Doctor of Physical Therapy

Purpose

Consistent with the mission of The College of St. Scholastica and in concert with the mission of the Health Sciences Division: The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy at The College of St. Scholastica is committed to education and preparation of entry-level doctors of physical therapy. Graduates of our program are dedicated to meeting the health care needs of society with special consideration for rural communities through practice, education, and administration. As autonomous practitioners or members of multi-disciplinary teams, program graduates are recognized as leaders in the provision of evidence based practice that is compassionate, ethical, and legal. Program graduates adapt to and implement change that benefits their community and the profession.

The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) program in physical therapy follows the 4+3 model of education. The program is divided into two parts: pre-professional and professional. The pre-professional portion consists of prerequisite courses that meet the general education outcomes of the College and initial program goals established by the PT department. The 103 credit, 33 month professional portion of the entry-level doctor in physical therapy program is designed to provide the students with learning opportunities that develop the intellectual, affective and psychomotor skills required for physical therapy practice. This full time day program integrates educational material into professional practice. The following five components form the profession of physical therapy and consequently the design of our entry-level program: Foundational Sciences (basic science information), Tests & Measures (skills associated with examination and evaluation), Interventions (communication/coordination, documentation, education, and therapeutic procedures including physical agents, mobilization, rehabilitation, prevention), Professional and social responsibility (professional socialization/professional behaviors, administration, ethics, teamwork, and the health care delivery system), and Patient management (integrative courses to hone clinical decision making and reasoning) The program is based on concept progression of scenarios moving from simple to complex, from single-system to multi-system involvement ,and from wellness to deviations from wellness.

Philosophically, the DPT program at The College of St. Scholastica is based on the confluence of the values cherished by our Benedictine sponsors, the mission of the College, and the values of the physical therapy profession: Love of Learning is reflected in the professional values of diligence, dedication, and scientific inquiry; Respect is seen in the professional qualities of caring, communication, leadership and collaboration; Community is evident in the professional values of helping, collaborating, and welcoming diversity; Hospitality is realized through the professional values of warmth and openness; and, Stewardship is demonstrated through the process of scientific inquiry, which results in optimum use of resources to ensure that patients/clients receive the best possible care. In the first year of the PT program students grow in their knowledge of the profession and begin fundamental skill acquisition. During the second and third years of professional education students continue to acquire knowledge and clinical application skills along with proficiency in incorporating critical inquiry and evidence-based practice skills necessary for sound clinical decision-making. The mission of the physical therapy program is to prepare individuals who can meet the health care needs of society with a special consideration for rural communities.

General Information
Students must apply to the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee for entry into the professional program. They must successfully complete 107 graduate credits to be awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Students who graduate from the program are eligible to take the licensure examination for physical therapy required in all states.

The physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Admission Requirements
Students interested in physical therapy should realize that enrollment in the program is competitive and limited to 36 students. Students apply directly to the Physical Therapy Program. Selection for admission is based on several predictors of success including academic record, interviews, scores on the GRE, and professional exploration. Applicants are required to demonstrate awareness of the diversity and specificity of the physical therapy profession by performing volunteer work, by conducting observations, or by working in a physical therapy setting. Exposure to physical therapy in a variety of settings is required; at least two different clinical settings addressing the needs of distinct patient/client populations is required. Transfer students with or without a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply to the program; however, transfer students without a degree must meet the College's general education requirements for a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation in the physical therapy program. A minimum of six and maximum of 12 transfer students will be accepted.

Admission decisions are based on assessment of the student admission portfolio. To apply to the program, students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses, exposure to the profession of physical therapy in at least two different settings addressing the needs of distinct patient populations, two to four letters of recommendation one of which is from a licensed physical therapist, interviews with two members of the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee, and completion of the GRE. Scores on the GRE must be an absolute minimum score of 3.5 for the writing analytical section and 870 for the combined quantitative and verbal sections, with preferred minimum scores of 400 for the verbal section, 500 for the quantitative section, and 1,000 for the combined quantitative and verbal sections. Upon acceptance, entry into the program begins in July. Students accepted and enrolling in the physical therapy program must have completed 96 credits (10 of which must be upper division), all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, all general education requirements, converted any incomplete (I) or in progress (IP) courses to an A-D,F letter grade, and maintained a cumulative grade of 3.0. Demonstration of completion must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies by June 15 prior to the program's start date in July. Once in the program students must be enrolled full time and all courses must be successfully completed in the required sequence.

Alterations in progression due to extenuating circumstances, such as academic probation or an unexpected life event, are considered on an individual basis.

*Students who have not completed all prerequisite courses must be able to project a reasonable course of study with proof of completion received by July 1 prior to the program's start date.

Applications for the program may be obtained by contacting:
The College of St. Scholastica
Graduate Studies Office
Physical Therapy Admissions
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

Prerequisites for Admission
The following prerequisites (or their transfer equivalents) are required for admission: BIO 2110-2120; *CHM 1020-1030; HSC 2209; PSC 2001-2002; PSY 2208, 3331, 3423. *a full year, full sequence of chemistry is required; if the student is seeking a bachelor's degree in another field (biology, pre-med, exercise physiology, or other) the student must follow the chemistry requirements for that major. Students must declare an alternate major and should follow the chemistry sequence for that major.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO AND PROGRESSION IN THE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Success in the physical therapy program is dependent on a number of functions deemed essential for the practice of physical therapy. Applicants must meet these essential functions and students must continue to demonstrate compliance with these essential functions throughout the program. Students needing reasonable accommodations to meet these essential functions should notify the Chair of their request.

Essential Functions
Critical thinking, problems solving capabilities, sound judgment, emotional stability and maturity, and ability to learn and function in a wide variety of didactic and clinical settings to be able to:

• Develop, monitor and manage individual patient/client plan of care.
• Perform and interpret physical examinations.
• Perform physical therapy procedures.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Direct and supervise support personnel.
• Maintain professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate empathy, integrity, flexibility, responsibility and effective stress management.

Critical Demands
Physical - (0-33% ' occasionally; 34-66% ' frequently; 67-100% ' continuously based on an 8 hour work day)

• Firm grip strength - occasionally
• Gross hand coordination - continuously
• Fine hand coordination - continuously
• Sit - occasionally
• Stand - frequently
• Walk - frequently
• Reach - frequently
• Stoop/squat - frequently
• Push/pull - occasionally
• Kneel - occasionally
• Lift up to 50 lbs. - occasionally
• Carry - frequently
• Work with variety of therapeutic and adaptive devices including but not limited to wheelchairs, crutches, canes, electric stimulation, etc. - continuously
• Vision - corrected or non-corrected.

Communication

• Listen /hear
• Read English
• Speak English
• Write legibly in English

Students in the program are required to complete a physical examination and a criminal background annually.

Student Handbook
The Physical Therapy Department publishes a student handbook each year containing policies, procedures and general information. Students should use this handbook as a primary resource for their day-to-day activities. Changes to the handbook are either made during the summer or, if changes are made during the academic year they are published and distributed to all students prior to initiation of the changes.

Clinical Internships
Students must complete four internships while in the program. Clinical internships provide opportunities for the student to integrate and apply theory, knowledge, and skills acquired during the academic year to a variety of patient populations. In keeping with the mission and philosophy of the program, clinical internships are designed around the multiple experiences in physical therapy. Students must complete one internship in a rural setting; each remaining internship must differ in type of setting or experience. Within this affiliation framework, students have the opportunity to pursue areas of interest including but not limited to pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, industrial medicine, etc. The assignments for the clinical internships are made by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education in consultation with the student. Selections are made on the basis of type and availability of setting and skills of the student.

Fees and Expenses
Due to the nature of the learning environment in the program, students are charged course fees for any course with a laboratory component. Students in the first year of the program can expect to pay approximately $750 in fees; students in the second and third year pay approximately $400 in course fees between the two years. Textbook requirements are carefully screened with texts chosen based on the utility of information. Students should anticipate paying approximately $1,550 for textbooks while in the program. Additional expenses associated with internships are the responsibility of the student. These costs are associated with travel to, between, and from clinical sites, and with housing. Travel and housing are arranged by the student.

Licensure and Registration
Students graduating from accredited programs in physical therapy are eligible to take the physical therapy licensure exam. Successful completion of the exam is required to attain licensure in all states. Requirements for taking the exam vary by state. Students must apply separately for the national exam and for licensing. The department will certify the student's readiness for these procedures, but is not responsible for obtaining, completing or returning the required forms.

Curriculum
PTH 5000: Electronic Documentation
0 credits
Allows enrolled students to access and utilize ATHENS, The College of St. Scholastica's proprietary electronic health record system (EHR). The system is used to familiarize students with the EHR concept, and to practice clinical data entry and analysis and case management. This course requires simultaneous enrollment in corresponding physical therapy clinical classes at CSS and/or at Lake Superior College.

First year
PTH 5405: Professional Issues I
2 credits
First of a two part series on the profession of and professionalism in physical therapy. Socialization into the profession is examined from a program, states, and national perspectives. Professionalism focuses on development of ethical practice, teamwork, regulations, documentation, and the physical therapist's role as an education.

PTH 5410: Physical Therapy Administration I
1 credit
First of a three part series related to the administration and management of physical therapy services. The major forms of health care delivery and reimbursement models are investigated. Billing for physical therapy interventions is covered and the interaction of ethical and legal issues are addressed.

PTH 5480: Critical Inquiry I
1 credit
Introductory course providing a foundation for evidence based practice. Research and statistical procedures commonly used in physical therapy are reviewed and discussed. Concepts related to validity and reliability are emphasized and applied in the critical review of research literature.

PTH 5505: Kinesiology/Biomechanics
2 credits
Provides students with the foundational knowledge for understanding normal human movement. Emphasis is placed on biomechanics, joint structure and function, and muscle activity throughout the human body in concert with topics covered in human anatomy. Students explore the interaction of various joints and movement through common activities of daily living.

PTH 5510: Functional Anatomy
4 credits
An advanced, regional, musculoskeletal anatomy course that emphasizes the study of functional relationships between musculature, nervous tissue, vascular, and skeletal components for the extremities and axial skeleton. Cadaver dissection laboratory experience is used to enhance understanding of three dimensional anatomical relationships for specific body regions.

PTH 5511: Neuroscience
5 credits
Studies the anatomy and physiology of the adult nervous system. Sensation, perception, cognition, and motor control are examined. Application includes analysis of normal functions and the effects of pathological lesions affecting the nervous system.

PTH 5513: Lifespan Motor Development
3 credits
Theories of motor development across the lifespan are presented in the context of physical therapy practice. Emphasis is on normal age related changes from infancy and childhood through mature adulthood and late life.

PTH 5517: Systems Screening and Management I
3 credits
This course is the first of a two part series dealing with medical diagnoses and medical management of pathologies commonly treated by physical therapists. Principles of diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, pharmacology, and their application in physical therapy are discussed.

PTH 5520: Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation I
4 credits
First of a two course sequence focuses on the acquisition of fundamental examination skills in physical therapy practice. Students are introduced to the patient/client management model and learn how to perform a subjective examination and basic objective tests and measures for the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. Clinical reasoning is introduced related to the diagnostic process and identification of referral situations.

PTH 5521: Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation II
4 credits
Continuation of the acquisition of examination, evaluation and clinical reasoning skills. Patients/clients with multi-system dysfunction are addressed. Environment, home, and work (job/school/play) barriers are incorporated into clinical reasoning.

PTH 5530: Interventions I: Electrotherapeutic, Physical Agents, and Mechanical Modalities
4 credits
First of a two course sequence designed to develop purposeful and skilled abilities in the application of interventions in the physical therapy management of patients. Students apply evaluation, diagnostic, and prognostic information to develop a plan of care for specific joint or regional applications of procedural interventions pertaining to electrotherapy, physical agents, and mechanical modalities. Proficiency in the application of interventions including appropriate modification to the intervention plan is emphasized based on monitoring patient response and individual patient needs and characteristics.

PTH 5531: Interventions II: Therapeutic Exercise
4 credits
Second course in the sequence focusing on the development of purposeful and skilled intervention abilities for the application of exercises in the management of patients. Students will develop skills that enable them to apply evaluation, diagnostic, and prognostic information in developing a plan of care that includes prescribing exercises and monitoring patient responses and progress. Proficiency is acquired in the application of the interventions covered.

PTH 5535: Physiological Response to Exercise and Injury
3 credits
A comprehensive study of the interrelated effects of exercise, injury, and healing processes on normal tissues. Included are discussions of inflammation, pain, edema, and nutrition. Tissue dynamics of the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and integumentary systems as they relate to physical therapy are emphasized.

PTH 5901: Clinical Internship Preparation
0 credits
Preparation for the student's first internship experience is completed in areas of communication, documentation, patient education, and in the roles of the clinical and academic internship team members.

PTH 5910: Patient/Client Management I
2 credits
First of a four-course series designed to integrate multiple aspects of the student's professional education. The student will integrate and apply professional skills, knowledge, and behaviors to patient/client problems through case studies, clinic rotations, and role playing. Comprehensive management of the patient/client whose physical therapy needs require basic level management skills is the focus for clinical decision-making and for plan of care development.

PTH 5950: Clinical Internship I
4 credits
Provides the student full time opportunity to apply professional skills, knowledge, behavior, and theory. Students are supervised in the application of the elements of patient/client management in a physical therapy practice which may be in a rural or urban location. Practice settings are primarily in acute care and/or out patient clinics. Development of professional behavior continues as students interact daily with patients/clients, physical therapists, and other members of the health care team.

Second Year
PTH 6406: Professional Issues II
2 credits
In depth look at state and national issues affecting physical therapy and patient care. Advocacy for patients and the profession is emphasized.

PTH 6411: Physical Therapy Administration II
2 credits
Addresses organizational structure, practice settings, leadership, and cost accountability. Included in the course are issues related to human and facility resource management. Ethical, legal, and professional issues are interwoven into the course.

PTH 6412: Physical Therapy Administration III
2 credits
Focuses on issues related to strategic planning, marketing, and quality assurance/outcomes assessment are covered. Continued application of legal and ethical issues related to service provision are incorporated into the course.

PTH 6456: Neuromuscular Evaluation & Management II
3 credits
Continues and advances the study and application of theories and skills to patients with neuromuscular system involvement.

PTH 6481: Critical Inquiry II
2 credits
More advanced application of evidence based practice through the critical review of literature in physical therapy and related disciplines. Focus is on application of statistical knowledge and research methodology in determining the appropriateness of incorporating results in clinical practice.

PTH 6482: Critical Inquiry III
2 credits
Involves students working in small groups to advance their knowledge of scholarly research methods and critical review under the guidance of a faculty advisor on a particular area of interest.

PTH 6518: Systems Screening & Management II
3 credits
Continuation of the application of medical diagnoses and medical management of pathologies commonly treated by physical therapists.

PTH 6540: Musculoskeletal Evaluation & Management
4 credits
Advances the approach to patients whose impairment or limitation is musculoskeletal in origin. Focus is on evaluative and intervention techniques of manual therapy. Evidence based practice is incorporated into this course as it relates to planning, monitoring, and progressing a patient's plan of care.

PTH 6541: Multi-System Evaluation & Management II
4 credits
Emphasis on multi-system involved patients, with special consideration for the musculoskeletal system. Development of a comprehensive plan of care for patients and application of interventions continues.

PTH 6545: Neuromuscular Evaluation & Management I
3 credits
A comprehensive study of the integration of physiologic theories and principles as they relate to neuromuscular rehabilitation. Current theories relating to the control of normal and impaired movement will be investigated and used to provide a framework for the evaluation and intervention of individuals with disability resulting from neurologic injury or disease.

PTH 6560: Cardiopulmonary Evaluation & Management I
3 credits
A comprehensive study of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The patient/client management model is applied to dysfunctions specifically involving these systems across the life span and the continuum of care. Managing critically ill patients in the intensive care unit and principles of primary and secondary prevention are discussed.

PTH 6565: Integumentary Evaluation & Management II
3 credits
Provides opportunity for application of the patient management model to patients with pathology of impairment of the integumentary system. Current physiology and underlying rational is included.

PTH 6567: Lifespan Applications I: Pediatrics
3 credits
Entry-level approach to pediatric patients/clients in a variety of settings. Abnormal development, play therapy, and behavioral management are covered as foundations of pediatric physical therapy,. Ethical, legal, and legislative issues affecting this population are addressed.

PTH 6568: Lifespan Applications II: Geriatrics
2 credits
Entry-level approach to geriatric patients/clients in a variety of settings. Application of the patient/client management model is specific to this population. Legal, legislative, and ethical issues pertinent to geriatric patients/clients are discussed.

PTH 6573: Psychosocial Issues in Physical Therapy
2 credits
Examines psychological and social factors that affect patient-practitioner interactions. Concepts related to communication, cultural and ethnic differences, motivation, health, response to disability, sexuality, and abuse will be discussed.

PTH 6911: Patient/Client Management II
2 credits
Application of the patient/client management model across the lifespan. Students are expected to combine information from other course work in order to synthesize a plan of care for a patient or client with multiple system involvement. Students participate in a peer review process. The course provides the opportunities for hands-on examination, evaluation, and intervention with patients in the clinical setting.

PTH 6912: Patient/Client Management III
2 credits
Continued application of the patient/client management model across the life span on patient and client problems of increasing complexity. The student will synthesize knowledge and integrate skills and professional behaviors from other professional courses to generate and progress plans of care for given cases that involve different service models and roles of the therapist.

PTH 6913: Patient/Client Management IV
1 credit
Culmination of the student's experience in integrating course work. Students will apply the patient/management model to various cases across the life span. Students will also realize their role physical therapists have as advocates, administrators, consultants, and teachers.

Third Year
PTH 6951: Clinical Internship II
4 credits
An eight week, full-time clinical affiliation. It is designed to provide students with opportunities to apply skills, knowledge, professional behaviors learned throughout first and second year professional course work. Practice setting for this internship may be adult neurological rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedics, general acute, sports medicine, or setting with mixed patient/client population. This internship may occur in a rural or urban setting, but at least one rural setting is required during the internship series.

PTH 6952: Clinical Internship III
6 credits
Allows the student to experience a different physical therapy practice setting than experienced during previous internships. This ten-week, full-time clinical internship provides for further development, manipulation, and utilization of knowledge and skills, and for continued professionalization. By the end of this internship the student is expected, under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor, to be demonstrating autonomy in the management of familiar diagnoses. This internship may occur in a rural or urban setting, but at least one rural setting is required during the internship series.

PTH 6953: Clinical Internship IV
6 credits
Final ten week, full-time clinical internship in the program and is the culmination of all previous course work. Students will gain increased experience and depth of understanding for application and integration of skills, knowledge, and professional behaviors. The internship is the capstone for entry-level clinical requirements. By the end of this internship, the student is expected to demonstrate proficiency at the entry-level in all aspects of patient/client management. This internship may occur in a rural or urban setting, but at least one rural setting is required during the internship series.

PTH 6980: Capstone
1 credit
Focuses on completion of capstone experiences in professional education such as professional socialization, case report presentations, and sharing of research activities. A comprehensive examination is given that measures success of curricular outcomes and prepares students for the licensure examination.