Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Introduction to the field of phonetics, the study of speech sound production. Topics include speech sound production (phonetics), acoustic phonetics and phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students will gain an understanding of the production and acoustic characteristics of the consonants and vowels of Spoken American English. Additional topics include segmental and suprasegmental properties, dialectical variations, and clinical applications.

This course provides students with an extensive overview of language development, across the five domains of language. Theoretical foundations and scientific principles of the study of language development are presented through the semester to explain how spoken language develops in the first five years of life. Language development is presented within the broader context of child development with applications for later study in speech-language pathology.

Overview of the important concepts and principle tests used in clinical audiology. Common pathologies of the auditory system and associated audiometric data are also emphasized.

This course provides a foundational review of topics related to speech science and the normal swallow process. This includes the anatomy, physiology, and neural underpinnings as it relates to the speech production/perception and swallowing mechanism. The clinical application of this content will be discussed.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of acoustics, phychoacoustics, and the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central auditory mechanisms. Pathological conditions that affect those mechanisms are also introduced.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the various disorders of the speech and language mechanisms assessed and treated by the speech-language pathologist and audiologist.

This course focuses on the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills expected of graduate students in a professional program.

This course focuses on understanding and analyzing typical and atypical human movement across the life span using anatomy and kinesiology principles. This course includes labs.

This course covers body functions and structures of the nervous system, including the impact of impairment on activity and participation.

This course introduces basic health assessment; client and provider safety; and demonstration and integration of occupational therapy practice skills. This course includes labs.

This course introduces the students to the foundations of the occupational therapy profession. This course includes labs.

This course develops critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills for occupational therapy practice.

This course continues to focus on understanding and analyzing typical and atypical human movements across the life span using anatomy and kinesiology principles. This course includes labs.

This course integrates theories of group dynamics and leadership with the development and implementation of functional activity-based groups. This course includes fieldwork I experiences.

This course addresses cognition, perception, and visual impairments; their impact on function; and principles of related occupational therapy assessments and interventions. This course includes labs.

This course introduces the principles and implementation of the occupational therapy process.

This course addresses the use of quantitative methods to inform clinical practice and research.

Instruction in significant aspects of human anatomy with respect to PA practice. Lecture instruction as well as dissection in cadaver lab are methods used to convey material. Clinical application of anatomic structure and function are emphasized.

An overview of psychiatric concepts and an introductory approach to the evaluation of patients with mental and behavioral problems. Includes the various psychiatric syndromes, in terms of causal factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The impact that psychological problems have on the total health care of the patient will be emphasized.

Prepares students with tools to address comprehensive sociologic issues related to healthcare needs of diverse populations, respectful accommodation of beliefs related to healthcare, and enhanced communication skills to establish connection and trust. Diversity topics in this course in relation to compassionate healthcare include ethnicity/race, religion/spirituality, social determinants of health (socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care). A standardized patient event of breaking bad news to patients combines topic knowledge, patient communication, and empathy skills. This course will also be a platform to explore the historical development of the Physician Assistant profession, and our role in the healthcare system. Additionally, introductory ethical concerns related to graduate studies will be disseminated, including topics such as intellectual honesty, academic integrity, professional conduct, and essential study skills.

Introduction to analysis of the electrocardiogram. The course will review cardiac electrophysiology and indications for ECG testing. Students will learn how to perform a 12 lead ECG as well as how to analyze an ECG for rate, rhythm, axis, intervals, cardiac hypertrophy and ischemia/infarction.

Building upon the foundation provided in GMPA6111/PAFY4111, this course provides an in-depth study of the pathophysiologic changes which occur in the body in response to disease and injury. The course discusses how pathologic changes noted at both the cellular and organ system levels alter homeostasis. Correlation to the clinical aspect of disease is emphasized.

An in-depth exploration of the physiologic aspects of homeostasis at both the cellular and organ system levels. Topics include the cell, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, digestive, renal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Open to physician assistant majors only.

Covers the basic structure, organization, and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Lectures and laboratories focus on understanding localization of function within specific structures and pathways of the brain and spinal cord, and typical syndromes associated with vascular accidents, trauma or diseases of the various parts of the CNS.

Develops skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. The pharmacology and therapeutic properties of commonly prescribed medications will be a focus of the pharmacology courses. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, indications, side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and clinical use. Students will complete modules of the Medication-Assisted Treatment Training Program in this course.

Building on Pharmacology I, develops skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, indications, side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and clinical use. Students will complete modules of the Medication-Assisted Treatment Training Program in this course.

Introduction to comprehensive principles of medical history taking and hands-on physical examination techniques, systematically organized emphasizing anatomic and physiologic exam proficiencies and proper utilization of medical equipment. Foundations of medical documentation are established. Psychosocial and behavioral elements and the effective relationship between the PA, other health professionals and the patient are explored. Exercises with standardized patients introduce students to real-life medical scenarios.

Building upon Introduction to Clinical Medicine I, this course refines the foundational skills of comprehensive systematic medical history taking and physical exam, cultivating competencies in problem-focused analysis and critical thinking techniques. Clinical case scenarios, team-based learning activities, standardized patient experiences and evolution of advanced documentation proficiencies establish familiarity with signs and symptoms of medical diagnoses, allowing for evidence-based differential diagnoses formulation. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal communication skills, empathy and trust-building in patient care.

This course introduces students to analysis of the electrocardiogram. The course will review cardiac electrophysiology and indications for ECG testing. Students will learn how to perform a 12 lead ECG as well as how to analyze an ECG for rate, rhythm, axis, intervals, cardiac hypertrophy and ischemia/infarction.

This course introduces students to diagnostic imaging. Following an introduction to different imaging modalities and their indications, the course will progress through an organ system based review of normal radiographic anatomy and pathologic findings.

Introduction to laboratory diagnostic testing. The course will review indications for testing, normal results, and common pathologic findings discovered in testing blood, urine, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid and other body fluids. Students will have the opportunity to practice laboratory procedures including phlebotomy, urinalysis and guaiac testing for occult blood.

This course presents human physiology for the analysis of normal function and adaptive/restorative function available in the presence of health affecting the skeletal, connective tissue, muscular, integumentary, nervous, and other biological systems. Information will be presented at the tissue, organ and system level.

This course presents the application of basic principles of physics, anatomy, and physiology to understand human movement. The development and function of the musculoskeletal system (bone, muscle, and ligaments), the mechanical behavior of these biological tissues, the external/internal forces that contribute to normal motion provides the groundwork for understanding, describing and analyzing the biomechanics of human motion.

This course introduces the student to the cognitive strategies and processes utilized to (1) collect and interpret information needed to understand a patient’s problem/situation, (2) plan and implement appropriate interventions, (3) evaluate the outcomes and (4) reflect on the effectiveness of the reasoning process. Basic clinical and critical reasoning models in the context of patient centered health care and working in a healthcare team is emphasized.

The course introduces the student to the physical therapy profession. Five themes of professional practice are explored; the physical therapist as clinician, consumer of research, inter-professional care provider, lifelong learner and educator. Foundational skills in written and oral communication, professional values and behaviors, population-specific differences, utilization of healthcare informatics and evidenced-based practice are presented.

This course introduces the student to the application of physical therapy intervention skills as part of the treatment process. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in fundamental patient care. Students will be introduced to basic manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, and functional training to achieve patient/client goals & outcomes that address problems resulting from evaluation of the movement system.

This course examines the concepts of pathophysiology and the mechanisms of change that contribute to the genesis of a diseased state. Common diseases and disorders are covered and clinical laboratory measurements and values used in differential diagnosis will be presented from a systems perspective. Clinical cases will be used to present standard patterns of clinical examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and communication/referral with other health care practitioners. Discussions will address changes in response to disease or trauma across the lifespan.

This course builds knowledge and skills in application of biomechanical principles relative to human motion through regional analysis of body segments. Attention is paid to synovial joints as key linkage in the human mechanical system and how their movements are created and governed. The laboratory component of this course reviews individual joint structure and its application to segmental and overall body movement.

This cadaveric-based human anatomy course is designed to develop knowledge concerning structural and functional regional gross human anatomy. The course focuses on the clinical application of anatomical concepts in both lectures and laboratory sessions. Structured laboratory sessions also incorporate the use of models, medical terminology and palpation of key anatomical structures. The course utilizes case-based vignettes to promote critical thinking and allow students to apply theory to a clinical population.

The course facilitates skills acquisition in basic elements of patient examination and professional physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on elementary physical therapy examination of the non- medically complex patient. This includes systems screening, selection and performance of basic tests and measures for function, the integumentary, cardiovascular – pulmonary and musculoskeletal systems, interpretation and evaluation of examination findings, differential diagnosis, development of an individualized plan of care, appropriate referrals and effective communication of patient/client information.

This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the evidence-based research process and its importance in the practice of physical therapy. Students will learn about the variety of research publications and apply the critical appraisal process to the literature.

This course will cover the basic structure, organization, and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Learning experiences focus on understanding the localization of function within specific structures and pathways of the brain and spinal cord, and typical syndromes associated with vascular accidents, trauma or diseases of the various parts of the CNS.

This course promotes the development of clinical skills related to functional mobility and movement in the home and community including transfers, ambulation, and use of wheelchairs and assistive devices for locomotion and various other activities of daily living (ADL). Therapeutic exercise interventions will be utilized to achieve patient/client goals & outcomes that address problems resulting from evaluation of the movement system.

This course presents both the normal and pathological human body responses to physiological conditions and processes in relationship to their influence on human movement including the nutritional and metabolic mechanisms in relation to movement & functional activities. Included are the study of muscle physiology, metabolism, cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations, aging, thermoregulation, aerobic and anaerobic training exercise prescription, and use of ergogenic aides. Topics will focus on evaluation and management for a healthy population as well as for those with chronic diseases and disabilities.

This course provides continued instruction in the study of human movement with regards to posture, balance and gait. The neuromuscular and musculoskeletal mechanisms involved in the development, maintenance and adaptions of posture, balance, and walking will be presented. Students will participate in the assessment of normal and deviated walking, balance and posture including identification of compensatory mechanisms.

This course offers experiential learning in community Health and Wellness outreach while increasing students’ awareness of practice settings and offers opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. The course will focus on community assessment utilizing Health/Wellness screening tools appropriate for target populations

This course promotes skill acquisition in elements of physical therapy services and professional practice with an emphasis on physical therapy examination, including systems screening of the medically complex, but hemodynamically stable, patient, with a focus on the neurological and musculoskeletal systems including the extremities, trunk and spine and their relationship to posture, balance and gait. Included are the selection and performance of appropriate tests and measures, interpretation and evaluation of examination findings including differential diagnosis, clinical decision making in the establishment of an individualized plan of care to restore normal movement and functional mobility, referrals and effective communication of patient/client information.

This course is a continuation of Critical Inquiry I and includes experimental and non-experimental research designs, methodology and statistical concepts. Students will continue to search for evidence and critically appraise it specifically for application to clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment effectiveness. Students develop the skills needed to ask and answer clinical questions using best evidence and practice using sample data and statistical software.