Professors: Danks, Decker, Flom-Meland, Jeno, Johnson, Labrecque, Mabey, Mohr, P., Mohr, T., (Chair and Graduate Director), Relling, Romanick and Wessman

The Department of Physical Therapy offers the clinically-orientated, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Students interested in the physical therapy program at UND should stay in contact with UND-PT to keep informed of the pre-professional and professional curriculum. Our web site address is: http://www.medicine.nodak.edu/pt.

Physical therapists provide services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. Physical therapistsassist patients in restoring health; alleviating pain; examining, evaluating, and diagnosing changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other causes. Physical therapists are also involved with intervention, prevention, and the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness. They are employed by hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home care, school systems, industrial settings, athletic facilities, and in private practice.

Pre-Physical Therapy Requirements

Prior to admission, a minimum of 90 semester hours of credit from an approved college or university is required. Students should be broadly educated in the sciences and humanities. The Department of Physical Therapy recognizes that, since physical therapy deals with people, an understanding of literature, art, history, ethics, and philosophy is an adjunct to a physical therapist. Science and humanities are both viewed as necessary for the practice of physical therapy.

The following list of courses and credits indicates the core prerequisites all applicants must complete prior to admission to the physical therapy program. It is strongly recommended that students be computer literate prior to entering the professional program. Students may take additional electives from any field of study; however, the depth of the pre-physical therapy education should demonstrate that students have progressed from simple to complex studies in at least one content area. This requirement might typically be demonstrated by a discipline major, but in any case should demonstrate a basic comprehensiveness and integrity of study within a particular content area. This does not suggest that a separate undergraduate degree must be awarded; however, the breadth and depth in a discipline should be demonstrated. Course credits equivalent to a minor, i.e., approximately 20 credits at UND, in a particular discipline could accomplish this requirement. The prospective student should include eight (8) credits from upper level courses, i.e., 300 and 400 numbers.

• Two semesters of General Biology (8 cr.)
  
• Two semesters of General Chemistry (8 cr.)
  
• Two semesters of General Physics (8 cr.)
  
• One semester of Human Anatomy (3 cr.)
  
• One semester of Human Physiology (3 to 4 cr.)
  
• One semester of Introductory Psychology (3 cr.)
  
• One semester of Developmental Psychology (3 to 4 cr.)
  
• One semester of Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)
  
• One semester of Introductory Sociology (3 cr.)
  
• One semester of a Public Speaking course (3 cr.)
  
• Two semesters of English Composition (6 cr.)
  
• Arts and Humanities coursework (9 cr.)
  
• World Culture course

All of the prerequisite coursework must be completed before entering the professional program in the Fall semester. However, the prospective student may be enrolled in pre-professional coursework at the time of application. Students must apply for the professional program. WICHE-eligible students must apply to UND-PT through the WICHE certification process. Out-of-state student inquiries should be addressed to the Admissions Coordinator at UND-PT. Applications for the professional program are available on our website and from the UND-PT office.

Admission Requirements

1. Acceptance is on a competitive basis, with the major determinant being the basic science grade point average. The basic science GPA is defined as: biology (eight semester credits), chemistry (eight semester credits), physics (eight semester credits), anatomy (three semester credits), physiology (four semester credits), and psychology (seven semester credits).
   
   
2. Reference letters, a personal interview, and other personal qualifications are also considered prior to final acceptance. Prospective students are expected to complete at least 60 hours of observation prior to admission.
   
   
3. Acceptance by the Office of Admissions to UND does not constitute acceptance into the professional program in Physical Therapy.

Degree Requirements

1. The professional education component of the D.P.T. will require three academic years and two summer sessions following completion of the pre-physical therapy entrance requirements.
   
   
2. No student will be allowed to remain in the program or complete the full-time clinical experiences unless he/she attains a letter grade of at least “C” in the major courses.
   
   
3. Acceptance into the Graduate School requires:
   1. Acceptance into the professional Physical Therapy program.
      
      
   2. Completion of a baccalaureate degree.
      
      
   3. Completion of the Graduate School application forms.
      
      
   4. Letter of endorsement from the Chair of Physical
      Therapy which assures automatic advancement in
      status from the undergraduate program to the graduate
      program.
      
      
4. Students in the professional program should be aware that there are special requirements for clinical uniforms, professional liability insurance, medical insurance, a current immunization record, and CPR certification. In addition, some facilities may require a criminal background check. These requirements must be met prior to any clinical contact with patients. The student will also be responsible for travel, housing, and food costs, in addition to the payment of tuition and fees, during the full-time clinical experience semesters. The majority of these experiences will be completed at geographical locations other than the City of Grand Forks.
   
   
5. The faculty reserves the right to place on professional probation or to cancel the registration of any student in Physical Therapy whose performance in the classroom or the clinic is unsatisfactory.

Courses

101. Orientation to Physical Therapy. 1 credit. Overview of the field of rehabilitation. Survey of the occupational therapist and physical therapist. Films, lectures, and observation in clinical settings.

401. Intervention Techniques I. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Beginning skills for patient management including skills and safety in positioning, draping, therapeutic massage, surface anatomy, and an introduction to communication techniques. Laboratory.

402. Professional Communication and Behavior. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Lecture and practice in interprofessional and interpersonal communication including professional behavior, ethics, patient education and written documentation.

409. Clinical Pathology I. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Disease groups discussed from all aspects of comprehensive rehabilitation. Included are chronic illness, neurological and orthopedic conditions, general medicine and surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, and sensory disabilities.

410. Clinical Pathology II. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Disease groups discussed from all aspects of comprehensive rehabilitation. Included are chronic illness, neurological and orthopedic conditions, general medicine and surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, and sensory disabilities.

412. Biomechanics and Kinesiology. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Biomechanics and kinesiology of musculature acting on the extremities and trunk. Theory and techniques of muscle testing and goniometry. Laboratory.

413. Exercise in Health and Disease. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Lecture and laboratory work to examine and maintain/increase mobility, strength, and endurance for healthy individuals and those with disease, with completion of an exercise prescription to address impairments and functional limitations. Functions of the musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems will be addressed individually and within their relationships. Laboratory.

415. Motor Control. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Lecture and laboratory work in therapeutic exercise to establish and maintain muscular control and coordination, including muscle re-education, facilitation, and relaxation. Laboratory.

417. Clinical Examination and Evaluation I. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Emphasizes patient/client management elements of examination and evaluation. Emphasis is given to the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Laboratory.

422. Anatomy for Physical Therapy. 5 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Detailed lectures and demonstrations on musculoskeletal anatomy and neuroanatomy. Laboratory.

423. Neuroscience for Physical Therapy. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Structure and function of the human nervous system including clinical application relevant to physical therapy practice.

426. Manual Therapy I. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Introduction to joint mobilization with emphasis on peripheral joints. Basic, evaluation treatment techniques and exercises for the lumbar and cervical spine. Laboratory.

490. Special Topics. 1-4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Introduction and investigation of advanced clinical procedures and topics. Topics discussed will be dictated by student and faculty interests.

491. Independent Study in Physical Therapy. 1-4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Research and independent study in a specialized area of Physical Therapy.

511. Applied Movement Science and Rehabilitation Procedures. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Integration of clinical evaluation, functional goals, and treatment planning for individuals with neurological and multiple musculoskeletal dysfunction. The primary focus is on rehabilitation skills including assessment, exercise, handling techniques, functional activities, equipment prescription, patient education, and ADLs, as well as community mobility and governmental services. Laboratory.

512. Therapeutic Agents. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Theory and application of various hydrotherapy, phototherapy, and thermotherapy modalities in Physical Therapy, including heat, light, sound, and water. Laboratory.

513. Intervention Techniques II. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Theory and practical application of introductory patient care techniques in physical therapy including gait, range of motion, transferring, bandaging, wound care, vital signs, and aseptic and isolation techniques. Laboratory.

514. Case Management I. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Case management with integration of examination, evaluation, diagnostic, plan of care, and intervention strategies. Verbal and written communication of results will be emphasized.

519. Electrotherapy and Electrodiagnosis. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Theory and application of therapeutic electrical currents, biofeedback, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity in physical therapy. Laboratory

520. Clinical Internship I. 18 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Full-time clinical experience in selected physical therapy provider centers throughout the United States.

521. Critical Inquiry I. 1 credit. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Introduction to the collection of clinical data leading to a case study report.

522. Administration in Physical Therapy. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Lectures/discussion and seminar formats used to explore concepts of administration procedures as applied to Physical Therapy and the health care delivery system.

523. Lifespan I. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Course focus is on rehabilitation issues related to pediatrics including the characteristics of disabling conditions, developmental evaluation and intervention, the use of adaptive equipment, legal issues, and strategies to promote collaborative service provision to children and families. Laboratory.

524. Psychological Aspects of Disability. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Readings and discussion course. Study of psychological coping mechanisms, reactions, and motivational factors pertinent to people with disabilities. Review of adjustment problems unique to specific disabilities and/or disease processes, including terminal illness.

525. Clinical Examination and Evaluation II. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Emphasizes patient/client management elements of examination and evaluation. Emphasis is given to systems review and differential diagnosis, clinical decision making resulting in referral and/or modified physical therapy interventions, and the communication of findings. Laboratory.

526. Manual Therapy II. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Fundamentals of spinal mobilization techniques along with theory and application of specific approaches to spinal manual therapy. Laboratory.

527. Critical Inquiry II. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Clinical research design, clinical decision making, and preparation of a case study and a paper on a clinical topic.

535. Lifespan II. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Examine the factors and forces that affect life quality in later years. The physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging will be considered, including those influences in the cultural context that enhance and impede continued growth of the person. Laboratory.

537. Strategies for Early Intervention. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. This course is designed to review current practices in early intervention. Course materials will focus on characteristics of disabling conditions that influence growth and development of motor skills, cognition, and educational development. Emphasis will be on collaborative service provision with an interdisciplinary approach. Topics also covered include: current issues, assessment of the child/family unit, and legislative guidelines for service provision.

538. Advanced Topics in Pediatric Physical Therapy. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. This course is designed to present current and advanced topics relating to pediatric physical therapy clients and their families.

539. Prevention and Wellness. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. The theory and practice of prevention of injury, maintenance and improvement of wellness, and sports-and work-related injury management with emphasis upon preparticipation screening, emergency/trauma evaluation, the role of support devices, and rehabilitation techniques appropriate for the athlete and employed.

540. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. 2 credits. Prerequisite or corequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy curriculum. This course is designed to expand the theoretical understanding and clinical application of cardiopulmonary physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcomes. Laboratory.

549. Advanced Applied Anatomy/Clinical Kinesiology. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Study of applied anatomy and its importance to research and clinical application, particularly as related to Physical Therapy.

552. Clinical Internship II. 18 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Full-time clinical experience in selected physical therapy provider centers throughout the United States.

561. Seminar: Physical Therapy. 1-4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. This course serves to focus student attention toward graduate study in Physical Therapy. Explore and discuss areas of interest for student and faculty. May repeat to 4 credits maximum.

562. Readings: Physical Therapy. 1 to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Review of current literature pertinent to Physical Therapy; critical examination of design, content, and validity of conclusions.

572. Teaching Experience in Physical Therapy. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Supervised experience in University teaching in Physical Therapy. Projects in curriculum development, formulation of teaching/learning objectives, teaching materials, evaluation tools, and experience in competency-based learning environment.

583. Critical Inquiry III. 1 credit. Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Introduction to research instruments including surveys, electrical and mechanical instrumentation critical to research methods. Includes discussion of validation, calibration, and reliability of instruments used in physical therapy research. Students develop a proposal for their scholarly projects and complete IRB use of human subject forms.

590. Directed Studies/Clinical Concepts. 1-12 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Individualized study of a particular area of interest for the student approved by his/her major advisor and supervised by preceptors with specialty and/or recognized expertise in the area of interest. Study may include library research, clinical research, discussion/seminars, projects, and directed clinical experience.

591. Critical Inquiry IV. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Students begin data collection and analysis for the scholarly project requirement.

592. Case Management II. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Case management, with emphasis on the teaching and learning process and techniques targeted to promote and optimize physical therapy services, including advocacy. Strategies appropriate for conflict resolution are introduced. Professional development as a practitioner of physical therapy is emphasized through introduction and preliminary development of a portfolio.

995. Scholarly Project. 1 credit. Prerequisite: Registered in Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum. Students provide a final written and oral report to the faculty on the results of their collaborative Scholarly Project.