American Public University System Catalog
2026 - 2027 Catalog
Course Descriptions
PHT Physical Therapy
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PHT1000 Physical Therapist Assistant Fundamentals
100 hours, 6 credits
PHT1000 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
PHT1000L Lab (80 hours, 4 credits)
This course will teach the fundamentals of data collection within the physical therapist assistant’s scope of practice along with an introduction to the profession and the role as a member of the healthcare team. It places focus on the professional organizations, overview of legal and ethical issues relating to the physical therapist assistant, importance of interpersonal communication skills relating to the profession. There will be a special emphasis on minimizing risk through appropriate and safe patient handling, transfers, and gait training.
PHT1100 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice and Therapeutic Interventions
60 hours, 4 credits
PHT1100 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
PHT1100L Lab (40 hours, 2 credits)
This course is an introduction to the underlying principles and clinical application of evidence-based practice and basic therapeutic interventions. It places focus on developing the student’s ability to obtain peer-reviewed research, performing basic appraisal of the evidence, and learning thermal, mechanical, and electrotherapeutic interventions used to address pain, inflammation, edema, soft tissue healing, and muscle reeducation. There is a hands-on lab component to this course. This course will prepare students to incorporate evidence-based practice and the proper integration of these basic interventions into physical therapy practice.
PHT1200 Principles of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy – Lower Quarter
70 hours, 5 credits
PHT1200 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
PHT1200L Lab (40 hours, 2 credits)
This course will teach students about the presentation of lower-quarter musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on therapeutic exercises in this region. Structure and function of the lower-quarter musculoskeletal system will be covered. There will be a focus on selecting and implementing appropriate evidence-based therapeutic exercises as they relate to musculoskeletal physical therapy practice for the lower quarter.
Pre- or corequisite: PHT1100
PHT1300 Principles of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy – Upper Quarter
70 hours, 5 credits
PHT1300 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
PHT1300L Lab (40 hours, 2 credits)
This course will teach students about the impact of upper-quarter musculoskeletal disorders on patients seeking physical therapy. Structure and function of the upper-quarter musculoskeletal system will be covered. There will be a focus on selecting and implementing appropriate evidence-based therapeutic exercises as they relate to musculoskeletal physical therapy practice for the upper quarter.
PHT2000 Principles of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
50 hours, 4 credits
PHT2000 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
PHT2000L Lab (20 hours, 1 credits)
This course is the study of common neuromuscular disorders including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease. Students will study the structure and function of the human nervous system and common nervous system pathology and will learn to implement physical therapy treatment programs for this patient population. This course will prepare students to care for patients with neuromuscular disorders.
Pre- or corequisite: PHT1300
PHT2500 Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical I
220 hours, 8 credits
This course is designed to allow for application of fundamental material learned in the classroom in the physical therapy healthcare environment. Additionally, this course will include an emphasis on coursework that focuses on topics such as documentation, data collections, theory, clinical judgment, and utilization of the medical record. Students will experience physical therapist assistant interventions, prioritizing responsibilities in a changing environment, applying ethical and professional behaviors, as well as interaction within the PT/physical therapist assistant team. Upon completion of this course, the student should have a full understanding of the role of the physical therapist assistant and PT/physical therapist assistant team in the clinical environment.
Prerequisite: PHT2000
PHT2600 Physical Therapy Practice Across the Lifespan
50 hours, 4 credits
PHT2600 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
PHT2600L Lab (20 hours, 1 credits)
This course is the study of normal human development across the life span. Students will study common pediatric and geriatric conditions requiring physical therapy intervention. Topics will include study of changes in major systems related to aging, common pediatric developmental pathologies and societal implications associated with these populations. This course will prepare students to implement physical therapy programs for children and aging adults in various practice settings.
Prerequisite: PHT2500
PHT2650 Physical Therapy Practice for Special Populations
50 hours, 4 credits
PHT2650 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
PHT2650L Lab (20 hours, 1 credits)
This clinical course is the study of physical therapy in special populations including patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and pelvic health conditions. Students will also study physical therapy treatment of wounds and amputations. Topics will include the effects of disease on organ systems and function and on the family and society. This course will prepare students to implement physical therapy programs for these patient populations.
Pre- or corequisite: PHT2600
PHT2700 Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical II
370 hours, 13 credits
In this clinical course, the student will learn and apply advanced strategies in developing a therapeutic alliance with clients/patients. Students will determine how to utilize health information technology, making decisions about appropriate use within the clinical environment. Students will be prepared for moral reasoning, resolving conflict, and effective decision-making while practicing under the supervision of a physical therapist. Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared for entry-level practice as a physical therapist assistant.
PHT2800 Physical Therapist Assistant Capstone
20 hours, 2 credits
This course is a synthesis of material from all courses. Students will complete a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in transferable skills. Additionally, students will prepare for the national Physical Therapist Assistant licensure exam.
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