Graduate Courses

In this lecture and laboratory course, students will consider the Patient-Client Management Model as it relates to functional immobility and limitations. Students will explore functional activities such as bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, activities of daily living, and use of adaptive and supportive devices. Principles of proper body mechanics are stressed to ensure safety during mobility activities and discussion of the consequences of immobility in the patient population will be explored. Concepts of optimal positioning of patients will be applied. Concepts of documentation are introduced and functional assessment tools utilized in physical therapy practice are presented.  The process of clinical decision making is emphasized through presentation of patient problems, case studies, and on-site clinical visits.

This course introduces the student to the psychosocial aspects of physical therapy and to the clinical decision-making process which is utilized by the physical therapist.  Patient and family members' responses to illness and loss are explored.  Communication and interpersonal skills, strategies for therapeutic intervention, and the ability to engage in reflective thinking are stressed. Lecture, discussion, role-playing, journal writing, written assignments, individual and group projects are utilized.

This course provides integrated instruction in the normal metabolic and physiologic responses of the human body during exercise.   Topics emphasized include micro- and macronutrients, energy transfer, body composition, pulmonary and cardiovascular physiology as related to exercise, as well as principles of exercise testing and prescriptions for strength and aerobic conditioning.

Regional study of gross structure of the human body with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.

Study of motion and the application of mechanics to the human body. Content includes a regional survey of the human body, measurement of joint motion, muscle performance, posture and gait, and skill development in palpation and passive range of motion.

This course emphasizes the pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system. Medical diagnostic tests, physiologic and histological foundations, and common orthopedic abnormalities and diseases are addressed. Medical interventions and the role of the physical therapist are described. An introduction to pharmacology is provided.

This course examines the interrelationship of physical therapy and the medical profession in the management of clients with neuromuscular dysfunction.  Examination, evaluation, and treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction are emphasized.  This course provides clinical application of the basic science information presented in Neuroscience and provides the foundation for understanding neurologic disorders and the physical therapy interventions, which are discussed in Neurologic Physical Therapy I and II.

This course is designed to instruct students in examination, evaluation, and treatment interventions utilized to manage individuals with various cardiovascular and pulmonary disease processes/conditions in physical therapy practice. The medical science of cardiovascular and pulmonary care, examination, evaluation, and treatment as it applies to physical therapy is integrated throughout the course. 

Principles of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities involving the extremities.         

This course introduces the student to the motor learning and motor control models of rehabilitation and reviews traditional therapeutic approaches for intervention with adults with functional limitations that result from impairments of the neurological system.  Case-based evaluation and treatment planning are emphasized through coordinated classroom, laboratory, and clinical site visits. Evidence-based physical therapist practice is emphasized. 

This course is an advanced study of the human nervous system, particularly with regard to its role in normal motor function.  The influence of neurophysiology, embryology, and histology in normal and abnormal development is explored.  The response of the nervous system to disease and trauma is assessed.  Neuroscience provides the scientific basis of physical therapy for patients with damage to the nervous system, and lays the foundation for Neurological Physical Therapy I and II.

In this course, the student examines normal and abnormal child development.  The student learns to assess, set goals, and design interventions based upon the functional status of pediatric clients with neurological dysfunctions and developmental delays. Students will examine the anatomical and developmental systems and range of disorders commonly seen in children (birth to 21 years).

This course provides an introduction to the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices in a variety of patient populations.  Emphasis is on problem-oriented patient examination and intervention planning skills through coordinated classroom and laboratory sessions. Prior knowledge of gait analysis will be applied to the examination and intervention process of prosthetics and orthotics course content. Clinical decision making is used to determine the most appropriate device and plan of care for each based on functional ability and patient goals.

This course explores the traditional methods and new strategies for the delivery of health care based on an interdisciplinary model of practice.  All participants will develop basic skills in team collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, and cultural competence. Ethical and legal issues will be addressed in the context of team-based practice.  Lecture, discussion, simulation utilizing standardized patients, written assignments, and group projects are utilized.

This course is designed to introduce the student to basic concepts underlying the research process.  Basic concepts of research design and approaches are examined in answering clinically relevant questions. Applied statistics are discussed. An overview of the knowledge and skills necessary for the student to critically analyze the literature is emphasized in the format of lecture, discussion, classroom assignments, and modified case studies. Whenever possible, computer applications will be introduced as will examples from the health research literature.

This course provides an introduction to the theory and application of management principles. The course evaluates the changing health care and physical therapy environment and the role of the physical therapist manager within this environment. Fundamental concepts of health care and physical therapy management principles are introduced. Emphasis on the fiduciary responsibilities for all patients/clients and pro bono services will be incorporated into lecture, discussion, and team and individual activities/projects.

This course is a continuation of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy I with a focus on special topics in cardiopulmonary physical therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, acute care and intensive care medicine, mechanical ventilation, and managing the medically complex individual.

Principles of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities involving the temporomandibular joints and spinal structures.         

This course provides an understanding of the pathophysiology and medical science of infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, nutritional supplements, ergogenic aides, pain and inflammation, mental illness, and substance abuse along with the basic pharmacologic and medical interventions utilized to manage these conditions as applicable to physical therapy practice.  A basic introduction to medical screening is also introduced.  

First full-time internship to provide experience in a clinical setting in one of the following areas: acute care, adult or pediatric rehabilitation (hospital-based or outpatient), orthopedic or other clinical setting that may include a special interest practice. Internships are located at contracted clinical facilities in New Jersey and throughout the United States.

This course is a more advanced study of the evaluation and treatment of individuals with neurological dysfunction. The emphasis is on an in-depth exploration of issues relevant to this patient population. The application of evidence-based practice for the patient with neurologic involvement is emphasized. Case-based patient evaluation and treatment planning continue through coordinated classroom and laboratory sessions and clinical site visits.

This is the second full-time internship. Experience in a clinical setting in one of the following areas: acute care, adult or pediatric rehabilitation (hospital-based or outpatient), orthopedic or other clinical setting that may include a special interest practice. The clinical experience is eight weeks full time as scheduled or as otherwise arranged. Internships are located at contracted clinical facilities in New Jersey and throughout the United States.

This course emphasizes issues that are important to the contemporary physical therapist, including ethics and ethical decision making. Students discuss the physical therapist's expanding role in the health care environment, including the transition to a doctoring profession, the role of physical therapists in diagnosis and primary care, and the professional's role in accountability and advocacy.

This course is the beginning of the applied research sequence. Students will initiate a critical review of the literature under the guidance of a faculty member. Students meet with the faculty adviser to begin a search of the literature on the topic, to discuss and review at least three journal articles appropriate to the literature review topic, and for direction of the written group project.  An outline of the literature review with a comprehensive reference list is the final outcome for this course.

This is the second course in the applied research sequence. Students will continue to develop their critical review of the literature on the topic initiated for Applied Research I under the guidance of a faculty adviser.

This course will concentrate on medical, functional, and environmental issues frequently encountered in geriatrics. Emphasis is on specialized examination and intervention activities utilized in older adult populations with multiple diagnoses. Theories of aging; physical and physiological effects of aging on all body systems; social, economic, epidemiologic, and demographic issues challenging older adults and health care providers; polypharmacy; and principles of geriatric health and wellness will be addressed. Through the application of the patient/client management model, students will develop advanced clinical decision-making skills and be able to integrate a wide range of patient information for geriatric physical therapy management.

This course is designed to prepare the student to practice physical therapy in primary care or autonomous practice settings through an in-depth look at the science of medical screening and differential diagnosis.  The course incorporates screening tools previously learned across the curriculum with an emphasis on pathology and identification of disease states which may fall outside of the scope of physical therapy practice.

This course introduces the student to principles of teaching and learning. Students will learn theoretical concepts of education and practical applications. Lecture, discussion,  journal writing, written assignments, individual and group projects, and presentations are utilized.

This course enhances the student's knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of physical therapy and to the clinical decision-making process which is utilized by the physical therapist. Psychosocial issues across the life span, communication and interpersonal skills, strategies for therapeutic intervention, and the ability to engage in reflective thinking are stressed. Lecture, discussion, role-playing, journal writing, written assignments, individual and group projects are utilized.

Fundamental concepts of managerial accounting, business planning, marketing and public relations, business communication, health care finance, reimbursement issues are discussed and applied to a business plan project. Students develop job searching strategies, including the development of a curriculum vitae and strategies for a successful interview.  Lecture, discussion facilitation, and team projects are utilized.

This course provides an in-depth look at the concepts of health promotion, secondary prevention, and wellness as it applies to healthy individuals as well as individuals with chronic disease and disability. Students are instructed in the skills required to research, design, and implement wellness programs aimed at prevention of disease and disability.

This course provides an understanding of the pathophysiology and medical science of the disorders of the integumentary system (wound and burn care), endocrine and metabolic systems (diabetes, obesity), renal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hepatic disorders. The course considers autoimmune and infectious diseases (HIV and AIDS). The relationship between the medical interventions, including pharmacology, and the impact on physical therapy is discussed.

Advanced intervention and decision-making skills with regard to patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. Advancement of joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization skills is emphasized. Students develop and address problem-based clinical questions with evidence found in the literature.

Third full-time internship to provide experience in a clinical setting in one of the following areas: acute care, adult or pediatric rehabilitation (hospital-based or outpatient), orthopedic or other clinical setting that may include a special interest practice. The clinical experience is 14 weeks full time as scheduled or as otherwise arranged. Internships are located at contracted clinical facilities in New Jersey and throughout the United States.

In this "capstone" course, students discuss contemporary physical therapy practice. This course utilizes ethical principles and decision-making skills to problem solve current health care issues found in clinical practice. Students present clinical cases which consider the medical and physical therapy intervention as well as social, psychological, and health system impact upon the plan of care.

Students complete the final changes recommended by the faculty adviser in the paper that they developed in Applied Research II.  The final project for Applied Research III is the completion of a comprehensive and well-written review of the literature on the selected topic and the development of a poster presentation based on the paper that they developed.  

This is the fourth full-time internship which provides experience in a clinical setting in one of the following areas: acute care, adult or pediatric rehabilitation (hospital-based or outpatient), orthopedic or other clinical setting that may include a special interest practice. Internships are located at contracted clinical facilities in New Jersey and throughout the United States.