Course Descriptions - Administration - Health Services (AH & AHD)
AH (AHD) 700. Health Economics.--Economic concepts and their relevance to health care industry; financing and delivery arrangements employed in U.S. health care system; role of economic factors in development of public policy and implications of changes in public policy. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 701. Administrative Theory.--History of, recent contributions to, and current issues in administrative theory and management; focus on evolution of management thought and research and on developing areas of research interest that will contribute to field. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 702. Growth and Development of the U.S. Health Care System.--Historical development of U.S. health care system; implications for solution of current problems. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 703. Philosophy of Science.--Systems of thought and activities in theory-building process, deriving hypotheses from literature, understanding scientific theory, philosophy of science; applications to health services administration. 3 hours.
AH (AHD)705. Health Care Finance.--Financial management functions, third-party reimbursement, determination of costs and charges, analysis of financial positions, working capital management, budgeting, capital expenditu re analysis, and case studies. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 706. Strategic Management Theory and Research. Current and historically important research in field of strategic management, including major streams of research, role of strategic management in management disciplines, relationships to other disciplines, and pedagogical approaches used in graduate and undergraduate strategy courses. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 707. Research Methods--Issues of research design and research methods for organizational studies and health services research; integration of knowledge from quantitative courses with areas of research interest in students’ chosen fields. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 710 - Comparative Health Systems This course allows students to compare the U.S. health care delivery system with approaches used in other countries and to identify health system reform efforts occurring in selected global regions. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the health system within selected forms of government and at various levels of economic development. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 711 - Leadership of Health Systems This course provides insights into leadership theories and their application. Course materials are evidence based and identify principles and behaviors that allow learners to develop a set of competencies that can be acquired. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 712. Research in Organizational Behavior.--Examination of topics and empirical research in organizational behavior; emphasis on important issues in field, including areas of controversy and contemporary interest. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 714. Marketing Strategy and Research.--Examination of development of marketing strategy and strategic management process; exploration of research topics and implications of literature. 3 hours.
AH (AHD)715. Research in Organization Theory.--Topics and research in organization and management theory applied to health services organizations, including organization-environment relations, population ecology, interorganization relations, and strategic alliances. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 716. Macroenvironmental Analysis.--Examination of research literature that addresses external and internal environmental factors affecting strategic management. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 718. Strategic Information Systems.--Examination of current research on role of information systems in strategic management. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 720. Doctoral Seminar.--Presentations by faculty and Ph.D. candidates concerning issues in particular areas of specialization. May be repeated for credit. 2 hours.
AH (AHD) 721 – Principles of Applied Research. --Systems of thought and activities in theory-building process, deriving hypotheses from literature and understanding their role in addressing health management issues, understanding scientific theory; ethical issues and principles in applied research for health services administration. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 722. Regression Analysis.--Various approaches to regression analysis, including ordinary least squares and probability models, such as logit and probit. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 727 – Applied Multivariate Statistics for Health Administration Research.--This is a survey course on the application of multivariate techniques in health care management research. The course focuses on application of multivariate statistical methods to health administration research questions, with emphasis on interpretation within real healthcare management problems. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 730 – Health Economics and Insurance.--Economics as systematic way of thinking about use of resources. Develops economic principles and describes system of health care financing and delivery in the United States, providing basis for analyzing health management and policy options. Insurance as mechanism for dealing with consequences of an uncertain world and presents health insurance and its consequences as significant reasons health care markets differ from others. Workings of insurance and its consequences as significant reasons health care markets differ from others. Workings of insurance markets and current policy issues. Deman for health insurance, underwriting, rate making, moral hazard and adverse selection, HMOs and PPOs, employer health benefits and self insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, health care reform. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 735 – Quality Improvement.--Policy issues and managerial methods related to quality and safety in healthcare organizations. Role of senior executives, board members, physician leaders in quality culture. Public and private sector approaches to quality measurement and improvement. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 775. Strategic Planning and Management in Health Care Organizations.--Assessment of strategic management literature applied to health services organizations, exploration of strategy formulation, strategic content, and implementation and evaluation of topics for health care organizations. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 780. Strategic Information Systems.--Examination of current research on role of information systems in strategic management and sources available to health care organizations for strategic decision support. 3 hours.
AH (AHD) 790. Independent Study and Research.--May be repeated for credit. 1-12 hours.
AH (AHD) 798. Non-Dissertation Research.--May be repeated for credit. 1-6 hours.
AH (AHD) 799. Dissertation Research.--Prerequisite: admission to cndidacy. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 hours.
Course Descriptions - Health Care Management (AHS)
AHS 300. Survey of Health Professions.--Survey of graduate and undergraduate health professions that provide patient care and other services in health care delivery system; designed to assist undergraduate students in career investigation. 2 hours.
AHS 302. Principles of Management in Health Care.--Basic management concepts; oral & written communication; planning & goal setting; decision-making & problem solving; personnel selection; performance appraisal. Course also offered via internet. 3hours.
AHS 318. Law for Health Care Professionals.--Principles of law and U.S. legal system as applied in health care organizations; documentation, privacy, security, and release of health information; liability, consent, and malpractice. Prerequisite: SHRP student or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 320. Microcomputer Applications for Health Care Professionals.--Spreadsheet, database, file management, information systems, internet, and presentation applications in managerial functions. Prerequisite: SHRP student or permission of instructor. Mandatory attendance at orientation session. Course offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 330. Health Care Systems.--Overview of U.S. health care system; implications of environmental trends and health care policy on health care organizations; introduction to financing of health care. Prerequisite: SHRP student or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 350. Medical Terminology for Health Professionals.-- Systematic study of medical terminology with emphasis on constructing, pronouncing, understanding, and using medical terms. Includes diseases, symptoms, and signs of disease; diagnostic and clinical procedures; and treatment modalities. Prerequisite: BY 115, BY 116 or BY 123; or permission of instructor. Mandatory attendance at orientation session. Course offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 360. Statistics for Healthcare Managers--Basic descriptive and inferential statistics as applied in managerial processes; computer-based graphic analysis of data; use of computer-based software; application of statistical process control tools. Prerequisite: MA 105 or MA 110. Course also offered via the internet. 3 hours.
AHS 401. Organizational Studies in Health Care.--Behavioral science concepts including leadership, managing change, negotiating and conflict resolution, team building, organizational assessment, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course also offered via internet. 4 hours. (Also AHS 501)
AHS 403. Operations Management in Health Care Organizations.--Operational functions of mid-level managers including work design and re-engineering; systems theory; development, planning, and analysis; ergonomics and work environment; quality improvement techniques. Prerequisite: AHS 401 or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 4 hours.
AHS 405. Human Resources Management in Health Care Organizations.--Managerial activities related to job descriptions, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, firing, orientation, benefits, appraisal, discipline, and developing clinical and non-clinical personnel. Prerequisite: AHS 401 or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 4 hours.
AHS 407. Strategic Management in Health Care Organizations.--Overview of strategic management process; strategic planning in health care organizations from perspective of mid-level manager; emphasis on operational level implementation and control. Prerequisites: AHS 401, 403, 416, 435. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 411. Bio-Psycho-Social Issues of Aging.--Overview of current gerontological-geriatric information; special needs of the elderly in receiving health care services. Prerequisite: AHS 330 or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours. (Also GER 411)
AHS 415. Ethics for the Health Professional.--Overview of major ethical theories; ethical decision making models; application to patients rights, confidentiality, informed consent, professional relationships, and allocation of scarce resources. Prerequisites: AHS 318 and AHS 330, or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 416. Financial Management in Health Care Organizations.--Overview of financial management functions at departmental level; budgeting and cost analysis for department-level operations and capital expenditures. Prerequisites: Accounting I and AHS 330; or permission of instructor. Course also offered via internet. 3 hours. (Also AHS 516)
AHS 421. Independent Study.--Media research to develop paper and oral presentation on approved topic. Prerequisite: BSHS student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
AHS 435. Survey of Clinical and Administrative Information Systems.--Overview of information systems and applications in health care organizations; issues and challenges in system design and implementation. Prerequisite: AHS 320 or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 450. Quality Management in Healthcare.--Interdisciplinary course providing health professionals with tools needed to implement quality measures and outcomes in their institutions. Prerequisite: SHRP student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
AHS 460. Research Methods.--Use of statistical methodology in health professions research; overview of research methodologies; guidelines for critiquing published research; development of research proposal. Prerequisite: Basic statistics or permission of instructor. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 481. Management Internship.--Supervised experience in managerial functions in selected health care organization. Prerequisites: BSHS student, AHS 401, AHS 403, AHS 405, AHS 407; concurrent enrollment in AHS 482 preferred. 3 or 6 hours.
AHS 482. Current Issues Seminar.--Identification of current issues in health care industry, emphasis on analyzing organizational impact. Prerequisite: BSHS student and AHS 330, or permission of instructor; concurrent enrollment in AHS 481 preferred. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
AHS 501. Organizational Studies in Health Care.--Behavioral science concepts including leadership, managing change, negotiating and conflict resolution, team building, organizational assessment, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Prerequisite: AHS 302 or permission of instructor. Course also offered via internet. 4 hours. (Also AHS 401)
AHS 516. Financial Management in Health Care Organizations.--Overview of financial management functions at departmental level; budgeting and cost analysis for department-level operations and capital expenditures. Prerequisites: Accounting I, and AHS 330; or permission of instructor. Course also offered via internet. 3 hours. (Also AHS 416)
AHS 605. Instructional Media and Methods.--Developing instructional objectives and teaching plans; designing evaluation methods; developing and presenting classroom instruction. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours.
AHS 683. Practicum in Teaching in Allied Health Area. Supervised delivery of classroom-based instructional unit; supervised delivery of Web-based instructional unit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours.
Course Descriptions - Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS)
CLS 500. Biological and Chemical Weapons: Detectors/Response.
--Awareness of biological, chemical and social sciences concepts related to biological and chemical weapons. Identification of competencies needed by individuals, healthcare practitioners and researchers to detect and minimize harm to the public's health caused by biological and chemical weapons. 2 hours.
CLS 502. Laboratory Analysis of Body Fluids.--Analysis of renal and systemic disease through the physical, biochemical, and microscopic analysis of urine and feces. Analysis of central nervous system and systemic disease through cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Analysis of metabolic and infectious diseases through the analysis of peritoneal fluid, synovial fluid, transudates, and exudates. Fertility testing by semen analysis. Prerequisite: MT 400 or CLS 550. 3 hours.
CLS 520. Clinical Chemistry I.
--Principles and methods of analysis of biochemical metabolites used in medical laboratories; instrumentation; automation and instrument problem solving; accreditation; quality control and quality assurance. Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, heme, lipids and enzymes, and correlation of laboratory data. Case studies of common diseases and speciment problems. Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry, MT 400 or CLS 550 or concurrent enrollment. 4 hours. (Also MT 320)
CLS 525. Immunology.
--Physiology of immune responses to infectious agents, tumors, transplants; abnormal responses: hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunoproliferative disorders, and immunodeficiencies; antigen-antibody reactions; complement; application of immunologic tests in infectious and autoimmune diseases. Prerequisites: BY 271, BY 212 or BY 311 or concurrent enrollment; MT 400 or CLS 550. 5 hours. (Also MT 325)
CLS 540. Hematology I.--Systematic examination of blood cells: normal function; recognizing their microscopic appearance; blood cell disorders; standard and special clinical hematology laboratory procedures; validation of laboratory data; interpretation of results, quality assurance. Prerequisites: CH 117, MT 400 or CLS 550. 4 hours.
CLS 541. Hematology II.--Structure and function of hematopoietic and lymphatic tissue. Stem cell differentiation, hematopoiesis, erythrocyte and leukocyte kinetics. Laboratory diagnosis and case management of anemia, lymphoma, myeloma, acute and chronic leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Application of cell morphology, cell population scatterplots and histograms, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, molecular methods, and cytogenetics. Hematology laboratory problem solving. Prerequisites: MT 400 or CLS 550, MT 340 or CLS 540. 4 hours.
CLS 600. Quality Management in Clinical Laboratory Markets.--TQM/CQI change management practices, comparison and contrast to scientific management theory, principles, practices, tactics and evaluation of practices which support performance improvement for individuals, groups, and organizational business unit performance; quality management (QM) elements and interrelationships intended to achieve internal and external customer satisfaction; tactics supportive for implementation and internalization of internal support structures needed by internal customers so that commitment to improving personal competencies in knowledge, skills, abilities, service behaviors and intended performance achievement are more likely to occur; practices needed to achieve internal and external customer satisfaction and customer value/retention behaviors. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 601. Designing Effective Laboratory Medicine Services.
--Application of organizational theory and behavior principles to operations of laboratory medicine services; structural, contextual, and system/processes factors that impact delivery of services; outcomes to include tactic applications needed for maximizing personal and organizational performance behaviors and results; analysis of strategies and tactics for achieving exceptional and evolving service relationships with internal and external customers. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 602. Managing Clinical Laboratory Financial and Cost Accounting Operations.--Clinical laboratory approach to cost accounting, project management principles, reimbursement and fee determination mechanisms, budgeting practices, performance indicators/ratios, lease vs. buy decision criteria, and micro-costing practices linked with quality or performance management, legislation/regulations, external stakeholders, utilization management, billing practices, fraud and abuse/compliance practices, outcomes cost analysis models and factors influencing cost accounting practices in clinical laboratory and in vitro diagnostic industries. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 603. Strategic Human Performance Technology for Laboratory Medicine Professionals.--Human performance technology and interventions to improve individual, unit, and organizational performance focusing on systems and processes; techniques for designing high performance work units and service culture, process control and optimization of clinical laboratories, material and process flow, management of specimens, equipment, products, informatics and fit of people, technology, and internal marketing practices. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 605. Transfusion Service Management.--Regulatory and compliance issues; inspection and accreditation; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); historical perspective and future directions; basic concepts of management and management theory; legal and employment issues; personnel interview, selection, discipline, competency assessment, and performance management; ethical issues; quality assessment, management, and improvement; blood bank computer systems; budget, financial management, and cost assessment. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 606. Advanced Immunology Clinical Practice.
--Directed clinical practice: laboratory procedures and methods of evaluation and monitoring organ function, disease presence and progression, therapy; instrumentation, quality assurance practices; safety. Prerequisities: CLS 525 and permission of instructor. 1 hour.
CLS 607. Advanced Chemistry Clinical Practice.
--Directed clinical practice: laboratory procedures and methods of evaluating and monitoring organ function, disease presence and progression, therapy; instrumentation, quality assurance practices; safety. Prerequisites: MT 520 and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 608. Advanced Hematology Clinical Practice.
--Directed clinical practice in hematology, hemostasis, and body fluids laboratory procedures and methods, problem-solving, quality control, preventive maintenance, and safety. Prerequisites: MT 400 or CLS 550, MT 340 or CLS 540, MT 441 or CLS 541. 3 hours.
CLS 609. Advanced Immunohematology Clinical Practice.
--Directed clinical practice: laboratory procedures and methods of evaluating and monitoring organ function, disease presence and progression, therapy; instrumentation, quality assurance practices; safety. Prerequisites: MT 430 and permission of instructor. 2 hours.
CLS 610. Advanced Technology Assessment.--Analysis of technology assessment information for test methods and instruments utilized in diagnostic laboratory medicine services; experience with determining and evaluating performance characteristics and clinical utility information for specific diagnostic test procedures; application of quality management practices to establish the diagnostic accuracy of products sold and to establish process quality for services delivered; application of critical thinking skills to evaluate methodological and substantive validity of correlation and evaluation studies relevant to laboratory medicine practices. Prerequisite: BST 601-602, CLS 693, and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 612. Advanced Microbiolgy Clinical Practice.
--Directed clinical practice: laboratory procedures and methods of evaluating and monitoring organ function, disease presence and progression, therapy; instrumentation, quality assurance practices; safety. Prerequisites: MT 336 and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 620. Applications of Educational Methodology.--Curriculum and course development and implementation, objectives, application of learning theory to educational strategies, laboratory teaching techniques; preparing a teaching laboratory budget, observation and supervised practice teaching, measurement and evaluation, presentation techniques. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 hours.
CLS 625. Principles of Blood Cell and Bone Marrow Counting.
--Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy preparation and visual examination; review of normal and disease morphology; determination of bone marrow cellularity and myeloid:erythroid ratio. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 hour.
CLS 630. Advanced Hemostasis.--Plasma coagulation system and cellular systems comprising hemostasis. Pathophysiology, laboratory diagnosis, and case management for congenital and acquired thrombotic and hemorrhagic disorders. Quality and efficacy issues affecting hemostasis laboratory diagnosis. Prerequisites: MT 400 or CLS 550, MT 340 or CLS 540, MT 441 or CLS 541. 1-2 hours.
CLS 632. Advanced Hematology.--Pathophysiology of hematologic disease. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy preparation and visual examination; review of normal and disease morphology; determination of bone marrow cellularity and myeloid:erythroid ratio. Advanced laboratory techniques for diagnosis and monitoring of hematologic disease. Prerequisites: MT 400 or CLS 550, MT 340 or CLS 540, MT 441 or CLS 541. 3 hours.
CLS 637. Emerging Diagnostic Technologies.--Emerging diagnostic technologies for use in clinical laboratories, including methods for molecular microbiology, oncology, hematology, genetics, and identity testing; flow cytometry, automation, and robotics. Review of rapid tests and new in vitro methodologies; economic factors; regulations and licensing issues; accreditation criteria; and social, ethical, and legal issues associated with emerging in vitro diagnostic technologies. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 2 hours.
CLS 642. Infectious Disease Principles.--Microbial virulence factors, host defense mechanisms, and methods of transmission; major clinical syndromes, infectious diseases and their etiologic agents with focus on microbial detection and/or isolation, identification of isolates and antimicrobic studies; issues of quality and performance management, resources utilization, and role of clinical microbiology laboratories/laboratory practitioners. Prerequisite: MT 336 and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 643. Microbial Epidemiology Principles.--Epidemiology principles related to special host infections; notifiable diseases; surveillance methods, nosocomial infections; infection control practices; antimicrobial resistance; emerging infectious diseases' prevention strategies and bioterrorism issues. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 650. Immunology.--Antigens, antibodies, cytokines; cellular and humoral immune response; genetics of immune system; complement; phagocytosis; adhesion molecules; major histocompatibility complex; antigen presentation and T and B cell activation; mucosal immunology; transplantation. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 hour.
CLS 663. Blood Transfusion Therapy.--Red cell metabolism, survival, and preservation; collection of blood for allogeneic and autologous transfusion; blood component preparation, storage, therapy, and indications for transfusion; physiology of blood loss and transfusion replacement; use of blood substitutes, immunomodulation by transfusion; immune mechanism of red cell destruction; other adverse effects of transfusion; immunology of hepatitis, HIV and other transfusion-transmitted infections; bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplant; transfusion for oncology, pediatric neonatal, obstetric, and transplant patients; hemolytic disease of newborn. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 664. Advanced Immunohematology.--Red cell blood group systems: antigens and antibodies, phenotypes, molecular biology, immunogenetics, biochemistry, serology and clinical significance of antibodies; parentage testing; auto antibodies; drug induced red cell sensitization; advanced techniques for problem solving; case studies. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 675. Advanced Clinical Chemistry.--Method evaluation; nutrition and wellness assessment, endocrinology evaluation, reproductive and pregnancy monitoring; pharmocokinetics, therapeutic drug monitoring and drugs of abuse; lipids; heme synthesis and evaluation; organ system evaluation and application of total testing process to error reduction; preparation for accreditation; nanotechnology, reference intervals and biological variation. Prerequisite: MT 320 and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 684. Clinical Practicum.--Directed clinical practice; advanced laboratory procedures and methods; quality control systems, preventive maintenance, problem solving, safety. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
CLS 686. Special Topics in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.--Selected advanced topics of current scientific, clinical, and professional importance; specific topics designed to meet student need and interest. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-4 hours.
CLS 688. Managing and Marketing Laboratory Medicine Services.--Marketing management methods and evaluation of marketing tactics; examination of service management principles and elements of customer service-driven organizations in managed care/integrated systems environment; skills, abilities, and knowledge necessary for creating a service-, customer-, and market-oriented clinical laboratory industry. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 692. Immunohematology Seminar.--Current clinical, administrative, professional, and research developments in immunohematology and transfusion medicine. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 hour.
CLS 693. Scientific Publications Analysis.--Review and scientific critique of current literature related to laboratory medicine, overview of research design and interpretation of statistics, sources of publication journals and government documents, content and style of scientific paper. Prerequisite: biostatistics and permission of instructor. 3 hours.
CLS 698. Master's Level Non-Thesis Research.-- Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
CLS 699. Master's Level Thesis Research.--Implementation of research. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
Course Descriptions - Cytotechnology (CT)
CT 401. Gynecologic Cytopathology I.
Cytology as a health profession; historical development, purpose, and ethics of cytology; proper use of the microscope; classification of cells and tissue; cell activity, injury, adaptation, degeneration, and death; cytogenetics; inflammation and repair; basic immunology; blood and hemodynamic disorders; anatomy, histology, and normal cytology of the female genital tract; cyclic changes in vaginal, cervical, and endometrial epithelium; histology and cytology of pregnancy and menopause; vaginal flora and parasites; hormonal cytology and endocrinopathies; and cytologic effects of parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Prerequisite: admission to program. 5 hours.
CT 402. Gynecologic Cytopathology II.
Neoplasia and general criteria of malignancy; cytology of precancerous lesions and malignant tumors of the female genital tract with reference to clinical aspects, degrees, and types of tumors; effects of radiation and chemotherapy; reporting systems; rare/unusual diagnostic entities; liquid-based cytology; and seminar & journal club on related topics. Prerequisite: CT 401 & 421. 5 hours.
CT 403. Laboratory Operations.
Gynecologic & non-gynecologic specimen handling; routine and special preparatory techniques; Papanicolaou staining principles and procedure; special stains; record keeping & filing of slides & requisitions; adjuvant technologies: IHC, EM, flow cytometry, & molecular techniques; laboratory management; CLIA regulations; and QA/QC. Prerequisite: CT 402 & 422. 2 hours.
CT 411. Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology I.
Anatomy, histology, and normal and abnormal cytology of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract including rare/unusual diagnostic entities and seminar & journal club on related topics. Prerequisite: CT 403. 5 hours.
CT 412. Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology II.
Anatomy, histology, and normal and abnormal cytology of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the serous cavities, central nervous system and aspiration cytology from all areas of the body including rare/unusual diagnostic entities and seminar & journal club on related topics. Prerequisite: CT 411 & 424. 5 hours.
CT 421. Gynecologic Cytopathology I Laboratory
Microscopic evaluation of anatomy, histology, and normal cytology of the female genital tract; cyclic changes in vaginal, cervical, and endometrial epithelium; histology and cytology of pregnancy and menopause; vaginal flora and parasites; hormonal cytology and endocrinopathies; and cytologic effects of parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Prerequisite: concurrent with CT 401. 2 hours.
CT 422. Gynecologic Cytopathology II Laboratory.
Microscopic evaluation of cytology of precancerous lesions and malignant tumors of the female genital tract, degrees, and types of tumors; effects of radiation and chemotherapy; and liquid-based cytology. Prerequisite: concurrent with CT 402. 3 Hours.
CT 424. Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology I Laboratory.
Microscopic evaluation of normal and abnormal cytology of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract including rare/unusual diagnostic entities. Prerequisite: concurrent with CT 411. 2 hours.
CT 425. Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology II Laboratory.
Microscopic evaluation of normal and abnormal cytology of diseases involving serous cavities with particular reference to tumor types and primary site of tumors; anatomy, histology, and normal and abnormal cytology of the central nervous system; aspiration cytology; and rare/unusual diagnostic entities. Prerequisite: concurrent with CT 412. 3 hours.
CT 490, 491, 492. Clinical Practicum I, II, III.
Clinical practice in evaluation of cytologic material and initial diagnostic work-up at assigned clinical sites. Prerequisite: CT 412 & 425. 4 hours
Course Descriptions - Health Administration (HA)
HA 602. Introduction to Health Care Systems.--U.S. health care system. Historical context; systems theory; analysis of organizational components; health services personnel; national, state, and local government roles; financing mechanisms; demography; mortality and morbidity; quality assurance; political issues; and trends in progress. Individual and group projects and field trips. Prerequisite: HA student or permission of instructor. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3-5 hours.
HA 605. Health Policy and Politics in the United States.--Policy-making process in U.S. Review of forces influencing policy-making, legislative process, and evolution of U.S. health policy. 3 hours.
HA 607. Decision Science for Health Services Administration.--Day-to-day operational aspects of health services administration through use of required readings, case studies, class discussions, and class assignments. Prerequisite: HA 602. 3 hours.
HA 609. Managing with Professionals.--Special challenges and opportunities for health services executives in working with physicians and other clinical professionals. Review of professional education and socialization processes and examination of ways to bring together clinical and administrative concerns. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 611. Managed Care.--Examination of factors that influence future direction of managed care. Changing relationships among major stakeholders. Broad areas of discussion including market dynamics, product characteristics, reimbursement methodologies, contracting issues, management information systems, government initiatives, legal and ethical issues, and future trends. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours. (Also GER 611)
HA 612. Essentials of Health and Human Disease.--Essentials of health and human disease related to normal and abnormal physiology. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 613. Health Law.--Selected legal principles and their application to health field. Legal aspects of corporate liability, medical malpractice, admission and discharge processes, medical staff bylaws, informed consent, nursing, patients' rights, medical records, and governmental regulation of personnel and health facilities. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 614. Process Improvement.--Customer driven process involving team and process thinking and application of statistical tools to way in which work is accomplished. Provides students with knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to implement, facilitate, and coordinate continuous quality improvement activities in health care environments. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 618. Seminar in Health Services Administration--The purpose of the seminar is to introduce MSHA students to current management and clinical issues beyond the range of the didactic component of the curriculum. The seminar provides an opportunity to reinforce the skills, knowledge and abilities that will be required if students are to effectively transition into their administrative residency and professional health management practice. 1 hour.
HA 620. Health Care Financial Management I.--Application of financial management techniques to decision making for health care providers. Financial management functions and organizations, financial statement analysis, working capital management, present value analysis, capital budgeting, cost of capital, variance analysis, financing techniques, and financial analysis case studies. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 621. Health Care Financial Management II.--Analytical and synthetic aspects of financial management tools. Project method and case studies used to supplement theory. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 622. Financial Management for Health Professionals.--Financial statements, cost allocation, capital budgeting, time value analysis, reimbursement, financial risk and return, long-term debt financing, capital structure, cost of capital, and analysis of financial performance. Prerequisite: graduate level health profession student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.(Also HI 622)
HA 625. Strategic Planning and Management.--Methods for strategic planning and management of health services organizations. Techniques for determining strategies for unique services, integration
of strategy, structure, and administrative systems. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 631. Organization Theory and Behavior.--Introduction to organization theory and behavior with applications to health services organizations. Topics include organizational structure, organization/ environment relationships, organizational performance, power and leadership, perception, attitudes, motivation, communication, and group dynamics. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 632. Quantitative Methods in Health Services Administration.--Selected mathematical, statistical, and computer applications and statistical techniques applied to decision making in hospitals and health care organizations. Prerequisite: HA student or permission of instructor. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours. (Also HI 632)
HA 635. Human Resources Management in Health Services Administration.--Human resources management issues, including strategic role of employee selection, appraisal, rewards, and
development, applications to health care sector, labor relations, and unique aspects of labor law relevant to health care organizations. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 636. Integrated Health Care Delivery Systems.--Examination of emergence and role of integrated delivery systems with specific attention to rationale for development, driving forces, management and organizational functions, and other types of network organizations. Review of performance issues and measures. Case studies and applied projects. 3 hours.
HA 637. Leadership.--Individual leadership talents in handling various organizational challenges, such as leading organization change, building strong culture, developing effective teams, resolving conflicts, implementing effective motivational systems, and nurturing a learning organization. Prerequisite: HA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
HA 638. Microcomputers in Health Services Administration.--Application of one or more of major microcomputer software programs. Focus on programs not covered in other courses which are important to health care managers. Optional as independent study course devoted to particular program of interest. 1-3 hours.
HA 640. Information Systems and Management Science in Health Services Administration.--Introductory course that provides basic vocabulary and principles of modern information architectures. Computer networking and communication technologies needed to
support modern information infrastructures. Emphasis on management and use of information to support management decision making. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 641. Health Technology Assessment.--Basic techniques of evaluation of health related drugs, devices, and procedures. Study of improving outcomes while constraining costs, making choices among alternative technologies and scientific methods of doing so. Issues of cost/benefit assessments and social, legal, and ethical problems raised in technology assessment. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 643. Long Term Care Administration.--Seminar analysis of effect of chronic conditions and aging on delivery of health services, nursing homes and alternatives, mental health facilities and agencies, and rehabilitation facilities and services. Field trips and individual research projects. 3 hours. (Also GER 643)
HA 644. Seminar: Issues in Ambulatory Care and Medical Group Management.--Overview to the field of ambulatory care and physician practice management. Emphasis on outpatient care. 3 hours.
HA 645. Health Economics.--Economic analysis applied to health services sector; concept of efficiency applied to production and distribution of health services, health insurance, government programs, health care personnel, and health services organizations; current public policy issues; emphasis on student application of economic principles to health care issues. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours. (Also AH 700, HCO 701)
HA 655. Seminar: Synthesis of Health Services Administration.--Case method and problem-solving applications. Integration of materials presented during previous academic coursework. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 2-3 hours each term of residency.
HA 661. Seminar: Social Issues in Health Services Administration.--Social issues confronting and influencing health care delivery systems; maximum student participation in research and conduct of seminar; optional individual research project. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 671. Health Care Marketing.--Introductory survey of marketing concepts as applied to health services organizations. Consumer behavior, market segmentation, target marketing, marketing research, management, and control of marketing mix variables. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 3 hours.
HA 672. Health Care Entrepreneurship--This course provides a overview of the principle components of health care entrepreneurship, including business planning, raising funds, and the entrepreneurial activity and promoting innovation in existing healthcare organizations (intrapreneurial ventures). 3 hours.
HA 690. Administrative Residency.--Structured field experience providing mentoring relationship with preceptor, observation of management processes within health services organization, and application of administrative theory and techniques. 2-6 hours each term of residency.
HA 695.--Independent Study. Course offered via Internet for Executive HA students. 1-6 hours.
HA 697.--Independent Study. 3 hours.
Course Descriptions - Health Informatics (HI)
HI 600. Analysis and Design of Health Information Systems. Requirements, concepts, methods, and tools in analyzing, modeling, and designing health information systems with emphasis on clinical systems. Prerequisites: HI 585 or two undergraduate computer courses including visual programming. 4 hours.
HI 601. Databases and Data Modeling. Concepts of data modeling, data architectures, and data administration. Study of various models with application to current health information projects. One hour required weekly in Health Informatics Computer Lab applying database skills. Prerequisite: HI 600 or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
HI 602. Clinical and Administrative Systems. Foundations of clinical information use starting with information collection, processing (e.g., decision making) and recording. All aspects of clinical information use in inpatient and outpatient facilities. Special emphasis on the clinician's work to support enterprise-wide health care delivery. Prerequisites: HI 605, and 640 or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
HI 605. Communications and Networks. Architecture of enterprise-wide voice, data, and video communication systems of healthcare organizations and its implications for information systems. Fundamental concepts of local and wide-area networks using various transmission media including copper, glass (optical), and wireless technologies. Transmission and switching components; network security and fault-tolerance; emerging high-speed data access to the Internet. One hour required weekly in Health Informatics Computer Lab applying communication/networking skills. Prerequisites: HI student or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
HI 610. Health Care Information Resources Management. Concepts and techniques in health care enterprises for information resources management through case study. Resource allocation, techniques for prioritization and control, project management, system installation, and operational fundamentals for information services. Prerequisites: HI 640 or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
HI 612. Organizational Behavior and Leadership. Systematic examination of human behavior in organizational settings with special application to health care organizations. Emphasis on study of individuals and small groups; personality, perception, attitudes, motivation, communication, and leadership. Case discussions and textbook readings. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours.
HI 615. Administrative and Clinical Decision Support Systems. Examination of the role of information systems in supporting administrative and clinical decision-making in health care enterprises. Case studies of the design and use of computer-based decision support and modeling systems. Prerequisites: HI 640 and or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
HI 620. Security and Privacy in Health Care. Security and privacy issues, legislation, regulations, and accreditation standards unique to health care domain. Technical security of networks, databases, audit mechanisms and control. Prerequisites: HI 602, 605, and 640, or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
HI 630. Strategic Planning and Contracting for Health Information Systems. Theory, practice, and processes needed for strategic planning of integrated health information systems. Assessing benefits of enterprise-wide information integration and tactics needed to realize these benefits. Steps needed for developing strategic plans that are aligned with goals of health care institutions using case studies and in team projects. Development of a Request for Proposal (RFP) based on strategic plans. Critique and practice of skills needed to negotiate contracts with vendors. Prerequisites: HI 600, 601, 602, 605, and 640, or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
HI 640. Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Delivery. History and current status of information systems in health care and health care information systems. Information architectures, administrative and clinical applications, strategic planning, security, and benefits realization. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3-4 hours.
HI 645. Project Management. IT project management in a healthcare setting. Formal project management techniques, specific case studies, as well as, organizational dynamics. This course is only required of students enrolled in the dual MSHA/MSHI degree program. The course will cover the requirements necessary for formal certification. 3 hours
Thesis, Project, or Administrative Internship:
Students without significant healthcare work experience will complete a traditional internship (8 hours) with a preceptor at a pre-approved site from the student's contacts or from our comprehensive data bank of internship sites. Students with healthcare experience may elect to complete an internship or a 6-hour project, with two one-hour mentoring courses in the terms prior to their projects. Mentors can be individuals who are considered thought-leaders or seasoned professionals in the student's proposed area of interest/discovery. Preparation might include higher level skill development through and "lessons learned/journaling projects."
The UAB Graduate School requires that you be enrolled during the semester in which you plan to graduate.
HI 690. Administrative Internship. Structured field experiences in health care or other enterprises associated with health care industry. Includes a mentoring relationship with a preceptor and an opportunity for application of information resource management theory and strategies. Foundation for professional development and assists in refining skills and behaviors necessary for successful practice in a complex professional, social, political, and technological environment. Prerequisite: Permission of Internship Coordinator. 4-8 hours.
HI 698. Master's Level Non-thesis Research. Rigorous project that provides opportunity for focused investigation of informatics problem in real-world setting and for application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. Investigation and application of theory through practical implementation project. Conducted during Administrative Internship; may be repeated for credit (minimum of 8 credit hours required for graduation). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 4-8 hours.
Course Descriptions - Health Information Management (HIM)
HIM 318. Survey of Human Anatomy & Physiology. -- Survey course on the structure and function of the body. A systems approach emphasizing physiology of the whole body Course also offered via Internet. 4 hours
HIM 405. Clinical Information I. -- Study of diseases with emphasis on medical terminology relevant to clinical documentation in inpatient and outpatient health care settings. Course content includes manifestation of disease, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and pharmacology for selected body systems. Prerequisite: HIM student or permission of instructor, Human Anatomy and Physiology. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 410. Clinical Information II. -- Study of diseases with emphasis on medical terminology relevant to clinical documentation in inpatient and outpatient health care settings. Course content includes manifestation of disease, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and pharmacology for selected body systems. Prerequisite: HIM student or permission of instructor, Human Anatomy and Physiology. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 415. Introduction to Health Information Management. -- Study of HIM profession and employment opportunities; functions of a HIM department and ancillary hospital departments; professional ethics; HIM professional associations; applications of principles of management to the efficient administration of health information services ; numbering, filing and preservation of records; master patient index and the role of JCAHO and other accrediting agencies. Prerequisite: HIM student. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 416. Health Data Concepts. -- Study of the origin, uses, content and format of health care data across the continuum of health care including both paper and electronic health records; accreditation, certification, and licensure standards applicable to health care data; qualitative and quantitative analysis of health care data; forms and screen design and control. Co-requisite: HIM 415. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours
HIM 425. Epidemiology and Applied Statistics in Health Care Organizations. -- Concepts of epidemiology; basic biostatistics; vital statistics; data collection and data presentation; study designs. Prerequisite: HIM student. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 430, 431. Clinical I, II. -- Supervised projects/assignments at approved clinical sites where student applies theory taught concurrently in classroom; emphasis on development of role competencies and professional conduct. Prerequisite: HIM student. 1 hour each.
HIM 440. ICD-9-CM Coding. -- Diagnostic and procedural coding including the principles of ICD-9-CM coding and UHDDS guidelines. Prerequisite: HIM student or permission of instructor, HIM 405, Anatomy and Physiology. Course also offered via Internet. 4 hours.
HIM 443. Information Resource Management. -- Overview of information management functions related to obtaining, managing, and using information to improve patient outcomes and health care facility performance in patient care, governance, management, and support processes. Prerequisite: HIM student. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 450. Clinical Research Methods. -- Study of design concepts and information systems to support clinical and health services research and investigation, e.g. drug companies, genetic engineering firms, academic institutions and individual researchers; major national research policy-making bodies, their research protocols and their management of information. Students will perform statistical analysis and display of data and results and will critically evaluate published reports of clinical and epidemiological studies. Pre-requisite: HIM 425. 3 hours
HIM 455. Reimbursement and Regulatory Requirements for HIM. -- Financial aspects of healthcare involving prospective reimbursement; managing the coding function in healthcare organization; quality assurance of coded data; DRGs and other case mix systems; security issues under HIPAA. Pre-requisites: HIM 440 and 460. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 458. Clinical Terminologies and Vocabularies. -- Overview of clinical terminologies, vocabularies and classification systems including purposes, organization and structures, mappings in the electronic health record (EHR), and future roles in HIM. Course also offered via Internet. 2 hours.
HIM 460. Coding/Classification Systems. -- Ambulatory care coding CPT 4, HCPCS, ICPC for outpatient facilities and physician offices and secondary nomenclatures and classifications schemes, including: Systematized Nomenclature of Human and Veterinary Medicine (SNOMED); International Classification of Disease Oncology; (ICD 0); Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM IV); and Federal Coding and reporting requirements for ambulatory care. Pre-requisites: HIM 405; 415; co-requisite: HIM 410. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 465. Clinical Evaluation and Outcomes Research. -- Review of current approaches to measuring, evaluating, and reporting clinical outcomes in health care organizations. Prerequisite: HIM student. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 470. Data Management. -- Data collection for enterprise; reportable and specialized databases; data mining of healthcare data; data information; file structures; data security; and data retrieval. Pre-requisites: AHS 435; HIM 415.; HIM student. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
HIM 480. Internship. -- Focused internship in approved health care facility; emphasis on evaluation of managerial organization of facility and Health Information Management Department (HIM), and management responsibilities of director of HIM services. Prerequisite: HIM student. Must have completed all didactic HIM courses. Co-requisite: HIM 481. 6 hours.
HIM 481. Issues in HIM Seminar. -- Current developments in HIM, emphasizing managerial implications. Prerequisite: HIM student. Must have completed all didactic HIM courses. Co-requisite: HIM 480. Course also offered via Internet. 3 hours.
Course Descriptions - Medical Technology (MT)
MT 400. Health and Safety Management.--Review of infection control principles focused on blood borne, airborne, drug-resistant and opportunistic pathogens, and general health and safety guidelines and standards. 1 hour.
MT 403. Body Fluids.-- Diagnosis and monitoring renal and systemic disease through the physical, biochemical, and microscopic analysis of urine and feces. Diagnosis of central nervous system and systemic disease through cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Diagnosis of metabolic and infectious disease through analysis of peritoneal fluid, synovial fluid, transudates, and exudates. Fertility testing using semen analysis. 1 hour.
MT 404. Body Fluid Laboratory.-- Diagnosis and monitoring renal and systemic disease through the physical, biochemical, and microscopic analysis of urine and feces. Diagnosis of central nervous system and systemic disease through cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Diagnosis of metabolic and infectious disease through analysis of peritoneal fluid, synovial fluid, transudates, and exudates. Fertility testing using semen analysis. 1 hour.
MT 405. Laboratory Management.-- Roles and functions of clinical laboratories and practitioners; professionalism and ethics; educational methodology and training; professional and interpersonal communication; behavioral aspects of management; leadership styles and management theory; team-building; legal issues related to employment; recruitment, interview and selection of personnel; organizational culture and behavioral change; laboratory operations; safety, governmental regulations, standards and compliance; marketing, outreach, and business plan; budget, cost analysis, reimbursement; critical pathways, decision-making, test utilization; performance improvement, quality assessment; risk management, evidence-based laboratory medicine. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course (QEP). 3 hours.
MT 406. Laboratory Techniques.--Overview of issues and skills surrounding working in the modern laboratory environment; includes safety, collection of specimens, equipment, mathematics, measurements, microscopy, dilutions, quality assurance, basic spectrophotometry, phlebotomy, automation of laboratory testing and lab computers. 2 hours.
MT 418. Immunology.--Physiology of immune responses to infectious agents, tumors, and transplants; abnormal responses: hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunoproliferative disorders, and immunodeficiencies; antigen-antibody reactions; complement 4 hours.
MT 419. Immunology Laboratory.--Specimen requirements, principle, procedure, clinical signficance, and sources of error of common clinical immunology tests; performance and interpretation of tests; application of results to clinical situations. 1 hour.
MT 423. Clinical Microbiology.--Reservoirs, modes of transmission, disease associations, and morphological and biochemical characteristics of microorganisms commonly isolated in the clinical laboratory; methods used to isolate and identify bacteria, parasites, and fungi. 3 hours.
MT 424. Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.--Performance of techniques and tests used in the isolation and identification of bacteria, fungi, and parasites commonly seen in a clinical microbiology laboratory. 1 hour.
MT 426. Instrumentation and Automation.--This course includes the study of the theory and principles of automation and instrumentation used in laboratories. An emphasis will be placed on quality control, quality assurance, instrumentation principles, basic statistics, and the regulatory and economic issues encountered in laboratories including, clinical labs, health labs, government labs, private labs, and other laboratories. 3 hours.
MT 427. Instrumentation and Automation Laboratory.--This course includes the practical application of automation and instrumentation used in laboratories. An emphasis will be placed on quality control, quality assurance, instrumentation principles, basic statistics, and the regulatory, and economic issues encountered in laboratories including, clinical labs, health labs, government labs, private labs and other laboratories. 1 hour.
MT 428. Hematology I.--Systematic examination of the normal hematologic and hemastatic systems: blood cell production, structure and function; blood cell morphology; performance, evaluation and interpretation of routine and special tests; primary hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis. The course includes a mandatory laboratory component. 4 hours.
MT 430. Immunohematology.--Analyze blood group antigen-antibody reactions; donor blood collection and testing; serological characteristics and immunogenetics of the major blood group systems; pretransfusion testing, basic and advanced techniques of antibody identification and problem-solving; transfusion therapy; laboratory evaluation of hemolytic disease of the newborn; and the investigation of immune coating of red cells in vivo, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Application of theory and problem-solving skills is emphasized. 4 hours.
MT 431. Immunohematology Laboratory.--Performance and evaluation of red cell phenotyping, antibody detection and identification, pretransfusion testing, and laboratory investigation to diagnosis and treat hemolytic anemias and adverse affects of transfusion. 1 hour.
MT 432.Hematology II.--Pathaology of the hematologic and hemostatic systems: anemias, leukopenias, myelogyplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative syndromes, chronic leukemias, acute leukemias, primary hemostatic disorders, coagulopathies, thrombophilia, and interpretation and correlation of laboratory data supporting diagnosis and management or treatment. The course includes a mandatory laboratory component.. 4 hours.
MT 438. Infectious Diseases.-- Pathogenic mechanisms of infectious diseases; normal flora and pathogens of various body sites; methods for collection, transport, and culturing different types of clinical specimens; interpretation of cultures. 3 hours.
MT 439. Infectious Diseases Laboratory.--Performance and interpretation of direct Gram stains; culturing various types of clinical specimens for isolation of bacteria; performing and interpreting tests used in the culture results; antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance testing. 2 hours.
MT 442. Molecular Diagnostics.--The course will focus on the development of knowledge in and the fundamental principles of: molecular biochemistry, medical genetics, molecular pathology, performance, evaluation and interpretation of molecular tests. 2 hours.
MT 443. Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory.--The course will focus on applications and analysis, and the development of competencies in nucleic acid isolation, analysis of nucleic acids and protein, cytogenetics, PCR and others. 2 hours.
MT 451. Clinical Chemistry.--Theory of clinical laboratory techniques to identify and quantitate chemical analytes in body fluids and the correlation of these analytes to human disease. 3 hours.
MT 452. Clinical Chemistry Laboratory.-- Performance of laboratory techniques used to identify and quantitate chemical analytes in body fluids and the correlation of these analytes to human disease. 1 hour.
MT 455. Research Principles.-- Clinical research principles and methods relevant to laboratory medicine assays; applications of descriptive and inferential statistics with diagnostic assay accuracy studies; development of competencies for critical analyses of empirical research papers to determine quality of empirical evidence and the operating characteristics of the diagnostic assays studied and the planning process for verification studies of diagnostic assays. Quantitative Literacy is a significant component of this course (QEP). 2 hours.
MT 460. Clinical Correlations.-- Correlate clinical, technical and analytical proficiencies that comprise clinical laboratory science practice. Analyze and interpret case studies through selection, application, and interpretation of clinical laboratory protocols. Writing is a significant component of this course (QEP). 3 hours.
MT 470. Certification Review.-- Review of medical technology/clinical laboratory science body of knowledge with required comprehensive trial certification final examination using self-directed online materials. Experience with the development of a personal certification maintenance plan to meet requirements defined by national certification agencies in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. 1 hour.
MT 495. Clinical Practices.-- Capstone course involves directed clinical practice in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology and immunohematology with focused activities to reinforce, integrate and apply knowledge obtained throughout the curriculum. Students will organize, build on, and reflect on previous assignments/experiences to demonstrate attainment of discipline-specific writing, quantitative literacy, ethical issues, and civic engagement. 1-12 hours.
Course Descriptions - Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT)
NMT 304. Physics for Technologists.--Mechanics, static and dynamic fluids, wave motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light; fundamental concepts of physics with mathematical formulation to enhance problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: MA 105. 8 hours.
NMT 400. Introduction to Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technology.--Overview of professional organizations and nuclear medicine; hospital organization; medical terminology; medical records; introduction to other imaging modalities. Prerequisite: admission to program. 2 hours.
NMT 404. Patient Care.-- Basic patient care theory and techniques required for radiography and nuclear medicine technology. Prerequisite: admission to program. 2 hours. (Also RAD 202)
NMT 410. Medical Radiation Physics.--Qualitative and quantitative concepts of radiation physics pertaining to medical applications in nuclear medicine, radiology, and radiation therapy; atomic and nuclear structure, radioactive decay, properties of radiation; x-ray production; artificial production; photon interactions in matter and shielding attenuation processes. Prerequisite: admission to program. 4 hours. (Also RAD 401)
NMT 411. Nuclear Radiation Physics Laboratory.--Application and demonstration of radiation physics concepts; emphasis on mathematical computations and graphing relevant to nuclear medicine
practice. Prerequisite: admission to program. 1 hour.
NMT 417. Physics and Instrumentation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.--Fundamental physical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon, including structure of atom, concept of
resonance, Larmor frequency, magnetogyric ratio, T1 and T2, and methods of generating magnetic fields; theory of operation of NMR spectrometers and imagers, including function of basic components, effects of linear gradients, signal processing, slice definition, and image reconstruction. Prerequisites: PH 201/211 lab, PH 202/212 lab, NMT 304, or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NMT 420. Instrumentation I.--Theoretical and practical concepts in radiation detection instrumentation; calibration, maintenance standards; practical uses of gaseous detectors, scintillation detectors, and multichannel analyzers; quality assurance testing for nuclear medicine instrumentation including GM detectors, ionization chambers, and scintillation detectors; gamma spectrometry of
all commonly used nuclear medicine radionuclides; scintillation cameras. Prerequisite: admission to program. 4 hours.
NMT 421. Instrumentation II.--Principles of in vivo and in vitro counting and imaging using probe counters, well counters, and scintillation cameras; introduction to SPECT technology; scintillation camera quality control; types of collimators, their use and function in nuclear medicine; computer fundamentals, software; operating systems. Prerequisites: NMT 410, 411, 420. 3 hours.
NMT 422. Computer Applications and Advanced Instrumentation.--Clinical application of data processing techniques; principles of tomographic imaging; SPECT/PET image reconstruction, filtering, and attenuation correction; quality control of tomographic systems. Prerequisites: NMT 420, 431, 432. 3 hours.
NMT 431, 432. Nuclear Medicine Procedures I, II.--Applied anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, skeletal, endocrine, central nervous, and hematopoietic systems; clinical indications for nuclear medicine procedures; technical aspects of performing nuclear medicine examinations; pertinent pathology. Prerequisite: admission to program. 2 hours; 6 hours.
NMT 440. Radiation Protection.--Principles and methods of radiation protection, health physics units, measurement, and dose-limiting regulations for occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed individuals; radiation surveys; techniques and decontamination methods; monitoring of radioactive waste, radiation dose measurements, and radionuclide accountability; special topics, including precautions with brachytherapy patients, with patients receiving therapeutic amounts of radionuclides, and in management of accidentally contaminated individuals. Prerequisites: NMT 410, 411, 420. 3 hours.
NMT 441. Radiation Biology.--Physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms involved in action of different types of radiations on living cells and their components. Prerequisite: NMT 410. 2 hours. (Also RAD 336)
NMT 451. Seminar I.--Patient interaction, communication, and interviewing skills. Prerequisite: admission to program. 1 hour.
NMT 452. Seminar II.--Introduction to medical law and ethics; issues and codes of conduct in health facilities. Prerequisite: admission to program. 1 hour.
NMT 453. Seminar III.--Review of current literature applied to case study presentation. Prerequisite: admission to program. 1 hour.
NMT 460. Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy.--Fundamental concepts of radiopharmaceutical production; basic radiochemistry, radionuclide generator systems; design criteria of radiopharmaceuticals and mechanism of localization; Tc-99m, and Cr-51 radioiodine labeling; quality assurance of Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals, radiochemical and radionuclidic purity, sterility,
and pyrogenicity. Prerequisites: NMT 410, 411, 420, 421, 431, 432, 440. 3 hours.
NMT 491, 492, 493. Clinical Practice I, II, III.--Directed clinical practice: in vivo procedures; instrumentation quality control; radiopharmacy; applied radiation safety procedures. Prerequisites: admission to program and permission of instructor. Total credit: 16-21 semester hours (491 - 5 hours, 492 - 4 or 6 hours, 493 - 7 or 10 hours). Only 14 semester hours apply toward baccalaureate degree.
Course Descriptions - Nurse Anesthesia (NA)
NA 600. Research Methods and Statistics.--This online course will introduce the student to clinical research methods and review concepts involved in descriptive and inferential Statistics. Topics covered include, overview of the research process, literature review, research hypothesis, research designs, sample selection, measurement methods, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. 3 hours.
NA 601. Gross Anatomy.--Structure and function of human body examined through laboratory dissection, lecture, and models. Laboratory sessions complement lecture presentations through regional dissection of thorax, abdomen, pelvis, perineum, back, and extremities with special emphasis on head and neck. Emphasis on radiological anatomy and clinical correlations. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
NA 605. Advanced Pathophysiology.--This online course builds on basic anatomy, phsiology and undergraduate study of pathophysiology. Students will integrate signs and symptoms, clinical testing, and pathophysiologic mechanisms with diagnoses. 3 hours.
NA 610. Medical Physiology.--Fundamental and advanced concepts of medical physiology, including all major physiology systems with emphasis on those pertinent to practice of anesthesia. 5 hours.
NA 620. Anesthesia Pharmacology I.--Continuation of study of pharmacology as related to anesthesia with specific emphasis on drugs and their effects on autonomic, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and renal systems. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours
NA 621 Anesthesia Pharmacology II.--Continuation of study of pharmacology as related to anesthesia with specific emphasis on drugs and their effects on autonomic, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and renal systems. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours
NA 630. Biochemistry for Anesthetists.--Chemistry and metabolism of biologically important compounds and common pathways of metabolism. Regulation and chemical structure of electrolytes, pH balance, and biochemical nutrition. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NA 640. Principles.--Principles and theories of anesthesia practice and also the study of basic principles and monitoring techniques as they relate to the delivery of anesthesia. Topics will include mechanisms of anesthesia equipment, methods of patient monitoring, fundamental concepts related to the practice of anesthesia, review of airway and various patient monitoring techniques that the student will need in order to provide anesthesia. 5 hours.
NA 645. Professional Aspects.--Psychosocial, ethical and legal aspects, department organization and management, and history of anesthesia. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
NA 646. Legal, Issues & Practice Management.--Malpractice and quality assurance concerns in practice of anesthesia. Emphasis on how to avoid malpractice suits through appropriate departmental quality assurance programs. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 1 hour.
NA 650. Regional Anesthesia.--Commonly used regional techniques including spinals, epidurals, upper extremity blocks, ankle blocks in relation to technique, positioning, and pharmacology of local anesthetics. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
NA 660. Obstetrical Anesthesia.--Basic concepts concerning physiological changes that accompany pregnancy and their implication on anesthesia management of pregnant patients. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 1 hour.
NA 661. Anesthesia for Extremes of Age.--Principles of anesthesia management of pediatric and geriatric patients. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NA 670. Anesthesia Pathophysiology I.--Detailed review of diseases and major systems with emphasis on pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Specialized or advanced anesthetic management techniques for physiological and pathological states encountered in surgical patients. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NA 671. Anesthesia Pathophysiology II.--Continuation of NA 670. Major system emphasis on renal, endocrine, neurological, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. 3 hours.
NA 672, 673, 674, 675, 676; Clinical Practicum I, II, III, IV, V.--Operating room experience providing for application of theoretical principles of anesthesia management. Clinical course sequence provides anesthesia care for more complex surgical procedures. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 46 hours total (NA 672 - 8 hours; NA 673 - 10 hours; NA 674 - 10 hours; NA 675 - 8 hours; NA 676 - 10 hours).
NA 678. Advanced Electrocardiography.--Supplements content from pathophysiology and advanced practice courses relative to cardiovascular electrophysiology and its implication in perioperative period. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
NA 680. Anesthesia and Surgical Specialties.--Review of major surgical specialties with emphasis on orthopedic, neurological, ENT, head and neck, gynecological, thoracic, open heart/vascular, urological, transplant and plastic procedures. Advanced anesthetic management technique for specialized surgical procedures. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NA 695. Special Topics.--Evidence basedand problem based learning with review of specialty concepts as presented in NA 670,671 and 680. Individual and group assignments presenting relevant and current anesthesia literature. 5 hours.
NA 696, 697. Special Topics.--Review of specialty concepts as presented in NA 670, 671 and 680. 3 hours each.
NA 698. Graduate Project.--Planning, organizing, synthesizing, and executing state-of-the-art paper on relevant topic in anesthesia that meets qualifications for submission to peer-reviewed journal. Prerequisite: NA student or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
Course Descriptions - Nutrition Sciences (NTR)
NTR 220. Contemporary Issues in Nutrition.--Contemporary Issues in Nutrition is designed for non-health professional majors and is beneficial to those in the education, communications, and business fields of study. Topics include: Basic concepts in nutrition, improving your own eating habits, health stories in the media, evaluating diets, functional foods, integrative medicine, myths and facts about sugar, eating disorders, sports nutrition, nutrition and chronic diseases and nutrition across the lifespan. 3 hours.
NTR 222. Nutrition and Health.--Introduction to principles of nutrition; essential nutrients and their relation to growth, maintenance, and optimal functioning of the body; dietary recommendations to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease. Prerequisite: CH 107/108 lab. 3 hours.
NTR 589. Internship Practicum.--Clinical experience in food service management and nutritional care in facilities throughout community; specific objectives vary depending on rotation. Prerequisite: admission to Dietetic Internship. 3-12 hours each offering.
NTR 601. Advanced Medical Nutrition.--Roles of nutrition in relationship to health; prevention of disease and correction of disorders due to nutritional imbalance throughout life cycle;
disease states and their nutritional management; biochemical, clinical, and dietary assessment of nutritional status; drug-nutrient interactions; inborn errors of metabolism. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NTR 604. Principles and Practice of Nutrition Support.--Critical review of current methods of providing nutrition support for critically ill patients; theory integrated with clinical practice. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (Also NTR 704)
NTR 611. Advanced Food Service Systems Management.--Management systems and their application to hospital food service; legal aspects of dietetic practice; quality assurance, departmental planning, and organization. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NTR 612. Research and Technology Applications in Dietetics.--Utilization of internet technology and research design in dietetics practice. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NTR 618. Nutritional Biochemistry.--Metabolism and function of nutrients; biosynthesis of vitamins and their cofactors; human requirements for energy, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins; current human nutritional problems. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 6 hours. (Also NTR 718)
NTR 622. Nutrition, Obesity, and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer.--Critical evaluation of effects of genetics and environmental factors, especially nutrients, on development and
prevention of obesity, atherosclerosis and cancer. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (Also NTR 722)
NTR 633. Laboratory Instruments and Methods in Nutrition Research.--Instruction in theory and use of selected laboratory instruments (selected according to student's need related to research project). Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 hours. (Also NTR 733)
NTR 636. Scientific Methods.--Approaches for nutrition investigation; design of experiments and research proposals. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours.
NTR 650. Body Composition and Energy Metabolism.--Methods of measurement of body composition and energy expenditure and their relationship to health and disease. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (Also NTR 750)
NTR 680. Journal Club in Clinical Nutrition.--Review, discussion, and critique of current literature in clinical nutrition. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 hour.
NTR 685. Pediatric Pulmonary Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach.--Theory and practice of interdisciplinary health care delivery to pediatric clients at risk for or compromised by pulmonary disease by team representing medicine, nutrition, nursing, social work, and physical therapy. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 hours.
NTR 690. Seminar.--Review of current literature and research in nutrition. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 hour.
NTR 691. Clinical Practicum: Nutritional Aspects of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.--Evaluation of nutritional status, feeding behavior, and food habits of retarded children; nutritional care; functioning in interdisciplinary team; field trips to agencies serving retarded children. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 692. Clinical Practicum: Community Nutrition.--Clinical experiences in health care delivery systems with nutrition components; methods of determining nutritional status of most vulnerable groups; nutrition education of community; current community nutrition issues; food fads, weight control, food misinformation, and nutrition legislation. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 693. Clinical Practicum: Pediatric Nutrition.--Clinical experiences in normal growth patterns in children; nutritional needs in health and disease; medical problems of pediatric patients; diet therapy. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 694. Clinical Practicum: General Clinical Research.--Clinical experiences in a multi-disciplinary research facility involving human subjects. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 695. Special Problems.--Applications in clinical areas; clinical rotations; review of current literature. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 hours.
NTR 696. Clinical Practicum: Nutritional Support of Pediatric Clients with Pulmonary Problems.--Observation of and participation in interdisciplinary team delivery of health care to pediatric patients with pulmonary disease; variety of settings utilized, including neonatal intensive care, medical/surgical pediatric acute care, and pediatric pulmonary clinics; emphasis on optimizing nutritional support to pediatric patients with pulmonary dysfunction. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 697. Clinical Practicum: Nutrition Support Service.--Observation of and participation in interdisciplinary team delivery of nutrition support to critically ill hospitalized patients and ambulatory patients. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3-6 hours.
NTR 698. Master's Level Non-Thesis Research.--Project designed to meet student's particular interest in nutrition and dietetic field; review of current literature; limited research and paper required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
NTR 699. Master's Level Thesis Research.--Projects designed individually to meet student's particular interest within nutrition and dietetic field; emphasis on research approach to problem
solving, including review of current literature in topic area. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-9 hours.
NTR 701. Advanced Medical Nutrition. Nutrition in relationship to health; prevention of disease and correction of disorders resulting from nutritional imbalance throughout the life cycle. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall.
NTR 708. Nutrition, Immunity, and Infection. --Impact of nutrition on immune function and effects of infection on nutritional status. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (Also IH 708)
NTR 718. Nutritional Biochemistry. Metabolism and functions of nutrients; biosynthesis of vitamins and cofactors; human requirements for energy, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins; food fortification; current human nutritional problems. Spring. 6 hours.
NTR 722. Nutrition, Obesity, and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. Critical evaluation of the effects of genetics and environmental factors, especially nutrients, on the development and prevention of obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
NTR 725. Human Nutrition Through the Life Cycle. Examination of the role of nutrition and dietary factors on the growth, development, and maintenance of health throughout the human life cycle. Nutritional guidelines/recommendations, special nutritional needs, physiology, and nutritional health concerns for each stage of the human lifecycle beginning with preconception and continuing throughout adulthood and aging.
NTR 726. Consumer Issues in Nutrition. Examination of contemporary nutritional issues that affect consumers. Focus on the translation of science to public policy, consumer communications, and food choices.
NTR 733. Laboratory Instruments and Methods in Nutrition Research. Operation, capabilities, and limitations of laboratory instruments. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-3 hours.
NTR 736. Scientific Methods. Investigations in nutrition using animal models and laboratory procedures, design of experiments, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of experimental results. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
NTR 750. Body Composition and Energy Metabolism. Methods of measurement and relationship to human health and disease. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
NTR 711. Clinical Nutrition. Nutritional aspects of growth, development, pregnancy, chronic diseases, nutrient requirements, sources, toxicities. Malnutrition in, and nutritional support of, hospitalized patients. Prerequisites: Biochemistry and permission of instructor. Spring. 4 hours.
NTR 723. Assessment of Nutritional Status in Populations. Theoretical and hands-on instruction in methods of assessment of dietary intakes, body composition, and biochemical levels of macro- and micronutrients. Proper techniques for collecting measurements and review of computer software packages that specialize in analysis of specific measurements.
NTR 734. Laboratory Methods in Vitaminology. Vitamin determinations in clinical and other specimens. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, spring, summer.
NTR 747. Molecular Biology and Nutrition Sciences. Overview of molecular biology applications in nutrition science research. Examination of basic molecular biology techniques, current usage of molecular biology to solve nutrition problems, and application of biotechnology to study disorders with a nutritional component. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall.
NTR 778. Special Topics in Nutrition Sciences. Fall, spring, summer. 1-5 hours.
NTR 788. Advanced Nutrition Seminar. Fall, spring, summer. 1 hour.
NTR 791. Advanced Clinical Nutrition, Diagnosis, and Treatments. Clinical rounds with nutrition support team; approximately 12 hours weekly. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: NTR 711 or equivalent. 4 hours.
NTR 798. Doctoral Nondissertation Research. 1-15 hours.
NTR 799. Doctoral Dissertation Research. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. 1-15 hours.
Course Descriptions - Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT 605. Therapeutic Skills.--Group theory and group dynamics are presented. Basic group and individual client-therapist interaction skills are introduced including: selecting a theory base, designing groups, writing group protocols, analyzing group activities, implementing specific group techniques, and evaluating progress of group members. Methods of establishing rapport, giving feedback, and employing therapeutic use of self are emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 606. Occupation Based Practice Models.--Introduction to fundamental concepts of occupational therapy frameworks, theory, philosophy, conceptual models and models of practice. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 607. Analysis of Occupational Performance.--Introduction to intervention techniques commonly used in occupational therapy practice; activity analysis and synthesis; application of typical growth and development in relationship to different age groups and populations. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 609. Barriers to Occupational Performance.--Exposure to content specific to human disease processes, injuries, and developmental or inherited abnormalities within body systems that affect individual's occupational performance. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 610. Mental Health Diagnosis Across the Lifespan.--Examines developmental and psychiatric conditions that result from disease, congenital, traumatic, environmental or social processes. Relationships among disease and disorder, impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions are emphasized in terms of the impact upon occupational performance. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 613. Sensory Integration Theory Applied in OT.--Sensory processing is the ability to take in, organize and process a variety of sensory information on a daily basis. This class will illustrate how children with a variety of disorders, but in particular those with autism, have difficulties with the processing of sensory information. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 2 hours (online -- post professional curriculum).
OT 615. Infant/Toddler Mental Health: OT Intervention.--Infant and toddler mental health is central to the work of an occupational therapist, both individually and with the treatment team. The field of mental health for infants and toddlers has expanded greatly over the past ten years. OT clinicians are exposed to neglected, abused, and even abandoned babies/children but the depth of mental health problems is more extensive. This course will provide an overview and in-depth look at these problems and designated evaluation and intervention. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours (online - post professional curriculum).
OT 616. OT's Role in Early Intervention and School Setting.--Babies, toddlers, and school age children with developmental disabilities may qualify for services (state and federal) which include occupational therapy. It is important to thoroughly understand state and federal legislation which applies to children with special needs for those wanting to practice in pediatrics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 620. Foundations of Occupation: A & P.--Designed to provide occupational therapy students a fundamental knowledge of human anatomy. An emphasis will be placed on the musclo-skeletal and peripheral nervous systems to enhance the understanding of conditions that will likely be encountered in the practice of occupational therapy. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 623. Foundations of Occupation: Neuroscience.--Advanced study of structure and function of central nervous system augmented with client examples. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 624. Occupations of Infants, Children, and Adolescents.--This course addresses aspects of evaluation, intervention planning, implementation, and specific intervention strategies across diagnostic categories for children, birth through adolescents. Occupational therapy addresses client needs using a holistic approach that incorporates all aspects of an individual's lifestyle. This course will focus on components of occupational performance, and occupational performance issues related to adaptation and life satisfaction. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 625. Occupations of Adults and Older Adults I.--This course addresses aspects of evaluation, intervention planning, implementation, and specific intervention strategies across diagnostic categories in adult and elder rehabilitation. Occupational therapy addresses client needs using a holistic approach that incorporates all aspects of an individual's lifestyle. This course will focus on occupational areas of work, play, and leisure addressing components of occupational performance and contexts and how these areas affect occupational performance. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 631. Foundations of Occupation: Biomechanics.--Basic kinesiological principles and functional movement patterns of the human body during occupational performance. Study of principles and techniques for obtaining data about the status of the clients' joint range of motion and muscle strength. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 632, 633. Fieldwork Seminar I, II.--Forum for exchange of ideas and experiences; detailed case study/in-service on modality and intervention chosen from client census during previous term's Level I Fieldwork experience. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 1 hour each.
OT 634. Seminar in Professional Readiness.--Forum for exchange of ideas and experiences; student, faculty, and alumni presentations on variety of topics. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 2 hours.
OT 641. Pediatric Theory Development/Practice.--Students will explore various models which support pediatric practice. The models will include developmental, behavioral and occupational therapy domains. Through course text and readings from referred literature, students will engage in online discussions to better their understanding of theory development conceptual order, theoretical assumptions, and applicability to practice. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 642. Research Design in OT. --First of three courses in which post-professional master's students will design, implement, and document their final project. This course will review research methodologies appropriate for use by clinicians in practice; discuss sampling; data management; and IRB training and approval. 1-3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 643. Data Analysis in OT Research. --Second of three courses in which post-professional master's students will design, implement, analyze and document their final projects. This course addresses data management and data analysis using SPSS.. 1-3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 644. Project Dissemination-Prof Writing and Presentation. --Third course in which post-professional master's students will design, implement, analyze, and document their final projects. This course will address documentation of project outcomes, writing for publication, and professional presentations. 1-3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 645. Social Impact of Pediatric Disability. --Course will explore ramifications of disabling conditions of birth or childhood on the child and family members. The potential roles of the extended family, neighborhood, local community and society at large in the development of the child and evolution of the family will be investigated. The impact of different cultural beliefs on social development will be discussed. 3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 653. Using the Literature for Evidence Based Practice.--History of and rationale for evidence-based practice, introduction to typologies of evidence, search of data bases, developing practice questions, critiquing evidence, analyzing bodies of evidence developed in response to research questions, and integrating evidence into practice. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 656. Data Management for Clinical Research.--Strategies for collecting, storing, and analyzing data; methods for managing qualitative and quantitative data gathered and introduction to the use of SPSS and MS Word for analysis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 hours (online-post professional curriculum).
OT 658. Foundations of Professional Education.--Introduction to occupational therapy post-professional education. Concepts introduced include the World Health Organization's International Classification of Function, Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the American Psychological Association writing framework, and the continuing competency aspects of the American Occupational Therapy Association's Professional Development Tool. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 4 hours (online - post professional curriculum)
OT 660. Seminar in Interdisciplinary Services for Infants, Children, and Youth with Development Disabilities.--Synthesis of team-based approaches to intervention for infants, children, and youth with known or suspected disabilities. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-2 hours.
OT 661. Wellbeing and Health Through Occupation.--Course will evaluate and critique the evidence which supports the relationship between occupation, health promotion, lifestyle choices, and prevention of injury and disease, utilizing occupational therapy models and approaches to practice while considering contexts. 3 hours.
OT 662. Enhancing Occupational Performance: Modalities.--This course will provide the opportunity to consider the occupational therapy process related to the design, fabrication, application, fitting, and training in the use of orthotics, prosthetics, and other modalities. Students will consider and apply the foundational knowledge, underlying principles, indications, contraindications, and precautions necessary for evidence-based practice. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 663. Promoting Occupations in Communities.--Course provides opportunities to evaluate and critique evidence for current and emerging areas of OT practice within communities. Students will evaluate current OT practice and identify potential service gaps. Students will critically discuss strategies for development of OT services emphasizing the business related aspects of working with communities. This course will provide information on business plans, grant and foundation monies and opportunities for students to plan monetarily for a project. 2 hours.
OT 664. Promoting Occupation in Organizations.--Introduction to basic principles of organization and administration of occupational therapy programs related to practice in variety of settings. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 2 hours.
OT 665. Occupations of Adults and Older Adults II.--Intervention for elderly from the perspective of the functional impact of age-related changes, evaluation and remediation of functional limitations and personal and environmental adaptations to promote continuing autonomy. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 667. Research Methods.--Research ethics, descriptive, exploratory and experimental design, basic statistical concepts, and discussion of various types of research that enable student to critically analyze and use scientific literature to improve practice; emphasis on understanding components of research report and concepts associated with judging internal and external validity. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3-4 hours.
OT 668. Mental Health Practice in Adulthood.--Examines psychiatric conditions that result from disease, congenital, traumatic, environmental or social processes. Relationships among impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions are emphasized in terms of the impact upon occupational performance. Evaluation, intervention, planning, and intervention are studied. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 4 hours.
OT 671. The Advanced Theory of the Assessment Process in Occupational Therapy.--This course provides an overview of tests and measurements as related to the practice of occupational therapy. Principles of test design and construction are introduced along with the appropriate statistical concepts. Issues related to standardized and non-standardized testing are discussed in terms of reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity, and clinical relevance. The major types of instruments used in occupational therapy are examined including screening instruments, interviews, questionnaires, observations, and outcome and performance measures. Students are given the opportunity to develop skills in selection of appropriate assessment tools for clients in administration and scoring, in test interpretation, and in communicating results. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum)
OT 673. Engagement in Occupations Through Technology I.--Acquaints students with the following: theories relative to assistive technology, client centered practice, OT process relative to assistive technology, and certification and laws affecting assistive technology. Students will consider technology applications relative to the areas of occupation as referenced in the Frameworks for OT Practice, as well as elements of safety, education of clients and families, and the roles of OT's and OTA's in assistive technology practice. 3 hours.
OT 674. Engagement in Occupations Through Technology II.--This course is designed to acquaint the student with assessments used in evaluation of clients for assistive technology, specific intervention strategies, elements of safety related to assistive technology, the education of clients and families and other key people in the context of the user. The roles of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in assistive technology practice will also be addressed providing students opportunities to partner with an OTA program for hands on experience. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 675. History and Theory of Occupation.--Historical survey of occupation, occupational meaning, and purposeful activity as used by occupational therapists in study of occupational nature of human beings across life span; students will gain an understanding of how leaders of the profession articulate occupational and therapeutic applications across time. Prerequisite: Admission to OT Program. 3 hours.
OT 677. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation I.--This course begins to establish the knowledge base needed understand the field of low vision rehabilitation and to provide competent low vision rehabilitation services to older adults with vision impairment. Content provided: contribution of vision to occupational performance; epidemiology and demographics of the low vision population; service providers and professional roles; reimbursement and framework for intervention; anatomy of the visual system; medical conditions causing low vision; psychosocial adjustment; health literacy and communication: administration and interpretation of low vision exams; principles of optics, and prescribed assistive technology/optical devices. 3 hours.
OT 679. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation II.--Building on the content provided OT 677, this course teaches students to develop intervention plans and apply specific interventions to enhance occupational performance. Content provided: non-prescribed assistive technology; reading; handwriting; environment and task modification to increase visibility and documentation. Pre-requisite: OT 677 3 hours. (online-low vision curriculum)
OT 680. Clinical Education and Supervision.--Departmental management and supervision of employees with secondary focus on occupational therapy fieldwork supervision. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum)
OT 681. Practicum in Consultation.--Supervised consultation experience within area of specialized interest. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-2 hours.(online-post professional curriculum)
OT 682. Advanced Clinical Practicum.--Supervised clinical experience within area of specialized interest. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum)
OT 683. Practicum in Teaching.--Supervised teaching experience. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-4 hours. (online-post professional curriculum)
OT 685. Advanced Field Experience I.--Full time supervised practice experience designed to develop entry level professional skills consist of a 3-month experience. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 10 hours.
OT 686. Advanced Field Experience II.--Full time supervised practice experience designed to develop entry level professional skills consist of a 3-month experience. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 10 hours.
OT 688. Occupation & Health: Groups & Communities.--This course will provide opportunities to reflect upon the facilitating and inhibiting nature of group and community settings and to consider the domains and contexts of both occupation and its influence on health, well-being, and lifestyle.Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-4 hours.
OT 689 . Foundations in Treatment of Visual Impairment from Brain Injury.--This course addresses evaluation and interventions for persons experiencing occupational performance limitations due to visual processing deficits from adult acquired brain injury. Content provided: neuro-anatomy of the visual perceptual processing system; evaluation and intervention for deficits in visual acuity, visual field, oculomotor function, visual attention; and visual cognitive processing and documentation. Prerequisite: OT 690. 3 hours. (online-low vision curriculum)
OT 690. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation III.--Building on the context provided in OT 679, this course teaches students to develop intervention plans and apply specific interventions to enhance occupational performance. Content provided: visual and non-visual interventions for activities of daily living; diabetes self-management; functional mobility; driving and transportation; and documentation. Prerequisite OT 679. 3 hours. (online-low vision curriculum)
OT 692. Directed Readings.--Study of specific topic or area under guidance of faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-3 hours. (online-post professional curriculum)
OT 696. Evaluation and Treatment of Children with Visual Impairments.--This course addresses providing intervention to children with visual impairment. Content provided: medical conditions causing vision loss in children including optical impairments and cortical visual impairment; evaluation, optical devices, assistive technology, intervention, and working with parents and school systems.. 2 hours.(online-low vision curriculum)
OT 697. Advanced Treatment in Low Vision Rehabilitation.--As the capstone course for the program, the course focuses on ensuring the student is prepared for practice. This course requires that the student attend and intensive 3 day seminar on campus at UAB to review and demonstrate competence in evaluation and intervention. Regulatory issues surronding OT practice in low vision and strategies for starting a low vision program are also addressed. 3 hours. (online-low vision curriculum)
OT 698. Master's Level Non-Thesis Research.--This lab-based course introduces students to the skills and requirements necessary for participation in the portfolio process. Specifically, the course aims to orient the student to the steps toward portfolio completion, introduce critical thinking and reflective learning methods, and provide students with foundational experiences for self-directed learning. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-6 hours.
OT 699. Master's Level Thesis Research.--Elements of proposal and development of thesis/project; thesis and institutional review board procedures; student presentation, group discussion, recommendations, and critique. Prerequisite: admission to candidacy. 1-6 hours.
Course Descriptions - Physical Therapy (PT, PTGR)
PT 700, 701. Human Gross Anatomy I, II.--Gross anatomical structure of human body including limbs, trunk head, and neck. Specific emphasis includes regional study of relationships between musculoskeletal, nervous, and vascular systems, joint structure, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and surveys of selected viscera. Includes lecture, dissection of the human body, and demonstrations. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 4 hours
PT 702. Functional Anatomy. Integrated study of anatomy, kinesiology, muscle biology, and biomechanics to develop an understanding of and ability to analyze normal and pathologic human movement. Includes palpation and surface anatomy. 3 hours. .
PT 704. Analysis of Human Movement. Study of human movement through an examination of the movement patterns during common motor skills (eg: walking). The kinematics and kinetics related to movement will be studied across the lifespan. 3 hours
PT 705. Human Movement Dysfunction. Study of human movement dysfunction including recovery processes related to injury, impairments associated with pathology and behavior and kinematic/kinetic descriptions of movement dysfunction related to cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular pathology across the lifespan. 4 hours
PT 706. Neuroscience I. A study of structures and functions of the human nervous system with emphasis on sensory/motor function. 4 hours
PT 707 Neuroscience II Continuation of 706. Study of the theories of motor control and motor learning will serve as a foundation for the understanding how the CNS is organized in relation to human movement. 3 hours
PT 711. Physical Therapy Examination I. Introduction to the physical therapy examination process which includes history taking, systems review, and tests and measures. Emphasis will be placed on systems review and medical screening for each of the major systems. Overview of the major types of tests and measures employed by physical therapists and the type of data generated with a focus on self-care for patient. 2 hours.
PT 712. Physical Therapy Examination II. Continuation of Physical Therapy I with focus on knowledge and skills needed to test and measure strength, range of motion, and posture. 3 hours.
PT 713. Introduction to Physical Therapy Intervention I. Introduction to the components and process of physical therapy intervention. Emphasis on beginning communication & documentation skills and basic procedural interventions of patient transfers, gait with assistive devices, superficial physical agents, massage, and passive range of motion. Overview of major categories of procedural interventions utilized by physical therapists. 3 hours
PT 714. Physical Therapy Intervention I. This course covers procedures and techniques for the design and implementation of fundamental therapeutic exercise. By recognizing impairments and functional limitations that are amenable to physical therapy, the students will utilize therapeutic exercise interventions for prevention and rehabilitation of movement dysfunction and disability. 2 hours
PT 715. Physical Therapy Intervention III. The study and use of knowledge and skills needed to select and use both electrodiagnositic and electrotherapeutic modality interventions for various impairments and functional limitations. Emphasis will be placed on integrating electrical evaluation, electrical and deep heat therapy with previously learned examination, evaluation, and intervention skills. 3 hours
PT 720, 721. Pathology and Pharmacology for Movement Disorders I, II. Basic principles of pathology and pharmacology. Medical and surgical management of disorders involving the cardiovascular/pulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, endocrine, integumentary, genitourinary, and GI systems. Fore each disease discussed, the diagnosis, medical, surgical, and pharmacological management will be included, as appropriate. Course is a two term course. 3 hours.
PT 730. Essential of Human Physiology. Fundamental principles and concepts of human physiology are covered regarding the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems, as well a thermoregulation of the body. Both cellular and systemic issues are addressed with an emphasis on a mechanistic and integrative approach to understanding function. 3 hours.
PT 731. Human Performance Physiology. Course provides fundamental knowledge about the adaptability of human physiological systems in meeting a range of exercise demands. Areas covered include energy transfer during rest and exercise, physiologic and performance adaptations, exercise prescription for healthy adults, and body composition. Research evidence regarding how exercise and physical activity impact health, wellness, and disease is included. 3 hours.
PT 740, 741. PT Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I, II. Application of biological and physical sciences in understanding musculoskeletal disorders. Diagnosis of common musculoskeletal dysfunctions; clinical decision making concerning treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment procedures with implications for rehabilitation. Focus for one course is on the lower quarter and the thoracic spine; focus of the other course is on the upper quarter. PT 740 – 5 hours, PT 741 – 5 hours
PT 743. PT Management of Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Dysfunction. Physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention for patients with primary and secondary disorders involving the cardiovascular/pulmonary system. 2 hours.
PT 744, 746. PT Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction I, II. Application, analysis, and synthesis of principles of neurophysiologic rehabilitation in physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention. PT 744 – 4 hours, PT 746 – 4 hours
PT 760. PT Professional Practice I. Introduction to the profession of physical therapy, including history, APTA, and scope of practice. Introduction to legal, ethical and other regulatory mechanisms that guide the practice of physical therapy. Presentation of cultural diversity issues related to physical therapy practice 2 hours.
PT 761. PT Professional Practice II. Overview of the forces contributing to the health care environment and the effects of this environment on physical therapy practice, research, and education. The role of the physical therapist in shaping health policy and legislation. Application of regulatory mechanisms, legal mandates and ethical principals and theories to current professional issues. 3 hours
PT 762. PT Professional Practice III. Concepts of health promotion/health education and the role of the physical therapist in health promotion; Theoretical basis for health behaviors and application of theories to physical therapy practice; Concepts of consultation, program planning, implementation, and evaluation applied to health promotion-oriented physical therapy program. 3 hours
PT 763. PT Professional Practice IV. Study of principles of physical therapy management and administration. Includes: current issues in physical therapy in relation to organizational behavior; the relationship of administrative, business, and regulatory law to the practice of physical therapy. 2 hours
PT 764. Professional Practice V: Capstone Experience. Integration of all previous coursework applied to reflection of the scope of PT practice: direct patient care, professional growth/development, professional issues, education, consultation, evidence based practice (EBP), communication, cultural competency, and promotion of the profession in achieving Vision 2020. Development and presentation of an individual portfolio that reflects core values, personal & professional growth and accomplishments, and appropriate plans for future professional development. 2 hours
PT 770. Clinical Education I. Part-time clinical experience. Supervised clinical education in basic patient care skills and an introduction to practice issues. 1 hour
PT 771 Clinical Education II. Part-time clinical experience. Continuation of PT 770. 2 hours
PT 772. Clinical Education III. Part-time clinical experience. Continuation of PT 771. 2 hours
PT 773. Clinical Education IV. 10 week, full-time supervised clinical education in a clinical setting to provide student with the opportunity to apply previously acquired knowledge & skill to client care. Emphasis is on examination and evaluation skills; intervention techniques and treatment planning (including care of problems related to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary and integumentary systems). These students have completed all academic course work except a one-month “mini-term” consisting of a synthesis seminar and presentation of their scholarly activity project. However, this is the first full-term clinical experience for these students. 8 hours
PT 774. Clinical Education V. Continuation of PT 773. 12 week full-time clinical education. Integration of all patient care techniques; evaluation of patient progress and appropriate progression of patients in therapeutic programs; includes experiences in supervision, consultation, research, management, and teaching. 9 hours
PT 775 Clinical Education VI. Continuation of PT 774. Final, 12 week, full-time clinical education . Integration of all patient care techniques; evaluation of patient progress and appropriate progression of patients in therapeutic programs; ;includes experiences in supervision, consultation, research, management, and teaching. 9 hours
PT 790. Scientific Inquiry I. This is the first course in the research series for physical therapy students. Students will be introduced to sources of bibliographic information and database searching, annotated bibliographies, critical review of scientific literature, and beginning concepts of the application of research to clinical practice. 1 hour
PT 791. Scientific Inquiry II. This course combines concepts of measurement principles, experimental design, qualitative, survey outcomes research and a review of basic statistical concepts that will prepare the graduate to critically analyze and use the scientific literature to improve clinical practice. Emphases will be placed on understanding the components of a research report and the concepts associated with judging quality of research design as applied to clinical practice. 1 hour
PT 792. Scientific Inquiry III. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment of research literature in Physical Therapy and the application of research findings to clinical practice. Additionally, advanced clinical research designs will be discussed. 1 hour
PT 793. Scientific Inquiry IV. This is the final course in the Scientific Inquiry Series. The emphasis will be placed on peer review and professional presentation of scholarly work. 1 hour
Physical Therapy (PTGR)
PTGR 747. Seminar in Interdisciplinary Services for Infants, Children, and Youth with Developmental Disabilities. Synthesis of team-based approaches to intervention for infants, children, and youth with known or suspected disabilities. Focus on legislation and policy, team processes and practices, and family-centered applications. Open to upper level students in disciplines which have roles in service provision for the described population. Prerequisite: acceptance into the traineeship program, or consent of department. 1-2 hours.
Course Descriptions - Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (PTDS)
PTDS 700,701. Screening for Medical Referral I and II. Provides the physical therapist with knowledge and skills for recognizing systemic disease that may appear as/or in addition to movement-related dysfunction to enable the practicing therapist to appropriately determine the need for medical referral. Basic principles underlying pharmacological management of movement related pathologies commonly encountered by the physical therapist. Includes background information on laboratory tests, imaging studies and other common diagnostic procedures. 3 hours
PTDS 702. Advanced Movement Science. Current theory and principles of movement and movement dysfunction including: study of tissue basis of movement, biomechanics, motor control, energy demands, and analysis of movement 3 hours
PTDS 703. Current Issues in Movement Science. Use of technology (motion analysis, biofeedback, energy expenditure) for analyzing problems of movement across a variety of pathologies commonly encountered by the physical therapist. Current areas of research in movement science will be discussed. 3 hours
PTDS 704. Principles of Clinical Decision Making. Overview of clinical decision making in other disciplines (particularly medicine/health), the evolution of clinical decision making in physical therapy, models of clinical decision making and their application to elements of patient/client management in physical therapy practice. Students will consider decision analysis, cost-effectiveness, and development of critical/clinical pathways. 3 hours
PTDS 705. Clinical Decision Making In Physical Therapy. Provides physical therapists with understanding of principles of clinical decision making applies to the practice of physical therapy. Examination of statistical properties of specific tests and selection of appropriate tests used in the diagnostic process of classifying signs and symptoms to assign diagnoses used by physical therapist that reflect the impact of a condition on the individual’s function. Students will apply the diagnostic process, develop prognosis and intervention plans based upon evaluation of findings. Multiple patient problems will be addressed. 3 hours.
PTDS 710. Health Promotion in Physical Therapy. Concepts of health promotion and the role of physical therapist in health promotion. Theoretical basis for health behaviors and application of theories to physical therapy practice. 3 hours
PTDS 711. Health Program Planning and Administration. Methods/techniques for health program assessments, evaluation, program planning. Communication skills/techniques unique to health program planning and implementation will be emphasized. 3 hours.
PTDS 712. Program Evaluation and Health Policy. Study of program evaluation strategies and advocacy; includes utilization of evaluations and strategies to influence health policy as a clinician, consultant, and/or educator 3 hours
PTDS 713. Field Experience in Health Promotion. Individually planned experience in community based setting. Intergration and application of principles and theory of health behavior/health education, policy analysis and advocacy 1 hour
PTDS 720. Introduction to Physical Therapy Clinical Outcomes. Concepts of biostatistics relative to evidence-based practice and foundation for outcome based clinical rehabilitation approaches. Overview of generic measures, domains of health, condition specific measures, satisfaction, treatment effect measures, severity, comorbidity, demographic and psychosocial factors. 3 hours
PTDS 721. Foundations for Physical Therapy Outcomes Research I. Study of measurement theory characteristics, conceptualization, usefulness, sensitivity, specificity, and interpretation. Data management issues: selection, collection, display, information systems and organization of data. 3 hours
PTDS 722. Foundations for Physical Therapy Outcomes Research II. Continuation of PT 720. In-depth study of strategies and issues specific to outcomes research in clinical physical therapy settings. Case based seminar intergrating knowledge from PT 720 and PT 721 3 hours
PTDS 740. Practicum. Individually designed, directed experience in focus area appropriate to student’s background, needs, and goals under guidance of faculty preceptor 3-6 hours
PTDS 798. Clinical Research/Dissertation Proposal. Development of clinical research proposal 1-3 hours
PTDS 799 Clinical Research/Dissertation. Prerequisite: admission to candidacy 1-6 hours
Focus area courses: Students may elect course work offered within the university and/or larger community which will enhance the individual’s long-range career goals. All students will select a focus area. Each focus area will have a required practicum. When students have completed the didactic course work for their focus area, they will then complete a practicum which is individually based upon experience and professional goals.
Focus area courses offered within the program:
PTDM 730. Advanced Musculoskeletal I. An in-depth learning experience in the examination and treatment of individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction involving the lower quarter. Previous coursework in medical screening, movement science, and clinical decision making in specifically applied to the musculoskeletal system. 4 hours
PTDM 731. Advanced Musculoskeletal II. A continuation of PTDM 730 wit application to the upper quarter and thoracic region. 4 hours
PTDN 730. Advanced Neuromuscular I. An in-depth learning experience focused on examination of individuals with neuromuscular dysfunction. Previous coursework in medical screening, movement science, an clinical decision making is specifically applied to the neuromuscular system 3 hours
PTDN 731. Advanced Neuromuscular II. A continuation of PTDN 730 with emphasis on intervention strategies for neuromuscular dysfunction 3 hours
PTDC 730. Advanced Clinical Outcomes I. In-depth study of strategies and issues specific to outcomes research in clinical physical therapy settings 3 hours
PTDC 731. Advanced Clinical Outcomes II. Continuation of PTDS 730 content with integration on content from PT 712. Case based seminar series. 3 hours.
Course Descriptions - Radiation Therapy-Radiologic Sciences (RTT)
RTT 301. Introduction to Radiation Therapy.--Overview of radiation therapy history and its role in medicine; academic and administrative structure, key departments, and personnel; psychosocial issues with emphasis on grief and dying process; the profession. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 302. Simulator Applications.--Geometric application of teletherapy setups to include quality assurance of simulator and treatment machine specification symmetry. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 330. Radiation Therapy Physics.--Fundamental concepts of radiation interaction, production and measurement, clinical equipment, electron beam therapy, and brachytherapy. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 345. Radiation Oncology I.--Study of carcinogenesis, natural history of cancer, epidemiology, etiology, pathology, screening and early detection, principles of treatment, prognosis, and psychosocial issues of individual cancers. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 350. Clinical Education I.--Clinical practice in radiation oncology; introduction to clinical equipment, techniques, and personnel; orientation to methods of treatment, simulation, dosimetry, and nursing. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 351. Clinical Education II.--Fundamental clinical practice in radiation oncology; malignant conditions, methods of treatment, simulation, treatment planning, patient prognosis, treatment results. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program; successful completion of RTT 350. 10 hours.
RTT 390. Basic Concepts Review.--Independent study review for students readmitted to the program, including introductory principles of radiation therapy, oncology, simulator applications, and radiotherapeutic calculations. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 410. Treatment Planning.--Concepts of radiotherapeutic dose calculation and planning for optimal delivery of radiation treatment prescription utilizing wide range of external beam techniques; treatment planning considerations for most commonly occurring cancers. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 440. Radiation Oncology II.--Fundamental clinical practice in radiation oncology, continuation of epidemiology, etiology, symptoms, histology, pathology, diagnosis, staging, survival, and treatment setups for specific cancers. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program, successful completion of RTT 345: Oncology I. 3 hours.
RTT 450. Clinical Education III.--Fundamental clinical practice in radiation oncology: malignant conditions, methods of treatment, simulation, treatment planning, patient prognosis, treatment
results. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program; successful completion of RTT 351. 10 hours.
RTT 477. Concept Integration.--Integration of principles and tenets of radiation therapy concepts that have been presented throughout curriculum. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program, successful completion of all previous required courses. 2 hours.
RTT 492. Quality Management in Radiation Therapy.--Concepts of quality management program that incorporates operations of radiation therapy facility; quality control activities related to equipment performance. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
RTT 497. Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques.--Complex topics in treatment planning and treatment delivery, including 3-D conformal treatment, intensity modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and total body irradiation. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiation Therapy Program. 3 hours.
Course Descriptions - Respiratory Therapy (RST)
RST 311. Principles of Patient Assessment.--Patient care procedures, physical assessment, laboratory assessment, communication skills and charting, and professionalism in Respiratory Care. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
RST 312. Basic Respiratory Care Procedures--Review of physical concepts and laws governing fluids; composition and percentages of atmospheric gases. Principles, operations, maintenance, and identifying characteristics of primary gas systems. Rationale, indications, contraindications, hazards and maintenance of common Medical Gas delivery systems. Humidity and humidifiers; aerosol and nebulizers; administration of aerosolized solutions; gas analysis and analyzers. Incentive spirometry, IPPB, and other hyperinflation techniques. Advanced oxygen and aerosol therapy, bedside patient assessment, postural drainage, and vibropercussion. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
RST 313. Basic Respiratory Care Procedures Laboratory.--Laboratory practice of respiratory care procedures included in RST 311 and RST 312; airway management techniques and procedures; reinforcement of material covered in RST 314 via audiovisual programs and computer assisted instruction. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 3 hours.
RST 314. Respiratory Care Pharmacology.--Legal aspects, terminology, use of pharmacology references, routes of administration, solutions and dosages, pharmacodynamics, autonomic nervous system, alpha and beta receptors, bronchodilators, mucolytics, respiratory stimulants, neuromuscular blocking agents, expectorants, cough and cold medications, steroids, cromolyn sodium and anti-infective agents. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
RST 321. Clinical Practicum in Respiratory Care I.--Practical application of respiratory care performed under supervision at clinical sites and proficiency evaluations of selected respiratory care procedures. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 322. Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology.--Structure of airways, lung parenchyma, chest wall, pulmonary and systemic circulations, diaphragm, heart, and kidneys. Physiology of pulmonary blood flow, ventilation, gas diffusion, gas transport, ventilation/ perfusion relationships, control of ventilation, hemodynamics, pressure and flow relationships, arterial blood gases and acid-base balance, electrical properties of heart, contractile properties of heart, cardiac output, regulation of arterial blood pressure, and renal physiology. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
RST 323. Airway Management.--Selection, application, maintenance, and discontinuance of various artificial airways, including intubation, extubation, tracheostomy care, and suctioning. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
RST 324. Pulmonary Pathology.--Diseases affecting respiratory system, including symptoms, signs, laboratory tests, etiology, and treatment; emphasis on diseases commonly encountered by practicing respiratory therapists. Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
RST 325. Directed Study in Respiratory Care I.--Study of conditions and therapeutic measures frequently confronting respiratory care practitioner; student case study presentations and discussions. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 1 hours.
RST 326. Airway Management Laboratory.--Laboratory practice of respiratory care procedures and reinforcement of material covered in RST 312, 322, 323, and 324. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 331. Clinical Practicum in Respiratory Care II.--Clinical refinements of concepts and procedures in cardiopulmonary care with emphasis on advanced procedures in adult and neonatal critical care. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 332. Mechanical Ventilation.--Basic physics and mechanics of artificial ventilation; theory and practical application of manual resuscitators and mechanical ventilators; ventilator classification and general operational characteristics. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program; corequisite: RST 333. 4 hours.
RST 333. Mechanical Ventilation Laboratory.--Laboratory practice of mechanical ventilation procedures and reinforcement of material covered in RST 332. Corequisite: RST 332. 3 hours.
RST 334. Critical Care Monitoring.--Assembly and operation of hemodynamic monitoring systems, safety precautions, quality control, and troubleshooting of equipment; measurement, interpretation, and application of hemodynamic parameters. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 2 hours.
RST 411. Clinical Practicum in Respiratory Care III.--Clinical refinement of concepts and procedures in cardiopulmonary care with emphasis on special procedures, pulmonary rehabilitation, and home respiratory care, diagnostic testing, and advanced adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care procedures and functions. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 412. Advanced Mechanical Ventilation.--Advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, including advanced concepts in adult and neonatal mechanical ventilators, transport, and homecare; overview of advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, such as liquid ventilation. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 4 hours.
RST 413. Special Procedures and Pulmonary Function Testing.--Pulmonary function testing procedures including equipment, spirometric measurement of pulmonary function, lung volume measurements, pulmonary mechanics tests, gas distribution studies, lung diffusion studies, exercise testing, bronchial provocation testing, interpretation and application of test results, and case studies.
Assistant functions in tracheostomy and thoracostomy tube insertion, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, tracheotomy, and pulmonary artery catheterization; insertion of arterial cannulae; and introduction to neurodiagnostic procedures and sleep studies. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
RST 414. Special Procedures Laboratory.--Laboratory practice in respiratory care practitioner’s role in fiberoptic bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, tracheotomy, arterial cannulation, transtracheal catheter placement, and sleep studies; laboratory practice of basic pulmonary function procedures. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 415. Directed Study in Respiratory Care II.--Study of conditions and therapeutic measures frequently confronting respiratory care practitioner; student case study presentations and discussions. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 421. Clinical Practicum in Respiratory Care IV.--Clinical refinement of concepts and procedures in cardiopulmonary care with emphasis on special procedures, pulmonary function testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, home care therapy, diagnostic testing, hemodynamic monitoring, advanced mechanical ventilation procedures. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 422. Long Term and Preventive Care.--Components of rehabilitation programs, patient education and motivation, home care concepts, reimbursement, gerontology, specialized home care procedures, and preventive care procedures. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 423. Perinatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care.--Anatomy, physiology, embryonic development of human fetus, with emphasis on embryonic lung development; transition from fetal to extra-uterine life; prenatal and perinatal history. Etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, radiologic assessment and management of neonatal and pediatric lung diseases. Obstructive airway diseases in infants and children. Congenital heart diseases; sudden infant death syndrome and apnea disorders; Reye’s Syndrome and other neurologic/neuromuscular disorders. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 3 hours.
RST 424. Long Term and Pediatric Laboratory.--Laboratory practice of respiratory care procedures and reinforcement of material covered in RST 413. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 425. Laboratory Proficiency Practice.--Laboratory course designed to give senior student chance to practice all of laboratory proficiencies taught throughout curriculum prior to taking Laboratory Proficiency Exit Examination. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 426. CRT Exam Review.--Review of all respiratory therapy topics covered on CRT Entry Level exam that student must take upon graduation; topics reviewed based on weak areas identified in CRT Entry Level Self-Assessment and Written Registry Exams previously taken by student. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 1 hour.
RST 427. Review of Critical Care Concepts.--Concepts involved in care of critically ill patients, including hemodynamic monitoring, fluid and electrolyte studies, metabolic studies, and mechanical ventilation concepts. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program or permission of instructor. 1 hour.
RST 431. Clinical Internship.--Final clinical experience before graduation; student will choose specialization area, such as neonatal, adult critical care, pediatrics, and pulmonary function. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 6 hours.
RST 432. Directed Study in Respiratory Care III.--Study of conditions and therapeutic measures frequently confronting respiratory care practitioner; student case study presentations and discussions. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 2 hours.
RST 433. Research for Respiratory Therapy.--This course will introduce the student to clinical research methods and review concepts involved in descriptive and inferential Statistics. Topics covered include, overview of the research process, literature review, research hypothesis, research designs, sample selection, measurement methods, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 440. Asthma Certification.--The content of this course will cover the asthma condition, pathophysiology of asthma, factors that contribuute to acute and chronic asthma, patient history, physical examiniation of the asthma patient, objective measures to identify and assess asthma severity, how to assess the patient's needs, asthma management, medications and delivery devices, proper Spirometry techniques and performance and asthma protocols . Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 445. Educational Methods in Respiratory Care.--This course will introduce the student to patient education and health promotion. Topics covered will include how to write learning objectives, how to evaluate patient education, how to prepare and present a topic for an in-service presentation, how to present a lecture in a classroom and in the laboratory environment. Prerequisite: Admission to RST Program. 4 hours.
RST 460. Polysomnographic Technology I.--Course designed to provide entry-level didactic and laboratory training in Polysomnographic technology basis. Topics covered: medical terminology, instrumentation setup and calibration, recording and monitoring techniques, documentation, professional issues, and patient-technologist interactions related to Polysomnographic technology. Laboratory sessions teach entry-level Polysomnographic technologist skills. 2 hours.
RST 461. Polysomnographic Technology Clinical I.--Course provides student with patient contact in sleep lab. Student will observe, perform (under supervision), and evaluate entry-level aspects of sleep studies. 2 hours.
RST 462. Polysomnographic Technology II.--Course designed to provide didactic and laboratory training in advanced aspects of polysomnographic technology, expanding on topics covered in Polysomnographic Technology I. Students will become familiar with obtaining/evaluating high quality sleep recordings. Covers all aspects of sleep scoring and event recognition, instrumentation setup and calibration, recording and monitoring therapeutic interventions, and patient-technologist interactions related to Polysomnographic technology. Laboratory sessions techniques, documention, professional issues, provide experience in obtaining/evaluating high quality sleep recordings. 2 hours.
RST 463. Polysomnographic Technology Clinical II.--Course provides students with patient contact in a sleep lab. Student will observe, perform (under supervision), and evaluate advanced-level aspects of sleep studies. 2 hours.
Course Descriptions - Surgical Physician Assistant (SA)
PA 601. Human Gross Anatomy.--This course provides a comprehensive survey of the gross anatomy of the human along with functional and applied anatomy as it relates to common clinical findings. It utilizes a lecture format and cadaver dissection laboratory sessions. 4 hours.
PA 602. Medical Physiology.--This course emphasizes the normal function and control of various systems within the human body. The principles taught will serve as a foundation for understanding the etiology, management and prevention of disease processes. 4 hours.
PA 603, 604. Pharmacology I, II.--These courses provide students with the pharmacologic knowledge needed to begin practice as primary care physician assistants. They are delivered via classroom lecture and supplemented with intermittent case studies requiring students to critically evaluate medical conditions and choose safe and effective medications in treating those conditions. 3 hours each.
PA 605. Pathology.--This course is designed to describe the pathologic processes involved in common disorders and diseases; introduce students to the principles of clinical medicine and clinical problem solving; and provide students with the background needed for the clinical courses taught later in the curriculum. 3 hours.
PA 606. Clinical Medicine I.--This is an introductory course in human disease and is designed to describe the pathologic processes involved in common disorders and diseases. It introduces students to the principles of clinical medicine and clinical problem solving as well as providing them with the background needed for the clinical courses taught later in the curriculum. 4 hours.
PA 607. Clinical Medicine II--This course presents the diagnosis and management of the most common clinical problems seen by primary care practitioners. This last course employs an organ systems approach incorporating relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology and nutrition into each section. 6 hours.
PA 608. Introduction to Surgical Diseases I--This course introduces students to common surgical disorders with early emphasis on physiologic changes, medical requirements and evaluation of patients before, during, and after surgery. It also provides basic instruction in the diagnosis, management, and complications associated with common surgical gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders. 3 hours.
PA 609. Introduction to Surgical Diseases II.--This course is delivered via didactic instruction and focuses on the preoperative evaluation and diagnosis, and post-operative management and treatment of common disorders of the heart, lungs, and vascular systems. 2 hours.
PA 610. Clinical Laboratory Medicine--An introduction to laboratory diagnostics with an emphasis on pathology, microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry. This course utilizes a lecture format, specimen handling in a clinical laboratory as well as cost effective diagnostic algorithms in problem-based case scenarios. 3 hours.
PA 611, 612. History and Physical Diagnosis I, II--These courses provide students with the skills necessary to elicit a comprehensive medical history, perform a complete physical examination and systematically report their findings. A variety of teaching formats are utilized including: lectures, small group activities, video productions, and simulated patients. 3 hours each.
PA 613. Surgical Care Techniques I.--These are two in a series of courses providing didactic instruction and applied technical skills in surgical techniques and various invasive medical procedures. An animal surgery laboratory, using live pigs, is an essential component of PA 613. PA 614 places students in operating rooms in Birmingham area hospitals where they are taught the basics in surgical first assisting. 2 hours.
PA 615. Introduction to the Profession.--This course is designed to introduce students to the Physician Assistant Profession and to prepare them to practice as professionals in a physician/PA/patient team in various health care settings with varied health care professionals. It will cover roles and responsibilities of PAs including their expected legal and moral behavior, their understanding of laws governing their practice and their ethical responsibilities in being health care professionals. The course will also teach students to respect the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of all human beings and to assess their own personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve their medical practice.
This course is required by the accrediting body for the Physician Assistant profession and will be presented at the level of a primary care provider and may utilize guest lecturers and program faculty. 1 hour.
PA 616. Electrocardiography.--This course presents the basic concepts needed to interpret the electrocardiogram and will provide opportunities to develop interpretive skills through analysis of rhythm strips and 12-lead electrocardiograms. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to systematically interpret basic rhythm strips and 12-lead electrocardiograms. 1 hour.
PA 617. Applied Behavioral Medicine.--This course introduces students to human behavior, strategies and issues surrounding health education and theoretical models of how to change human behavior. This knowledge will enable students to incorporate health promotion and disease prevention strategies in their daily clinical practice to the benefit of their patients. 3 hours.
PA 618. Risk Management.--This course provides an introduction to the legal, political and professional issues affecting physician assistant practice. 1 hour.
PA 619. Fundamentals of Clinical Research.--This course provides students with the foundation of epidemiologic measures, the reasons for patterns of disease occurrence, the principles of medical surveillance, the methods for investigating disease outbreaks and the principles of diagnostic tests. Students will review study designs, the roles of variability and bias in the interpretation of scientific literature and the principles of clinical decision-making based on medical literature. 3 hours.
PA 620. Literature Evaluation.--This course is designed to prepare students to be critical thinkers. Covers methods on how to critically evaluate medical literature and teaches strategies that should be incorporated when making medical decisions based on current literature. By the end of the course, the student will identify their master’s research topic. 2 hours.
PA 621-637. Clinical Services I-XII.--The 12 month clinical phase is composed of 10 required and 2 elective rotations lasting 4-8 weeks each. Required rotations include: Ob-Gyn, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Psychiatry, Orthopedics, General Surgery, and Cardiovascular Thoracic surgery. Students must successfully complete the end of rotation exam at the conclusion of all required rotations. Clinical year students return to campus each week to participate in a seminar series and evaluation exercises. 4 hours /rotation.
PA 638, 639, 640. Senior Seminar Series--These courses focus on a review of primary care medicine topics to prepare students for the PA National Certification Examination (PANCE). They also require students to orally present two 30-minute presentations to the class on pre-assigned topics and prepare an accompanying one-page outline summarizing important points. Student presentations may be supplemented by cases seen on rotations or information gained from professional development seminars. 6 hours total.
PA 698. Master's Project.--This course runs concurrently with the students’ clinical year rotations. Students will have chosen a project of study/research as a component of PA 620 during their last didactic semester. Each student will be assigned to a SPA Program faculty with whom he/she will work closely in designing, researching, writing, and presenting his/her final paper as a culminating academic achievement. Other advisors may be assigned if the student chooses a topic better mentored by a faculty member in another department or school. The purpose of the Master’s Project is to have the student demonstrate “satisfactory” ability to analyze and synthesize scientific information and contextual learning in a focused area of medicine. 2 hours.