Physical Therapy courses
PHTH 321 Kinesiology (3)
Functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. Analysis and application of the biomechanics of normal and pathological movement of the human body. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: ANAT 312.
PHTH 327 Human Life Sequences (3)
Sequential human development from neonate through adolescence, as applied to normal and abnormal neurological development. Includes concepts of pre- and postnatal care, delivery, and neonatal assessment. Incorporates the interrelationship of the physical, perceptual, and motor components in treatment of the neurologically disabled patient. Development of the human organism from young adult to death. Special emphasis on the problem of aging.
PHTH 328 Manual Muscle Testing (3)
Methods of evaluating muscle strength and function by use of specific and gross manual muscle tests. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
PHTH 343 Neuroanatomy (4)
Basic anatomy and function of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems and related structures. Gross anatomy of brain and spinal cord. Functional consideration of cranial nerves, tracks, and nuclei of major systems. Lecture, slides, and laboratory with specimens.
PHTH 371 Therapeutic Exercise (4)
Application of physical, mechanical, and soft-tissue biomechanical considerations in the formulation of exercise prescriptions. Consideration of the neurophysiological basis of motor control and motor- learning acquisition. Selection of exercise modes for treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders of the nonpathological individual.
PHTH 373 Therapeutic Procedures (3)
Blood pressure determination and aseptic techniques. Principles and utilization of posture and body mechanics. Selection and use of wheelchairs, ambulation aids, and other equipment. Progressive planning toward complete activities of daily living.
PHTH 411 Clinical Orthopaedics (2)
Systematic review of disease and injury affecting the musculoskeletal system (particularly the hands), resulting in physical disability. Conditions caused by congenital deformities, fractures, trauma, tumors, disease, and sports injuries. Radiologic terminology, properties, and imaging.
PHTH 412 Clinical Psychiatry (2)
Introduction to mental and personality disorders. Review of abnormal behaviors commonly found in a clinical setting.
PHTH 413 Clinical Neurology (2)
Systematic review of clinical disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, with emphasis on sensorimotor sequelae of injury and disease.
PHTH 424 Electrotherapy (3)
Principles and techniques of electrotherapy procedures, including electrodiagnosis. Basic physical and physiological indications and contraindications. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
PHTH 434 P.T. Communication and Documentation (2)
Introduction to the principles and dynamics of professional communication. Emphasis on the basic skills needed in a clinical setting including but not limited to the following: evaluations, progress notes, discharge summary, workers' compensation, prescriptions, patient interviews, letters of justification, electric formats, and legal considerations related to all aspects of the above.
PHTH 435 Hydrotherapy and Massage (3)
Fundamental principles, physiological effects, and techniques of hydrotherapy and massage used in preventive medicine and diagnostic techniques. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
PHTH 465 Exercise Physiology (3)
Principles and application of human response to exercise, including body composition. Tests and measurements. Techniques of physical fitness. Cardiorespiratory considerations. Exercise prescriptions.
PHTH 471 Physical Therapy Practicum I (1)
Two-week assignment, to be completed during the Spring Quarter of third year, in an affiliated clinical setting. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience.
PHTH 477 Locomotion Studies (3)
Development of competencies in the identification and evaluation of normal and abnormal gait patterns, progressing to development of treatment programs. Includes current prosthetic and orthotic devices and their assistance with gait.
PHTH 495 Research I (3)
Introduces the scientific methods in health-science research. Focuses on the major steps of the research process: problem identification, literature review, conceptual framework, identification of variables, statement of hypothesis, experimental design, and analysis and presentation of data. Includes critical evaluation of research literature.
PHTH 496 Research II (2)
Application of the research process to problems in related specific allied health fields. Development of a research proposal.
PHTH 497 Advanced Clinical Experience (40 to 480 clock hours)
Advanced clinical experience in selected areas of professional practice.
PHTH 499 Physical Therapy Independent Study (1-3)
Project or paper to be submitted on a topic of current interest in an area related to physical therapy. Regular meetings to provide the student with guidance and evaluation. Elected on the basis of need or interest.
PHTH 501 Neurorehabilitation I (3)
Basic physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms specific to therapeutic concepts. Clinical approach to pathology and trauma of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Stroke, spinal cord injury, and head injuries. Emphasis on clinical application.
PHTH 502 Neurorehabilitation II (2)
Basic physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms specific to therapeutic concepts. Clinical approach to pathology and trauma of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
PHTH 503 Neurorehabilitation III (3)
Continuation of basic physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms specific to therapeutic concepts. Clinical approach to pathology and trauma of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis on comparing and contrasting facilitation techniques.
PHTH 504 Pediatric Care I (3)
Discussion of the etiology, associated problems, and physical therapy care of clients with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and various orthopaedic disorders. Includes presentation and demonstration of adaptive equipment options. Laboratory demonstrations. Introduction to the physical therapist's role in the NICU.
PHTH 505 Pediatric Care II (2)
Discussion of the etiology, associated problems, and physical therapy care of clients with arthrogryposis, osteogenesis imperfecta, muscular dystrophies, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia. Expands further on various therapy techniques available to the client with cerebral palsy.
PHTH 507 Lower-Quarter Biomechanical Relationships (3)
Advanced examination procedures for performing a biomechanical assessment of the lower extremities. Emphasis on identifying causes of, compensations for, and complications of movement dysfunctions associated with lower-extremity musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Physical therapy management of gait abnormalities.
PHTH 508 Aspects of Health Promotion (2)
Dynamics of community and individual health. Factors in the promotion of a healthful lifestyle, including cardiovascular enhancement, stress reduction and coping mechanisms, nutritional awareness, weight management, and substance control.
PHTH 521 Orthopaedics I (3)
Basic theory of extremity mobilization. Each joint presented in relationship to articular and periarticular structures that determine joint function and dysfunction. Evaluation and mobilization techniques.
PHTH 522, 523 Orthopaedics II, III (3, 3)
Basic theory of spinal evaluation and treatment techniques. General principles of functional anatomy, tissue and joint biomechanics, pathology, and treatment. Medical exercise training.
PHTH 525, 526 General Medicine I, II (3, 3)
Medical and surgical disorders. Basic pathology and/or etiology and clinical manifestations. Medical treatment for conditions within selected specialties: cardiac, respiratory, burns, arthritis, oncology, hematology, immunology, and endocrinology.
PHTH 529 Pathokinesiology of Gait (3)
Advanced observational analysis of normal and abnormal human locomotion, with comparison of pathological differences.
PHTH 531 Soft-Tissue Techniques (2-3)
Trends in soft-tissue manipulation. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
PHTH 561 Physical Therapy Administration
(2-3)
Principles of organization and administration in health care delivery. Multidisciplinary approach to patient management and patient-therapist relations. Administration of physical therapy services. Professionalism, medicolegal considerations, supervision and training of supportive personnel. Departmental design and budgetary considerations.
PHTH 572, 573 Physical Therapy Practicum II, III (1.5, 1.5)
Two three-week assignments, to be completed during the Summer and Spring Quarters of the fourth year, in affiliated clinical settings. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience.
PHTH 583, 584, 585 Physical Therapy Affiliation I, II, III (5.5, 5.5, 5)
Three twelve-week assignments, to be completed in the Summer, Winter, and Spring Quarters during the fifth year, in affiliated clinical settings. Emphasis on a variety of clinical settings: acute care, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience, special assignments, in-services, lectures, demonstrations, and conferences.
PHTH 595 Applied Research I (1)
Pilot testing of a research proposal in a practice setting. Testing of procedures and data forms.
PHTH 596 Applied Research II (2)
Implementation of a research proposal in a practice setting. Computer data analysis and preparation of a research report.
PHTH 597 Applied Research III (1)
Preparation and presentation of a research report both in written and oral formats. Graphics, tables, Power-point presentations, poster, and abstract.
PHTH 598 Advanced Specialty Tracks (3)
Presentation of the newest clinical treatment applications over the spectrum of the patient population in the field of physical therapy. Includes ortho, neuro, and general medicine.
PMPT 312 Anatomy (6)
Gross and miscroscopic anatomy of the human body. Lecture, laboratory, demonstration, and slides. Orien-tation to structure of various systems of the body.
PMPT 321 Kinesiology (2)
Functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. Analysis and application of biomechanics of normal and pathological movement of the human body. Lecture and laboratory
Prerequisite: PMPT 312.
PMPT 328 Manual Muscle Testing (2)
Methods of evaluating strength and function by use of specific and gross manual muscle tests. Lecture, demonstration and laboratory.
Prerequisite: PMPT 312.
PMPT 371 Therapeutic Exercise (3)
Application of physical, mechanical, and soft-tissue biomechanical considerations in the formulation of exercise prescriptions. Considerations of the neurophysiological basis of motor control and motor-learning acquisition, and selection of exercise modes for treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and the non-pathological individial. Class modified for the progression-program PTA graduate who has received some basic knowledge.
PMPT 377 Locomotion Studies (2)
Development of competencies in the identification and evaluation of normal and abnormal gait patterns, progressing to development of treatment programs. Includes current prosthetic and orthotic devices and their assistance with gait. Class modified for the progression program.
PMPT 424 Electrotherapy (2)
Principles and techniques of electrotherapy procedures, including electrodiagnosis. Basic physical and physiological indications and contraindications. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory. Modified for the PMPT program.
PMPT 427 Human Life Sequence (2)
Sequential development of the human organism from neonate through old age. Modern concepts of postnatal care through the normal process of aging. Evaluation of developmental reflexes and gross motor function of the pediatric population and balance of the geriatric population. Demonstration of treatment techniques as adapted to pediatric and geriatric patients. Discussion of cultural awareness. Ethical and legislative issues as they relate to the human life sequence.
PMPT 435 Hydrotherapy and Massage (2)
Fundamental principles, physiological effects, and techniques of hydrotherapy and massage used in preventative medicine and diagnostic techniques. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory. Modified for the PMPT program.
PMPT 583, 584, 585 P. T. Affiliation I, II, III (3, 3, 3)
Three six-week assignments: one in the Autumn Quarter of year three and one in the Autumn Quarter of year four in affiliated clinical settings. Emphasis on a variety of clinical settings: acute care, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience, special assignments, inservices, lectures, demonstrations, and conferences. Affiliations must be successfully completed sequentially.
PMPT 591 Advanced Orthopaedic Studies (5)
Specialty tracks designed to provide opportunity to pursue in greater depth various topics related to current trends in orthopaedic physical therapy. Development of advanced clinical skills where appropriate.
PMPT 592 Advanced Neurologic Studies (5)
Specialty tracks designed to provide opportunity to pursue in greater depth various topics related to current trends in neurologic physical therapy. Development of advanced clinical skills where appropriate.
PMPT 594 Advanced General Medicine Studies (3)
Specialty tracks designed to provide opportunity to pursue in greater depth various topics related to current trends in general medicine physical therapy. Develop-ment of advanced clinical skills where appropriate.
PTAS 201 Applied Anatomy and Physiology (4)
Anatomy of the human body, with emphasis on the neuromuscular and skeletal systems, including anatomical landmarks. Basic neuroanatomy of the central nervous system.
PTAS 203 Applied Kinesiology (4)
Introduction to functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. Application of biomechanics of normal and abnormal movement in the human body. Introduction to components of gait. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: PTAS 201.
PTAS 205 Introduction to Physical Therapy (1)
Physical therapy practice and the role of the physical therapist assistant in providing patient care. Quality assurance. Interpersonal skills. Introduction to the multidisciplinary team approach. Familiarization with health care facilities and government agencies.
PTAS 206 Documentation Skills (1)
Introduction to basic abbreviations, medical termin-ology, chart reading, and note writing.
PTAS 212 Physical Therapy Procedures (3)
Principles of basic skills in the physical therapy setting. Goniometry. Sensory- and gross-muscle testing. Mobility skills in bed and wheelchair; and transfer training. Gait training and activities of daily living. Body mechanics, positioning, and vital signs. Architectural barriers identified. Teaching techniques for other health care providers, patients, and families. Wheelchair measurement and maintenance. Lecture and laboratory.
PTAS 224 General Medicine (3)
Introduction to general medicine conditions, including pathology and management of medical problems. Diseases of the body systems, including urinary, reproductive, digestive, circulatory, endocrine, and musculoskeletal. Theoretical principles and practical application of respiratory techniques, exercises, and postural drainage. CPR certification must be obtained before the end of the term.
PTAS 225 Neurology (3)
Introduction to neurological conditions, including pathology and management of medical problems of stroke, head injury, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord and nerve injuries, and other conditions.
PTAS 226 Orthopaedics I (3)
Introduction to common orthopedic conditions, pathologies, and surgical procedures of the peripheral joints. Introduction to joint mobilization. Procedures and progression of therapeutic exercises for each specific joint will be covered as they relate to tissue repair and healing response. Practical lab to include the integration of treatment plans and progression.
PTAS 227 Therapeutic Excercise (2)
Introduction to therapeutic excercise theories and practical applications. Tissue response to range of motion, stretch and resistive exercise. Laboratory covers the practical applications of various types of exercise techniques and machines used in the clinics, and a systematic approach to therapeutic exercise progression.
PTAS 229 Directed Study (1-4)
Ten contact hours required for each unit. Lecture, writing papers, and/or completing research. Requires written course description and expectation.
PTAS 231 Physical Therapy Modalities (3)
Basic physical therapy modalities, including, heat and cold application, hydrotherapy and massage, pool therapy, physiology and control of edema, stump wrapping, standard precautions, and chronic pain management. Lecture and laboratory.
PTAS 236 Applied Electrotherapy (3)
Principles and techniques of electrotherapy procedures, including basic physiological effects, and indications and contraindications of specific electrotherapy modalities. Practical application and demonstration of modalities in a laboratory setting.
PTAS 238 Wound Care (1)
The normal structure and function of the skin. Pathology of the skin, including problem conditions, burns, and wounds. Lecture and laboratory to include wound identification, measuring, dressing, treatments, and debridement. Model wounds used for hands-on training.
PTAS 241 Applied Pediatrics (2)
Normal and abnormal development from conception to adolescence. Emphasis on developmental sequence, testing, and treatment of neurological and orthopaedic disorders. Practical laboratory.
PTAS 243 Applied Geriatrics (3)
Introduction to various aspects of geriatric care. Wellness care and adaptation to exercise modalities. Procedures pertaining to the geriatric patient. Diagnosis and aging changes that affect function in geriatric rehabilitation.
PTAS 244 Introduction to Athletic Training for the Physical Therapist Assistant (1)
An introductory study of the neuromusculoskeletal system as it applies to the athletic population. This course will cover the development and implementation of a sports medicine program, pr-participation physical examination, medical emergencies in the sports medicine setting, criteria for return to play, types and frequency of sport specific injuries, pre-game sideline/courtside setup, techniques of athletic tape application to various body locations, and on-field examinations.
PTAS 251 Orthopaedics II (3)
Introduction to common orthopedic conditions, pathologies, and surgical procedures of the spine. Treatments, procedures, and progression of therapeutic exercises of the spine as related to tissue repair and healing response. Practical laboratory to include the integration of treatment plans and progressions.
PTAS 252 Applied Neurology (3)
Introduction to facilitation techniques of neurodevelopmental treatment, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Brunnstrom, and principles of therapeutic exercise of the cardiac patient. Practical laboratory.
PTAS 261 Physical Therapy Practice (1)
Observations of evaluations, treatments, and various diagnoses. Billing procedures and third-party payors. Completion of a resume and a state licensing application. Preparation and presentation of case study and in-service.
PTAS 262 Professional Seminar (1)
Contemporary theories and practices of physical therapy. Topics covered by faculty and guest lecturers may include: sports taping, ortho taping, soft tissue, geriatric experience though affective learning, Meyers-Briggs personality categories, Kolb learning styles, vestibular rehabilitation, music therapy, and hand therapy. Lecture and laboratory.
PTAS 264 Applied Prosthetics and Orthotics (2)
Introduction to basic principles in the use of selected prosthetic and orthotic devices. Exposure to various types of devises and adjustment to devises; examination of indications and contraindications for orthotic and prosthetic use with patients seen in physical therapy.
Prerequisite: PTAS 203.
PTAS 275 Psychosocial Aspects of Health (2)
Psychological and sociological reactions to illness or disability. Includes trauma, surgery, and congenital and terminal illness. Individual and family considerations.
PTAS 291 Physical Therapist Assistant Practicum (1)
Two-week assignment to be completed during the Winter Quarter in an affiliated clinical facility. Emphasis on patient and staff working relationships. Awareness of patient disorders and limited application of physical therapy techniques (40 clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience).
PTAS 293, 294, 295 Physical Therapist Assistant Affiliation I, II, III (3, 3, 3)
I: One six-week assignment to be completed during the Spring Quarter.
II, III: Two six-week assignments to be completed during the second Summer Quarter in affiliated clinical facility. Students will be exposed to a variety of clinical settings (forty clock hours per week of supervised clinical experience). The combined total of twenty weeks of clinical experience prepares the student for entry-level performance.
PTAS 299 Directed Study (1-4)
For each additional unit, ten contact hours done by means of attending lecture, writing papers, and/or doing research. Requires written course description and expectations.
CONJOINT
See CONJOINT COURSES, page 43 for course descriptions.
COGNATE
RELE 456 Personal and Professional Ethics (3)
Discussions of ethical issues in modern medicine and related fields from the perspective of Christian thought and practice. Topics determined in part by students' professional orientations and interests.
RELE 457 Christian Ethics and Health Care (3)
Ethical issues in modern medicine and related fields from the perspective of Christian thought and practice. Topics determined in part by students' professional orientations and interests.
RELR 475 The Art of Integrative Care (2-3)
Principles, concepts, and practices which affect the ministry of Christian health care in a diverse clinical setting.
RELR 571 Practicum in Integrative Health Care (3-4)
For students in the advanced Master of Physical Therapy degree program. Examines the attitudes and actions of the health care professional relative to personal spirituality and patient witnessing. Facilitates integration of these findings with a balanced approach to providing spiritual nurture and witness to patients. Interactive learning utilizing the expertise and experience of students.
RELF 423 Loma Linda Perspectives (2 )
History and philosophy of Loma Linda University as a Christian health-sciences institution that fosters human wholeness. Contributions of the arts and humanities to the health professions. Importance of diversity of thought and culture within health care.
MFAM 553 Family Systems Theory (3)
Review of Bowen theory and theory of family systems. Introduction to family psychotherapy as an outgrowth of the theory. Students examine their own families of origin.
MFAM 558 Advanced Growth and Development (3)
Human biological, psychological, and social development from conception to death, including but not limited to, childbirth, child rearing, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, marriage, divorce, blended families, step-parenting, and geriopsychology. Overview of concepts, theories, and research relevant to human development. Emphasis on development over the life span in the context of family interaction and its impact on family therapy.
PSYC 405 Psychology of Human Relations (3)
Designed in human relations for career and personal success. Topics include the effective use of human resources, communication, leadership skills, decision making, stress management, assertiveness training, managment of conflicts, career development, and achievement of balance.![]()

