Physical Therapy Course Descriptions
RS-701. Neuroscience. This course will thoroughly examine the structure and function of the human nervous system with emphasis on functional considerations related to clinical practice. This course will include a study of microscopic and macroscopic anatomical components of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system with emphasis on the organization of functional systems. The neurophysiological principles which are related to neural transmission and function of the various structures and systems will also be examined. Signs and symptoms related to various pathological conditions affecting the nervous system will be emphasized and students will be expected to correlate the clinical manifestations with the anatomical location of the pathology. 5 S.H.

RS-716. Human Anatomy. This course in gross anatomy is designed to provide students with the knowledge of clinical anatomy necessary to practice their expertise upon graduation. The contents of the course include gross anatomy and an introduction to anatomical radiology, and will be conducted to represent a survey of the entire human body. Teaching/learning methodologies will include lectures and discussions, prosected human cadavers, and computer applications. The course will be taught regionally (i.e. upper limb, lower limb, spine, etc.), and will survey all morphologic systems. 4 S.H. lecture, 1 S.H. lab.

PT-700. Foundations of Physical Therapy. This course introduces the student to the history, development, and current issues of the physical therapy profession and the American Physical Therapy Association. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Code of Ethics (complete with the Guide for Professional Conduct), and Guidelines for Documentation will be presented and discussed.  Legal and regulatory issues related to the physical therapy profession will be examined.  Professional communication, intercultural communication, and cultural competence will be discussed in the context of patient and professional relations.  2 S.H.

PT-705. Movement Science.  Movement Science involves the study of human biomechanics and kinesiology based on an in-depth knowledge of applied human anatomy. Students begin with the study of general biomechanics (including Newton's laws, free body diagrams, and computation of vector quanities) and the course then provides a study of the mechanics of the musculoskeletal tissues of interest to the physical therapist focusing on their response to different loading conditions and their effect on the musculoskeletal system. The course then moves on an in-depth study of applied human anatomy and kinesiology by body region with emphasis on normal, gross form and function as it relates to the practice of Physical Therapy. 3 S.H.

PT-705L. Movement Science Lab. The purpose of this laboratory course is to provide students the opportunity to develop palpation skills and to appreciate the differences of a variety of tissue types while learning clinical surface anatomy. The course uses a regional approach and is designed to correlate with the Human Anatomy course.  1 S.H.

PT-711 Clinical Pathophysiology. This course presents the pathogenesis of common disease processes or conditions with demonstration of the progression of each pathologic condition both at its cellular level in addition to the clinical presentation of signs and symptoms at the macro level. This course reflects the effects of pathologic processes on the individual's functional abilities and limitations, with the relationship between impairment and functional limitations as the key focus using both the WHO and Nagi disablement models. Practice patterns from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice will be incorporated and used as an expert consensus document. 3.0 S.H.

PT 712.  Applied Physiology and Nutrition. This course is designed to provide the student with a firm understanding of the acute and chronic adaptations that occur in the human body in response to physical activity/exercise. An emphasis will be placed on metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal adaptations to exercise. Students will learn to administer and interpret a variety of tests and measurements used to assess fitness/athletic performance, and to develop sound exercise prescriptions based on the results of these tests. 3.0 S.H.

PT 712 L.  Applied Physiology and Nutrition Lab. The lab portion of the course will involve demonstration and practice of various testing and training methods available to physical therapists for assessing and improving the fitness of their clients in the five major fitness component areas: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. In addition, there will be lab time devoted to nutritional assessment concepts/ techniques. 1 s.h.

PT-715L. Physical Therapist Examination I Lab. This laboratory course is designed to introduce the students to the physical therapist examination and will detailed practice concerning: acquiring and recording the patient/client history, review of systems, posture assessment, AROM, PROM, and muscle performance. 2 S.H.

PT-716. Physical Therapist Examination II. This is the second course in the physical therapy examination sequence and it will provide the students with the skills to thoroughly examine the biomechanical and clinical aspects of gait using observational analysis and motion analysis.  1.5 S.H.

PT-717. Physical Therapist Examination III: Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy. This course takes a systems approach in differential screening, interpretation of results, and differentiating dysfunction within the scope of physical therapist practice from those that indicate a referral to other health care practitioners. 2 S.H.

PT-721 & PT-721L. Physical Therapist Interventions I. The purpose of this primarily laboratory-based course is to develop student knowledge and skill in the performance of dependent and assisted positioning, bed mobility, transfers, gait training and massage. The use of proper body mechanics will be emphasized during the execution of all tasks. Clinical problem-solving using case studies will be incorporated. 1 S.H. lecture, 1.5 S.H. lab. 

PT-722 & PT-722L. Physical Therapist Interventions II: Physical Agents and Therapeutic Exercise. Lecture:  This course provides an introduction to the theory, scientific principles, and evidence for the use of various types of exercise and physical agents employed by physical therapists for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health and physical function.   Lab: Laboratory sessions will provide instruction and experience in the application of thermal/electrical agents for the management of pain, dysfunction, impaired muscle performance, range of motion limitations, and the delivery of medications.   Emphasis will also be placed on basic exercise techniques related to muscle performance (including strength, power, and endurance) and stretching/flexibility activities. Case based instruction, evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized.   3 S.H. Lecture,  2 S.H. Lab  

PT-723. Physical Therapist Interventions III: Applied Therapeutic Exercise.  lecture, 1 S.H. lab. Lecture:  This course builds on the concepts and techniques introduced in PT Intervention II. The theory, scientific principles and evidence for the use of various types of activities to enhance agility, coordination and balance will be covered. The clinical decision-making process regarding exercise selection and progression will be emphasized. 1 S.H.

PT-727 & PT-727L. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy. Analysis of common diseases/conditions involving the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, as well as the various types of interventions used to treat them is addressed, with an emphasis on the role of the Physical Therapist in providing appropriate rehabilitative exercise programs and risk factor modification education for persons with, or at risk of developing cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease.  Problem-solving skills will be enhanced through the use of patient problems and case studies.  3 S.H. lecture, 1 S.H. lab.

PT-728. Imaging and Electrodiagnosis.  Introduces the foundations and principles of imaging and the use of imaging studies in physical therapy.  Case studies are used.  The course proceeds to cover the principles of the use of electrophysiologic studies with neuromuscular disease and injury. The role of the physical therapist specialist in electrophysiology (ECS), the process to become a clinical specialist, and the role of the non-specialist to make the appropriate referral are discussed. 2 SH. 

PT-730. Musculoskeletal I. This course covers pathology, examination, evaluation, clinical reasoning, and intervention for upper quarter musculoskeletal disease and dysfunction. Post-surgical rehabilitation and therapeutic intervention are integrated with previous learning experiences and case studies. 3.0 S.H.

PT-730L. Musculoskeletal I Lab. The lab for this course covers screening, examination, evaluation, clinical reasoning, and intervention for upper quarter musculoskeletal disease and dysfunction. Rehabilitation and therapeutic intervention techniques are practiced and integrated with previous learning experiences and case studies. 2.0 S.H.

PT-731 & PT-731L. Musculoskeletal II. Musculoskeletal II is a 3 S.H. lecture 2 S.H. laboratory. Lecture: Musculoskeletal II is the second in a series of courses that prepares students to be safe, proficient, and reflective practitioners in examining and treating dysfunction and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, as well as current research and theory.  Musculoskeletal II primarily addresses lower quarter problems and addresses the preferred practice patterns 4B-1 through 4J-1 from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.  Lab: The laboratory component of Musculoskeletal II provides detailed instruction and learning experiences focusing on the examination, evaluation and clinical management of individuals with lower quarter musculoskeletal problems and dysfunction.

PT-732 & PT-732L. Musculoskeletal III. Musculoskeletal III is a 3 S.H. lecture course and a 2 cr. laboratory course.  Lecture: Musculoskeletal III is the third in a series of courses that prepares students to be safe, proficient, and reflective practitioners in physical therapist management and prevention of dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, as well as current research and theory.  Musculoskeletal III addresses in greater detail the spinal component and associated areas to upper and lower quarter problems and addresses the preferred practice patterns 4B-1 through 4J-1 from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.  Lab: The laboratory component of Musculoskeletal III provides detailed instruction and learning experiences focusing on the examination and clinical management of individuals with problems concerning the spine and associated areas.

PT-733 & PT-733L. Musculoskeletal IV. This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop, integrate, and apply knowledge and skills necessary to examine and treat individuals with selected musculoskeletal conditions. Topics include management of clients with a prosthesis or orthotic; examinations and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions that commonly affect aging clients such as arthritis, osteporosis, and pelvic floor dysfunctions; and management of clients with prenatal and postpartum musculoskeletal problems. The laboratory-based course is designed to provide students with opportunities to apply examination and treatment techniques used in the management of clients with a prosthesis or orthotic. 1 S.H. lecture; 0.5 S.H. lab.

PT-740. Clinical Practicum I. (7 weeks) This is the student’s second full-time onsite clinical learning experience supervised by a licensed physical therapist with a progression of learning opportunities, application techniques, and professional behavioral abilities. 7 S.H.

PT-741. Clinical Practicum II. (8 weeks)  Onsite clinical learning experience. 8 S.H.

PT-742. Clinical Practicum III. (8 weeks)  Onsite clinical learning experience. 8 S.H.

PT-743. Clinical Practicum IV. (8 weeks) 8 S.H. Onsite clinical learning experience.

PT-747. Introduction to Research.  This course introduces students to techniques of literature searching. Students will search, read, and analyze literature that validates current practice. Attention will be given to the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative research designs, principles of reliability and validity, the value of descriptive and inferential statistics and the importance of ethical research conduct in evidence-based practice. 2 s.h. 

PT-748. Pharmacology. Many individuals attending rehabilitation are managed pharmacologically with prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.  Many patients/clients are also involved with the use of “natural” remedies that can have an impact on their function and wellbeing.  The physical therapist is in an optimal position to recognize and evaluate the effect of medications on the patient’s function and the rehabilitation process. This course provides the student with knowledge concerning pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutic principles, adverse effects, and interactions.  The recognition of adverse effects and the influence of medications and natural remedies on function and rehabilitation will be emphasized.  2 S.H. 

PT-749. Comprehensive Health Care. This course is designed to introduce the student to the history and evolution of the U.S. health care system, alternative models of health care systems that may influence the future of health care in the U.S., health care finance, and contemporary health policy issues. Topics include reimbursement issues and mechanisms, concepts of managed care, and the impact of health policy on rehabilitation professions. This course also serves to build on the educational concepts and learning theories introduced in Physical Therapist Examination I & II and Physical Therapist Intervention I & II.  Student physical therapists will have the opportunity to explore and apply various educational principles. Participants will also learn to integrate cross cultural patient/client education techniques and develop their written and verbal communication skills. At course completion, students will be able to effectively educate others using culturally appropriate teaching methods commensurate with learner needs. 2 S.H.

PT-750. Research Seminar. 2 S.H. lecture. This course requires students to review, discuss, and critique peer reviewed journal articles related to their future research project that have the potential to influence clinical activities, and to use the literature as a tool for evidence-based practice, using the APTA Hooked on Evidence as a resource in addition to other databases of systematic reviews.  Emphasis is placed on the quality of the literature and the results, as applicable to clinical practice. Students will identify a specific scholarship activity in conjunction with an MUSC faculty or community clinician mentor.

PT-751. Diagnosis & Management of Medical/Surgical Conditions. This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop, integrate, and apply knowledge and skills necessary to examine and treat individuals with medical and surgical diagnoses. Topics covered in thsi course include wound management, oncology, lymphedema, women's health and rheumatology. 2 S.H.

PT-751L. Diagnosis & Management of Medical/Surgical Conditions Lab. Lab supporting PT-751. 1 S.H.

PT-752. Motor Development.  This course involves normal development of gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, psychosocial, cognitive, language, self-care and play skills and their relationships will be examined. It is designed to be the physical therapy precursor course to Neuromuscular I and Pediatrics. The normal development of gross motor skills will be contrasted with the abnormal development that occurs in the presence of various conditions and pathologies throughout the lifespan. 2 S.H. 

PT-753. Research Project. This offering allows students to work with faculty members on a research project, and gives students the opportunity to actively participate with faculty members in innovative research experiences that will allow them to better relate the scientific method of discovery to clinical practice. Each student will work with his/her faculty mentor on aspects of a project of mutual interest. 2 S.H.

PT-754. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. This class will serve to address the relevance of Healthy People 2010 to the practice of Physical Therapy. The 10 “Leading Health Indicators” as outlined in Healthy People 2010 are discussed and  particular attention will be paid to these health indicators as they relate specifically to the citizens of South Carolina.  Expert guest speakers will present updated information on various topics consistent with the Healthy People 2010 focus areas. 2 S.H.

PT-755 & PT-755L. Neuromuscular I. This course is the first of two major courses that will provide students with a solid foundation in the examination of and interventions for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. The emphasis in this course will be on the examination of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities that are common in individuals with chronic non-progressive neuromuscular disorders. Both traditional and contemporary models of neurological rehabilitation will be presented and the application of an integrated model will be emphasized with case studies used to integrate information and enhance the development of clinical problem solving skills. 4 S.H. lecture, 4 S.H. lab. 

PT-756 & PT-756L. Neuromuscular II.  Lecture: The second course in the neuromuscular sequence will integrate information from previous courses including Neuroscience, Movement Science I and II, and Neuromuscular I and expand on this knowledge to include a comprehensive study on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with chronic and/or progressive neurological disorders. Advanced skills applicable to patients with all neuromuscular disorders that include wheelchair seating and positioning, orthotics and computerized motion analysis will be included in this course. Lectures and discussions will utilize case studies to integrate information and enhance the development of clinical problem-solving skills  Lab: Neuromuscular II laboratory uses case studies and hands-on client/patient experiences to provide students with opportunities to apply the information learned in lecture to patient problems and to practice skills applicable to this patient population.  Examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and discharge planning skills will be applied to clients/patients with impairments and functional limitations associated with chronic or progressive disorders of the nervous system.  The components of physical therapist examination and intervention will be practiced to enhance the student’s clinical problem-solving skills and help prepare them to practice safely in the clinical setting. 2 S.H. lecture, 3 S.H. lab.

PT-757. PT for Older Adults. This course will examine foundational, clinical, and behavioral sciences pertinent to the examination, evaluation, and planning of treatment interventions for older adults. 2 S.H. lecture

PT-757L. PT for Older Adults Lab. This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop and skill in the provision of physical therapy services for older adults and to become acquainted with community resources available for these clients. 1 S.H.

PT-760 & PT-760L. Pediatrics. This course involves the examination and treatment of the pediatric population using an interdisciplinary approach.  The etiology and clinical features of common diseases/ disorders observed in the pediatric population will be emphasized. Lab:  Methods for examination, goal setting, and intervention are emphasized. Students will participate in interdisciplinary case studies and an interdisciplinary evaluation project. 3 S.H. lecture, 1 S.H. lab.

PT-761 & PT-761L. Professional Development: Physical Therapy Administration. This course introduces students to current concepts and principles of organization and management, new program development, human resource management, consultation, and legal issues important to the health professions.  Topics of child, marital, and elder abuse will also be covered. Lab: Students develop a new program for a rehabilitation department and apply knowledge obtained in lecture the analysis of management case studies. Lecture 2, lab 1

PT-762 & PT-762L. Clinical Reasoning and Practice. This course uses a case study format, utilizing problems from a variety of patient/client populations including those with musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, geriatric, wound care, cardiac, and pulmonary dysfunction.  The course emphases clinical reasoning and problem solving, with the incorporation of complex, multifactoral problems.  Students will experience a higher level clinical application, with the course cumulating with a comprehensive written and practical examination drawn from all areas across the curriculum. 3 S.H. lecture, 1 S.H. lab.

PT-763 Professional Issues. This course will focus on current issues affecting the physical therapy profession. Potential topics include the importance of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy; individual professional development plans for advanced and continuing professional education (e.g., residencies, fellowships, ABPTS certification, etc.); ethical and legal concerns; state licensure and regulatory changes in the practice act; and current issues emanating from the profession and the American Physical Therapy Association. This course also serves to assist student physical therapists recognize future roles as an academic and clinical educator, while weighing the value/ethical aspects of integrity, accountability, altruism, duty, and caring as a health professional using generic ability guidelines. 2 S.H.

PT-770 Clinical Seminar. (1 week)  This is the Capstone course on preparation for the national physical therapist licensing examination (NPTE) and post-professional employment, including test-taking strategies in conjunction with the Center for Academic Excellence; exit interviews (individual and group); post-professional residencies, fellowships, specialty certifications, and other graduate and continuing competency studies; professional practice portfolios and resumes for interviewing and application to specialty markets (i.e., public health, rural settings, non-traditional career pathways, underserved populations, military service, etc.) and ending with the annual Career Fair.  1.0 S.H.