Course Descriptions

DPT 601 Gross and Functional Anatomy I Lecture

This is Part I of a two-part course in human gross anatomy and its relationship to impairments of the movement system. Embryology, histology, and gross anatomy of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and perineum will be covered. Laboratory experiences will be provided using 3-dimensional anatomy software and anatomical models. Gained knowledge will be applied during the functional anatomy component of the course, where students will identify and palpate anatomical structures in a living human body during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 641.

DPT 641 Gross and Functional Anatomy I Lab

This is Part I of a two-part course in human gross anatomy and its relationship to impairments of the movement system. Embryology, histology, and gross anatomy of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and perineum will be covered. Laboratory experiences will be provided using 3-dimensional anatomy software and anatomical models. Gained knowledge will be applied during the functional anatomy component of the course, where students will identify and palpate anatomical structures in a living human body during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 601.

DPT 602 Ethics

This course explores the history of the physical therapy profession, core values, professional behavior, communication with clients and other professionals, and advocacy and leadership roles in the physical therapy profession at regional, state, and national levels. State and federal laws pertaining to the practice of physical therapy will be addressed. Special attention will be given to the Texas Practice Act for physical therapists and to the development of ethical values and establishing ethical competency.

DPT 604 Rural and Underserved Populations Health, Healthcare Access and Healthcare Policies

This course addresses the challenges of rural and under-served populations including healthcare access and healthcare systems in rural areas.  The psychosocial aspects of health and disability will be explored.  Additionally healthcare policies impacting rural and underserved populations will be analyzed. Special attention will be given to the health disparities common to rural and underserved populations of Texas.

DPT 607 Foundational Skills Lecture

This course covers basic physical therapy care and procedures, including correct body mechanics, infection control, assessment of vital signs, use of assistive technologies, gait training, transfers, and application of passive and active assistive range of motion procedures. Emphasis will be placed on application of these procedures with patients in acute and intensive care settings. Students will learn to communicate effectively with patients, family members, the health care team, and others while maintaining cultural humility. Gained knowledge will be applied to patient scenarios during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 647.

DPT 647 Foundational Skills Lab

This course covers basic physical therapy care and procedures, including correct body mechanics, infection control, assessment of vital signs, use of assistive technologies, gait training, transfers, and application of passive and active assistive range of motion procedures. Emphasis will be placed on application of these procedures with patients in acute and intensive care settings. Students will learn to communicate effectively with patients, family members, the health care team, and others while maintaining cultural humility. Gained knowledge will be applied to patient scenarios during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 607.

DPT 605 Human and Exercise Physiology Lecture

This course explores human physiological systems and their response to acute and chronic exercise. Emphasis will be placed on the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary systems as well as the concepts of homeostasis, bioenergetics, and metabolism. Students will apply gained knowledge during on-campus lab immersion experiences and in the analysis of disorders of various physiologic systems.

This course is a paired course with DPT 645.

DPT 645 Human and Exercise Physiology Lab

This course explores human physiological systems and their response to acute and chronic exercise. Emphasis will be placed on the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary systems as well as the concepts of homeostasis, bioenergetics, and metabolism. Students will apply gained knowledge during on-campus lab immersion experiences and in the analysis of disorders of various physiologic systems.

This course is a paired course with DPT 605.

DPT 603 Evidence-based Practice I

This is a foundational course for the evidence-based practice paradigm in physical therapy as well as use of the models of ablement and disability. In addition, common statistical terms and tests along with study reliability and validity and psychometric properties of outcome measures will be covered. Students will learn effective search strategies and application of research study findings to patients under the evidence-based practice paradigm. Emphasis will be on application of evidence in clinical practice. 

DPT 606 Gross and Functional Anatomy II Lecture

This is Part II of a two-part course in human gross anatomy and its relationship to impairments of the movement system. Gross anatomy of the upper and lower extremities will be covered. Laboratory experiences will be provided using 3-dimensional anatomy software and anatomical models. Gained knowledge will be applied during the functional anatomy component of the course, where students will identify and palpate anatomical structures in a living human body during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 646.

DPT 646 Gross and Functional Anatomy II Lab

This is Part II of a two-part course in human gross anatomy and its relationship to impairments of the movement system. Gross anatomy of the upper and lower extremities will be covered. Laboratory experiences will be provided using 3-dimensional anatomy software and anatomical models. Gained knowledge will be applied during the functional anatomy component of the course, where students will identify and palpate anatomical structures in a living human body during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 606.

DPT 609 Movement Science Lecture

This course covers the control and regulation of human movement by the nervous system and how movement is affected by neuropathology. Special attention will be given to common movement disorders (involving the spinal cord, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex) often seen by physical therapists.

This course is a paired course with DPT 659.

DPT 659 Movement Science Lab

This course covers the control and regulation of human movement by the nervous system and how movement is affected by neuropathology. Special attention will be given to common movement disorders (involving the spinal cord, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex) often seen by physical therapists.

This course is a paired course with DPT 609.

DPT 608 Neuroscience Lecture

This course explores the anatomy and function of the central, peripheral, and autonomous nervous systems and their relationship to physical therapy practice. Knowledge acquired during the online sessions will be reinforced by laboratory experiences with the use of 3-dimensional software and laboratory immersions where students will learn to assess neurologic functions using tests commonly used in clinical settings.

This course is a paired course with DPT 658.

DPT 658 Neuroscience Lab

This course explores the anatomy and function of the central, peripheral, and autonomous nervous systems and their relationship to physical therapy practice. Knowledge acquired during the online sessions will be reinforced by laboratory experiences with the use of 3-dimensional software and laboratory immersions where students will learn to assess neurologic functions using tests commonly used in clinical settings.

This course is a paired course with DPT 608.

DPT 610 Rural Business Models

This course prepares students for the business of physical therapy including management and finance. Students will develop skills in leadership, clinic administration, management of human resources, and understanding diagnostic coding and payer relationships. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of successful rural practice models and the application of business principles in rural settings. Students will develop a business plan for a rural physical therapy business/practice.

DPT 611 Rural Community Health Promotion and Wellness

This course explores barriers and opportunities for health promotion and wellness in rural communities at the individual level and within a healthcare setting. Areas of focus include population health, the role of nutrition in chronic health conditions, and teaching and learning strategies for individuals and community groups.  Students will develop and implement a program to enhance health behaviors and outcomes in a rural community.

DPT 612 Interventions of the Movement System Lecture

This course covers the foundations and principles of exercise prescription used by physical therapists for healthy and clinical populations. Students will learn to address functional limitations related to range of motion, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and cardiopulmonary endurance. Emphasis will be placed on indications, contraindications, and progression of exercise through the rehabilitation spectrum across the lifespan. Gained knowledge will be applied during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 652.

DPT 652 Interventions of the Movement System Lab

This course covers the foundations and principles of exercise prescription used by physical therapists for healthy and clinical populations. Students will learn to address functional limitations related to range of motion, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and cardiopulmonary endurance. Emphasis will be placed on indications, contraindications, and progression of exercise through the rehabilitation spectrum across the lifespan.

This course is a paired course with DPT 612.

DPT 613 Clinical Medicine I

This course explores genetics, histology, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of the human body with a focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

DPT 614 Clinical Diagnostics I Lecture

This course develops student competence in patient interviewing, selection of tests and measures used across multiple settings, and documentation. During on-campus lab immersion experiences, students model professional behavior while performing range of motion, strength, and muscle length testing, along with neurologic screening exams, and other outcome measures.

This course is a paired course with DPT 654.

DPT 654 Clinical Diagnostics I Lab

This course develops student competence in patient interviewing, selection of tests and measures used across multiple settings, and documentation. During on-campus lab immersion experiences, students model professional behavior while performing range of motion, strength, and muscle length testing, along with neurologic screening exams, and other outcome measures.

This course is a paired course with DPT 614.

DPT 615 Evidence-based Practice II

This course builds on the content and knowledge from Evidence-based Practice I. This course develops knowledge of research methods, statistical analysis, and critical review of published literature relative to physical therapist practice. Students will learn to search, appraise, and synthesize findings related to diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders commonly seen by physical therapists. The use of data informatics in the healthcare environment is introduced. Emphasis will be on application of evidence in clinical practice. 

DPT 620 Musculoskeletal I Lecture

This course teaches students psychomotor skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory experiences, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 670.

DPT 670 Musculoskeletal I Lab

This course teaches students psychomotor skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory experiences, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 620.

DPT 613 Clinical Medicine II

This course provides students a foundation in diagnostic imaging, pharmacology and pathophysiology of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems with a focus on rural populations.

DPT 618 Assistive Technologies Lecture

This course prepares students for the management of patients with amputations and conditions requiring orthotics, prosthetics, braces and other assistive technologies. Students will practice fitting, therapeutic exercises, gait assessments, and gait training of patients with amputations as well as other pathological conditions.  Assistive technology devices for the upper extremity and the spine will also be included. Application of this knowledge will occur during on campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 678.

DPT 678 Assistive Technologies Lab

This course prepares students for the management of patients with amputations and conditions requiring orthotics, prosthetics, braces and other assistive technologies. Students will practice fitting, therapeutic exercises, gait assessments, and gait training of patients with amputations as well as other pathological conditions.  Assistive technology devices for the upper extremity and the spine will also be included. Application of this knowledge will occur during on campus lab immersion experiences

This course is a paired course with DPT 618.

DPT 619 Geriatrics

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge to evaluate and treat movement disorders affecting the aging adult utilizing the 4M Age Friendly Initiative. Emphasis will be placed on mobility, mentation, medication and what matters to the older adult. This course will also explore how environmental factors including housing, home safety, and transportation impact the older client. Students will critically examine healthcare facilities for older adults under the Age Friendly Initiative.

DPT 628 Integumentary

This course prepares students to perform comprehensive examination and management of disorders of the integumentary system. Focus will be given to the evaluation and treatment of open wounds and burns as well as other dermatological conditions.

DPT 622 Musculoskeletal II Lecture

This course teaches students psychomotor skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremity. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory sessions, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 682.

DPT 682 Musculoskeletal II Lab

This course teaches students psychomotor skills necessary to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremity. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory sessions, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 622.

DPT 621 Clinical diagnostics II Lecture

This course prepares students to appropriately select and administer balance and gait assessment in special patient populations. Emphasis will be placed on the administration and use of common outcome measures used in brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular conditions, vestibular disorder, stroke, and cancer.

This course is a paired course with DPT 671.

DPT 671 Lab Clinical diagnostics II Lab

This course prepares students to appropriately select and administer balance and gait assessment in special patient populations. Emphasis will be placed on the administration and use of common outcome measures used in brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular conditions, vestibular disorder, stroke, and cancer.

This course is a paired course with DPT 621.

DPT 616 Cardiopulmonary Lecture

Application of previously acquired knowledge of cardiovascular/pulmonary anatomy and physiology. in evaluation and treatment of selected cardiopulmonary medical conditions. Screening examinations for the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems in patients with disorders involving other body systems also will be covered. as will the basics of ECG interpretation. Application of learned skills and knowledge will occur during on-campus immersion lab experiences, allowing students to master the skills for examination and treatment of the client with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.

This is a paired course with DPT 676.

DPT 676 Cardiopulmonary Lab

Application of previously acquired knowledge of cardiovascular/pulmonary anatomy and physiology. in evaluation and treatment of selected cardiopulmonary medical conditions. Screening examinations for the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems in patients with disorders involving other body systems also will be covered as well the basics of ECG interpretation. Application of learned skills and knowledge will occur during on-campus immersion lab experiences, allowing students to master the skills for examination and treatment of the client with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.

This course is a paired course with DPT 616.

DPT 625 Musculoskeletal III Lecture

This course teaches students psychomotor skills needed to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory sessions, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 685.

DPT 685 Musculoskeletal III Lab

This course teaches students psychomotor skills needed to perform examination, evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity. Students develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. During on-campus laboratory sessions, students apply learned skills while practicing examination and treatment interventions commonly used in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

This course is a paired course with DPT 625.

DPT 624 Interprofessional Studies in Rural Medicine

This course prepares physical therapy graduates to employ collaborative patient/client-centered practice and interprofessional collaboration to improve the effectiveness of health care.  Students explore professional roles within the healthcare professions; empathy, spirituality, and cultural humility; self-reflection and self-care strategies. Teaching and learning strategies for professionals and clients and communication strategies for clients and professionals also are covered. Students will work in teams to develop interprofessional collaborative practice to provide comprehensive care in rural communities.

DPT 623 Pain Science and physical agents Lecture

Introduction to management of patients with chronic pain syndromes and associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of assessment, education, treatment, and outcomes. Current best practice techniques and research are integrated to provide discussion of the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of chronic pain, to enhance evidence informed patient care, and to advance societal health. Students will learn how to safely apply physical agents including superficial and deep heat, cold, electrotherapeutic modalities in different patient populations.

This course is a paired course with DPT 683.

DPT 683 Pain Science and physical agents Lab

Introduction to management of patients with chronic pain syndromes and associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of assessment, education, treatment, and outcomes. Current best practice techniques and research are integrated to provide discussion of the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of chronic pain, to enhance evidence informed patient care, and to advance societal health. Students will learn how to safely apply physical agents including superficial and deep heat, cold, electrotherapeutic modalities in different patient populations.

This course is a paired course with DPT623.

DPT 626 Clinical Medicine III

Integration of previous knowledge acquired in Clinical medicine I and II to develop clinical reasoning skills through the use of case studies. Special attention will be given to drug interaction and disorders of the movement system commonly seen by physical therapists.  

DPT 627 Neurorehabilitation Lecture

Study of motor learning and motor control and the application of these principles to the evaluation and treatment of patients with neuromuscular disorders. Application of this knowledge will be enhanced by on-campus lab immersion experiences in which students will integrate newly acquired knowledge with previous information from gross anatomy, neuroscience, and movement science to identify and select outcome measures appropriate for the neurological client. Additionally, students will learn how to treat movement disorders in neurological conditions affecting the US population such as CVA, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and others.

This course is a paired course with DPT 687.

DPT 687 Neurorehabilitation Lab

Study of motor learning and motor control and the application of these principles to the evaluation and treatment of patients with neuromuscular disorders. Application of this knowledge will be enhanced by on-campus lab immersion experiences in which students will integrate newly acquired knowledge with previous information from gross anatomy, neuroscience, and movement science to identify and select outcome measures appropriate for the neurological client. Additionally, students will learn how to treat movement disorders in neurological conditions affecting the US population such as CVA, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and others.

This course is a paired course with DPT 627.

DPT 629 Integrated Clinical Experience I (9 weeks)

This course is a full-time clinical experience in which the students work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills as they evaluate and treat patients in a real practice environment. Students will be placed in different settings but not limited to acute care, outpatient, inpatient rehab or special settings. As measured by the Clinical Internship Evaluation Tool (CIET) students should achieve target performance ratings at the end of the clinical experience.

DPT 630 Pediatrics Lecture

Synthesis of foundational concepts presented across the curriculum and application to the pediatric population with emphasis on neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Students will observe and analyze normal human development, reflex integration and their association with movement development. Lectures and lab will focus on treatment and handling techniques in the pediatric population. Application of knowledge and development of clinical reasoning skills in the pediatric population will occur during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 690.

DPT 690 Pediatrics Lab

Synthesis of foundational concepts presented across the curriculum and application to the pediatric population with emphasis on neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Students will observe and analyze normal human development, reflex integration and their association with movement development. Lectures and lab will focus on treatment and handling techniques in the pediatric population. Application of knowledge and development of clinical reasoning skills in the pediatric population will occur during on-campus lab immersion experiences.

This course is a paired course with DPT 630.

DPT 631 Primary Care for Rural Physical Therapy

Exploration of the role of physical therapists as the provider of choice for movement disorders in a rural area.  This class will build on Interprofessional Studies in Rural Medicine, Rural Business Models, and Rural Health Promotion and Wellness to prepare the student to become an independent practitioner working within a medical model. Emphasis will be given to chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Pharmacology and diagnostic imaging well as interprofessional collaboration will be emphasized.

DPT 632 Doctoral Synthesis I

This course is designed to develop clinical thinking skills by synthesizing information regarding diagnostic and treatment skills through case studies. Students will conduct evaluation and management of complex cases using case studies, including practicing psychomotor and clinical-decision skills, communication skills, interprofessional relationships, and ethics.

DPT 633 Terminal Clinical Experience I (13 weeks)

This course is a terminal clinical experience in which the students work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students continue to refine critical thinking skills as they evaluate and treat patients across the lifespan and continuum of care. Students will be placed in different settings but not limited to acute care, outpatient, inpatient rehab or special settings.  As measured by the Clinical Internship Evaluation Tool (CIET) student should perform at entry-level.

DPT 634 Scholarship in Advocacy and Leadership I

Integration of evidence-based clinical practice, advocacy and research through the development of health promotion and wellness programs and expansion of rural business models begun in Year One of the program.  Additional focus will be placed on leadership and advocacy strategies, especially for rural physical therapists and rural populations, as well as cultural humility and ethical practice. A data informatics project will be conducted to build on knowledge from Evidence-based practice II. This course series serves as the Capstone work of the DPT Curriculum.

DPT 635 Terminal Clinical Experience II (9 weeks)

This course is a terminal clinical experience in which the students work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students will solidify critical thinking skills as they evaluate and treat patients across the lifespan and continuum of care. Students will be placed in different settings but not limited to acute care, outpatient, inpatient rehab or special settings.  At the completion of this internship, students will be able to be competent at managing a full workload of patients with varying disorders of the movement system. Student will achieve entry-level or above entry-level performance on the Clinical Internship Evaluation Tool (CIET).

DPT 638 Special Topics**

Elective course in a topic such as include pelvic health PT, dry needling, advanced wound care, advanced orthopedic and neurological techniques as well as financial management (list of topics is not comprehensive but rather an example of what might be offered).  This class will meet on weekends or evenings in a seminar format after completion of the terminal clinical experience II. 

DPT 637 Doctoral Synthesis II

This course is focused on advanced clinical reasoning and the movement system. In preparation for the NPTE exam, pathophysiology, examination, evaluation, and intervention of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, lymphatic systems, other systems and non-systems will be reviewed. Students will be exposed to mock exams and cases to prepare for the board exam.

DPT 636 Engaged Scholarship in Advocacy and Leadership II

Formulation of individual professional development plans for life-long learning and continued professional engagement including mechanisms for seeking collaborative partnerships, community resources, and opportunities for professional service and leadership. Students will finalize their rural business models and health promotion and wellness programs through further scaffolding of knowledge integration.