introductory material on the medical, surgical and physical therapeutic management of neurological disorders.
PT 606 Foundations of Pharmacology 2 sem. hrs.
This course presents the foundational concepts of pharmacology emphasizing basic mechanisms of drug action such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics. Drug classes illustrated using prototypic drugs. Examples drawn from various body systems, i.e., neuromuscular, respiratory and so forth.
PT 607 Lifespan 3 sem. hrs.
The content of this course includes study of the changes that normally occur in human functional movement, physiology, and psychosocial issues across the lifespan Course content focuses on the normal development of gross motor skills and the related postural and locomotion changes that occur from newborn to old age. Students are also introduced to techniques of pediatric muscle testing, testing of motor developmental level, and principles of wellness across the lifespan. .
PT 608 Foundations of Clinical Exercise. 4 sem. hrs.
This course examines in depth the physiological response to intense and frequent periods of exercise in apparently healthy individuals across the lifespan and in those individuals with disease and special needs. The course employs a systems approach that serves as the foundation for designing an appropriate exercise program for any patient referred to the physical therapist. Pre-requisite: undergraduate exercise physiology course.
PT 611 Foundations of Clinical Science 4 sem. hrs.
This course introduces the student physical therapist to the clinical evaluation process-problem solving and clinical decision-making. Using the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice the course focuses on physical therapy evaluation as preparation for intervention for individuals with functional limitations related to movement. The course includes an introduction to examination techniques (tests and measurements) common to the evaluation process including history, goniometry, muscle strength testing, deep tendon reflex testing, pain assessment, and body alignment evaluation. The course also includes instruction in basic patient handling and intervention techniques of physical agents.
PT 612 Physical Therapy Management of Musculoskeletal Impairment I 3 sem. hrs.
See course description for PT 732.
PT 613 Physical Therapy Management of Musculoskeletal Impairment II 5 sem. hrs.
Continuation of PT 612.
PT 614 Physical Therapy Management of Musculoskeletal Impairment III 5 sem. hrs.
Continuation of PT 613.
PT 615 Biomechanics 5 sem. hrs.
The first of two biomechanics courses offered. Material in this course includes 1) the basic principles of mechanics, engineering, and physics, the conceptual basis of the function of the musculoskeletal system; 2) the structural and functional features of major joints of the human body; and 3) the introductory experimental methods that quantify motor functions. .
PT 733 Physical Therapy Management of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Impairments I 4 sem. hrs.
See course description for PT 732.
PT 734 Physical Therapy Management of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Impairments II 5 sem. hrs.
Continuation of PT 617.
PT 701 Professional Issues I 1 sem. hr.
This course presents content related to professional issues in clinical practice. Students build upon knowledge gained in Professional Issues I relating to patient - practitioner interaction and physical therapy legal and ethical issues. Students participate in OPTA District Meetings as part of professional development. Students also prepare for Professional Experience I through introduction to the roles of the various participants in clinical/professional experiences. .
PT 702 Professional Issues II 1 sem. hrs.
This course introduces the student physical therapist to physical therapy as a profession and principles of learning that the student physical therapist will use in both the curriculum and in professional practice. Students learn the distinguishing factors of a profession, including the Code of Ethics, and responsibilities of health care professionals to patients. The course also introduces the students to national, state and regional professional organizations and cultural and ethical issues impacting healthcare practice. .
PT 703 Professional Experience I 4 sem. hrs.
During this experience, students become familiar with the general organization of a physical therapy care setting. They evaluate and treat patients with musculoskeletal diagnoses.
PT 704 Professional Experience II 4 sem. hrs.
This experience includes evaluating and treating patients with cardiopulmonary diagnoses, complex neurological diagnoses and musculoskeletal problems. Students gain experience in participating in multi-disciplinary team management of patients. They gain a broader appreciation of other health care service providers including nursing, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, physicians, and speech therapists. .
PT 705 Professional Experience III 5 sem. hrs.
During this experience, students evaluate and treat patients with all diagnoses; they gain experience in supervising physical therapy assistants. .
PT 706 Professional Experience IV 6 sem. hrs.
During this experience, students evaluate and treat patients with all diagnoses; they have the opportunity to select an area of specialized care, e.g., pediatrics, sports physical therapy.
PT 710 Health Care Business Management I 2 sem. hrs.
The course is the first course addressing health care business management issues impacting physical therapy practice. Students are introduced to special topics related to access, cost and quality of care. Particular emphasis on the United States Health Care delivery system, personnel and resource management issues and autonomous practice are the basis for tutorials.
PT 711 Health Care Business Management II 2 sem. hrs.
The course is the second course addressing health care business management issues impacting physical therapy practice. Students are introduced to special topics related to access, cost and quality of care. Particular emphasis in the second course in this series pertains to quality of health care services in the United States, risk management and legal and ethical issues impacting delivery of service, and marketing of services.
PT 712 Community Health in Physical Therapy 3 sem. hrs.
This course introduces the concepts of health prevention, promotion and wellness across the lifespan in community based and non-traditional settings. Guided experiences provided students the opportunity to identify health needs of target populations and develop strategies and resources to meet those community needs.
PT 713 Service Project 1 sem. hr.
Students develop and carry out an individual or group community service project that focuses on the needs of disadvantaged populations. The projects relate to service beyond one’s role as a professional in health care.
PT 720 Research Methodology 3 sem. hrs.
This course helps students learn to evaluate elements of research design, to perform and interpret descriptive statistics, to perform and interpret ANOVA, to evaluate critical features of a research journal article, integrate research findings, and formulate a clinically significant research hypothesis. .
PT 721 Research Proposal 2 sem. hrs.
Students identify the topic of their clinical research project and identify their faculty advisor. Students design their research study and complete their written proposal. .
PT 722 Research Project 1 sem. hrs.
Students collect and analyze the data for their original research; interpret their research findings and write a manuscript according to journal article format. .
PT 723 Research Seminar 2 sem. hrs.
Students present their research using the professional format of poster and platform presentations used at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) scientific meetings. .
PT 730 Physical Therapy Management of Neuromuscular Impairment I 6 sem. hrs.
See course description for PT 732.
PT 731 Physical Therapy Management of Neuromuscular Impairment II 6sem. hrs.
Continuation of PT 730.
PT 732 Physical Therapy Management of Multi-System Impairment 4 sem. hrs.
An integrated approach to the study of all relevant physiologic, anatomic, pathologic, medical and therapeutic concepts related to entry-level physical therapy practice. The course includes the physical therapy evaluation process, diagnosis, prognosis, patient care plan development, and physical therapeutic intervention techniques and procedures. The course sequence presents classroom and laboratory experiences building from simple to complex problems to assist the student in developing the necessary competencies in physical therapy. Experiences related to psychological, social, cultural, economic, and vocational aspects of illness and disability are included. The courses offer learning experiences presented using the problem/case study approach, organized around the study of body systems, with an orientation toward wellness/preventative care. Concepts are cumulative throughout the course sequence and continued enrollment depends upon mastery and use of previous concepts. .
PT 736 Capstone Seminar: Clinical Decision Making 2 sem. hrs.
This seminar presents students with selected clinical case studies that represent complex, multi-system impairments. In small groups the students go through the clinical decision-making process and develop a patient care plan for each case. Students also participate in a self-analysis of their academic and professional abilities, identify professional needs, and develop a personal lifelong learning plan.
PT 740 Special Topics 1-2 sem. hrs.
This elective course involves advanced study (beyond entry level) of selected examination and/or intervention techniques. Topics vary from semester to semester and from year to year. Students may enroll in a maximum of three topic courses over the last two years of the program.
