DPT 731: Clinical Fundamentals of Physical Therapy Practice

This course will introduce students to fundamental aspects of physical therapy practice necessary for beginning immersion into the clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on safety principles related to infection prevention, identification of lines/tubes, selection and fit of assistive devices, and beginning patient handling skills for bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, and wheelchair mobility. This course also emphasizes the development of clinical reasoning strategies essential for effective patient management through the teaching of foundational physical therapy examination techniques. Students will be introduced to patient centered concepts including the SINSS model to inform the application of physical therapy examination techniques. Through hands-on practice, students will gain competence in musculoskeletal screening, surface anatomy palpation, joint range of motion assessments, and muscle strength evaluations. Effective communication of examination findings using accepted professional standards is a key component of the course.