Curriculum
PT 509 Cellular and Systems Physiology
Selected subjects in cellular and systems physiology. Emphasis on molecular and cellular aspects of neuromuscular function; also renal and endocrine physiology.
PT 514L Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Musculoskeletal anatomy, innervation, blood supply and function: intensive study of the head, neck, trunk and limbs.
PT 516 Principles of Disease
Principles and mechanisms of genetics, immunology, infection, wound healing and oncology.
PT 521L Basics of Patient Management
Development of basic decision-making skills, professional behaviors and impairment assessment in patients with musculoskeletal, neurologic and/or cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
PT 529 Life Span Motor Control
Introduction to sensorimotor systems, overview of current perspectives in motor control from fetus through late adulthood, and clinical tests of motor proficiency.
PT 530a Therapeutic Exercise
Theoretical and practical principles for evaluation of exercise need and prescription of exercise programs. Emphasis on approaches for patients with musculoskeletal deficits.
PT 530b Special Topics in Therapeutic Exercise
Examination of needs analysis and prescription of exercise programs for special patient populations and assessment of current community trends in exercise and wellness.
PT 534L Neuroanatomy
Organized approach to structures in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems that subserve motor, sensory, and integrative functions; memory; and cognitive and special senses.
PT 536 Pathology of Cardiopulmonary Disease and General Medical Conditions
Pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms in disease of the cardiac, pulmonary and circulatory systems; examination of diabetes, burns and other disabling medical disorders.
PT 539 Clinical Pharmacology
Effects of commonly used drugs in patients with physical disability; side effects that alter physical performance or responses to exercise.
PT 546 Neuropathology
Pathology in the central and peripheral nervous systems that alter motor and sensory performance. Emphasis on loss of motion and excessive and involuntary movement disorders.
PT 549L Clinical Exercise Physiology
Adaptation of the human body to exercise and the use of exercise to modify human function.
PT 551L Therapeutic Application of Physical Agents
Physiologic responses to the application of thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic and hydrodynamic therapeutic procedures. Evaluation procedures and intervention planning.
PT 554L Analytical Anatomy
Detailed kinesiologic analysis of axial, spine, head, neck, face and bulbar muscles.
PT 561a–e Evidence for Physical Therapist Practice
- Introduction to a patient-centered Evidence Based Practice model with emphasis on professional communication skills, ethics, professional guidelines, laws and regulations.
- Introduction to acquiring, appraising and integrating research evidence.
- Advanced critical analysis and application of research of evidence.
- Advanced integration of patient values as influenced by culture, ethnicity, lifestyles, gender and age into patient-centered clinical decision-making.
- Analysis of the integration of physical therapist practice into the national health care system; administration, budgeting and reimbursement for physical therapist services.
PT 566 Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
Regional description of pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms of disorders of bone, connective tissue and joints.
PT 569 Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Detailed analysis of neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal motor and sensory function.
PT 571L Clinical Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction
Physical therapy evaluation and intervention in the care of patients with circulatory, cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction.
PT 574 Clinical Biomechanics (Movement Analysis II)
Introduction to the principles of biomechanics (statics, dynamics) as they apply to physical therapy practice. Emphasis on tissue mechanics, joint function and gait.
PT 581L Clinical Management of the Patient with Neurological Dysfunction
Physical therapy theory and methods for intervention in neurological dysfunction. Lecture, laboratory.
PT 582 Mechanics of Human Gait (Movement Analysis I)
Introduction to both normal and pathological gait. Emphasis on the basic components of abnormal ambulation, including temporal-spatial factors, joint motion, kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity.
PT 583L Clinical Electrophysiology
Use of electrical currents to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal, neurological and wound disorders. Theory and practice.
PT 600a–d Clinical Education Experience
- Practical experience in two- or six-week physical therapy manual skills, decision-making and professional behaviors.
- Practical experience in six-week physical therapy manual skills, decision-making, and professional behaviors.
- Practical experience in two-week physical therapy psychomotor skills, decision-making and professional behaviors.
- Practical experience in two-week physical therapy psychomotor skills, decision-making and professional behaviors.
PT 606 Clinical Imaging
Elements of reading roentgenographs and CAT and MRI scans for the physical therapist. Lecture, demonstration, practical experience. Open only to biokinesiology and physical therapy graduate students.
PT 621 Clinical Management of The Patient with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction
Physical therapy theory and methods of evaluation and treatment of orthopedic dysfunction.
PT 625 Emerging Topics
This course is designed to familiarize the developing physical therapist with emerging research, technology, and skills that show promise in the management of patients and clients. Some topics may have just begun to be explored as potential treatment options; others may have existed for a long time but the research showing their efficacy is just now being published. The purpose of the course is to prepare the practicing physical therapist for new and upcoming advances in patient management.
PT 630 Integrated Patient Management Clinical Skills
Advanced evaluation and management of axial skeletal dysfunctions and related movement disorders, and upper and lower extremity disorders and related movement dysfunction.
PT 632 Integrated Patient Management Seminar
Integration of physical therapy management of complicated patients with concurrent musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and/or neurologic disorders.
PT 660 16-Week Integrated Terminal Clinical Education Experience With Academic Integration
A 16-week clinical education experience consisting of a minimum of 24 hours per week in a part-time setting. Emphasis on the care of orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric or complicated medical conditions.
PT 665 16-Week Terminal Full-Time Clinical Education Experience
A 16-week clinical education experience consisting of a minimum of 36 hours per week in a full-time setting. Emphasis on care of orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric or complicated medical conditions.
Interested in applying to the USC residential DPT program?