Course Descriptions - Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The BS/DPT curriculum in the physical therapy program at SUNY Downstate consists of 132.5 credits of physical therapy professional courses. This includes 42 credits at the undergraduate level, and 90.5 credits at the graduate level.
The following are descriptions of the Graduate Physical Therapy professional courses.
PTDP 6105 Motor Control and Motor Learning I
In this course students will discuss and compare theories of motor control of movement & motor learning, issues related to motor skill classification & abilities, performance measurement, sensory input & vision, attention & memory, assessing & defining learning, stages &transfer of learning, and instruction & augmented feedback as well as practice conditions & schedules to facilitate motor learning. Students will evaluate clinical and scientific evidence supporting the different theories of motor control and motor learning. Students will also critically evaluate evidence for development and control of posture; mobility; and reach, grasp, and manipulation activities. Influences of action and perception of the individual on motor control and motor learning will be discussed; and the effects of constraints of the individual, task and environment on motor outcomes will be appraised.
Lecture/discussion. Summer. 2.0 credits
PTDP 6107 Clinical Electrophysiology
This course is designed to provide students with the underlying theories, scientific bases, biological effects and clinical applications that support the use of electrotherapeutic modalities. The course includes a lecture component during which theoretical processes will be presented, and a supervised laboratory component for practice in the selection, rationale for use, effects, indications and contraindications for the application of the various electrotherapeutic modalities. Students will be given basic information on electrodiagnostic testing, however, the course will emphasize the examination, evaluation and indications for, and the application of, electrotherapy. Students will learn the use of therapeutic electricity for muscle strengthening, pain management, and enhancement of circulation and wound and bone healing.
Lecture/laboratory. Summer. 2.5 credits
PTDP 6108 Patient/Client Management III: Physical Agents
This course focuses on critically analyzing the thermal and mechanical agents that are used by physical therapists. The physical principles and physiological effects of heat, cold, water, light, traction and ultrasound are presented. Clinical decision-making in the selection, application and evaluation of thermal and mechanical modalities is discussed and practiced within the context of a comprehensive plan of care to address impairments and functional limitations. The safe and effective practical applications of the modalities are part of comprehensive laboratory sessions.
Lecture/laboratory. Summer 2.0 credits
PTDP 6206 Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Physical Therapy
This course covers screening, examination, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for patients/clients with primary and secondary cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction by integrating cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology material covered in prior in courses as the foundation for developing an evidence-based total plan of care. Using case studies, lecture, and laboratory sessions designed to promote clinical decision making, students will develop the psychomotor and clinical reasoning required to manage this patient population safely and effectively. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of preparing students to competently manage critically ill patients on advanced life support, and the role of physical therapists in this setting will continue to become more complex. Therefore, this course will cover the following topics relative to managing critically ill patients: exercise prescription during the 6 to 8-week period following severe critical illness, oxygen titration, prone positioning, ECMO, mechanical ventilation, interpretation of cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing, blood flow restriction training, and managing patients with Post–Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). This course will also cover the anatomy, histology, and pathophysiology of COVID-19, and the PACER Project (Post-Acute COVID Exercise & Rehabilitation) clinical practice guidelines.
Lecture/laboratory/discussion. Summer. 5.0 credits
PTDP 6305 Preventative Care and Health and Wellness
This course will provide an overview of the concepts of health promotion and wellness and is directed towards prevention of primary and secondary impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities of individuals within communities. The social determinants of health will be explored and theories affecting wellness behaviors introduced. The course will entail the critical analysis and design of typical intervention sites as well as a framework for implementing effective programs. The format of teaching will include lecture, small group discussion, peer instruction and lab.
Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Summer 1.0 credit
PTDP 6109 Introduction to Clinical Practice
The classroom portion of the course prepares students to enter the clinical environment by providing them with a short review of major coursework in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, basic examination, treatment, and interviewing skills. Students will also be introduced to Case Report Methodology, introduced to journaling with an awareness of self and complete the training for the Web Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) with knowledge expectations of the four Clinical Education courses. Students may utilize clinical videos to reinforce clinical concepts learned in the academic setting. Students will then be able to document observations from the clinical video to assist in preparing for Clinical Education courses.
Clinical Preparedness/Lecture. Fall. 2.0 credits
PTDP 6204 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II
This course will develop the student’s ability to appropriately examine, evaluate and apply physical therapy interventions for people who have neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions of the extremities and vertebral column.
Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Fall. 5.0 credits
PTDP 6205 Motor Control and Motor Learning II
This course is a continuation of Motor Control and Motor Learning I in which students compare and contrast different therapeutic models related to atypical human movement. Students design, implement and modify therapeutic exercise and movement intervention plans based upon examination, evaluation, and diagnosis of impairments and functional limitations. Evidence for the various therapeutic exercise models will be evaluated. The learning format of this class is lecture, laboratory, clinical observation, role playing, case-based learning, and discussion.
Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Fall. 4.0 credits
PTDP 6306 Pediatric Physical Therapy
This course focuses on the physical therapy management of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary impairments and selected medical diagnoses in pediatric patients/clients. Pediatric Physical Therapy places emphasis on developmental disabilities. As a continuation of the Pediatrics module of Medical Sciences, it offers a specific application and synthesis of earlier knowledge specifically related to the pediatric population. The major theories of physical therapy patient/client management for children with developmental and acquired disabilities are discussed. Classroom instruction includes interactive lecture, discussion, and laboratory sessions with emphasis on problem-based learning, handling and facilitation techniques, baby observation, and therapeutic exercise.
Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Fall. 3.0 credits
PTDP 6308 Integumentary Physical Therapy: Prosthetics and Orthotics
This course covers the pathomechanics, biomechanics, evaluation and prescription of prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as the examination and intervention of individuals with wounds, amputations and peripheral vascular compromise. The use of sterile technique, hydrotherapy and the principles of wound care are also included. The course will be in the form of lecture, discussion, laboratory and demonstration sessions in order to prepare the student for working with individuals with peripheral vascular compromise, wounds, limb amputations and prescription prosthetics and orthotics in the clinical setting.
Lecture/laboratory/discussion. Fall. 4.0 credits
PTDP 6101 Clinical Education I
This is the first course in the clinical education sequence. The clinical education experience is planned by the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) and faculty to augment the individual learning needs and goals of the student. Students are placed in one clinical site for an eight-week clinical educational experience.
Clinical experience. Spring. 8.0 credits
PTDP 6110 Capstone Project I
This course provides a forum for students to develop an initial draft of the introduction section of a formal proposal for their final capstone project. Students working in small groups select from a choice of faculty-generated projects. Students will identify a conceptual framework, problem statement and purpose for their proposed project, and provide a preliminary review of relevant literature to support the structural framework for their final project. Students submit the written capstone proposal at the end of the semester. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to,
- Research study
- Disability awareness education module for a specified audience
- Development of an evidence-based home exercise program for a specific diagnosis
- Development of an exercise video for a specified audience.
- Development of an educational video for a specified audience.
- Examining different modes of learning in physical therapy education.
- Pilot testing examination and intervention equipment used in PT lab courses.
Seminar/Independent study. Spring. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6113 Grand Rounds I
This is the first course in the Grand Rounds sequence. This seminar will focus on exploring the expectations of physical therapy students in a clinical setting. Issues related to the therapist- patient relationship and student-clinical instructor (CI) relationship will be examined. Issues regarding professional behavior, dealing with clinical problems, and the grading scheme used by the CI will be discussed. Students will learn how to effectively approach the clinical educational experience through discussion, role-play, and selected readings. Following the Clinical Education I course, students will continue with Grand Rounds I to discuss and provide feedback regarding their clinical educational experience. They will also present a 10-minute case report concerning one relevant case for physical therapy based on Clinical Education I. Physical therapy faculty are invited to attend and participate in Grand Rounds I. Furthermore, Grand Rounds I will be open to members of the Downstate community and the program’s clinical sites.
Seminar. Spring. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6208 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
This course is a continuation of Motor Control and Motor Learning I and II in which students integrate screening, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, reassessment and discharge planning into the total care of patients/clients. In this course, students apply the ICF Model and preferred practice patterns to the physical therapy management of patients/clients with neuromuscular disorders through discussion, role modeling and case-based learning. Students are guided through problem solving activities to design, supervise and implement physical therapy intervention based upon the needs of the individual with complex neurological and multi-system impairments. Students integrate the needs of the patient, family, caregivers and society into the practice of physical therapy.
Lecture/laboratory/discussion. Spring. 4.0 credits
PTDP 6307 Radiology
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the knowledge necessary to visually comprehend plain radiographs and to integrate radiologic assessment into the physical therapy decision making process. The principles of radiodensity with respect to human tissue, contrast methods, effect of projection angle, correct viewing methods, fracture assessment and perception of the third dimension will be discussed to provide the basis for radiographic assessment of the axial and appendicular skeleton. This course will also cover the role of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria in the diagnostic imaging decision making process, and the capacity of plain radiographs, contrast radiography, CT, and MRI to define different pathologies.
Lecture/discussion. Spring. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6311 Administration and Supervision in Physical Therapy
This course is designed to provide information and develop skills to manage an organized physical therapy service. There is an emphasis on effective management principles including organizational structure, human resource management, fiscal planning, department design, continuous quality improvement and risk management. The course will also describe the external environment of health care delivery, such as, regulatory requirements, professional ethics and medical-legal issues.
The purpose of the Doctoral Program in physical therapy is to prepare professionally competent practitioners capable of performing comprehensive physical therapy differential diagnosis, intervention and clinical research. Graduates of our DPT curriculum will provide competent and thorough physical therapy services to a diverse population of clients based on available evidence-based practice. This will include patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and/or cardiopulmonary conditions as well as health promotional and wellness services to the general population. This required course provides a foundation that is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a physical therapy service. This course is 100% lecture.
Lecture/discussion. Spring. 2.0 credits
PSYH 5111 Psychiatry
The course will expose the physical therapist student to behavioral and social abnormalities commonly seen in hospital / clinical practice. The course will cover a range of topics which may have an impact upon the patient’s mental health. They will learn the various DSM-V criteria generated by the American Psychiatric Association required for specific mental health diagnosis. The students will be taught to utilize and interpret the pertinent information as provided from patients to assist with the formation of the appropriate diagnosis.
This course is designed to introduce physical therapist students to the concepts of psychiatry as they relate to mental health and mental illness in the Primary Care setting. Utilizing didactic instruction, role playing, evidence based research, problem based learning, and group discussions, students explore the recognition, assessment, treatment and referral of the patient who is psychologically impaired and the mentally ill as encountered in the primary care and emergency department settings. Students are introduced to techniques utilized in performing a psychiatric interview and formulating appropriate treatment and management plans. As part of primary care practice, techniques for patient education, prevention and early detection of psychiatric illness are highlighted.
Lecture. Spring. 2.0 credits
PTDP 6201 Clinical Education II
This course is a continuation of the clinical education sequence (II of I-IV). This is a 9-week, full-time clinical educational experience which is scheduled for the summer semester of the third year. This course will cultivate the development of advanced skills in patient/client management. Students will be assigned to clinical settings that are appropriate for their knowledge base at that juncture of the program. Clinical sites include, but are not limited to, adult rehabilitation, acute care, orthopedic out patient, and cardiovascular/pulmonary settings.
Clinical experience. Summer. 9.0 credits
PTDP 6210 Capstone Project II
This is a continuation of Capstone Project I. It is a preparatory course that may include the beginning of the data collection phase of the students’ final capstone project. While working closely with a faculty mentor, students examine ethics in research and complete the on-line Collaborative IRB Training Initiative training program and submit a mock IRB application and informed consent form to their capstone project mentor.
Seminar/Independent Study. Summer. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6213 Grand Rounds II
This is the second course in the Grand Rounds sequence. The DCE will coordinate a general Grand Rounds, in which each student will be required to present a 10-minute case report concerning one relevant case for physical therapy based on Clinical Education II. Physical therapy faculty are invited to attend and participate in Grand Rounds. Furthermore, Grand Rounds will be open to members of the Downstate community and the program’s clinical sites. This seminar will focus on exploring the expectations of physical therapy students in a clinical setting. Issues related to the therapist-patient/client relationship and student-clinical instructor relationship will be discussed. Issues regarding professional behavior, dealing with clinical problems, and the grading scheme used by the CI will be emphasized.
Seminar. Summer. 0.5 credit
PTDP 6301 Clinical Education III
This course is a continuation of the clinical education sequence (III of I-IV). This is a 10- week, full-time clinical educational experience that is scheduled for the fall semester of the third year. This course will cultivate the development of entry-level skills in patient/client management and continue the integration of academic knowledge with clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills as students continue to develop to become doctoral-prepared practitioners. Students will be assigned to clinical settings appropriate with their knowledge base at that juncture of the program. Clinical sites may include specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, burn rehabilitation, performing arts physical therapy and home care settings.
Clinical experience. Fall. 10.0 credits
PTDP 6304 Professional Development II
In this course students will examine both accepted principles of medical ethics and ethics in the profession of physical therapy. Legal and established professional standards will be identified. Students will address issues related to the forces that shape ethical development such as social, cultural and historical influences. Students will learn to analyze ethical dilemmas and develop ethical reasoning in pursuit of appropriate action. The learning format of this class is lecture and discussion based on assigned readings and case studies.
Lecture/discussion. Fall. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6310 Capstone Project III
This is a continuation of Capstone Project II. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students implement the capstone project proposed in Capstone Project I and II by collecting quantitative and/or qualitative information, or developing the product proposed in the earlier courses. This data collection process or product development will lead toward completion of their capstone project.
Independent study. Fall. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6313 Grand Rounds III
This is the third course in the Grand Rounds sequence. The DCE will coordinatea general Grand Rounds, in which each student will be required to present a 10-minute case report concerning one relevant case for physical therapy based on Clinical Education III. Physical therapy faculty are invited to attend and participate in Grand Rounds III. Furthermore, Grand Rounds III will be open to members of the Downstate community and the program’s clinical sites. This seminar will focus on exploring the expectations of physical therapy students in a clinical setting. Issues related to the therapist patient/client relationship and student clinical instructor relationship will be discussed. Issues regarding professional behavior, dealing with clinical problems, and the grading scheme used by the CI will be emphasized.
Seminar. Fall. 0.5 credit
PTDP 6404 Pharmacology
This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of different drug classifications and the pharmacodynamics of the most frequently used drugs. Learning methods include lecture, audiovisual materials, journal articles, and simulations.
Lecture/discussion. Fall. 2.0 credits
PTDP 6406 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy III
This course will develop the student’s skills to appropriately examine, evaluate and design physical therapy interventions for people who have had musculoskeletal surgeries of the extremities and vertebral column.
Lecture. Fall. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6401 Clinical Education IV
This course is the most advanced course of the clinical education sequence (I-IV). This is a 12-week, full-time clinical educational experience that is scheduled for the spring semester of the third year. The student, before entering this course, has satisfactorily completed all course work in the program. The ultimate goal is for the student to become a competent, doctoral-prepared physical therapist with entry-level skills in patient/client management and integration academic knowledge with clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills. Students will be assigned to all clinical settings that are available to the program, and will be expected to exhibit the skills and abilities of an entry-level practitioner by the end of this course. Clinical sites may include specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, burn rehabilitation, performing arts physical therapy and home care settings.
Clinical experience. Spring. 12.0 credits
PTDP 6402 Grand Rounds IV
This is the fourth and final course in the Grand Rounds sequence. The DCE will coordinate a general Grand Rounds, in which each student will be required to present a 10-minute case report concerning one relevant case for physical therapy based on Clinical Education IV. Physical therapy faculty are invited to attend and participate in Grand Rounds IV. Furthermore, Grand Rounds IV will be open to members of the Downstate community and the program's clinical sites. This seminar will focus on exploring the expectations of physical therapy students in a clinical setting. Issues related to the therapist-patient/client relationship and student-clinical instructor relationship will be discussed. Issues regarding professional behavior, dealing with clinical problems, and the grading scheme used by the clinical instructor will be emphasized.
Seminar. Spring. 1.0 credit
PTDP 6405 Differential Diagnosis
In this course, students will learn to formulate a diagnosis based upon the screening, examination and evaluation of impairments and functional limitations of the patient/client. Students and faculty will use role-play and discussion to further integrate the screening, examination and evaluation of patients/clients with complex multi-system conditions. Through evidence-based clinical decision making, students will discuss the process of making a differential diagnosis. A case-based format will be used to integrate clinical findings in order to arrive at a diagnosis and to determine whether to initiate intervention or refer to another practitioner. Students will critically appraise the different physical therapy diagnoses made by classmates and those of expert practitioners. The scope of physical therapy practice, formulating diagnoses and referring to physicians and other health care practitioners will be discussed.
Lecture/discussion. Spring. 2.0 credits
PTDP 6410 Capstone Project IV
This is a continuation of Capstone Project III. It is the final course in the capstone project series which leads toward completion of the project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students will complete their capstone project and present it at a scientific forum to be arranged by the Physical Therapy Department. Students will submit a final manuscript detailing the project. Students may also submit their abstract to a professional association for presentation. Students will work closely with their faculty mentor to complete the activities required for this course.
Independent study. Spring. 1.0 credit