5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
5th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33146-2435
Tel: 305-284-4535
Fax: 305-284-6128

Curriculum Description

PTS505 Physical Therapy Private Practice Management
1 credit - Fiebert
Course focuses on establishing a private physical therapy practice, including initial development through marketing and management. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors. only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS506 Issues in Women’s Health: Gynecology
1 credit - Downey
Introduction to physical therapy practice for evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS507 Issues in Women’s Health: Obstetrics, Osteoporosis and Breast Health
1 credit - Hayes
Introduction to physical therapy practice for evaluation and treatment of problems related to pregnancy, osteoporosis, and other disorders specific to women. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS508 Rape Aggression Defense for Women (RAD)
1 credit - Masin
A comprehensive self defense course for women including awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and the basics of hands-on defense training. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS509 Exercise for Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries
1 credit - Nash
Course provides a review of etiology and pathology of spinal cord injury as well as current methods of exercise and electrical stimulation systems and their physiological effects on the individual. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS510 Balance for the Neurologic Patient
1 credit
Introduction to balance evaluation and treatment concepts for patients with
neurological deficits. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with
permission of the instructor.
PTS511 Positioning as a Pediatric Therapeutic Modality
1 credit
Introduction to adaptive seating and positioning in pediatric physical therapy,
neurophysiological, biomechanical, and functional rationale. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors or with permission of the instructor.
PTS512 Sports Physical Therapy
1 credit - Hunt
Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS513 Clinical Instructor Training
1 credit - Masin
Introduction to the roles and responsibilities of being a clinical instructor to physical therapy students. Course material is adapted from the Clinical Instructor Workshop of the Florida Consortium of Clinical Educators. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS516 Clinical Research I
3 credits - Roach
Principles, concepts, and basic skills required to conduct clinical research in physical therapy. Topics include research design, sampling, bias, reliability and validity, questionnaire design, statistical computing, conceptual review of literature, and the preparation of a research proposal. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS517 Abdominal Anatomy
1 credit - Waggoner
Course analyzes abdominal anatomy emphasizing structure and function. Cadaver dissection is included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS518 Cross-sectional and Radiologic Anatomy
1 credit - Waggoner
Cross-sectional and radiologic anatomy of major joints of the body with emphasis on normal and abnormal images. Cadaver dissection is included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS519 Pelvic Anatomy
1 credit - Waggoner
Course analyzes the anatomy of the human pelvic area. Cadaver dissection is included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only or with permission of the instructor.
PTS523 Myofascial Release
1 credit - Davis
Introduction to Myofascial Release technique in rehabilitation. Prerequisite: Open to physical therapy majors only, with permission of instructor.
PTS524 Interdisciplinary Fundamentals for Assertive Technology
3 credits
Interdisciplinary assistive technology course for professionals. Comprehensive assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities is included. Course is taught with Department of Pediatrics. Prerequisite: With consent of instructor only.
PTS526 Introduction to Pilates Rehabilitation I
1 credit - Anderson
Course provides historical development, and evidence-based approach to Pilates rehabilitation. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only; others with permission of instructor.
PTS527 Introduction to Pilates Rehabilitation II
1 credit - Anderson
Introduction to the Pilates Environment. Prerequisite: Open to physical therapy
majors only; others with permission of instructor.
PTS530 Foundations of Physical Therapy
2 credits - Masin
Foundations, historical development, and contemporary practice of physical therapy in the United States. Traditional and emerging roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist in the spectrum of health care provision. Examination of current professional issues affecting future roles is discussed. Terminology and a treatment cycle model is also introduced. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS531 Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy
3 credits - Waggoner
Gross anatomy with emphasis on the musculoskeletal systems and a survey of other systems that are relevant to physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS532 Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy
3 credits - Waggoner
Gross Anatomy with emphasis on the musculoskeletal systems and a survey of other systems that are relevant to physical therapy practice. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS533 Communications in Physical Therapy Practice
3 credits - Davis
Course provides an analysis of communication skills in physical therapy clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on instruction of patients and their families, supportive staff, and health care team members. In-depth examination of patient-therapist interactions is included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS540 Neuroscience I
3 credits - Hayes
The human central nervous system with emphasis on structure-function relationships, and clinical applications. The brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, tracts, and nuclei of major systems. Central nervous systems lesions and their clinical significance are discussed. Lecture and human dissection are included.. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS541 Neuroscience II
3 credits - Field-Fote
The central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems and their physiological responses to environmental stimuli. Normal systems are contrasted with abnormal systems. The clinical significance of altered neurophysiological states is discussed. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS542 Electrotherapy
3 credits - Hunt
Course provides an evaluation of nerve and skeletal muscle by classical electrical means. The therapeutic application of selected modalities is discussed. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS543 Medical Pathology Seminar I
1 credit - Smith
Lectures and seminar discussion of pathological conditions with particular emphasis on musculoskeletal disorders. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS544 Medical Pathology Seminar II
1 credit - Smith
Lectures and seminar discussion of pathological conditions with particular emphasis on neuromuscular disorders. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS545 Medical Pathology Seminar III
1 credit - Moore
Lectures and seminar discussion of pathology conditions with particular emphasis on integumentary disorders. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS546 Medical Pathology Seminar IV
1 credit - Cohen
Lectures and seminar discussion of pathological conditions with particular emphasis on cardiorespiratory disorders. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS550 Pharmacology
2 credits - Nash
Basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. Contemporary drug therapies and their effects on patients undergoing rehabilitation are discussed. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS570 Clinical Skills
3 credits - Gusman/Drevyn
Skills essential to the practice of physical therapy, including clinical decision making methodology, theory, and techniques. Students will have initial exposure to clinical education. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS571 Therapeutic Physiology
2 credits - Nash
Physiological effects of exercise and training for the healthy and diseased individual. The use of exercise for joint and muscle mobility, muscle strength, and cardiopulmonary function is included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS572 Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics
4 credits - Hunt
A study of musculoskeletal structure and function, physiological and biomechanical factor, and principles underlying the kinematics and kinetic of normal and abnormal human motion. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS574 Clinical Evaluation
3 credits - Waggoner/Drevyn
Basic evaluation skills for patients with various diseases and dysfunctions. Skills include clinical decision making, history taking, postural and functional assessment, surface palpation, manual muscle testing, and goniometric measurement. Classroom instruction and laboratory practice is included. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS575 Clinical Decision Making I
3 credits - Kirk-Sanchez
Introduction to physical therapy diagnosis, the disablement model, measurement of function screening, and the Physical Therapy Guide to Practice. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS595 Selected Topics in Physical Therapy
1- 3 credits
Topics in contemporary physical therapy clinical practice with focus on specialty areas such as neonatal pulmonary care, balance/vestibular dysfunction, geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.
PTS599 Independent Study in Physical Therapy
1- 3 credits
Each course is designed to meet special interest demands of students. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapists; permission of the instructor.
PTS606 Neurological Evaluation
2 credits - Moore
Comprehensive evaluation of the patient with neurological dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on decision making, differential diagnosis, selection, and interpretation of examination components. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS608 Human Gait and Locomotion
1 credits - Kistner
Principles of human gait and locomotion, including normal and pathological gait. Analysis of deviations, causes and specific treatments to address movement dysfunctions. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS610 Clinical Internship I
1 credit - Gusman/Masin
Supervised clinical education emphasizing clinical skills. Competence is expected in areas such as analysis of normal and abnormal human motion, exercise, and evaluation and treatment for cardiopulmonary dysfunctions. Prerequisite: Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS611 Clinical Internship II
1 credit - Gusman/Masin
Supervised clinical education emphasizing clinical skills. Competence is expected in areas such as evaluation and treatment of extremity dysfunctions, wound care, and neuromuscular dysfunctions. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS614 Neurorehabilitation I
3 credits - Moore
The theoretical basis and clinical application of the neurophysiological approaches to treatment. Principles of motor control dynamic systems, sensorimotor development, and integration are presented to include discussion and practice of methods of evaluation and intervention. Treatment principles, approaches, and techniques as advocated by the Bobaths, Rood, Brunnstrom, Knott, and Voss are emphasized. An integrated and symptomatic approach, which reinforces the problem solving/differential diagnosis process involved in client care is utilized. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS615 Rehabilitation of the Complex Patient
3 credits - Cegles
Rehabilitation of the complex patient, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multi-system, and multi-organ disease. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy Majors only.
PTS617 Clinical Research II
3 credits
This course is a continuation of Clinical Research I that provides the student with continued guidance in the completion of the faculty led research project begun as part of Clinical Research I. A series of lectures also provide exposure to additional topics relevant to clinical research in Physical Therapy. Potential lecture topics include data analysis, design, error, philosophy of science, and research reporting. Prerequisite: PTS 616; for Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS618 Physical Therapy Administration
3 credits - Fiebert/Pahl
Course discusses physical therapy services, departmental policies and procedures, and personnel management. Issues relevant to clinical practice and the physical therapy profession are emphasized. An administrative project. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS620 Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement
3 credits
A study of the basic biomechanical principles underlying the kinetics and kinematics of normal and abnormal human motion as well as the measurement of human movement. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors.
PTS621 Measurement of Impairment and Function in Human Movement
3 credits - Fiebert
A study of measurement tools utilized in the analysis of normal and abnormal human motion. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors.
PTS622 Pathobiology of Human Function I
3 credits - Nash
Pathophysiology of musculo-skeletal processes that impair human function including skeletal muscle; skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage; bone; and cardiorespiratory. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS624 Cardio-Respiratory Physical Therapy
3 credits - Cohen
The skills necessary for the evaluation and treatment of patients with various
cardio-respiratory diseases and dysfunctions. Inpatient and outpatient cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation is included. Research on prevention of cardio-respiratory diseases and dysfunctions as it relates to evaluative, and therapeutic methods is also discussed. Course utilizes classroom instruction, individual investigation, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS626 Therapeutic Exercise
3 credits - Gailey
A holistic approach to the evaluation, treatment, and management of patients with various neuromuscular diseases and dysfunctions. Appropriate therapeutic exercises interrelated with modalities and self-help devices as well as individual investigation of respective neuromuscular diseases and dysfunctions. Classroom instruction and laboratory practice are included. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS627 Prosthetics, Orthotics and Spinal Cord Injury
3 credits - Gailey
A holistic approach to the evaluation and management of patients with amputations
and spinal cord injuries. Appropriate therapeutic exercises interrelated with self-help
appliances as well as individual investigation of respective amputation and spinal cord
problems are emphasized. Classroom instruction and laboratory practice are included.
Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS628 Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment
3 credits - Raya
The evaluation and treatment of various extremity dysfunctions. Review and
investigation of the literature relevant to the hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow,
wrist, and hand. Clinical evaluation and treatment procedures is included. Course
utilizes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS629 Management of the Spine
3 credits - Fiebert
The evaluation and treatment of various spinal dysfunctions. Review and investigation
of the literature relevant to the sacro-iliac, lumbar, thoracic, cervical spines, and the
head and neck. Clinical evaluation and treatment procedures is included. Course
utilizes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS630 Pediatric Physical Therapy
2 credits - Masin
An overview of factors and issues related to examination and treatment of children by
physical therapists. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS631 Geriatric Physical Therapy
2 credits - Hartley
An overview of factors and issues related to examination and treatment of older
individuals by physical therapists. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS641 Seminar in Geriatric Rehabilitation
3 credits - Davis
Geriatric rehabilitation offers many complex themes of inquiry. This seminar selects
eight to ten topics to investigate such as: forms of long term care, communication
with the confused and depressed, legal and ethical issues, sexuality, drugs and the
elderly, nutrition, fitness and wellness, family issues, incontinence, falls, effects of
exercise, motivation, and sociological and psychological aspects of aging.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS644 Integrated Sports and Leisure
3 credits - Gailey
Course promotes the integration of able-bodied students with the physically
challenged by working together to learn common recreational activities. Sailing and
camping activities are used as an educational tool for able-bodied students to learn
the capabilities, physical resources, and assistance required by physically challenged
individuals.
PTS645 Integumentary Disorders and Treatment
2 credits - Mandel
Basic and advanced principles regarding the integumentary system and related
disorders, as well as principles of wound healing and wound care therapies.
Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS648 Advanced Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
3 credits - Raya
Advanced examination, evaluation, functional assessment and treatment of patients
in selected specialty areas of orthopaedic physical therapy. Prerequisite: Open to
Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS650 Seminar in Obstetrics and Gynecological Physical Therapy
3 credits - Hayes
This course focuses on the expanding role of physical therapists in obstetrics and
gynecology. Related research is critically analyzed. Prerequisite: Permission of the
instructor.
PTS655 Neuromuscular Basis of Movement
3 credits - Field-Fote
Concepts of neuromuscular production and regulation of movement with emphasis on
neurophysiologic substrates and mechanisms underlying motor behavior.
Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only, others with permission of
instructor.
PTS660 Theories of Movement Science
3 credits - Field-Fote
An in-depth review of classical theories and recent research in the movement
sciences, to include the study and analysis of system theory and neurobiological
substrates. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS661 Motor Learning
3 credits - Field-Fote
The factors relating to, and affecting, the acquisition and performance of motor skills.
Qualification of skill acquisition and performance are explored. Prerequisite:
Permission of the instructor.
PTS662 Advanced Topics in Neurodevelopment
3 credits
Classical research and systems models of neurodevelopment is reviewed, analyzed,
and related to current research on various areas of human development throughout
the lifespan. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS663 Interdisciplinary Programming for the Individual with Developmental Disabilities
1- 3 credits
Overview of child development, service delivery models, with an emphasis on
intra-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary strategies, and community
programming. Prerequisite: Open to physical therapists and graduate physical
therapy students, or related health professional students only.
PTS665 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
2 credits - Hunt
The role of physical therapists in health promotion and disease preventions.
Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS670 Education, Delegation, and Supervision in Physical Therapy
2 credits - Cegles
Principles of education, delegation, and supervision as pertaining to physical therapy
patient care management. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS671 Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation
2 credits - Davis
Historical development and evidence-based approach to complementary therapies in
rehabilitation. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS674 Educational Administration in Physical Therapy
3 credits - Hayes
Review of history and current issues in educational administration of physical therapy
programs at the entry-level and post-graduate level. Prerequisite: Permission of the
instructor.
PTS675 Clinical Decision Making II
3 credits - Kirk-Sanchez
Integration of basic science and clinical science in developing a patient plan of care,
with consideration of ethical, psychological, and economic factors. Prerequisite: Open
to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS677 Instructional Methods in Physical Therapy Education
3 credits - Fiebert
Overview of research in the professional education field, with specific applications to
physical therapy academic and clinical education. Emphasis is placed on curriculum
development, competency-based instructional design, testing, and instructional
evaluation methods. Prerequisite: Admission to the Ph.D. program.
PTS678 Teaching Practicum
1- 3 credits
Supervised instructional design, teaching and evaluation of entry level physical
therapy students. Students participate as course instructors in entry- level master’s
degree physical therapy curriculum. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS685 Medical Diagnostic Tests
2 credits - Smith
Basic principles of medical diagnostic tests commonly encountered in physical
therapy. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS690 Physical Therapy Diagnosis
3 credits - Kirk-Sanchez
Study of the integration of didactic knowledge, clinical skills, and intuitive process into
the formation of a clinical diagnosis which will direct treatment in physical therapy.
Diagnosis as a process is compared to diagnosis in nursing, psychiatry, and medicine,
and distinguished from assessment, examination, and screening. Prerequisite: Open
only to practicing physical therapist.
PTS695 Clinical Research Methods I
3 credits - Roach
An overview of measurement and sampling issues pertaining to clinical research in
Physical Therapy. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PTS696 Applied Statistics in Physical Therapy
3 credits - Roach
Basic Statistics taught from an applied perspective which includes statistical
computing using SAS in a mainframe environment and interpretation of SAS output.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS697 Clinical Research Methods II
3 credits
A course focusing on issues in research design and analysis pertaining to clinical
research in Physical Therapy. Prerequisite: PTS 695, 696, or permission of the
instructor.
PTS698 Research Practicum
3 credits
Practicum designed to familiarize the student with an area of research, to implement a
pilot study in an area of interest, and to develop working relationship with a
sponsoring faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
PTS699 Independent Study in Physical Therapy
1- 3 credits
Each course is designed to meet the needs of graduate students for in- depth study in
a particular area of special interest. Prerequisite: Graduate student status; permission
of the instructor.
PTS701 Role Seminar I
1 credit - Davis
Introduction to faculty role in an institution of higher education, including academic
career expectations, resource utilization, faculty development, and evaluation
systems. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy Ph.D. students only.
PTS702 Role Seminar II
1 credit - Masin
Course covers leadership training, networking, time management, and coping
strategies. Student advising, counseling, and referral strategies are included.
Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy Ph.D. students only.
PTS703 Role Seminar III
1 credit - Nash
Initiation of research career and dynamics of research role development within an
institution. Grant writing, funding sources, and proposal considerations are also
covered. Prerequisite: Open to Physical Therapy Ph.D. students only.
PTS710 Master’s Thesis
1- 6 credits
Required of students working for the Master’s degree. While working on the thesis,
students enroll for credit. Credit is awarded when thesis is accepted. Prerequisite:
Core courses and electives.
PTS711 Evidence-based Project
1 credit - Hayes
Capstone project for students enrolled in the post-professional Doctor of Physical
Therapy Program. Prerequisite: Licensed physical therapists enrolled in the
post-professional DPT Program.
PTS712 Clinical Internship III
3 credits - Gusman/Masin
Supervised clinical education emphasizing clinical skills. Competence is expected in
areas such as neurofacilitation techniques, and evaluation and treatment of
amputees, central nervous system dysfunctions, and spinal cord dysfunction.
Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS713 Clinical Internship IV
3 credits - Gusman/Masin
Supervised clinical education emphasizing skills previously taught in course
sequences. Competence is expected in areas such as conservative management of
spinal dysfunctions, growth and development neurofacilitation techniques, central
nervous system dysfunctions, clinical administrative procedures, and clinical research
techniques. Prerequisite: For Physical Therapy majors only.
PTS720 Research in Residence
0 credits
Used to establish research in residence for the thesis for the Master’s Degree after the
student has enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in PTS 710.Credit not
granted. May be regarded as full time residency. Prerequisite: Core courses, electives,
PTS 710.
PTS725 Continuous Registration—Master’s Study
0 credits
To establish residence for non-thesis master’s students who are preparing for
examinations or completing other projects. Credit not granted. Regarded as full time
residence.
PTS730 Doctoral Dissertation
1-12 credits
Required of all candidates. The student will enroll for credits as determined by his/her
advisor, but not for less than a total of 12. No more than six hours may be taken in a
regular semester, nor more than three in a summer session. When a student has
passed his/her qualifying exams and is engaged in an Assistantship, he/she may still
take the maximum allowable credit stated above. Prerequisite: Permission of
instructor.
PTS743 Measuring Health Outcomes
3 credits
An in depth analysis of the use and construction of instruments designed to measure
health outcomes. Topics covered include creating and selecting items, scaling
responses, scale construction, response bias, reliability, validity, measuring change,
and methods of administration. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PTS750 Research in Residence
0 credits
To establish residence for the PhD, or DPT, after the student has been enrolled for the
permissible cumulative total in appropriate doctoral research or clinical practice.
Credit not granted, may be regarded as full-time residence as determined by the Dean
of the Graduate School. Prerequisite: Permission of the Director.