Graduate Course Descriptions

This course will introduce students to the systematic procedures used during an orthopedic examination. Students will gain experience in taking a thorough medical history, performing patient observation, structural palpation, assessing range of motion, and conducting other special tests. Proper techniques for medical documentation will be presented and practiced.

A comprehensive course that exposes students to the fundamentals of athletic training, including the history, purpose, and professional standards of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), along with the fundamental skills of the profession. Students will utilize medical terminology while developing the essential competencies in taping, wrapping, fitting and fabrication of protective equipment and padding/splints, and modality application. Students will be introduced to the standards of the educational curriculum, professional ethics, and professional responsibilities. (Course fees apply.)

This course will review the structural anatomy of the human body with focus on the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems. Emphasis will be on appropriate anatomical palpations of soft tissue and skeletal structures. The course will include muscular analysis of gross movement patterns and introduction to manual muscle testing.

This course will provide students will the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a first responder in an emergency situation. Topics include blood borne pathogens, emergency respiratory and cardiac care, spine boarding, transport techniques, airway insertions, supplemental oxygen, and emergency procedures to treat various medical conditions. (Course fees apply.)

This course will introduce students to the procedures and tests used to examine and diagnose injuries of the lower extremity, including the thoracic and lumbar spine. Students will be able to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and be instructed in theory and proper techniques for diagnostic and special tests, including ligamentous, neurological, strength and range of motion assessment.

This course will introduce students to the procedures and tests used to examine and diagnose injuries to the upper extremity, including the cervical and thoracic spine. Students will be able to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and be instructed in theory and proper techniques for diagnostic and special tests, including ligamentous, neurological, strength and range of motion assessment.

This course will introduce students to the procedures and tests used to examine, diagnose, and treat injuries to the head. Students will be able to identify risk factors for head injuries and be instructed in theory and proper techniques for baseline testing, diagnostic measures, and treatment protocols.

This course will focus on therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation used in the treatment of athletic injuries and illness. Students will be introduced to various rehabilitation protocols stressing the importance of safe progression and body mechanics. Indications and contraindications for exercises will be thoroughly examined.

This course will provide an overview of the planning and implementation of therapeutic modalities used to treat injuries and illness. An introduction to the physical, chemical, and mechanical modalities will complement the students’ understanding of wound healing and their purpose in the treatment protocol. Students will gain an understanding of the human body’s physiological response to various treatment methods. (Course fee applies.)

This course examines how illnesses and pharmacological agents affect body function, including the cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Focus will be on common illnesses and diseases that strike the physically active population, as well as, common medications prescribed to physically active individuals. The ethical dilemmas and legal ramification surrounding the use of recreational drugs and performance enhancing drugs will also be discussed. (Course fee applies.)