DPT 530 - Pharmacological Management for Physical Therapy Practice

This course covers basic pharmacology and its relevance to the practice of physical therapy. This course will present the primary drug classes, their pharmacokinetic effects and their physiologic effects across the lifespan. Major classes of drugs are covered, including those to treat autonomic, cardiovascular, central nervous system, musculoskeletal, and endocrine disorders. Special emphasis will be placed on drugs that are commonly used in individuals receiving physical therapy. Case examples are used to illustrate the interactions of medications and therapy, and students will learn and investigate the implications of pharmacology regimens on physical therapy practice. This course will address: 1) the interaction between drug therapy and physical therapy interventions, 2) the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications and 3) their impact on rehabilitation. This course will also emphasize the integration of drug effects with the clinical decision making that each physical therapist must perform in order to determine if physical therapy is appropriate and if a medical consult is necessary. This course prepares students to be able to integrate comprehensive patient care across diverse health care settings.

Credits: 2

Program Doctoral