Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum and core course descriptions

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum and core course descriptions

Fall Term 2018

PT 8170 Professional Development and Reflective Practice
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Winter Term 2019

PT 6300 Critical Thinking and Inquiry
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Spring/Summer Term 2019

PT 6400 Teaching and Learning in Health Care
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Fall Term 2019

PT 6700 Motor Learning and Motor Control
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Winter Term 2020

PT 8400 Diagnostic Procedures
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Spring/Summer Term 2020

PT 8300 Differential Diagnosis
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Fall Term 2020

PT 8170 Professional Development and Reflective Practice
PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Winter Term 2021

PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Spring/Summer Term 2021

PT 8850 Clinical Practicum
PT 7900 Directed Study (or elective)

Students may choose to substitute the directed study to participate in another approved graduate course offered at Wayne State University.

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy description of core courses

PT 6300 Critical Thinking and Inquiry for Health Sciences Cr. 3: Critical thinking and inquiry based course focusing on reading and interpretation of research literature, computer databases, case studies and literature reviews. Critique and analysis of journal articles as well as internet research will be introduced and practiced. The use of statistics will be introduced along with application of evidence-based findings for clinical problem solving. Hypothesis testing and other decision making models will be introduced and practiced using discipline specific problems. Evidence-based project appropriate (e.g. case report, systematic review of literature) for publication is required of tDPT students.

PT 6700 Motor Learning and Control Cr. 3: Current theories and concepts involved in the processes of motor skill acquisition and performance from a behavioral perspective. Major topics include the methodology of studying motor performance, information processing, sensory and central contributions to motor control, coordination, individual differences, conditions of practice, feedback, retention and transfer, and the learning process. Application to clinical practice will be emphasized. Clinical project required for tDPT students.

PT 6400 Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals Cr. 3: Exploration of theoretical and practical issues with respect to educational methods, adult learning theories, instructional and evaluation methodologies, instructional technology and instructional management, which are pertinent to health care professions. An emphasis will be placed on adapting instruction to the learning needs of patient populations and health care providers. Clinical or community education project required for tDPT students.

PT 7900 Directed Study: This option allows students the opportunity to develop and pursue an area of professional interest integrating the essential elements of evidence based practice. The course work will culminate in a case study or evidence-based article which is suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal. Students may choose to substitute the directed study to participate in another approved graduate course offered at Wayne State University.

PT 8300 Differential Diagnosis: Advanced physical assessment focusing on differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary and cardiovascular pathology. Differential diagnosis of possible pathological conditions that require referral to other members of the health team. Clinical reasoning skills and diagnostic process. Emphasis on the differential diagnostic process in physical therapy and indications for referral.

PT 8400 Diagnostic Procedures Cr. 3: Application and interpretation of diagnostic procedures relevant to physical therapy practice. Relevance of selected diagnostic findings to physical therapy case studies. Clinical project required for tDPT students.

PT 8170 Professional Development and Reflective Practice Cr. 3: Focus on issues that affect the development of physical therapy practice; exploration of characteristics of novice and expert clinicians; reflective practice in physical therapy. Students will examine the competencies of the tDPT graduate and physical therapy core values. The students will develop a professional portfolio following self-assessment, reflection, goal setting and planning for future development.

PT 8850 Clinical Practicum Cr. 3: Mentored advanced clinical practicum with a focus on individual student interests in physical therapy. Will culminate in a project to disseminate or provide evidence of advanced clinical or skills required. Focus may be on one of the following content areas: