Dara L’Italien, PT, DPT

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARHP531) DPT students only - This course introduces the physical therapy student to the physiology of different body systems as well as the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of common medical conditions manifesting in these systems. Associated factors that influence PT examination and intervention will be discussed. Also discussed is when referral to other practitioners is recommended and required. (Credits: 4)

This course is designed to expand the student's knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. The student will gain an in-depth understanding of physical therapy examination, intervention, and management of peripheral vascular disease, wound care, prosthetic management for amputations, and cardiopulmonary disease. Laboratory sessions will facilitate the students understanding of lecture material and provide them with hands on physical therapy skills needed to care for patients with the above disorders. Current literature will be the basis for all lecture and lab sessions. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: SARHS369 or SARHS581; and SARPT515 and SARPT520; PT students only. - This is the first of two courses in the integrated clinical experience series. Using class discussion, standardized patients, community service opportunities and clinical observations, students will practice patient education strategies, appreciate the role of the physical therapist in relation to other health care providers, and apply skills related to professionalism, interpersonal skills and communication. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARPT555) PT students only. - This is the second in a series of two courses which will continue to integrate course content taught in the DPT curriculum with clinical experiences incorporating all components of the patient/client management model. Through review of patient records, patient interviews, and observation and treatment of non-complex patients or diagnoses, students will develop skills in the process of clinical decision making, obtaining patient data, and treatment progression. This course will be closely aligned with concomitant academic preparation to enable students to practice recently learned skills in a clinical environment. Additionally, the student will begin to understand clinical teaching, the role of the PT in relation to other health care providers, and issues involved in the delivery of physical therapy, including professionalism, interpersonal skills, communication, and law and ethics. (Credits: 1)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: PT students only. - This is the first of three full-time clinical experiences in the DPT curriculum. It is designed to focus on the synthesis of knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom and laboratory, and addressed during the integrated clinical experiences. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to make sound clinical decisions in the management of non-complex patient problems in a moderately paced environment. Students are supervised in clinical and community settings by qualified physical therapists. (Credits: 0)