This degree requires the minimum completion of 33 credits. A comprehensive examination sequence is required following completion of the core coursework. Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in order to be considered a candidate for graduation.
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, MS
This program is designed for the practicing physical therapy professional who has already earned an entry-level degree in physical therapy. This post-professional graduate plan of study enables physical therapists to improve their clinical knowledge and clinical skills through a specific program of advanced physical therapy practice and scholarship.
Fall Term
- HRS 2312 - SEMINAR IN NEUROLOGIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
- HRS 2364 - EVIDENCE BASED MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE
- HRS 2365 - CASE STUDIES OF PERSONS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS
- HRS 2374 - CLINICAL ROUNDS AND CASE PRESENTATION
Spring Term
- HRS 2305 - ADVANCED NEUROSCIENCE
- HRS 2306 - MOTOR LEARNING AND CONTROL OF MOVEMENT/HEALTH PROMOTION
- HRS 2372 - ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE: THE LOWER QUARTER
- HRS 2907 - CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Summer Term
- HRS 2307 - FALLS AND BALANCE DYSFUNCTION: PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT AND INTERVENTION
- HRS 2309 - ANALYSIS OF NEUROMUSCULAR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL DECISION MAKING
- HRS 2313 - PHYSICAL THERAPY SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINAR
- HRS 2356 - CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES RELATED TO SENSORY MOTOR CONTROL 1
- HRS 2373 - ADVANCED MUSCULOSKELETAL CLINICAL PRACTICE
Total Credits: 33
Sports Physical Therapy Micro-Credential
Micro-credentials are short stackable courses that are designed specifically to provide students within the Master of Science program with knowledge, skills, and abilities in basic sports physical therapy.
These are non-credit bearing courses and allow students to learn specialized skills while completing their core degree requirements.
- Acute Injury and Illness Management
- Therapeutic Exercise and Functional Training for Athletes
- Return to Sport
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Examination and Testing Requirements
Throughout the plan of study, a series of written and/or oral-practical examinations are integrated within the formal course work. These examinations are used to determine mastery of the core elements of the plan of study.
The written examination will be at the levels of "application and analysis" and "synthesis and analysis" so as to gauge the student's ability to utilize information in their clinical decision making.
The practical examinations will focus on the clinical application of therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques. Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate patient handling, awareness of safety issues, application of technique, and decision-making rationale at the level of an advanced clinician.
Additional Opportunities
The University of Pittsburgh has rich resources for education. Information about seminars and lectures of interest will be posted in order for students to learn more about specific areas of interest. There are ongoing lecture series and journal clubs available in multiple content areas. New seminars have been added to support foreign-educated physical therapists in their efforts to obtain licensure and prepare for the NPTE examination.