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Northeastern University

Academic Catalog 2021-2022

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  • School of Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences

2021-2022 Edition

  • Undergraduate
  • College of Professional Studies Undergraduate
  • Graduate
    • General Admission and Transfer Credit
    • Information for Entering Students
    • College Expenses
    • University-​Wide Academic Policies and Procedures
    • PhD Programs
    • College of Arts, Media and Design
    • D'Amore-​McKim School of Business
    • Khoury College of Computer Sciences
    • College of Engineering
    • Bouvé College of Health Sciences
      • Academic Policies and Procedures
      • Interdisciplinary
      • School of Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences
        • Speech-​Language Pathology, MS
        • Early Intervention, Graduate Certificate
        • Physician Assistant Studies, MS
        • Health Informatics, MS /​ Physician Assistant Studies, MS
        • Physician Assistant Studies, MS /​ Public Health, MPH
        • Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, PhD
        • Physical Therapy, DPT—Postbaccalaureate Entry
        • Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, MS
      • School of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences
      • School of Nursing
      • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • School of Law
    • College of Professional Studies
    • College of Science
    • College of Social Sciences and Humanities
    • Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership
    • Faculty
    • Appendix
  • Course Descriptions
  • Catalog Archives
  • Overview
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Medical Sciences
  • Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Courses

Trent Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C
 Associate Dean and Clinical Professor

617.373.3195


Website

Lorraine A. Book, PhD, CCC-SLP
Chair and Associate Clinical Professor 
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

617.373.3698
617.373.2239 (fax)


Website

Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, MT (ASCP), DFAAPA
Chair, PA Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Medical Sciences

617.373.3195
617.373.3338 (fax)
paprogram@northeastern.edu


Website

Kristin Curry Greenwood, PT, DPT, EdD, MS
Chair and Clinical Professor
Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences

Eric Folmar, PT, DPT, OCS
Associate Chair and Associate Clinical Professor

617.373.3508
617.373.3161 (fax)
physicaltherapy@northeastern.edu


The School of Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences (SoCRS) within the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University brings together the clinical fields of physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and physician assistant studies. Students and fellows in the school are prepared for clinical and research excellence, training with interdisciplinary experts in habilitation and rehabilitation sciences, epidemiology, neuroscience, engineering, physiology, exercise science, clinical medicine, design, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, and communication. Working at the intersection of rehabilitation, clinical practice, data, and engineering, students and fellows engage in transformative research and experiential learning that is designed to prepare them to improve the quality of life and self-care for patients and communities, while promoting and developing innovative approaches to the future of healthcare.

We are a learning community in which faculty and students support each other’s learning across the life span. Our department's mission is to educate students to the highest levels of professionalism, consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Northeastern University accreditation standards, and Massachusetts licensure requirements; provide them with an interprofessional and practice-oriented education in our urban university environment; to provide them with research experiences based on the highest standards of scientific knowledge; and to provide them with clinical experiences with clients, patients, and families from a diverse population base using an evidence-informed practice approach.

Our faculty engage in continuous learning both inside and outside the department to be current in recent research and to contribute to that knowledge base. They use, develop, and address technology in their teaching that improves the speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing skills of individuals at a variety of age and skill levels.

Master of Science (MS)

  • Speech-Language Pathology

Graduate Certificate

  • Early Intervention

The mission of the Department of Medical Sciences is to educate and inspire diverse and interdisciplinary professionals to be leaders and innovators in medical science.  

We offer a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) studies and two interdisciplinary dual-degree programs. 

Established in 1971, the physician assistant program has a long-standing history of, and expertise in, the education and training of physician assistants. The PA program is located in close proximity to Boston’s major academic medical centers and was the first generalist PA training program in the nation to offer a master’s degree in 1985.

This rigorous, highly integrated curriculum offers our students the opportunity to obtain broad generalist training that is designed to prepare them for successful employment in all fields of clinical practice. Our instructional faculty members are practicing clinicians from throughout New England, and most have been teaching with the program for many years. The clinical year provides students with experience in diverse healthcare settings in our well-established network of clinical rotation sites.

Northeastern University’s PA program graduates are employed in positions across the United States, and some have worked internationally. In addition to clinical practice, our graduates are employed in research, administration, and education. 

Master of Science (MS)

  • Physician Assistant Studies

 Dual Degree

  • Health Informatics, MS / Physician Assistant Studies, MS
  • Physician Assistant Studies, MS / Public Health, MPH

The cornerstone of the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences is experiential learning aligned with the mission of Bouvé College of Health Sciences and Northeastern University.  The programs within the department enhance and extend students’ learning of human movement and rehabilitation through experiential education, interdisciplinary collaborations, interprofessional education, research opportunities, and a variety of global educational experiences. The department is led by a collaborative interdisciplinary body of faculty with research, scholarship, clinical, and teaching expertise across a diverse spectrum. 

The Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences' research mission is to build the evidence for best practices to maintain and improve the health and well-being of local, national, and global community members. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty to conduct ongoing research in one of the many diverse Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences' labs and centers, including Neuromotor Systems Laboratory, Laboratory for Locomotion Research, ReGameVR Laboratory, Movement Neuroscience Laboratory, Musculoskeletal Epidemiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Neuroscience Wet Lab, Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory, Teaching and Learning Innovation Lab, and the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health.

The Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences graduates are innovative, global leaders who excel in clinical practice, research, human movement, leadership, and community service.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy—Postbaccalaureate Entry
  • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy—Direct Entry (with the College of Professional Studies)

Master of Science (MS)

  • Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences

Physician Assistant Courses

Search PA Courses using FocusSearch

PA 5100. Principles of Leadership in Healthcare. (3 Hours)

Introduces general leadership theory, knowledge, and skills. Offers students an opportunity to gain insight into differing leadership theories (scientific, moral, transactional, transformational, and situational) and be able to assess current knowledge and skill in essential leadership practices. Covers vision, planning, decision making, communication, interpersonal/group leadership, conflict/issue resolution, motivation/developing others, power/ethics, culture/climate, change, mentorship, and evaluation.


PA 5101. Advocacy in Leadership. (3 Hours)

Focuses on preparing the PA leader in two types of advocacy in leadership: to advance the agenda of the rapidly changing profession by examining relevant health policy research and analysis (legislative advocacy) and to successfully advocate for their ideas as leaders (self-advocacy).


PA 5102. Medical Billing and Reimbursement for Advanced Practice Providers. (3 Hours)

Introduces the basics of medical insurance billing and current payment methodologies in the inpatient, outpatient, and surgical settings. Focuses on Medicare billing, since third-party payer rules can vary per payer and/or per state. Emphasizes compliance with regulatory requirements, proper documentation requirements, and common Medicare billing practices.


PA 5103. Metrics: Measuring, Comparing, and Privileging Your PA and NP Workforce. (3 Hours)

Introduces the fundamentals of metrics and analysis surrounding PA and NP productivity, outcomes, competencies, and retention. Emphasizes understanding and applied methodology, not statistical analysis. By the end of the course, students should have a firm grasp on dashboard anatomy, metric categories, dashboard analysis, the clinical competency-dashboard relationship, and special considerations for PA and NP metric tracking.


PA 6200. Anatomy and Physiology 1. (3 Hours)

Emphasizes the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues, and organs. Highlights interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Focuses on features of clinical importance. Covers musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immunologic, and renal systems. Requires cadaver laboratory sessions. This course is the first in a two-course sequence.


PA 6201. Anatomy and Physiology 2. (3 Hours)

Emphasizes the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues, and organs. Highlights interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Focuses on features of clinical importance. Covers musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immunologic, and renal systems. Requires cadaver laboratory sessions. This is the second of a two-course sequence.

Prerequisite(s): PA 6200 with a minimum grade of C


PA 6203. Physical Diagnosis and Patient Evaluation 1. (3 Hours)

Presents the techniques for eliciting an accurate history, performing an appropriate physical examination, making case presentations, and documenting patient information. Includes issues such as effective communication, confidentiality, cultural competence, and dealing with patients who are terminally ill or disabled. Emphasizes skill development. Students participate in all aspects of the clinical encounter.


PA 6204. Physical Diagnosis and Patient Evaluation 2. (3 Hours)

Presents the techniques for eliciting an accurate history, performing an appropriate physical examination, making case presentations, and documenting patients' information. Includes issues such as effective communication, confidentiality, cultural competence, and dealing with patients who are terminally ill or disabled. Emphasizes the correlation of pertinent physical findings with their respective clinical conditions. Students participate in all aspects of the clinical encounter.

Prerequisite(s): PA 6203 with a minimum grade of C


PA 6205. Pharmacology 1. (2 Hours)

Examines the classification, mechanisms of action, and use of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents. Focuses on dose response, side effects, adverse reactions, and the role of patient concordance in medication effectiveness.


PA 6206. Pharmacology 2. (2 Hours)

Continues PA 6205. Examines the classification, mechanisms of action, and use of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents. Focuses on dose response, side effects, adverse reactions, and the role of patient concordance in medication effectiveness.

Prerequisite(s): PA 6205 with a minimum grade of C


PA 6207. Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic Methods. (4 Hours)

Covers a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations including clinical laboratory methods, radiologic studies, and electrocardiography. Includes basic principles of diagnostic and therapeutic patient evaluation, radiology, indications and interpretation of clinical laboratory studies, demonstration and practice of various diagnostic methods, and electrocardiography theory and interpretation.


PA 6208. Professional Issues for Physician Assistants. (2 Hours)

Offers students the opportunity to understand their professional environment, community resources, legal parameters, and ethical situations they may face. Also addresses interpersonal dynamics in working with physicians and other healthcare providers. Some material is covered in problem-based learning sessions.


PA 6311. Principles of Medicine 1. (4 Hours)

Presents a systems approach to the principles of disease processes and includes such topics as physiology, pathophysiology, the natural history of disease, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic measures. This course is the first of a three-semester series covering core medical concepts and knowledge grounded in scientific principles and evidence-based medicine on the diseases and conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice.


PA 6312. Principles of Medicine 2. (4 Hours)

Continues PA 6311. Presents a systems approach to the principles of disease processes and includes such topics as physiology, pathophysiology, the natural history of disease, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutics measures. This course is thesecond of a three-semester series covering core medical concepts and knowledge grounded in scientific principles and evidence-based medicine on the diseases and conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Prerequisite(s): PA 6311 with a minimum grade of C


PA 6313. Principles of Medicine 3. (4 Hours)

Continues PA 6312. Presents a systems approach to the principles of disease processes and includes such topics as physiology, pathophysiology, the natural history of disease, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutics measures. This course is the third of a three-semester series covering core medical concepts and knowledge grounded in scientific principles and evidence-based medicine on the diseases and conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Prerequisite(s): PA 6312 with a minimum grade of C


PA 6320. Principles of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2 Hours)

Focuses on the management of women and fetuses from prepregnancy to term as, during much of that time, care is provided to both patients simultaneously. Gynecology attends to women’s reproductive issues from prepuberty through senescence. Uses a variety of presentations, clinical case scenarios, and related readings as the basis for students’ learning and development of critical thinking skills related to assessment and management of a woman’s health. Students may be expected to read, discuss, acquire, and briefly write about women’s health issues.


PA 6321. Principles of Surgery. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to explore the surgical environment, approach to the surgical patient, and management of surgical conditions with an emphasis on clinical presentation, operative and nonoperative intervention, and perioperative management. Students participate in clinical skills sessions on a variety of surgical techniques including suturing, knot tying, sterile technique, and other minor surgical procedures.


PA 6322. Principles of Orthopedics. (2 Hours)

Discusses common orthopedic problems, including those of the hand, knee, shoulder, and back. Examines special problems of acute trauma and managing uncomplicated orthopedic cases. Also considers such topics as how to complete an adequate patient medical history and perform a physical examination of an orthopedic patient.


PA 6323. Clinical Neurology. (2 Hours)

Presents the clinical application of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Offers the opportunity to develop an understanding of the nervous system’s normal functioning as well as a clinical approach to assessing and managing nervous system disorders and disease states, and their effects on patients and their families.


PA 6324. Principles of Pediatrics. (2 Hours)

Presents the physiological and psychological fundamentals of child development. Focuses on the major common pediatric illnesses, including their signs, symptoms, and treatment regimens; various immunizations and medications used in pediatrics and their indication and dosage in relation to specific disorders; and management of pediatric emergencies.


PA 6325. Principles of Psychiatry. (2 Hours)

Provides an opportunity to understand how to work with patients and families exhibiting psychiatric problems. Includes such topics as psychological growth and development, psychiatric diagnoses, and the effect of social milieu on behavior, the psychological bases of drug and alcohol abuse, the dynamics of psychosomatic problems, the role of culture in self-concepts, and family attitudes toward mental illness as well as appropriate psychotropic medications.


PA 6326. Aspects of Primary Care. (4 Hours)

Studies approaches to and management of the patient in a primary care setting. Discusses specific diseases and medical conditions common to primary care, including HIV/AIDS. Considers psychosocial aspects of disease as well as aspects of prevention.


PA 6327. Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. (2 Hours)

Presents the principles of life-support techniques. Focuses on the initial management of acute medical and traumatic conditions in hospital and prehospital situations. Instructs students in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques including BLS and ACLS. Includes such topics as airway management, hemodynamic monitoring and management, dysrhythmia recognition and treatment, cardiac arrest, hypovolemic states and management, invasive procedures, multiorgan system failure, nutritional support, and metabolic management of the ICU patient.


PA 6328. Aging and Rehabilitation Medicine. (2 Hours)

Studies techniques of effective planning and decision making for patients with significant acute and chronic problems. Discusses the purposes, techniques, and potential of rehabilitation medicine. Also focuses on biological changes of aging and appropriate theories of management.


PA 6329. Healthcare Delivery. (2 Hours)

Explores the principal components of the healthcare delivery system, emphasizing its social, political, and economic evolution and development. Discusses trends and their implications.


PA 6330. Research Design. (2 Hours)

Considers research methods and designs used in varied professional settings. Emphasizes development of research techniques, including the ability to define research problems; write hypotheses; review and interpret literature; apply research designs; organize, analyze, and present data; and draw relevant conclusions.


PA 6400. Applied Clinical Study in Medicine. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience that is designed to foster students' growth regarding general medical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. Students may have the opportunity to review historical information, interview patients, perform physical exams, order and interpret studies, perform procedures, present assessments, develop differentials, educate patients, coordinate interdisciplinary communication, document encounters, develop professionalism skills, and improve the ability to triage and manage tasks efficiently.


PA 6401. Applied Clinical Study in Ambulatory Medicine. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Allows students to further hone their content knowledge and clinical skills either in the area of primary care or in a selected subspecialty area of medicine. Offers students an opportunity to develop skills related to both the initial assessment, as well as the ongoing management of patients with established diagnoses, while working to develop their clinical reasoning skills given initial presentations. Emphasizes assessing and managing both acute and chronic medical problems.


PA 6402. Applied Clinical Study in Family Practice. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Offers students an opportunity to evaluate and treat patients while emphasizing the patient as an individual and family member. Clinical rotation experience may include exposure to preventative medicine, patient education, integration of community services, and medical diagnosis and management for both acute and chronic conditions.


PA 6403. Applied Clinical Study in Emergency Medicine. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Offers students an opportunity to gain experience triaging, evaluating, and managing patients in an emergency medicine setting. Clinical skills honed may include the ability to diagnose and manage patients who present with urgent and emergent complaints, ranging from acute illnesses and traumatic injuries to life-threatening issues.


PA 6404. Applied Clinical Study in Women's Health. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Offers students exposure to clinical medicine as it relates to typical women’s health issues. May include common gynecologic disorders, obstetrical complaints, and/or family planning.


PA 6405. Applied Clinical Study in Pediatrics. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Offers students an opportunity to manage care of pediatric patients. Common components of this rotation may include exposure to both well child and urgent care visits, offering students an opportunity to develop interview and physical examination skills with children of all ages.


PA 6406. Applied Clinical Study in Surgery. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Designed to allow students to gain experience in a surgical setting. Experiences may include preoperative, intraoperative, as well as postoperative patient care. Offers students an opportunity to hone their procedural and assessment skills, distinguish between surgical vs. nonsurgical presentations, and differentiate acute from elective complaints.


PA 6407. Applied Clinical Study in Mental Health. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Exposes students to a variety of behavioral medicine patient care experiences. Emphasizes recognizing various types of mental health disorders that may require referral to a specialist and managing problems that can be handled by the nonspecialist. Offers students an opportunity to further their understanding of effective patient interactions and the mental health components of health, disease, and disability.


PA 6408. Applied Clinical Study Elective. (5 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical practice experience. Exposes students to a medical, surgical, or subspecialty of either field for further study. Offers students an opportunity to hone their ability to recognize and treat conditions within these fields of medicine to foster utilization or support of related specialists. Select students may participate in an elective that focuses on global health or on a clinical support role, such as administration, leadership, public health, or technology as it relates to healthcare.


PA 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.


PA 6998. PA Practical Skill Boot Camp. (0 Hours)

Continues clinical requirements. Focuses on practice and assessment of clinical skills relevant to the physician assistant.


PA 6999. Applied Clinical Study Continuation. (0 Hours)

Continues supervised clinical practice experience.


Physical Therapy Courses

Search PT Courses using FocusSearch

PT 5010. Human Gross Anatomy. (4 Hours)

Covers the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardiopulmonary, and peripheral nervous systems. Uses a regional and systemic approach to explore the details of the limbs, thorax, abdomen, and pelvic regions of the body. Considers clinical application of these systems' basic abnormalities of structure and function. Corequisite labs provide hands-on exploration of the human body utilizing cadaveric specimens.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2217 with a minimum grade of D or BIOL 1117 with a minimum grade of D or graduate program admission

Corequisite(s): PT 5011


PT 5011. Lab for PT 5010. (1 Hour)

Covers the structure and function of the appendicular and axial skeletal systems of the body through prosected human cadavers and osteology. Emphasizes the skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardiopulmonary and peripheral nervous systems.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2217 with a minimum grade of D or BIOL 1117 with a minimum grade of D or graduate program admission

Corequisite(s): PT 5010


PT 5101. Foundations of Physical Therapy. (3 Hours)

Designed to provide a basic practical understanding of patient care procedures used in physical therapy practice. Covers body mechanics, therapeutic positioning, patient ambulation, transfer techniques, soft tissue mobilization, and documentation. Offers the learner an opportunity to obtain the information needed to use therapeutic modalities in a variety of clinical settings. Introduces physical therapy students to professional behaviors.

Corequisite(s): PT 5102


PT 5102. Lab for PT 5101. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5101. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5101


PT 5111. Professional Development for Bouvé Graduate Co-op. (1 Hour)

Introduces graduate students to the Bouvé Cooperative Education Program and offers an opportunity to develop job-search and career-management skills. Students perform assessments of their workplace skills, interests, and values and discuss how they impact personal career decisions. Offers students an opportunity to prepare a professional-style résumé, learn proper interviewing techniques, and gain an understanding of the opportunities available to them for co-op. Introduces career paths, choices, and career decision making. Seeks to familiarize students with workplace issues relative to their field of study and to teach them to use myNEU COOL database in the job-search and referral process. Presents and discusses co-op policies, procedures, and expectations of the Bouvé Cooperative Education Program and co-op employers.


PT 5131. Gross Anatomy. (4 Hours)

Covers the structure and function of the human body with particular emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems and clinical application to these systems. Considers basic abnormalities of structure and function. Involves lectures, cadaver prosection, osteology, and surface anatomy labs.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1119 with a minimum grade of C or graduate program admission

Corequisite(s): PT 5132


PT 5132. Lab for PT 5131. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5131. Covers topics from the course through various activities.

Corequisite(s): PT 5131


PT 5133. Kinesiology. (3 Hours)

Studies normal movement through the analysis of muscle and joint function. Introduces fundamental examples of pathokinesiology, aberrant motions, and postures. Emphasizes analysis of the major joints and regions of the body as related to the field of physical therapy, including aspects of gait analysis. Encourages critical thinking and integrates material learned in prior course work, including, but not limited to, anatomy and physiology.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 5134

Attribute(s): NUpath Natural/Designed World


PT 5134. Lab for PT 5133. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to measure skills of goniometry and manual muscle testing to assess joint mobility and muscle performance. Also covers assessment of posture and gait. Integrated with PT 5133 and builds upon the foundation of gross anatomy.

Corequisite(s): PT 5133


PT 5138. Neuroscience. (4 Hours)

Covers the structure and physiological function of the human nervous system with emphasis on the clinical aspects of motor and somatosensory systems. Studies the anatomy of the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord in specimens and on slides and integrated with the basic physiology of motor and sensory systems. The application of neuroscience to clinical neurological cases is a foundation of this course.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C ) or (PT 6340 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6341 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 5139


PT 5139. Lab for PT 5138. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5138. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5138


PT 5140. Pathology. (4 Hours)

Covers foundational knowledge of pathological processes of major body systems. Addresses general medicine, laboratory medicine, and pathophysiology as related to patient conditions that impact physical therapy management. Case-based discussion allows for integration of pathology and pharmacology content.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C ) or (PT 6340 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6341 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 5145. Introduction to the Healthcare System. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain the foundation to understand and appreciate the framework of the U.S. healthcare system. Compares other selected global healthcare systems. Examines historical events, policy changes, and current issues that impact the delivery of healthcare services.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C


PT 5150. Motor Control, Development, and Learning. (4 Hours)

Covers three broad areas—motor control, motor development, and motor learning. Examines neural, behavioral, and physical mechanisms that contribute to the control of movement in humans. Focuses on motor control in healthy persons, with some discussion of alterations associated with musculoskeletal and neural impairment. Addresses motor development and maturation from intrauterine life through old age (senescence). Considers the interaction of body-system development and growth on acquisition of and changes in typical skill development. Examines factors that influence the learning of new motor skills (motor learning) as a result of practice.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6340 with a minimum grade of C or (PT 5133 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 5138 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 5151


PT 5151. Lab for PT 5150. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in PT 5150 to activities designed to illustrate various principles and concepts related to motor control, motor development, and motor learning. Uses a series of guiding questions/activities in each laboratory and analyzes associated literature to offer students an opportunity to apply class concepts to healthy individuals and to those with clinical problems related to motor control, motor development, or motor learning.

Corequisite(s): PT 5150

Attribute(s): NUpath Analyzing/Using Data


PT 5160. Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare. (3 Hours)

Examines interpersonal relationships among patients, families, health professionals, and society, with reference to the impact of and reaction to illness and disability. Identifies personal and societal beliefs, values, and attitudes that affect the role of people with illness or disabilities in our culture and the healthcare system; how patients’ beliefs, values, and experiences affect their expectations and interactions with healthcare professionals; and how beliefs, values, and experiences shape professional development and affect relationships with patients.

Attribute(s): NUpath Ethical Reasoning


PT 5161. Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare Seminar. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to engage in hands-on service roles and address the needs/interests of community partners. Students also have an opportunity to reflect on their learning through service during on-campus and online activities/assignments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5160


PT 5165. Sports Medicine: Managing the Injured Athlete. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in sports medicine. Covers taping and bracing procedures and techniques to assess concussions with various current protocols. Exposes students to current common pathologies within the athletic population. Discusses return-to-play criteria for an athlete once an injury has occurred and has subsequently been treated and rehabilitated.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C


PT 5209. Neurological Rehabilitation 1. (4 Hours)

Covers the foundations of the physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention for persons with neurological deficits. Presents examination skills, theoretical bases, and clinical applications of integrated intervention approaches for the patient with a neurological diagnosis. Includes the etiology, pathology, medical management, and physical therapy management of common neurology disorders affecting the adult population. Accompanied by PT 5210.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 5210


PT 5210. Lab for PT 5209. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5209. Covers the foundations of the physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention with patients with neurological deficits. Presents clinical procedures for examination skills, evaluation, and clinical applications of integrated intervention approaches for the patient with a neurological diagnosis.

Corequisite(s): PT 5209


PT 5226. Physical Therapy Professional Seminar 2. (2 Hours)

Continues PT 5135 and builds on concepts introduced in the earlier course. Affords students the opportunity to reflect on issues in experiential education and prepare for future experiential learning.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C


PT 5227. Physical Therapy Project 1. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent project under the mentorship of physical therapy faculty in areas such as research, education, clinical practice, administration, or service learning.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6243 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6243 with a minimum grade of C )

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience, NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Formal/Quant Reasoning, NUpath Writing Intensive


PT 5229. Physical Therapy Project 2. (2 Hours)

Provides students with an opportunity to work with individual faculty on scholarship activities to create a scholarly work in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Allows students to begin or continue their research or education project. Guides students as necessary to enable them to complete their capstone project.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5227 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5227 with a minimum grade of C or CAEP 5150 with a minimum grade of C or CAEP 5150 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience


PT 5230. Pediatric and Geriatric Aspects of Life Span Management. (3 Hours)

Incorporates analysis and comparison of methods of physical therapy (PT) management of selected populations across the life span, which includes pediatrics and geriatrics. Focuses on utilizing evidenced-based rationale for clinical decision making within the context of PT examination, evaluation, PT diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care. Discusses how patient/client management seeks to reflect core professional values, as well as topics of prevention and wellness in these patient populations.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6241 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6241 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 5321. Applications of Biomechanics in Human Function and Movement. (4 Hours)

Designed to help students develop an understanding of biomechanical concepts, as they apply to the analysis of human movement and function, through experiential learning. Introduces emerging methodologies and techniques in the field of biomechanics, particularly as they relate to human movement. Course activities require both computational analyses and conceptual understanding. Exposes students to types of data acquisition, reduction, analysis, and interpretations. Includes those factors that identify limitations to the action and measurement of human movement. Offers students an opportunity to integrate knowledge emerging from multiple disciplines, including biomechanics, movement sciences, biology, and physics, as those disciplines apply to functional human movement.


PT 5410. Functional Human Neuroanatomy. (4 Hours)

Examines the detailed structure of the human nervous system, linking structure to function at both the clinical and neurobiological level. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a solid functional anatomical foundation for neuroscience. Reviews basic neuroanatomy and then provides a detailed look into the structure of the nuclei within the central nervous system and their connectivity. Examines the role of these structures in motor and sensory function as well as in complex cognitive functions at a physiological and clinical level.

Prerequisite(s): ((BIOL 1113 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 2217 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 1117 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 2299 with a minimum grade of D- ); (BIOL 3405 with a minimum grade of D- or PSYC 3458 with a minimum grade of D- )) or graduate program admission

Corequisite(s): PT 5411


PT 5411. Lab for PT 5410. (1 Hour)

Examines the detailed structure of the human nervous system in specimens of the human brain and spinal cord as well as in images of stained sections of these tissues and magnetic resonance images (MRI). The structure of individual nuclei and the main sensory and motor tracts of the nervous system are examined and discussed by students working in small groups. Although focusing on anatomical details, the lab introduces the student to clinical diagnosis of neurological cases.

Corequisite(s): PT 5410


PT 5450. Introduction to Therapeutic Activities. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity for exposure to the biologic underpinnings of therapeutic activities, as well as to increase their skill in the application of such activities, including exercise prescription, therapeutic handling skills, and functional activity design. Skills taught in this course shape interventions used in the physical therapy treatment of people across the life span with a variety of impairments of body structure, function, and functional activity limitations.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5133 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5133 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5134 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5134 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 5500. Pharmacology for Physical Therapy. (2 Hours)

Offers a clinically oriented course covering knowledge of clinical pharmacology in the physical therapy profession. Discusses prescription and over-the-counter drugs and common herbal supplements. Drug classification, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, drug interactions, and common side effects are brought into the clinical perspective of patient management. Explores recognition of expected drug effects, side effects, idiosyncratic reactions, and signs of abuse or nonadherence. Along with PT 5140, emphasizes the therapist’s proper incorporation of pharmacotherapeutic knowledge into patient assessment, differential diagnosis, and design of treatment regimens.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5131 with a minimum grade of C or (PT 6340 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6341 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 5503. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Management. (4 Hours)

Discusses physical therapy examination evaluation, interventions, and outcome assessment of common cardiac and pulmonary dysfunctions. Discusses etiology and pathology of common cardiac and pulmonary disorders. Uses case-based learning to promote synthesis of the material.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5140 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5140 with a minimum grade of C ) or (PT 6340 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6341 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 5504


PT 5504. Lab for PT 5503. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5503. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5503


PT 5505. Musculoskeletal Management 1. (4 Hours)

Discusses physical therapy examination evaluation, interventions, and outcome assessment of common musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Uses case-based learning to promote synthesis of the material.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 5506


PT 5506. Lab for PT 5505. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5505. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5505


PT 5515. Integumentary Systems. (2 Hours)

Applies anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathology to explore the issues of medical, surgical, pharmacological, and psychological and physical therapy management of individuals throughout the life span with integumentary system impairments. Offers learners an opportunity to develop examination skills to derive diagnoses, prognoses, evaluations, and effective physical therapy interventions based on relevant evidence. Includes modalities for wound care and electrophysiological testing and interpretation. Uses case studies to integrate and apply the information obtained through readings, lectures, and lab.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 5516


PT 5516. Lab for PT 5515. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 5515. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 5515


PT 5540. Clinical Integration 1: Evidence and Practice. (2 Hours)

Designed to prepare physical therapy students to integrate previous courses taught in the curriculum to safely manage patients in the acute-care setting, including the intensive-care unit, the critical-care unit, and step-down settings. Uses a combination of lecture, instruction in the simulation center, and standardized patient interactions. Follows the “Guide to Physical Therapy Practice for Evaluation and Intervention” in these settings. Offers students an opportunity to learn to perform an examination; to evaluate examination data to formulate a plan of care; to provide interventions; to determine a discharge plan for individuals in the acute-care environment; and to demonstrate core professional values in classroom, recitation, and standardized patient interactions.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5500 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5500 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5503 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5503 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 5600. Ergonomics and the Work Environment. (3 Hours)

Builds upon the public health definition that ergonomics is the applied science that optimizes overall human-systems performance and well-being within the work environment. Emphasizes a public health approach suited for healthcare professionals building on their strengths and training in analytical diagnostic skills and interventions, ranging from primary to tertiary approaches. Covers topics including epidemiology, job hazard analysis, and intervention methods and research. Offers students an opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills to improve the physical ergonomic factors in a workplace in order to increase the health and well-being of workers.


PT 5610. Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the skills needed to create, implement, and evaluate workplace health promotion and injury prevention programs. Studies the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) essential elements of workplace health programs, utilizing and reviewing the literature in support of these essential elements throughout the semester. Workplace factors have strong associations with the health and health behaviors of workers. Builds upon basic wellness and organizational ergonomic principles to offer students an opportunity to develop the skills needed and to obtain the knowledge of the work environment and health promotion.


PT 5976. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.


PT 6000. Leadership, Administration, and Management. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate changes in the healthcare system, health policy, and the impact on the delivery of services with a focus on physical therapy. Appraises key business and management concepts, including personnel, insurance, finance, marketing, productivity, and financial and legal regulations within the context of ethical practice. Emphasizes and examines leadership concepts in the areas of advocacy, legislation, and the promotion of the profession.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5145 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5145 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6243 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6243 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 6055. Introduction to Sports Performance. (1 Hour)

Introduces students to injury prevention and covers illnesses related to athletes, management of athletic injury, roles of sports medicine providers, exercise and training principles, and career options in sports for physical therapists. Includes didactic and hands-on training. Offers additional material regarding NU-related DPT coursework and sports residency. This course is designed for Doctor of Physical Therapy students interested in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and human performance.


PT 6123. Human Movement and Rehabilitation Experiential Residency 1. (4 Hours)

Offers students hands-on experience with biomechanical evaluation and educational intervention in a variety of workforce and athletic settings. Includes opportunities to develop the methods to evaluate worker health and safety interventions and skills to create an educational plan on biomechanical challenges.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5321 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5321 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6124. Human Movement and Rehabilitation Experiential Residency 2. (4 Hours)

Offers students hands-on experience with human movement rehabilitation measurement technology. Includes opportunities to conduct assessment of human movement and rehabilitation needs that can be further understood through technology measurement systems. Offers an opportunity to design a proposal for integrating technology into students' work to address a need within their industry.

Prerequisite(s): PT 7020 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6215. Assistive Technology. (3 Hours)

Studies theory and current practice in the use of prosthetics, orthotics, and assisted-living devices.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5230 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5230 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6221 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6221 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6223 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6223 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6216


PT 6216. Lab for PT 6215. (1 Hour)

Acompanies PT 6215. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 6215


PT 6221. Neurological Rehabilitation 2. (4 Hours)

Focuses on the physical therapy management of adults with neurological dysfunctions. Concentrates on management of functional activity limitations, participation restrictions, and impairments resulting from neurological disease and/or trauma. Offers students an opportunity to learn about the etiology, pathology, clinical signs, and medical management of adults with neurological disorders; to learn to perform an examination, evaluate the examination data to formulate a plan of care, and provide interventions; and to use evidence-based decision making.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6222


PT 6222. Lab for PT 6221. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6221. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 6221


PT 6223. Musculoskeletal Management 2. (4 Hours)

Provides an in-depth analysis of musculoskeletal management. Compares intervention protocols as an integral component of this course. Allows, in the lab component, for practical application of spinal joint mobilization, modalities, ergonomic assessment, functional training, and therapeutic exercise. Uses case-based learning to promote synthesis of the material.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6241 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6241 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6224


PT 6224. Lab for PT 6223. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6223. Covers topics from the course through various experiments.

Corequisite(s): PT 6223


PT 6230. Capstone Project: Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity for active engagement to shape the focus of the course and the capstone experience. Encourages production of high-quality written work and professional presentation methods. Students produce a peer-reviewed journal article that includes the methodology, results, limitations, and recommendations for further action based on the outcomes of their projects.

Prerequisite(s): PT 7010 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 7020 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6233. Advanced Physical Therapy Topics in Orthopedics. (2 Hours)

Provides students with an opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in orthopedics and physical therapy. Course topics vary each semester offered. Topics are determined by significant events and changes in the field. This course may be taken more than once, as long as topics are different. May be repeated without limit.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6237. Advanced Special Topics in Physical Therapy. (2 Hours)

Provides students with an opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in a specific physical therapy topic area. Course topics vary each semester offered. Topics are determined by significant events and changes in the field. This course may be taken more than once, as long as topics are different.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6305 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5505 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6241. Screening for Medical Conditions in Physical Therapy Practice. (4 Hours)

Designed to prepare physical therapy students to recognize the signs and symptoms of medical conditions and adverse drug reactions as they relate to patient examination and to triage appropriately. Emphasizes screening for medical conditions with the goal of recognizing red, yellow, and green flags as they relate to patient care. Stresses medical referral to other healthcare practitioners in an efficient and effective manner.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5515 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 6243. Health Education, Promotion, and Wellness. (3 Hours)

Covers health promotion, wellness, disease, impairment, functional limitations, disability, and health risks. Addresses the concept of human difference as a construct relative to behavior theories, lifestyle choices, and health and wellness. Offers learners an opportunity to develop an educational health promotion program for individuals as well as community groups, considering the impact of health disparities, epidemiology, learning styles, barriers, and resources. Offers learners an opportunity to explore a potential consultative role to business, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5160 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5160 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6244

Attribute(s): NUpath Difference/Diversity


PT 6244. Recitation for PT 6243. (0 Hours)

Provides small-group discussion format to cover material in PT 6243.

Corequisite(s): PT 6243


PT 6245. Seminar for PT 6243. (1 Hour)

Offers hands-on practice to apply course concepts from PT 6243, in particular health promotion programming for community-based groups. Simultaneously, learners intentionally address the needs/interests of community partners. Learners reflect on their service-learning during on-campus and online activities/assignments.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5160 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6243


PT 6250. Clinical Integration 2: Evidence and Practice. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to practice demonstrating core professional values in classroom, recitation, and standardized patient interactions and to learn how to skillfully manage complex patients across the life span and across practice patterns in a variety of clinical settings. Integrates evidence-based content from previous courses in the curriculum. Introduces special topics in physical therapy, including bariatric care, home care, and hospice.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5540 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6251. Diagnostic Imaging. (3 Hours)

Designed to integrate diagnostic imaging principles and techniques relevant to physical therapy practice. Reviews commonly used diagnostic imaging techniques and discusses clinical case studies in a case-based online course.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6250 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6305. Musculoskeletal Management I. (4 Hours)

Studies the theoretical basis and clinical application of examination and intervention of orthopedic dysfunction of the upper quarter and associated spine that are commonly encountered by physical therapists. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral. Includes selected topics that reflect the evidence-based philosophies of various noted practitioners in the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 5151 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6350 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6306


PT 6306. Lab for PT 6305. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6305. Studies the theoretical basis and clinical application of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions of orthopedic dysfunction of the upper quarter and associated spine that are commonly encountered by physical therapists. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral. Includes selected topics that reflect the evidence-based philosophies of various noted practitioners in the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5150 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 5151 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6350 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6305


PT 6330. Functional Anatomy 1. (2 Hours)

Covers the normal structure, function, and principles of biomechanics of the human body. Emphasizes the regions of the head, neck, and trunk. Also considers the basic abnormalities of structure and function.

Corequisite(s): PT 6331


PT 6331. Lab for PT 6330. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6330. Covers the normal structure, function, and principles of biomechanics of the human body through cadaveric exploration, surface anatomy, and analysis of movement. Emphasizes the regions of the head, neck, and trunk.

Corequisite(s): PT 6330


PT 6340. Functional Anatomy 2. (4 Hours)

Covers the normal structure and function and principles of biomechanics of the human body, including the analysis of human movement. Emphasizes the upper and lower extremities. Considers basic abnormalities of structure and function.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6330 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6331 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6341


PT 6341. Lab for PT 6340. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6340. Covers the normal structure, function, and principles of biomechanics of the human body through cadaveric exploration, surface anatomy, and analysis of movement. Emphasizes the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems of the upper and lower extremities.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6330 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6331 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6340


PT 6350. Foundations of PT Examination and Therapeutic Activities. (4 Hours)

Designed to educate the learner on how to apply, interpret, and perform introductory physical therapy tests and measures and therapeutic activity and exercise interventions. The tests and measures are components of the physical therapist examination process and examine human movement; and the introductory therapeutic activities and exercises are those that would be selected for treatment after those specific examination techniques. Provides an introductory framework to the patient/client professional relationship. Emphasizes the development of the learner's affective, psychomotor, and cognitive skills necessary to assure proper patient/client examination and intervention in the clinical environment.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6351


PT 6351. Lab for PT 6350. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6350. Provides an introductory framework to the patient/client professional relationship.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5101 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5102 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6350


PT 6405. Musculoskeletal Management II. (4 Hours)

Studies the theoretical basis and clinical application of examination and intervention of orthopedic dysfunction of the lower quarter and associated spine that are commonly encountered by physical therapists. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral. Includes selected topics that reflect the evidence-based philosophies of various noted practitioners in the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6305 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6306 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6406


PT 6406. Lab for PT 6405. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6405. Studies the theoretical basis and clinical application of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions of orthopedic dysfunction of the lower quarter and associated spine that are commonly encountered by physical therapists. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral. Includes selected topics that reflect the evidence-based philosophies of various noted practitioners in the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6305 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6306 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6405


PT 6420. PT Administration and Management within the U.S. Healthcare System. (4 Hours)

Provides the foundation of physical therapy administrative management principles required of physical therapists within the U.S. healthcare system. Examines the current and historical practices of the U.S. healthcare system through the lens of physical therapist delivery, including key legislation and policy changes that have impacted physical therapist delivery over time .Comparative evaluation of selected global healthcare systems is undertaken to understand differences. Discusses and applies leadership fundamentals, advocacy skills, and business and management principles to help students develop administrative skills for contemporary physical therapist practice.

Prerequisite(s): PT 5160 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6440. Acute Care Experiential Learning. (0 Hours)

Provides students appropriate alternative learning experiences for exposure and competence across the continuum of care including acute care and inpatient settings. Augments a minimum of 30 weeks of in person clinical education experiences that result in meeting entry-level standards across all domains of clinical performance. Students will have opportunities to practice examination, evaluation, intervention, and documentation skills previously learned in the classroom, co-op, and any previous full-time clinical education experiences, with the goal of attaining competency in these areas. Provides students the opportunity to demonstrate personal and professional growth and identify areas of practice that need to be strengthened.


PT 6441. Clinical Education 1. (6 Hours)

Provides students with opportunities to practice examination, evaluation, and intervention skills previously learned in the classroom and on co-op. Students work under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physical therapist.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5230 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5230 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6221 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6221 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 6223 with a minimum grade of C or PT 6223 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 6442. Clinical Education 2. (6 Hours)

Continues PT 6441. Provides students with additional opportunities to practice examination, evaluation, and intervention skills learned in the classroom and during the previous course. Students are expected to function at a higher level requiring less supervision and guidance from a licensed physical therapist than was needed during their first clinical education experience.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6441 with a minimum grade of S


PT 6448. Clinical Education 3. (9 Hours)

Designed to provide students with the opportunity to meet entry-level requirements to practice as physical therapists. Supervised and guided by a licensed physical therapist, students practice examination, evaluation, intervention, documentation, and administrative skills and are expected to function at the level of a new graduate by the completion of this experience. Includes a written assignment. Helps students, through reflection of what they have learned, identify who they are as professionals, establish early career goals, and provide insight for the need to be a lifelong learner.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6442 with a minimum grade of S


PT 6450. Clinical Education 3. (8 Hours)

Offers learners an opportunity to practice examination, evaluation, and intervention skills previously learned in the classroom and on co-op. Learners work under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physical therapist and function as members of the healthcare team providing consultation and educational services to others. Offers learners an opportunity to refine documentation skills, to develop administrative skills, and to supervise support personnel. Requires a written assignment designed to identify areas of practice that need to be strengthened during Clinical Education 1. Learners must have transportation available, since assignment to clinical sites outside of Boston and Massachusetts is likely. Learners are responsible for costs of all transportation, housing, background checks, uniforms, and other requirements of the clinical site.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6442 with a minimum grade of S


PT 6505. Musculoskeletal Management 3. (3 Hours)

Builds upon content from earlier musculoskeletal management courses to further provide students with the theoretical basis and clinical application of examination and intervention of more complex orthopedic patient presentations for the extremities, head, spine, and pelvic region. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral. Offers learners an opportunity to integrate selected topics that reflect the philosophies of various noted practitioners in the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 6405 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6406 with a minimum grade of C )

Corequisite(s): PT 6506


PT 6506. Lab for PT 6505. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6505. Uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to prioritize and plan patient care, including medical screening and identifying need for referral.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6405 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6406 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6505


PT 6510. Evidence-Based Practice and Research Design. (3 Hours)

Offers an overview of the research process and its application in clinical arenas. Emphasizes the role of the health professional as a consumer of research, with concern for the ethical management and treatment of patients and their families. Elements of research design and their implications in clinical settings provide the framework for the analysis of research. Also emphasizes the use of research findings for evidence-based practice. Encourages interdisciplinary approaches.


PT 6511. Research Methods and Statistics in PT. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to learn about statistical concepts that can be applied to the PT capstone project (PT 6512 and PT 6513). Additionally, understanding statistics helps students become adept consumers of studies, a necessary component of clinicians to keep informed of the latest research for their own practice.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6510 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6512. DPT Capstone 1. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor(s) on scholarship activities to be disseminated (e.g., peer-reviewed journal article, conference poster) in the future. Students are assigned faculty mentor(s). Mentors determine the type of project students conduct for two semesters. Students are responsible for communicating with their mentor(s) throughout the semester and for completing the work that has been assigned by the specified deadlines. Additionally, students are expected to work cooperatively with fellow students assigned to the group to develop their project.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6511 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6513. DPT Capstone 2. (2 Hours)

Continues PT 6512. Faculty guide students through the completion of their capstone projects. Students are expected to be motivated and self-directed to complete a high-quality project suitable for dissemination.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6512 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6520. Prosthetic Management. (1 Hour)

Exposes the learner to current physical therapy clinical practices related to prosthetic rehabilitation as collaborative team members in the care for individuals with amputations. Discusses examination and implementation of physical therapy interventions in the management of individuals with an amputation. Uses a problem-solving approach to develop critical thinking skills to manage individuals with a variety of amputations and prosthetics, including an understanding of the bridge to robotics. Emphasizes prosthetics of the lower extremity and mobility impairments.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6350 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6351 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6521


PT 6521. Lab for PT 6520. (1 Hour)

Accompanies PT 6520. Seeks to develop learners’ hands-on application of examination and intervention for individuals with prosthetics. Uses a problem-solving approach to develop critical thinking skills and care strategies for individuals with a variety of amputations and prosthetics, including an understanding of the bridge to robotics. Emphasizes prosthetics of the lower extremity and individuals’ mobility.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6350 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6351 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): PT 6520


PT 6550. Pediatric Aspects of Life Span Management. (3 Hours)

Incorporates analysis and comparison of methods of physical therapy (PT) management of the pediatric population. Pediatric population is inclusive of the child, the child’s parents, and/or caregivers. Focuses on utilizing evidenced-based rationale for clinical decision making within the context of PT examination, evaluation, PT diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care. Patient/client management reflects core professional values. Also discusses topics of prevention and promotion of optimal health and wellness in this patient population.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 6555. Geriatric Aspects of Life Span Management. (2 Hours)

Incorporates a comprehensive analysis and comparison of methods of physical therapy (PT) management of the geriatric population. Focuses on utilizing an evidenced-based approach for clinical decision making within the context of PT examination, evaluation, PT diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care. Patient/client management reflects core professional values. Also discusses topics of prevention and wellness.

Prerequisite(s): (PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5209 with a minimum grade of C ); (PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C or PT 5210 with a minimum grade of C )


PT 6600. Special Topics. (2 Hours)

Offers learners an opportunity to expand upon current evidence-based topics to reflect current advancements in physical therapist practice. Topics are determined by significant events and changes in the field across areas of clinical practice and in line with accreditation and National Physical Therapist Licensure Examination. Focuses on advanced patient management and complex case analysis that involves multiple systems across the life span. Learners use clinical reasoning theory and evidence-based practice to reflect on patient diagnosis and management.

Prerequisite(s): PT 6405 with a minimum grade of C ; PT 6406 with a minimum grade of C


PT 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.


PT 6964. Co-op Work Experience. (0 Hours)

Provides eligible students with an opportunity for work experience.


PT 6978. Independent Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.


PT 6999. Clinical Education Continuation. (0 Hours)

Continues clinical requirements. Offers students an opportunity to practice examination, evaluation, and intervention skills previously learned in the classroom and on co-op. Students work under the supervision and guidance of a faculty member or clinical preceptor who is a licensed physical therapist.


PT 7001. Core Concepts in Rehabilitation Science and Research. (3 Hours)

Exposes students to core concepts in rehabilitation science, including theory, experimental design, models of disablement, and knowledge transfer methods. Offers students an opportunity to develop the skills to critically evaluate models and theories used in rehabilitation science in order to apply select models/theories to their own programs of research. Students evaluate research designs and knowledge translation methods relevant to rehabilitation science and apply this information in planning the design, implementation, and dissemination of their own proposed research.


PT 7010. Measurement and Analysis of Human Movement and Bioinstrumentation. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to learn how to measure kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity using bioinstrumentation, including 3D motion capture system, force plates, and electromyography, as well as to learn signal conditioning and processing techniques and how to compute physiological variables such as joint angles, joint torques, ground reaction force, center of pressure, and center of mass. Topics include programming skills in LabVIEW and MATLAB. Students use this information to formulate solutions to biomechanical problems.


PT 7020. Technologies in Movement and Rehabilitation Science. (4 Hours)

Covers technologies that have relevance to rehabilitation of individuals with disorders of movement. Topics include measurement of human movement, electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electromyography (EMG), virtual reality and gaming, robotics, neuroprosthetics, noninvasive brain stimulation, and peripheral stimulation. Exposes students to a historical perspective on how the technology evolved, applications of the technology, an overview of how the technology works, existing variants, strengths, limitations/gaps, and future directions.


PT 7030. Interdisciplinary Seminar in Rehabilitation Science. (1 Hour)

Engages PhD students in discussions and presentations related to human movement and rehabilitation research in order to help them gain important skills related to critiquing and communicating scientific work. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to provide constructive feedback to colleagues about completed works and works in progress, as well as their communications regarding conference presentations and manuscripts from (or for) peer-reviewed archival journals. Works reviewed include works by students and by world-renowned leaders in the field. Presentations include students, as well as internationally established researchers.


PT 8986. Research. (0 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct research under faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.


PT 9000. PhD Candidacy Achieved. (0 Hours)

Indicates successful completion of program requirements for PhD candidacy.


PT 9990. Dissertation Term 1. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): PT 9000 with a minimum grade of S


PT 9991. Dissertation Term 2. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): PT 9990 with a minimum grade of S


PT 9996. Dissertation Continuation. (0 Hours)

Offers continued dissertation work conducted under the supervision of a departmental faculty member.

Prerequisite(s): PT 9991 with a minimum grade of S or Dissertation Check with a score of REQ


Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Courses 

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SLPA 5107. Clinical Procedures. (3-4 Hours)

Reviews principles and procedures of the functional analysis of behavior and focuses on the application of behavioral theory and research to speech, language, and hearing training. Emphasizes clinical investigation in the experimental analysis of the behavior of communication disorders and experiences in the application of experimental procedures in assessment and treatment programs.

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience, NUpath Writing Intensive


SLPA 5109. Neurology of Communication. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the opportunity to acquire a basic understanding of human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as related to normal aspects of speech, hearing, and language. Reviews central and peripheral nervous system anatomy and physiology developmentally from embryologic through the life span perspectives. Neurology of common speech-language pathologies are similarly addressed.


SLPA 5110. Language Disorders across the Life Span. (3-4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain the foundation needed to work with children and adults with frequently referred language disorders that are typical consequences of congenital and acquired central and peripheral nervous-system impairments. Emphasizes the anatomy/etiology/neurology/physiology of common disorders, characteristics of these disorders, and intervention approaches (diagnostic and therapeutic). Addresses prevention, outcome, efficacy, and service-delivery considerations.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 1102 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission


SLPA 5152. Early Intervention: Planning and Evaluating Services. (3 Hours)

Comprises a systematic, family-centered, team approach to service delivery. Cases are used as a focal point for learning how to plan and evaluate individualized family services and group service plans. Covers important aspects of teamwork and leadership in early intervention with respect to service and coordination. Addresses practical approaches to assessing needs for group programs, and evaluating the implementation and outcomes of programs. Also considers the impact of legal and financial issues on service coordination and approaches to service delivery.


SLPA 5154. Early Intervention Practicum 1. (2 Hours)

Provides students from school psychology, special education, speech-language pathology and audiology, physical therapy, nursing, and related fields with supervised field work experience in team-oriented interventions for infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk for developmental delays and their families from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The practicum class sessions are conceptualized as the linchpin training experience between what the theory addresses in didactic courses and the student’s fieldwork. Students are expected to master early intervention and team participation core competencies to work effectively with infants and toddlers and their families, interdisciplinary team members, and administrative personnel.


SLPA 5155. Early Intervention Practicum 2. (2 Hours)

Provides students from school psychology, special education, speech-language pathology and audiology, physical therapy, nursing, and related fields with supervised field work experience in team-oriented interventions for infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk for developmental delays and their families from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The practicum class sessions are conceptualized as the linchpin training experience between what the theory addresses in didactic courses and the student’s fieldwork. Students are expected to master early intervention and team participation core competencies to work effectively with infants and toddlers and their families, interdisciplinary team members, and administrative personnel.


SLPA 5201. Diagnostic Testing in Speech-Language Pathology. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to review diagnostic tests and test manuals in the field of speech-language pathology and to practice their administration. Discusses information about test content, reliability, and validity. Principles of standardized testing, norm referencing, and test scoring are reviewed and practiced.


SLPA 5202. Evaluation and Diagnosis. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to review diagnostic tests and test manuals in the field of speech-language pathology and to practice their administration. Discusses information about test content, reliability, and validity. Reviews and practices principles of standardized testing, norm referencing, and test scoring. Offers a foundation in principles of diagnostics and diagnostic thinking as preparation for the Advanced Clinic 1 Practicum diagnostic teams. Students work in teams to rehearse all aspects of test administration.


SLPA 5976. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Allows students to pursue topics of individual interest beyond the scope of formal course work under the direction of faculty. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6210. Psychosocial Aspects of Communication Disorders. (2 Hours)

Covers the psychological, educational, and social aspects of communication disorders, particularly auditory impairment.


SLPA 6211. Research and Evidence-Based Practice. (3 Hours)

Uses principles of evidence-based practice to prepare students primarily as consumers of clinically relevant research in the field of communication disorders. While consumers utilize research information in some shape or form in their daily practice, producers engage in the conduct of original or replicated research. Consumers and producers of research information should be concerned with internal and external validity of research. As consumers, for example, clinicians may consult research studies to determine suitable treatments for their clients. As producers, clinicians may document a treatment via the case study method or single-subject experimental research. Emphasizes the role of using research to guide practice, even though the role of clinicians as research producer is addressed as well.


SLPA 6219. Aural Rehabilitation. (3-4 Hours)

Provides a detailed examination of various approaches to speech reading and auditory training as they apply to children and adults. Offers an integrated approach to management of hearing-impaired individuals.


SLPA 6301. Speech Science. (3 Hours)

Focuses on normative aspects of speech acoustics, speech production, and speech perception, but will also include exploration of disordered speech and remediation of speech disorders. Laboratory exercises and class projects are used to augment class lectures and discussions.


SLPA 6303. Stuttering. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the information base needed to work with individuals of all ages who present with any type of fluency disorder. Focuses on theoretical background and assessment/treatment techniques for dysfluent individuals. Emphasizes outcome and efficacy considerations.


SLPA 6304. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. (3 Hours)

Provides an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches for individuals with severe communication impairments. Helps students gain the foundation knowledge and skills for further independent study, continuing education, further course work, and practicum experience. For student who seek additional study or experience in AAC, the course should provide an enabling foundation for providing direct services in AAC or to serve as a consultant to meet the needs of individuals with severe communication impairments. For those who will not seek additional study in AAC, the course should provide the basic knowledge for appropriate referral and collaboration.


SLPA 6305. Articulation and Phonology. (3 Hours)

Familiarizes students with theoretical, empirical, and practical views of the etiology, assessment, and treatment of disorders of the speech sound system. Focuses on disorders that are developmental in nature (as opposed to emerging after normal speech sound development has occurred). Includes a review of articulatory phonetics, discussion of relevant linguistic principles, and study of theory and data relevant to the course of normal speech sound system development.


SLPA 6306. Speech-Language Disorders in Children. (3 Hours)

Covers a variety of common speech and language disorders in children with both biological and environmental foundations. Studies models of speech and language processing, definitions of disorders in relation to those models, and a range of intervention methodologies. Students consider issues of bilingualism and bidialectism and how they impact speech and language learning and academic success. Finally, students consider the implications of these disorders for academic achievement, particularly reading and writing. Is taught using a case-based approach. A portion of the credit for the course is earned through Web-based learning.


SLPA 6307. Voice Disorders. (3 Hours)

Examines voice disorders, which are prevalent across the life span in both professional and lay voice users. Evaluation and treatment of organic and/or functional vocal pathologies are key focuses of speech-language pathologists across clinical settings (educational and medical). Provides students with the information base needed to work with these interesting and rewarding populations. Emphasis is on anatomy and physiology of normal and impaired voice production, instrumental and noninstrumental assessment, and treatment techniques for remediation. Emphasizes prevention, outcome, and efficacy considerations.


SLPA 6308. Dysphagia. (3 Hours)

Evaluating and treating swallowing disorders are key focuses of the speech-language pathologies in most clinical work settings (educational and medical), with individuals of all ages. Provides students with the information base needed to work with these challenging and rewarding populations. Focuses on theoretical background and assessment/treatment techniques for dysphagia individuals. Emphasizes outcome and efficacy considerations.


SLPA 6309. Speech-Language Disorders in Adults. (3 Hours)

Examines speech, language, and cognitive-linguistic disorders, which are typical consequences of acquired central and peripheral nervous system adult impairments. Provides students with the foundation needed to work with frequently referred adult-impaired populations across clinical settings. Emphasis is on the anatomy/etiology/neurology/physiology of commonly acquired adult communication disorders (including aphasia, apraxia, dementia, dysarthria, and traumatic brain injury), characteristics of these communication disorders, and intervention approaches (diagnostic and therapeutic). Addresses prevention, outcome, efficacy, and service-delivery considerations.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B or SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6310. Speech-Language Pathology in Medical Settings. (1 Hour)

Provides an overview to the adult and pediatric medical settings in which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are employed. Offers students an opportunity to learn about the role(s) of the SLP in various settings (e.g., acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient services, private practice, home health, and day habilitation); the SLPs' scope of practice; the variety of patient populations/diagnoses; and the medical team approach to service delivery across the continuum of care and across the life span.


SLPA 6311. Counseling in SLP. (3 Hours)

Provides students with a theoretical framework from which specific counseling strategies may be implemented for individuals and their families with various communication disorders. Stresses conversational interactive strategies.


SLPA 6314. Professional Practice. (2 Hours)

Provides contemporary information relative to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology. Includes such topics as planning a business practice, establishing a successful business operation, securing third-party reimbursement, and providing services within state licensing and ASHA ethical guidelines. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6320. Autism Spectrum Disorders. (1 Hour)

Offers a review of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including theories of causation; developmental aspects; descriptive and diagnostic characteristics; an overview of assessment and intervention; and legal and social issues as they relate to speech-language pathologists. Presents the most current research findings and best practices needed to gain a clear understanding of individuals diagnosed with ASD and how to apply current research to treatment.


SLPA 6321. Motor Speech Disorders. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the neurology, SLP evaluation, and SLP treatment of individuals presenting with any type/types of anarthria/dysarthria and apraxia/dyspraxia of speech. Many of the neurologically impaired children and adults that speech-language pathologists work with present with motor speech disorders. Diagnostically, studies how to complete oral motor examinations (including an assessment of those cranial nerves involved in respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation) and intelligibility testing. Therapeutically, studies a variety of therapy approaches for the range of motor speech disorders based on severity of impairment and prognosis for recovery/improvement including verbal, nonverbal, prosthetic, and pharmacologic.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6301 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6325. Accent Modification for Speech-Language Pathology. (1 Hour)

Offers a professional-level introduction to content, processes, and practices associated with accent modification (AM) and "speech coaching" for clients who present with communication differences that are not considered pathologic. Seeks to facilitate consideration and discussion of cultural-linguistic, ethical, business, and other related factors. Offers student clinicians opportunities to observe and to practice various assessment and training approaches in accent modification and speech training and to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through the development of a practical training plan.


SLPA 6330. Language Literacy 1. (0.5 Hours)

Designed to teach students in the field of communication disorders about early childhood literacy skill acquisition, use, and challenges. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to deliver language-based early literacy services to young children in a manner consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) position that speech-language pathologists can and should play a critical and direct role in literacy development/use for people with communication disorders across the life span.


SLPA 6331. Seminar in Communication Disorders. (1-3 Hours)

Explores in-depth issues in communication disorders relating to current aspects of clinical management. May include a variety of specific topics. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6332. Seminar in Communication Disorders. (1-3 Hours)

Allows for the advanced study of current diagnostic and intervention strategies, applications of theoretical and applied research, and exploration of current topics in speech-language pathology. Topics may range from the treatment of undeserved populations to the analysis of complex clinical cases requiring interdisciplinary management. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6337. Language Literacy Experiential Program. (0.5 Hours)

Offers students in the field of communication disorders an opportunity to obtain supervised off-campus clinical experience delivering language-based early literacy services to young children in a manner consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) position that speech-language pathologists can and should play a critical and direct role in literacy development/use.


SLPA 6338. Language Literacy 2. (2 Hours)

Designed to teach students in the field of communication disorders about literacy skill use and evaluation and treatment of literacy impairments beyond early childhood. Reinforces the knowledge and skills covered in SLPA 6330. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to deliver language based-services to middle-school-age children and adults in a manner consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) position that speech-language pathologists can and should play a critical and direct role in literacy development/use for people with communication disorders across the life span.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6330 with a minimum grade of D- or SLPA 6330 with a minimum grade of C- (Graduate)


SLPA 6340. Language Disorders in Children 1. (3 Hours)

Explores communication disorders from infancy through the preschool period. Considers at-risk populations, as well as those with known etiologies. Addresses information on incidence, characteristics, principles and methods of assessment and intervention, multicultural issues, service delivery models, and current issues in the research literature. Examines theoretical issues and their implication for language intervention.


SLPA 6341. Language Disorders in Children 2. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain a foundation of knowledge about the etiology and characteristics of language disorders in school-age children. Addresses the evolving language demands children encounter as they progress through school, the impact of language disorders on academic performance and social interaction in the classroom, the relationship between oral and written language development, as well as the role of the speech-language pathologist in the assessment and treatment of written language disorders. Also designed to teach students in the field of communication disorders about literacy skill use and evaluation and treatment of literacy impairments beyond early childhood.


SLPA 6342. Speech-Language Disorders In Adults 1. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain foundational skills needed to work with frequently referred adults with aphasia across clinical settings. Speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders are typical consequences of acquired central and peripheral nervous system adult impairments. Emphasizes the anatomy, etiology, neurology, and physiology of different types of aphasia, characteristics of these, and intervention approaches (diagnostic and therapeutic). Addresses prevention, outcome, efficacy, and service-delivery considerations.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B or SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6343. Speech-Language Disorders in Adults 2. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain foundational skills needed to work with frequently referred adults with acquired neurologic cognitive-communicative impairments across clinical settings. Speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders are typical consequences of acquired central and peripheral nervous system adult impairments. Emphasizes the anatomy, etiology, neurology, and physiology of different types of cognitive-communicative impairments, characteristics of these, and intervention approaches (diagnostic and therapeutic). Addresses prevention, outcome, efficacy, and service-delivery considerations.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B or SLPA 5109 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6415. Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 1. (3 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical experience in speech pathology for beginning graduate students. Includes practicum sites at the Northeastern University on-campus clinical site, satellite clinics, and/or educational settings. Requires student to be available a minimum of twenty hours per week during the academic year. Requires attendance at on-campus seminar meetings held weekly. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6416. Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 2. (2 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical experience in speech pathology at the Northeastern University Hearing, Language, and Speech Center, medical settings, educational settings, and rehabilitation centers. Uses practical experience to emphasize advanced diagnostic and management techniques, stressing the application of theory to practice. Requires student to be available a minimum of twenty hours per week during the academic year. May be repeated without limit.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6415 with a minimum grade of B or SLPA 6415 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6417. Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 3. (2 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology for advanced graduate students, placing them in settings such as the Northeastern University Speech, Language, and Hearing Center, medical settings, educational settings, and rehabilitation centers. Uses practical experience to emphasize problem-solving techniques relevant to case management and continues to integrate theory and practice. Requires students to be available a minimum of twenty hours per week during the academic year. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6418. Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 4. (2 Hours)

Offers supervised clinical experience in speech-language management pathology for advanced graduate students, placing them in settings such as the Northeastern University Speech, Language, and Hearing Center, medical settings, educational settings, and rehabilitation centers. Uses practical experience to emphasize problem-solving techniques relevant to case management and continues to integrate theory and practice. Requires students to be available a minimum of twenty hours per week during the academic year. May be repeated without limit.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6417 with a minimum grade of B or SLPA 6417 with a minimum grade of B


SLPA 6420. Practical Statistics for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. (3 Hours)

Introduces basic concepts in data collection, organization, and analysis using statistical methods with an overall focus on profession-specific application and interpretation.


SLPA 6711. Scope of Practice in Audiology. (2 Hours)

Using ASHA documents entitled “Scope of Practice in Audiology,” describes and defines the ASHA Code of Ethics, segments of FDA policy regarding audiological activities, and relevant legislation such as Massachusetts General Law and Chapter 93:71. Examines the limits of regulated practice and identifies examples of practice deemed to have exceeded the limits imposed by defining authorities.


SLPA 6729. Management of Vestibular Disorders. (3 Hours)

Focuses on clinical management of a variety of balance and vestibular disorders, from initial diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, and vestibular schwannoma, etc. Expects students to learn how to integrate the knowledge of laboratory vestibular testing, covered in SLPA 6728, into clinical care of individual patients with specific vestibular complaints. Offers students an opportunity to become efficient in clinical decision making. Uses case studies during the course.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6728 with a minimum grade of C-


SLPA 6741. Pharmacology for Audiologists. (2 Hours)

Covers introductory information on pharmacological agents, their actions, and adverse reactions. Discusses the use of drugs to treat auditory disease, and analyzes the specific process of ototoxic reaction. Examines the use of drugs to treat tinnitus.


SLPA 6751. Advanced Audiology Clinic 1. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to clinical process and provides an opportunity for self-reflection and evaluation. Offers students the chance to learn how to observe client behavior, how to write clinical reports, and how to recommend specific audiological treatment. This course offers a supervised clinical experience in audiology designed for beginning graduate students. Practicum sites include the Northeastern University Speech-Language and Hearing Center, area clinics or hospitals, and/or educational settings. Requires students be available a minimum of 20 hours per week during the academic year for clinical practicum and scheduled seminars.


SLPA 6757. Advanced Audiology Clinic 7. (3 Hours)

Offers practical experiences that seek to assist students in acquiring clinical skills and the knowledge necessary to prepare them for the clinic internship. Focuses on assisting students in assigning priorities to clinical goals and objectives as well as independent thinking and problem solving. Practicum sites include the Northeastern University Speech-Language and Hearing Center, area clinics or hospitals, and educational settings. Formative assessment of emergent skills is performed as well as summative assessment of the complete clinician. Requires students be available a minimum of 20 hours per week during the academic year for clinical practicum and scheduled seminars. This is an advanced level of clinical training.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6756 with a minimum grade of C-


SLPA 6758. Advanced Audiology Clinic 8. (3 Hours)

Offers practical experiences that seek to assist students in acquiring clinical skills and the knowledge necessary to prepare them for the clinic internship. Focuses on assigning priorities to clinical goals and objectives as well as independent thinking and problem solving. Practicum sites include the Northeastern University Speech-Language and Hearing Center, area clinics or hospitals, and educational settings. Formative assessment of emergent skills is performed as well as summative assessment of the complete clinician. Requires students be available a minimum of 20 hours per week during the academic year for clinical practicum and scheduled seminars. This is an advanced level of clinical training.

Prerequisite(s): SLPA 6757 with a minimum grade of C-


SLPA 6773. Topics Seminar. (3 Hours)

Provides a forum for students to examine contemporary issues in audiology as they relate to patient services and audiologist expertise. Requires students to extract from contemporary audiological literature a multitude of topics that reflect the current state of audiology. The instructor functions as a moderator/facilitator.


SLPA 6791. AuD Clinic Internship 1. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the first of three segments of a full-time clinical experience in a variety of off-campus settings, including hospitals, clinics, private audiologic practices, rehabilitation centers, and educational settings. Direct supervision is provided by off-campus licensed audiologists who are in contact with University faculty.


SLPA 6792. AuD Clinic Internship 2. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the second of three segments of a full-time clinical experience in a variety of off-campus settings, including hospitals, clinics, private audiologic practices, rehabilitation centers, and educational settings. Direct supervision is provided by off-campus licensed audiologists who are in contact with University faculty.


SLPA 6793. AuD Clinic Internship 3. (3 Hours)

Provides students with the final segment of full-time clinical experience in a variety of off-campus settings, including hospitals, clinics, private audiologic practices, rehabilitation centers, and educational settings. Direct supervision is provided by off-campus licensed audiologists who are in contact with University faculty.


SLPA 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6990. Thesis. (3 Hours)

Offers a research activity that is the first of a two-course thesis sequence with the recommendation of the adviser. May be repeated without limit.


SLPA 6999. Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Continuation. (0 Hours)

Continues clinical requirements for supervised clinical experience in speech pathology for beginning graduate students.


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