Physical Therapy
This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ewu.edu.
Dr. Dan Anton, Professor and Chair
department web page
Faculty
Daniel C. Anton, Kimberly K. Cleary, Elena N. Crooks, Amelia E. Jay, Tanya L. Kinney LaPier, Fahed A. Mehyar, Angela R. Merlo.
Emeritus Faculty: Meryl R. Gersh, Darl Vander Linden
Graduate Degree
Required courses in this program of study may have prerequisites. Reference the course description section for clarification.
Admission Requirements
The admission process to the DPT Program is competitive. The requirements listed below are the minimally acceptable for application to the Program and are not indicative of the competitive range of students generally accepted into the DPT Program.
An overall prerequisite GPA of ≥3.0 is required for application.
- Apply to the DPT Program through PTCAS.
- Apply for acceptance into Eastern Washington University Graduate Studies.
- Complete a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution by July of the year of admission.
- Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) by November 1 of the application year. The minimum GRE writing score for admission is 4.0.
- Complete a minimum of 75 hours of work/observation/volunteer experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This experience must be verified in writing by the supervising physical therapist, whose license number must appear on the verification form included with the application materials. It is strongly recommended that you maintain contact with the physical therapists who supervised your clinical experiences so that you may call upon them to verify your experiences once you have received the verification form with the application packet. Participation in at least two different types of practice settings (e.g., acute care institutions, rehabilitation centers, pediatric centers, residential facilities, nursing homes, schools, orthopedic outpatient clinics) is required, with a minimum of 30 hours in at least one of these settings. A greater variety of settings is encouraged.
- Submit letter of recommendation forms from the following individuals: 2 physical therapists; 1 current or former employer
- Complete prerequisite courses designated for the science major. A minimum grade of ≥C is required to fulfill each prerequisite.
Prerequisite Courses
Biology (Zoology) with labs
Biology prerequisites include:
1 quarter/semester of Human Anatomy
1 quarter/semester of Human Physiology
1 quarter/semester upper division (300 level of above) in Human or Animal Physiology. This requirement may be satisfied by a course in Exercise Physiology, offered through an Exercise Science Department.
1 quarter/semester advanced course (300 level or above) of your choosing in Biology, Zoology or Exercise Science. This course must be at least 3 semester or 4 quarter credits. Recommended courses include: Biomechanics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Embryology, Kinesiology, Microbiology, and Pathology. Classes in botany, fish and wildlife biology, and ecology do not satisfy this requirement.
Chemistry with labs
3 quarters or 2 semesters of Chemistry
Physics with labs
3 quarters or 2 semesters of Physics
Psychology or Behavioral Science
Any 2 courses in behavioral science including psychology, sociology or anthropology
Statistics
1 quarter/semester of Statistics in any discipline
Notes:
- Anatomy and Physiology or the combined A & P prerequisite courses must be completed within seven years of admission.
- Courses designated for nursing or allied health professions students are not acceptable in lieu of the science prerequisites listed above.
- Advanced Placement courses are not accepted as prerequisites.
- Courses from other institutions with a pre-Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy title are not acceptable toward meeting prerequisite or professional degree requirements.
Graduate Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree prepares students to diagnose and manage movement dysfunction in patients they serve. The three-year curriculum consists of 8 sequenced semesters of full-time attendance. In Year 1, DPT students take basic science and physical therapy skill courses. An Integrative Clinical Education (ICE) experience occurs in the summer at the end of Year 1. In Year 2, clinical science courses integrate medical science knowledge through increasingly complex clinical problems. Students learn and practice the five elements of patient care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention) in the context of patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary disorders. Evidence-based practice, clinical research, and professional practice issues are embedded throughout the curriculum. Following the second year of the academic curriculum, students take a written comprehensive examination, and successful completion allows advancement to full-time clinical internships in Year 3.
The Department of Physical Therapy at Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Physical Therapy Courses
PHTH 501S. ANATOMY 1. 6 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This is a course about the structure and function of the human body, presented in a regional format. Students will develop an understanding of anatomical elements through the study of models, atlas drawings, and photographs. They will also work in small groups to dissect human cadavers. The major emphasis of this course will be on the structures of the upper and lower extremities.
PHTH 502S. ANATOMY 2. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This is a course about the structure and function of the human body, presented in a regional and systemic approach. Students will develop an understanding of anatomical elements through the study of models, atlas drawings, and photographs. They will also work in small groups to dissect human cadavers. The major emphasis of this course will be on the structures of the head and neck, spine, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.
PHTH 511S. CLINICAL KINESIOLOGY. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course focuses on the study of normal and abnormal human motion. Emphasis is on functional anatomy incorporating biomechanical concepts and anatomical knowledge to acquire the fundamental understanding of therapeutic interventions, musculoskeletal examination, and musculoskeletal evaluation. Topics include osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, scanning examinations, and peripheral joint mobilization.
PHTH 521S. NEUROSCIENCE 1. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course provides opportunities to apply principles of neuroscience to the examination and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological dysfunction. Clinical signs and symptoms of CNS pathology will be presented and related to neurological movement disorders. Students will learn examination strategies to identify neurological dysfunction, and implement select physical therapy interventions directed at the modulation of sensory and motor impairments.
PHTH 522S. NEUROSCIENCE 2. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course provides opportunities to apply principles of neuroscience to the examination and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological dysfunction. Clinical signs and symptoms of CNS pathology will be presented and related to neurological movement disorders. Students will learn examination strategies to identify neurological dysfunction, and implement select physical therapy interventions directed at the modulation of sensory and motor impairments.
PHTH 531S. APPLIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY. 6 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course will examine body systems under resting conditions, in response to acute exercise challenge, and with adaptation to chronic exercise. The effects of decreased use and pathology on body function and subsequent activity limitation and participation restrictions will be emphasized. This course will explain the role of physical therapy use of exercise assessment and prescription to improve patient outcomes. Applied clinical reasoning will be fostered through use of full patient cases.
PHTH 541S. PATIENT MANAGEMENT 1. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course focuses on fundamentals of physical therapy examination and evaluation. Examination and evaluation training will include vital signs, pain assessment, neurological examination, goniometry, and manual muscle testing.
PHTH 542S. PATIENT MANAGEMENT 2. 4 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course provides the student with classroom discussion and laboratory experiences on the clinical applications of physical therapy interventions. These include mobility training, massage, superficial and deep heat modalities, cryotherapy, and electromodalities. Foundational patient management skills such as positioning, draping, transfer training, gait training, and equipment prescription are also included.
PHTH 551S. SCREENING FOR DISEASE. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course will introduce students to screening for referral in physical therapy practice. The course will provide an overview of body systems and screening for disease. Students will learn to discern between signs and symptoms typical of physical therapy problems and medical conditions that warrant referral to a primary care provider.
PHTH 552S. PHARMACOLOGY FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course provides a basic knowledge of pharmacology for the physical therapist in order to incorporate the effects of drugs into the design and implementation of patient care. Patient cases will be used to reinforce problem-solving and integration of basic science principles with clinical application.
PHTH 561S. EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The first of five courses on physical therapy evidence-based practice. Emphasis is on the development of clinical research questions, literature review, critical appraisal, and application of research principles to clinical problems.
PHTH 562S. RESEARCH METHODS. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The second of five courses on physical therapy evidence-based practice. Emphasis is on critical appraisal of the evidence including research design, research methods, and statistical analyses.
PHTH 571S. PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 1. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course examines the professional role and governing laws of the physical therapist, history of the profession, American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and health access. Students will prepare for clinical internships by completing training in First Aid, CPR, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, professional behaviors, medical terminology, Performance Assessment System, and clinical documentation.
PHTH 572S. PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 2 (ICE). 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course considers health care delivery, integrative clinical experiences (ICE), and professional issues to prepare the student for clinical internships. Delivery of physical therapy services across various practice environments, health care models, accountability models, and professional development will be explored.
PHTH 596S. EXPERIMENTAL COURSE. 1-6 Credits.
Experimental.
PHTH 599S. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Independent Study.
PHTH 612S. MUSCULOSKELETAL 1. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course is the first of two on examination and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Topics include orthopedic principles; scanning examinations; fractures; diagnosis; and intervention of the cervical and thoracic spine, ribs, shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand. Emphasis is on differential diagnosis; clinical decision making; and interventions such as regional specific manual therapy (e.g., mobilization, manipulation, muscle energy), therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic modalities.
PHTH 613S. MUSCULOSKELETAL 2. 6 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course is the second of two on examination and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Topics include scanning examinations; fractures; diagnosis; intervention of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac, hip, knee, ankle/foot, craniovertebral, and temporomandibular regions; special topics in spinal manipulation; arthritis; musculoskeletal neoplasms; and concussions.
PHTH 623S. NEUROMUSCULAR. 6 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course is on examination, evaluation, and intervention of the neuromuscular system. Content includes, but is not limited to, neurological principles and diagnoses including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, degenerative diseases, and tumors or infections of the central nervous system. Emphasis will be on patient management in the inpatient rehabilitation, neurointensive care, and acute care settings. Other topics include assistive technology and equipment.
PHTH 632S. CARDIOPULMONARY. 4 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course addresses the management of cardiovascular and/or pulmonary impairments in patients with disability. Emphasis will be placed on examination, evaluation, and treatment of patients across rehabilitation settings. Health promotion and wellness strategies for patients with participation restrictions will be highlighted. Applied clinical reasoning will be fostered through the use of comprehensive patient cases.
PHTH 639S. TOPICS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY. 2 Credits.
Notes: students must complete two separate sections of this course for a total of 4 credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course introduces the student to advanced topics in physical therapy. Students choose two topics to study in detail.
PHTH 653S. DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Diagnostic imaging of the spine and extremities for physical therapists. Topics include radiographic principles, radiographic anatomy, search patterns, and imaging modalities.
PHTH 654S. MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENTS. 4 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course will address the physical therapy management of medically complicated patients. Emphasis will be placed on examination, evaluation, and interventions of patients in inpatient settings. Students will learn how to develop a plan of care that promotes movement, restores function and prevents disability from trauma, critical illness, and surgery.
PHTH 655S. PEDIATRICS. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Management of the pediatric client with a diverse variety of movement challenges. Topics include theories of typical and atypical development, standardized assessments, common treatment techniques, equipment, orthotics, and adaptive technology for pediatric clients.
PHTH 656S. GERIATRICS. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The course will provide the student with opportunities to contrast normal and pathological aging, participate in functional screening of residents in a community facility, critically assess a home environment, participate in physical therapy management of cased-based patients, practice discharge planning, and discuss issues related to elder abuse, dementia, and communication with elders.
PHTH 657S. SPECIAL POPULATIONS. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course is on physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients with cancer, psychiatric disorders, integumentary system disorders, and amputations who require rehabilitation and/or prosthetic training.
PHTH 663S. CLINICAL RESEARCH 1. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The third of five courses on physical therapy evidence-based practice. Students will work with faculty mentors to conduct clinical or laboratory research projects.
PHTH 673S. PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 3. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course explores the culturally competent and ethical practice of physical therapy based upon ethical and legal theories and models, the Core Values, Code of Ethics, Professional Behaviors and other documents that guide the professional conduct of the physical therapist. Other topics include the “soft skills” of physical therapy practice, clinical internships, internship expectations, and clinical education assessment with an emphasis on self-reflection.
PHTH 674S. PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 4. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course prepares students for clinical internships. Topics include discussion of clinical education, collaborative activities with physical therapist assistant students, dictation, and professional behaviors.
PHTH 675S. PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 5. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
This course emphasizes the delivery of health care services, specifically physical therapy services. Topics include financial, legal, humanitarian, and ethical issues related to physical therapy practice, social responsibility, advocacy, and professional development.
PHTH 676S. PT ADMINISTRATION. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Introduction to professional responsibilities expected of a physical therapist employed in multiple settings and administrator duties. Topics include management theory and principles, organizational structure, billing, healthcare policy and laws, marketing, and leadership skills.
PHTH 696S. EXPERIMENTAL COURSE. 1-6 Credits.
Experimental
PHTH 699S. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Independent Study.
PHTH 764S. CLINICAL RESEARCH 2. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The fourth of five courses on physical therapy evidence-based practice. Students will work with faculty mentors to conduct clinical or laboratory research projects.
PHTH 765S. CLINICAL RESEARCH 3. 4 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
The fifth of five courses on physical therapy evidence-based practice. Students will work with faculty mentors to conduct clinical or laboratory research projects.
PHTH 781S. CLINICAL INTERNSHIP 1. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Ten week, full-time clinical education experience.
PHTH 782S. CLINICAL INTERNSHIP 2. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Ten week, full-time clinical education experience.
PHTH 783S. CLINICAL INTERNSHIP 3. 6 Credits.
Pre-requisites: all courses in physical therapy are restricted to students accepted into the program.
Twelve week, full-time clinical education experience.
PHTH 799S. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Independent Study.