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University of Montana Catalog 2025-2026

Physical Therapy (P T)

P T 503 - PT and Health Care System. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. An introduction to physical therapy and its relationship to the health care system. Topics include introduction to PT as a profession, teaching and learning, ethics, laws and professional issues in physical therapy. Level: Graduate

P T 510 - Applied Clinical Anatomy. 5 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system and body cavities in relation to movement and function with clinical correlates. Course lab fee. Level: Graduate

P T 516 - Movement System Exam & Eval. 4 Credits.

Offered autumn. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Principles of musculoskeletal examination and evaluation including posture, palpation, measurement of ROM and muscle performance, assessment of muscle length, and joint play. Level: Graduate

P T 519 - Musculoskeletal Management I. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Principles of musculoskeletal examination, evaluation, and intervention. The focus is application of clinical reasoning principles when examining movement patterns and analysis of underlying musculoskeletal impairments. Level: Graduate

P T 520 - PT & the Aging Adult. 2 Credits.

Offered spring. Restricted to students enrolled in entry-level DPT program. Presentation of changes in adults as they progress through the lifespan. Includes the functional changes associated with aging, assessing, and managing fall risk, performance, and interpretation of functional outcome measures. Level: Graduate

P T 523 - Clinical Medicine I. 1 Credit.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Introduction to medical screening and the PT exam within the Patient/Client Management model. Level: Graduate

P T 524 - Clinical Medicine II. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Introduction to pharmacology, introduction to imaging, hematology, and management of selected orthopedic surgical procedures. Level: Graduate

P T 525 - Clinical Medicine III. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Pathophysiology, medical and pharmacological management of oncological, immunological diseases and organ transplantation. Level: Graduate

P T 526 - Foundational Skills & Intervention. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Basic skills of documentation, medical terminology, transfers, bed mobility, and gait assistive device use. Level: Graduate

P T 527 - Physical & Electrophysical Agents. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Physiology, indications, contraindications, and application of electrotherapy and physical agents. Theory and application of electrodiagnostic and electrotherapeutic procedures. Level: Graduate

P T 529 - Clinical Biomechanics. 5 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. The principles of biomechanics as applied to the practice of physical therapy. Level: Graduate

P T 530 - Clinically Applied Exercise Physiology. 5 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Principles and applications of the physiological adaptations to acute and chronic exercise stresses and adaptations in the clinical environment. Exercise assessment/testing, prescription and progression of the exercise program is discussed. Level: Graduate

P T 531 - Prosthetics. 1 Credit.

Offered spring. Prereq. enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Information pertinent to pathology, examination, and evaluation of patients with amputations and conditions requiring prosthetics. The basic components of the course include types of devices, fitting, exercise programs, gait analysis and gait training. An overview of upper extremity prosthetics will be provided. Level: Graduate

P T 532 - Foundational Skills II. 1 Credit.

Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Principles of soft tissue mobilization, including indications, precautions, contraindications, consent, and privacy issues. Techniques include fluid mobilization techniques, fascial techniques, and neuromuscular techniques. Level: Graduate

P T 533 - Musculoskeletal Management II. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Examination, evaluation, and intervention of musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine and pelvis including sacroiliac dysfunction, genitourinary issues, obstetrics, incontinence, and pelvic pain. Level: Graduate

P T 536 - Neurosciences. 5 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Anatomy of the head and neck, and neuroanatomy of the human nervous system with emphasis on evaluation of central nervous system lesions and pathological conditions, clinical applications to physical therapy. Level: Graduate

P T 560 - Clinical Reasoning I. 1 Credit.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Introduction to the clinical reasoning process in physical therapy. Level: Graduate

P T 563 - Cardiopulmonary PT. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Physical therapy assessment and interventions for patients with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease. Includes cardiovascular and pulmonary pathology, pharmacology, and differential diagnosis. Level: Graduate

P T 565 - Pediatric Physical Therapy. 4 Credits.

Offered spring. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Typical and atypical development throughout childhood. Physical therapy examination, evaluation and intervention of children with neuromotor and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Introduction to the various pediatric practice settings. Level: Graduate

P T 567 - Neurorehabilitation I. 4 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Neurologic physical therapy assessment and intervention of adults. Principles of neuroplasticity, motor control, motor learning and application to physical therapy neurorehabilitation. Includes wheelchair seating and mobility assessment and prescription. Level: Graduate

P T 568 - Neurorehabilitation II. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Neurologic physical therapy assessment and intervention of adults. Principles of neuroplasticity, motor control, motor learning and application to physical therapy neurorehabilitation. Includes assessment and treatment of vestibular system and conditions. Level: Graduate

P T 569 - Musculoskeletal Mgt III. 4 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Principles of musculoskeletal examination, evaluation, and intervention for the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Level: Graduate

P T 570 - Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Wellness. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Psychosocial aspects of health and wellness including social/societal determinants for people from diverse backgrounds throughout the lifespan. Level: Graduate

P T 572 - Practice & Administration. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Practice management and operations. Includes strategic planning, human resource management, regulatory compliance/risk management, quality improvement, clinical coding, billing instruction, and career development. Level: Graduate

P T 573 - Musculoskeletal Management IV. 6 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Principles of musculoskeletal examination, evaluation, and intervention for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), thoracic, and cervical spine. Level: Graduate

P T 576 - Clinical Reasoning II. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Principles of evidence-based practice (EBP), including statistical literacy, critical appraisal of both quantitative and qualitative methods, application of evidence in clinical decision-making, and benefits/limitations of EBP and its role in the changing health care environment.

P T 582 - Clinical Experience Introductory Course. 1 Credit.

Offered spring. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. A mix of classroom and clinical experiences to introduce students to the expectations of professional practice. CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 583 - Integrated Clinical Experience I. 2 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. An integrated, part-time clinical experience with emphasis on patient evaluation, treatment and professional development. Only CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 584 - Integrated Clinical Experience II. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. An integrated, part-time clinical experience with emphasis on patient evaluation, treatment and professional development. CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 587 - Full -Time Clinical Experience I. 6 Credits.

Offered summer. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience with emphasis on developing patient evaluation and treatment skills. Only CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 589 - Full-Time Clinical Experience II. 6 Credits.

Offered summer. Prereq., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or permission of instructor. Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience with emphasis on learning about administrative issues, problem solving, time management, and communication skills. Continuation of development of patient treatment and evaluation skills. Only CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 595 - Field Work/Clinical. 1-4 Credits.

(R-4) Level: Graduate

P T 603 - Examination: Test & Measures Administration in Therapy. 1 Credit.

This course builds skills needed to select and perform tests and measures related to the domains of practice across the lifespan. Students gain skills in clinical reasoning as applied to patient management across acute, sub-acute, and chronic stages of injury and healing. Through cases that span the lifespan, students apply clinical reasoning to select appropriate test and measures in all of the above listed domains of practice. Additionally, these case studies focus on managing patients across the lifespan as well as across the spectrum of health care settings, acute-chronic conditions, and simple to complex (multi-system) involvement. Through dynamic lectures, demonstration videos, and active learning assignments, students engage in patient management, specifically the physical therapy exam focused on testing and measurement administration of body structure/function, and activity of the following: anthropometric characteristics, assistive and adaptive devices, community/work (job, school, or play) reintegration, environmental/home/work barriers, ergonomics and body mechanics, joint integrity and mobility, muscle performance, neuromotor development and sensory processing, pain, range of motion, reflex integrity, self-care and home management, sensory integration, mobility, and peripheral nerve integrity.

P T 604 - Medical & Surgical Procedures Across the Lifespan and Patient Emergency Procedures. 1 Credit.

Using progressively complex cases across the lifespan, students will apply clinical reasoning to common, highly complex medical and surgical conditions. Students will investigate community resources designed to support the management of complex cases at home or in residential living centers across the lifespan and diagnostic conditions. Related surgical management, discharge planning, and discontinuation of PT services are discussed. Patient management of these medical/surgical conditions are explored across acute, sub-acute, and chronic stages of injury, surgery and healing. Lifespan perspectives unique to management of pediatric and geriatric patients are also presented.

P T 606 - Cultural Competence and Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability. 1 Credit.

Students explore biopsychosocial aspects of health, disease, and society through a personal assessment of their physical (physical activity, exercise, nutrition, social habits), mental (mindfulness, stress, anxiety), emotional, and spiritual health in order to identify priorities for personal change. Evidence-informed strategies for enhancing mindfulness and managing stress and anxiety are discussed. Societal issues and current resources related to illness and death, disabilities across the lifespan, suicide, addiction, violence, and aging are explored. Through dynamic lectures students analyze US and global models of healthcare delivery, population health, and begin recognizing social determinants of health. Lectures facilitate deep understanding of the quadruple aim of healthcare, the economic burden of chronic disease, and the role of physical therapists in optimizing movement to transform the human condition is integrated throughout the course.

P T 607 - Basic Sciences for Physical Therapists: Human Physiology, Pathology, Histology and Immunology. 1 Credit.

Using dynamic lectures, students learn to differentiate major anatomical tissues and cellular structures. This includes connective tissue – connective tissue proper, bone, cartilage, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and specialized connective tissue blood and adipose tissue; muscle – smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle; nerves both myelinated and unmyelinated in CNS and PNS; and epithelium, and organs. Palpation of key musculoskeletal structures is introduced using online videos and in synchronous lab sessions. The major physiological systems (nervous, endocrine, genitourinary, renal, gastrointestinal, and supporting organs, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, lymphatic, integumentary, and hematopoietic) are also presented. Pathologies related to each of the above tissues and systems are discussed. Students also analyze the impact of immobility, acute activity/exercise and chronic training on all body structures and physiological processes.

P T 626 - Clinical Medicine IV. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereqs., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Course will focus on the role of the physical therapist in a Direct Access environment. Pathology, differential screening, pharmacotherapeutics, evaluation and management of gastrointestinal, endocrine/metabolic and hepatobiliary disease. Level: Graduate

P T 627 - Prevention & Wellness Education. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereqs., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Principles of public health and epidemiology as they relate to health prevention and wellness with an emphasis on clinical application and face-to-face patient interaction in the physical therapy setting. Level: Graduate

P T 629 - Clinical Medicine V. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereqs., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Course will focus on evaluation, differential screening, pharmacology, and management of integumentary disorders. Includes wound assessment and treatment. Level: Graduate.

P T 650 - Screening for Medical Disorder. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum. PT's role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding appropriate referral of a patient to a physician for evaluation of medical conditions outside the scope of physical therapy. Level: Graduate

P T 651 - Medical Imaging in Rehabilitation. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, summer. Prereq. Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum. Provide the physical therapy clinical learner with the tools needed to interpret and apply specialized medical imaging information to the rehabilitation patient. Level: Graduate

P T 652 - Pharmacology in Rehabilitation. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring. Prereq., in a PT curriculum. Provide clinical learners with the primary drug classes and the physiologic basis of their action. Level: Graduate

P T 653 - Legal and Ethical Issues. 1 Credit.

Offered spring, summer. Prereq. Enrolled in a PT curriculum. Foundational information as to the legal, ethical and administrative decision making process often facing physical therapists in clinical practice. Level: Graduate

P T 654 - Clinical Decision Making: Current Principles & Concepts. 1 Credit.

Offered autumn, spring. Prereq. Enrolled in a PT curriculum. Provide ways to utilize the Guide to PT Practice for effective and efficient clinical decision making. Level: Graduate

P T 655 - Business and Marketing. 2 Credits.

Offered spring, summer. Prereq. Enrolled in a PT curriculum. Enhance the PT clinical learners appreciation of business and management practices needed to succeed within the current healthcare landscape. Level: Graduate

P T 656 - Coding and Reimbursement. 1 Credit.

Offered autumn, summer. Prereq., enrolled in a PT curriculum. Educate the clinical learner in analyzing reimbursement of current billing, accounts receivable, collection procedures and use of proper coding. Not required for students completing the post-professional DPT program practicing outside the US. Level: Graduate

P T 657 - Professionalism. 2 Credits.

Prereq. Enrolled in a PT curriculum. This seminar course provides the clinical learner with the opportunity to analyze and discuss the roles/responsibilities and challenges/opportunities inherent in doctoral level physical therapy practice. Only CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 658 - Critical Assessment. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring. Prereq. Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum. Develop skills in the application of evidence-based practice as a model for effective clinical decision-making. Level: Graduate

P T 659 - Capstone Project. 4 Credits.

Prereq. Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum. Development of the skills needed by physical therapists to fulfill their role as effective participants in the research process. Guide student through the capstone case report completion process. Only CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 660 - Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring, summer.  Prereq., enrolled in t-DPT curriculum.  PT's role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Level: Graduate

P T 661 - Management of Cardiovascular or Pulmonary Disorders. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring and summer.  prereq., Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum.  PT's role, responsibilities and decision-making processes regarding appropriate patient management of persons with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disorders. Level: Graduate

P T 662 - Management of Neuro Disorders. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring, summer.  Prereq., enrolled in t-DPT curriculum.  PT's role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding patients with neurological disorders. Level: Graduate

P T 663 - Management of Integumentary Disorders. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring, summer.  Prereq., Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum.  PT's role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding patients with integumentary disorders. Level: Graduate

P T 664 - Wellness and Health Promotion. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn, spring, summer.  Prereq., Enrolled in t-DPT curriculum.  PT's role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes regarding patient/client involvement with wellness and health promotion. Level: Graduate

P T 672 - Research in PT. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn and spring. Prereqs., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Data analysis, writing of research manuscript, presentation of project. Level: Graduate

P T 676 - Clinical Reasoning III. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereqs., enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Course addresses critical appraisal of complex research designs and clinical reasoning related to the provision of evidence-informed care. Level: Graduate

P T 679 - Trends & Scholarly Activity. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereqs., Enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Students are required to complete at least 6 credits during their 2nd and 3rd years. Seminar sections that focus on advanced clinical topics in physical therapy and/or engagement in research with an individual faculty advisor. Traditional or CR/NCR grading as determined by instructor. Level: Graduate

P T 680 - Full-Time Clinical Experience III. 11 Credits.

Offered spring. Restricted to students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Final summative experience is a 15 week clinical experience. Includes writing and presentation of case study or special project. CR/NCR grading. Level: Graduate

P T 690 - Research. 1-10 Credits.

(R-10) Prereq., consent of instr. Traditional or CR/NCR grading as determined by instructor. Level: Graduate

P T 691 - Special Topics. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics. Traditional or CR/NCR grading as determined by instructor. Level: Graduate

P T 692 - Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.

(R-6) Prereq., Enrolled in entry-level DPT program or consent of instructor. Traditional or CR/NCR grading as determined by instructor. Level: Graduate

P T 694 - Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Traditional or CR/NCR grading as determined by course instructor. Level: Graduate

P T 699 - Thesis/Dissertation. 1-10 Credits.

(R-10)  Offered every term. Only CR/NCR grading. Preparation of a thesis or manuscript based on research for presentation and/or publication. Level: Graduate