Curriculum
The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program takes a structured, comprehensive approach to the examination and treatment of orthopedic dysfunction of the spine and extremities. Based on the American Physical Therapy Association's description of advanced clinical practice, the program features didactic, laboratory, and clinical practice components under the supervision of accomplished clinical instructors.
Interactive coursework and collaborative clinical care time give you the opportunity to develop a framework for the evaluation and treatment of patients, as well as to review and reinforce the material you've learned. The aim of the program is to allow follow-up on classroom content to enhance the development of clinical skills and facilitate and refine the clinical thought process.
There are frequent reviews, and progress is at a pace that accommodates all participants. The instructor-to-student ratio for classroom, lab, and practice is never more than one to five, and clinical supervisors provide extensive one-on-one guidance. Ongoing written and practical examinations help ensure that you’re mastering the material at every stage.
Topical Content
The program features four in-depth, laboratory-based course to strengthen your knowledge and skills in orthopedic physical therapy and is supplemented by multiple audiovisual recordings of examination and intervention lectures.
- Course 1: Foundational Content: Differential Diagnosis, Medical Screening, Pharmacology, Critical Inquiry and Research Design, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Isokinetics and Outcome Tools
- Course 2: Management of Temporomandibular, Cervicothoracic, Rib, and Lumbopelvic Disorders including clinical reasoning, pain management, and vestibular rehabilitation
- Course 3: Orthopedic Management of Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Dysfunction including therapeutic exercise
- Course 4: Orthopedic Management of Hip, Knee, Ankle, and Foot Dysfunction including gait analysis, orthotic therapy, and pediatric orthopedic considerations
