This is an introductory class that will help you understand the basic concepts of clinical pharmacology as it relates to the physiological effects of physical therapy treatment. Emphasis is placed on medication dosage requirements, contraindications and adverse reactions.
Musculoskeletal disorders affect a patient's nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. During this class, you'll learn to identify, evaluate, provide treatment and document the care given for patients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions. In particular, you'll learn how to manipulate the spine and other body parts for rehabilitative purposes.
There are two separate classes for neuromuscular physical therapy. During part one, you'll learn how to screen, evaluate and provide treatment for patients with neuromuscular disabilities and dysfunctions. In the second part, you'll learn how to work with patients who have vestibular disorders and spinal cord injuries. Emphasis is placed on helping patients with neuromuscular disorders successfully resume a normal life.
Clinical education is actually a series of classes offered during various points of your physical therapy education. You'll take everything that you've learned up to that point and utilize the strategies in a simulated clinical setting. For example, you'll screen, examine and plan appropriate treatments for a variety of patient injuries. You'll also see what it's like to work within a team of medical professionals to effectively manage and deliver care to patients.