Courses within the second category allow students to broaden their clinical knowledge in rehabilitation of the adult neurologic patient. Emphasis is placed upon the critical analysis of current concepts in evaluation and treatment, and integration of concepts to formulate a problem-solving approach toward rehabilitation of this population. This concentration is designed to provide opportunities for the development of clinical specialists, educators, administrators, supervisors and researchers in the area of musculoskeletal physical therapy. Courses within the first category provide instruction in normal kinesiology and biomechanics, anatomy and arthrokinematics of joints, the physiology of exercise, methods to evaluate movement and posture, and critical analysis of physical therapy research. Courses within the second category allow the student to enhance skills necessary for evaluation and management of musculoskeletal disorders, and to critically examine current concepts in evaluation and treatment.
Emphasis is placed on the integration of diverse treatment approaches.
6 Pediatric Physical Therapy Pediatric physical therapy is an expanding discipline because of the unique physiology, anatomy, development and function of children. Service models are expanding to include basic research as well as the development of autonomy in consultation, education, and the establishment of practice in the educational setting. The development of pediatric physical therapy as a discipline requires the training of investigative therapists to evaluate and to expand the theoretical and practical basis of treatment. The advanced graduate program is designed to educate physical therapists to assume leadership roles in pediatrics and to move them closer to eligibility for specialist certification in keeping with the APTA recommendations for advanced clinical competencies in specialization areas. In addition to the core and their concentration, students complete a six-credit minor and are allowed six elective credits.