This course prepares Doctor of Physical Therapy students to apply differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning skills when evaluating patients with pain, dysfunction, or movement impairments. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing musculoskeletal conditions from non-musculoskeletal and systemic pathologies that may mimic orthopedic presentations. Students will develop proficiency in identifying red flags, determining the need for referral, and integrating patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic data to support sound clinical decision-making. Through case-based and evidence-informed learning, students will refine their ability to analyze complex clinical presentations and develop appropriate management strategies. This practical, patient-centered approach equips students to manage diverse clinical scenarios within contemporary physical therapy practice.

This course develops advanced clinical reasoning skills for safe, effective physical therapy management of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Emphasis is placed on screening for referral, recognizing cardiopulmonary red flags, and distinguishing primary cardiopulmonary disorders from non-cardiopulmonary or systemic conditions that can mimic cardiopulmonary presentations. Students integrate cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic testing, and evidence-based practice to support examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention planning across acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, and community settings. Instructional methods include case-based learning, simulation, and problem solving focused on risk stratification, exercise prescription, monitoring physiological responses, comorbidity management, prioritization of care, and interprofessional collaboration.

This course prepares Doctor of Physical Therapy students to apply differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning in the evaluation of patients with neurologic signs and symptoms. Emphasis is placed on screening for referral, recognizing red flags, and distinguishing primary neurologic disorders from non-neurologic or systemic conditions that can mimic neurologic presentations. Students learn to integrate patient history, focused neurologic examination, functional assessment, and diagnostic data to support safe, timely referral and evidence-based management. Through case-based, evidence-informed learning and the use of clinical algorithms, students refine their decision-making skills for complex neurologic presentations across practice settings.

This course provides Doctor of Physical Therapy students with an in-depth understanding of pain management through a biopsychosocial framework. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of pain, comprehensive pain assessment, and evidence-based interventions for both acute and chronic pain conditions. Students will examine the influence of psychological, social, and contextual factors on pain perception, behavior, and recovery, and apply clinical reasoning to develop individualized, patient-centered management strategies. Through case-based learning and practical application, students will gain the skills necessary to effectively address pain within the scope of physical therapy practice and optimize patient outcomes.

This course is designed for physical therapists to deepen their understanding of pharmacology and its application in advanced clinical practice. The course covers essential pharmacological principles, including drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, side effects and interactions, with a specific focus on medications commonly encountered in physical therapy practice. Focus is directed toward the integration of pharmacological knowledge into patient assessment, treatment planning, and patient management to enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety.

This course provides physical therapists with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the application and interpretation of diagnostic imaging modalities relevant to physical therapy practice. The course covers the fundamentals of various imaging techniques, including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound, highlighting their role in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

This course provides Doctor of Physical Therapy students with an in-depth understanding of general pathology and internal medicine and their relevance to physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on recognizing systemic disease presentations, identifying red flags, and determining the need for medical referral. Students review disease processes, pathophysiology, management of common internal conditions, and interpretation of laboratory/diagnostic data to inform assessment, prognosis, and treatment planning. Case-based, evidence-informed learning develops clinical reasoning for safe, effective care across settings.

This course offers physical therapists a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and evidence-based practice in health sciences. The course covers essential aspects of research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results. This course focuses on developing skills to critically appraise existing research, conduct research, and apply research findings to clinical practice to enhance patient care and outcomes.

This course helps physical therapists develop the skills needed to lead teams, manage clinics, and even start their own practice. Students will learn how to plan strategically, handle organizational changes, and run a business effectively. Topics include leadership, financial management, marketing, and innovation, all within the healthcare field. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to take on leadership roles or successfully manage a physical therapy practice.

This course is designed to equip physical therapists with essential transferable skills that enhance their professional development and effectiveness in various healthcare settings. The course focuses on communication and conflict-resolution skills, which are crucial for success in physical therapy practice and can be applied across different roles and career paths within the healthcare industry.

This internship focuses on offering DPT students the opportunity to integrate advanced concepts into their existing practice. Students will work in clinical environments, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, where they can apply evidence-based approaches to patient care. The goal is to enhance their ability to evaluate patients, design effective treatment plans, and communicate professionally with patients and colleagues. By building on their prior experience, students will bridge the gap between their current skills and advanced doctoral-level practices.

This internship offers DPT students the space to work on specialized and complex areas of physical therapy, such as orthopedics, neurology, or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Students are encouraged to take on challenging cases, demonstrating leadership and advanced clinical reasoning in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. This internship aims to deepen expertise and prepare students for innovative roles in the profession, allowing them to contribute to improved patient outcomes and advance their ability to manage high-level clinical responsibilities.

As part of the curriculum, DPT students are required to complete a unique research project or clinical case study demonstrating mastery of advanced physical therapy concepts and practices. Students work on this project throughout the duration of the program and present it during the last semester.

This course offers physical therapists the opportunity to explore complementary and alternative therapies designed to enhance patient care such as acupuncture, dry needling, and yoga. The course covers the principles and practices of combining conventional and alternative therapies to create tailored treatment plans that address the patient’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

This course explores the latest advancements in technology and innovation within the field of rehabilitation, covering a range of tools and techniques such as robotics, telehealth applications, and virtual reality. Students will learn how to integrate these technologies into therapeutic practice to enhance patient outcomes and improve clinical efficiency.

This course is designed to prepare physical therapists to play a pivotal role in promoting health and wellness among diverse populations. The course covers theoretical foundations and practical applications of health promotion and wellness principles, focusing on prevention, lifestyle modification, and the integration of wellness strategies into physical therapy practice.