First Year I - Summer (8 hours)

​A regional approach to the structure of the human body, concentrating on the interrelationships of different anatomical structures and their clinical applications. Prerequisites: HSC 214; admission to physical therapy program, physician assistant program or graduate program in exercise science. 

Credits 5(3-4) 

Contact Hours (3-4) 

Course Syllabus

​Examination of life stages and their relationship to patient conditions seen in physical therapy. The developmental foundations of therapeutic procedures are discussed. Prerequisite: admission to the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. Co-requisites: HSC 630. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Study and application of patient imaging in the practice of physical therapy. Prerequisite: admission to the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. Co-requisites: HSC 630, PTH 618. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

First Year II - Fall (16 hours)

Introduction to the pathophysiology of immune, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urological, and hepatic systems. Emphasis is placed on clinical and pharmacological management pertinent to physical therapy practice. Prerequisites: HSC 630. Co-requisites: PTH 635, 645. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

Introduction to neuroanatomy as it relates to physical therapy. Case studies are used to relate implications of neurological lesions with physical therapy intervention. Prerequisites: HSC 630. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Introduction to theory, concepts, and procedures of examination and diagnosis of patients with dysfunctions of musculoskeletal system, with laboratory practice in selected measures. Prerequisites: HSC 630. Co-requisites: PTH 617, 645. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

Introduction to basic clinical management procedures used in physical therapy practice and the scientific and clinical rationale for such procedures. Prerequisite: HSC 630. Co-requisites: PTH 617, 635. 

Credits 5(3-4) 

Contact Hours (3-4) 

Course Syllabus

​Introduction to fundamental principles and concepts of research and evidence-based clinical practice applied to the physical therapy profession. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​The study of professional issues in physical therapy. Course will focus on the role of a physical therapist as a health care provider. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: admission to the Physical Therapy program. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

First Year III - Spring (17 hours)

​Pathophysiology and pharmacological management of diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system as they relate to physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: PTH 617. Co-requisites: PTH 633, 636, 646. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Mock clinic format is utilized to introduce specific clinical situations and case studies. Problem-solving, interaction, and technical skills are analyzed. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 635, 645. Co-requisites: PTH 622, 636, 646. 

Credits 3(1-3) 

Contact Hours (1-3) 

Course Syllabus

​Theory, concepts, and procedures central to examination and diagnosis of patients with orthopedic dysfunctions or disabilities, with laboratory practice in selected measures. Prerequisite: PTH 635. Co-requisite: PTH 622, 633, 646, 666, 672. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Introduction to evaluation procedures and interventions used for patients with a variety of orthopedic dysfunctions. Prerequisite: PTH 635, 645. Co-requisites: PTH 622, 633, 636. 

Credits 5(3-4) 

Contact Hours (3-4) 

Course Syllabus

The study of professional issues in physical therapy. Course will focus on practice, political and demographic issues. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: PTH 665. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Anatomical and kinesiological overview of joints in the human body. Includes anatomy, joint biomechanics, arthrokinematics, osteokinematics and detailed study of human gait. Prerequisite: PTH 635. 

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus

Second Year I - Summer (11 hours)

This course provides one six-week full-time clinical education experience for physical therapy students in physical therapy practice settings. Focus of experience is orthopedic disorders. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 633, 635, 636, 645, 646. 

Credits 6(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

​The role of physical therapists as teachers and learners in a variety of situations and settings is explored. Prerequisites: admission to the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Lab demonstration/participation is used to study foundational manual therapy techniques used in physical therapy for the treatment of extremity dysfunctions and associated painful postures. Prerequisites: PTH 636, 646. 

Credits 1(0-2) 

Contact Hours (0-2) 

Course Syllabus

Principles and methods of dissemination of research findings. Students learn to present and publish research results and identify potential sources of research funding in the field of physical therapy. Prerequisite: PTH 650. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Physical therapy evaluation, examination, and management of gender-specific dysfunctions. Prerequisite: PTH 617, 622. Pre/Co-requisite: PTH 634. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

Second Year II - Fall (15 hours)

​Study of pathophysiology and pharmacological management of disease states associated with the nervous system. Emphasis is placed on the clinical management pertinent to physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: PTH 622. Co-requisites: PTH 732, 735, 745. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

Introduction to current theories of motor control and motor learning with applications to case studies in neurological physical therapy. Prerequisite: PTH 626. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​A mock clinic format class to introduce students to specific clinical situations in neurological physical therapy practice and to develop patient management skills. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 634. Co-requisites: PTH 623, 735, 745. 

Credits 3(1-3) 

Contact Hours (1-3) 

Course Syllabus

​Theory, concepts, and procedures central to examination and diagnosis in neurological physical therapy practice, with laboratory practice in the application of selected measures. Prerequisite: PTH 636. Co-requisite: PTH 623, 732, 745. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Physical therapy evaluation procedures and interventions used for rehabilitation of patients with diseases and disorders of nervous system. Prerequisite: PTH 646. Co-requisites: PTH 623, 732, 735. 

Credits 5(3-4) 

Contact Hours (3-4) 

Course Syllabus

​The study of professional issues in physical therapy. Course will focus on social, business and government issues. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: PTH 666. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

Second Year III - Spring (16 hours)

​Students will learn evaluation procedures and strategies for clinical management of the pediatric patient. Prerequisite: PTH 618. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Study of physiological responses to cancer and selected pathologies of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems and of their pharmacological management. Physical therapy clinical management and use of drug therapy in rehabilitation is emphasized. Prerequisite: PTH 623. Co-requisites: PTH 736, 746. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​The study of manual techniques used in physical therapy for the treatment of spine dysfunction and associated painful posture. Prerequisite: PTH 661. 

Credits 2(0-4) 

Contact Hours (0-4) 

Course Syllabus

​The course introduces biomedical ethics principles to students in physical therapy education programs. Students are instructed in ethical theories and decision-making strategies. Prerequisites: admission to the Physical Therapy program. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Theory, concepts, and procedures central to examination and diagnosis of patients with dysfunctions or disabilities involving selected multiple systems. Prerequisites: PTH 735; Co-requisite: PTH 746. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Students are instructed in skills for the care of patients. Care areas covered include cardiopulmonary, oncology, burn care, amputations, and other chronic or complex conditions. Prerequisite: PTH 745. Corequisites: PTH 624, 736. 

Credits 5(4-2) 

Contact Hours (4-2) 

Course Syllabus

​The study of professional issues in physical therapy. Course will focus on ethical, educational and practical issues. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: PTH 765. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

Third Year I - Summer (11 hours)

​Study of the theories, issues, and physiological principles of aging in musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems. Prerequisites: PTH 617, 635. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Principles of strategic planning, human resources management, marketing, finances, accreditation, reimbursement, facility planning, productivity, and quality improvement, as they relate to physical therapy services. Prerequisites: admission to the Physical Therapy program. 

Credits 2(2-0)

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

Overview of health promotion in physical therapy practice. Focus on health needs assessment, implementing health promotion interventions, and evaluating program effectiveness with individuals and groups. Prerequisites: PTH 655. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Advanced therapeutic interventions for client populations with complex musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary health conditions. Prerequisite: PTH 746. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Primary care management in rehabilitation services, including patients advocacy, decision-making through the continuum of care, utilization of public health agencies, insurance coverage, and interdisciplinary team. Prerequisites: PTH 746. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Third Year II - Fall (16 hours)

First of two courses sequence to satisfy the doctoral project requirements for graduation from the program. Students complete either (a) a prospective research project or (b) clinical case report. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 650, 725. Co-requisites: PTH 832. 

Credits 4(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

This course consists of a full-time clinical internship. The student will have 15 weeks of clinical experience. Students will be affiliated with various clinical sites throughout Michigan and the U.S. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 732. Co-requisites: PTH 790. 

Credits 12(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec)

Third Year III - Spring (16 hours)

​Second of two courses sequence to satisfy the doctoral project requirements for graduation from the program. Students complete either (a) a prospective research project or (b) clinical case report. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: PTH 790. Co-requisite: PTH 932. 

Credits 4(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

This course consists of 15 weeks of full-time clinical internship. Students will be affiliated with various clinical sites throughout Michigan and the U.S. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PTH 832. Co-requisites: PTH 890. 

Credits 12(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec)

Electives (4 hours)

​This course introduces the treatment techniques and procedures that are integral to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in treating neuromuscular or musculoskeletal problems. Prerequisites: PTH 645. 

Credits 1(0-2) 

Contact Hours (0-2) 

Course Syllabus

​International one-week travel experience that introduces physical therapy practice and service in Ireland, or another country, as planned by instructor. A portion of the course presents hippotherapy with practical application to patients. Prerequisite: admission to the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. 

Credits 3(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

​Orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac physical therapy principles and techniques are applied to the aquatic treatment environment. Prerequisites: PTH 645, 646. 

Credits 1(1-1) 

Contact Hours (1-1) 

Course Syllabus

An introduction to the dynamic therapeutic taping method, concepts, theory, history, and major physiological effects. Prerequisites: PTH 636, 646. 

Credits 1(1-1) 

Contact Hours (1-1) 

Course Syllabus

​Introduction to the basic history, conceptual framework and clinical application of hippotherapy. Prerequisites: PTH 735, 745. 

Credits 1(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

Total: 118-130 semester hours

* To fulfill the requirements for PTH 790 and PTH 890, the student must complete either:
  • A prospective research project OR
  • A clinical case report. Students must submit final manuscripts in publication form according to program guidelines.
At the completion of the professional curriculum, students will receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.