PHYT 7857

Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapy

This course is designed to guide students through a systematic and comprehensive clinical decision-making process by assisting them in gathering the historical, physical, psychosocial, and laboratory information necessary to make a differential diagnosis. As an across-the-lifespan illness-focused clinical decision-making course, students are expected to identify signs and symptoms of systemic disease that may be masquerading as musculoskeletal dysfunction. Students will learn to recognize reported and unreported symptoms or medical conditions that can have a serious impact on the health of an individual and that require immediate referral. Emphasis is on critical thinking in the clinical setting and the identification of red flags that highlight critical information needed to safely manage the client.

Units: 2.0