USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to sensorimotor systems, overview of current perspectives in motor control from fetus through late adulthood, and clinical tests of motor proficiency.

Theoretical and practical principles for evaluation of exercise need and prescription of exercise programs, specifically for strength and balance. Emphasis on approaches for patients with musculoskeletal deficits.

Pathology in the central and peripheral nervous systems that alter motor and sensory performance. Emphasis on loss of motion, excessive and involuntary movement disorders. Lecture.

Detailed kinesiologic analysis of axial, spine, head, neck, face and bulbar muscles. Lecture, laboratory and clinical demonstration.

Introduction to acquiring, appraising and integrating research evidence.

Advanced integration of patient values as influenced by culture, ethnicity, lifestyles, gender, and age into patient-centered clinical decision making.

Regional description of pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms of disorders of bone, connective tissue, and joints. Lecture, demonstration.

Detailed analysis of neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal motor and sensory function. Lecture.

Introduction to the principles of biomechanics (statics, dynamics) as they apply to physical therapy practice. Emphasis on tissue mechanics, joint function and gait. Lecture.

Physical therapy theory and methods for intervention in neurological dysfunction. Lecture, laboratory. Neuroanatomy lab available.

Use of electrical currents to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal, neurological and wound disorders. Theory and practice.

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

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

Physical therapy theory and methods of evaluation and treatment of orthopedic dysfunction. Lecture, demonstration, laboratory. Dissection lab available.

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.

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.