Clinical Skills I

Catalog description

This is one of a series of three courses that cover the fundamental processes involved in patient/client examination, evaluation, and intervention in physical therapy practice. A basic examination framework that can be utilized across diagnoses and throughout the lifespan is developed. Beginning skills in history-taking and systems review are developed. A variety of tests and measures that address impairment and function are presented with an emphasis on screening within the four categories of pathology: cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and integumentary. Students begin to use medical terminology to document findings, using a SOAP note format. Class activities include lecture, lab, interaction with community volunteer patients, and problem solving with case studies. Learning is assessed through written assignments, skill-based quizzes, written examinations, and practical examinations.