USC Schedule of Classes

Selected subjects in cellular and systems physiology. Emphasis on molecular and cellular aspects of neuromuscular function; also hepatic; renal and endocrine physiology.

Musculoskeletal anatomy, innervation, blood supply, and function: intensive study of the head, neck, trunk, and limbs. Lecture, dissection laboratory.

Development of basic decision making skills, professional behaviors and impairment assessment in patients with musculoskeletal, neurologic and/or cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Lecture, laboratory.

Organized approach to structures in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems that subserve motor, sensory, and integrative functions, memory, cognition and special senses. Lecture, laboratory.

Pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms in disease of the cardiac, pulmonary and circulatory systems; examination of diabetes, burns, and other disabling medical disorders. Lecture.

Effects of commonly used drugs in patients with physical disability; side effects that alter physical performance or responses to exercise.

Adaptation of the human body to exercise and the use of exercise to modify human function. Lecture and laboratory.

Introduction to a patient-centered Evidence Based Practice model with emphasis on professional communication skills, ethics, professional guidelines, laws and regulations.

Advanced critical analysis and application of research of evidence.

Physical therapy evaluation and intervention in the care of patients with circulatory, cardiac, or pulmonary dysfuction. Lecture, case presentations, laboratory.

Introduction to both normal and pathological gait. Emphasis on the basic components of abnormal ambulation including temporal-spatial factors, joint motion, kinetics, kinematics; and muscle activity. Lecture.

Practical experience in six-week physical therapy manual skills, decision making, and professional behaviors.

Practical experience in two-week physical therapy psychomotor skills, decision making and professional behaviors.

Elements of reading roentgenographs, CAT and MRI scans for the physical therapist. Lecture, demonstration, practical experience.

Advanced evaluation and management of patients with movement dysfunction spanning all diagnoses seen by physical therapists.

Integration of physical therapy management of complicated patients with concurrent musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and/or neurologic disorders.

Consideration of principle of differential diagnosis with emphasis on mastering this skill.

A 16-week clerkship consisting of a minimum of 24 hours per week in a part-time setting. Emphasis on the care of orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric or complicated medical conditions.

A 16-week clerkship consisting of a minimum of 36 hours per week in a full-time setting. Emphasis on care of orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric or complicated medical conditions.