Certificate in Clinical Anatomy

HSU CERTIFICATE IN CLINICAL ANATOMY

There is a need for a certification program due to the anticipated shortage of anatomists which has been forecast for the past 17 years.¹ Many health professional programs, including medical schools and other health professions search for anatomists who have graduated from medical schools or have a Ph.D. in Anatomy. In 2018 alone, there were 52 job postings for anatomy educators in the US medical school, but only 17 doctoral degrees in anatomy were awarded between 2014-2017.¹ A recent research study found 65% of department chairs in 130 anatomy departments in the US, Canada, and the European Union reported they anticipate moderate to great difficulty hiring anatomy educators in the next 5 years.¹ Of the anatomy educator job postings in medical schools between 2017 and 2018, 21% were never filled.¹

In the last 5 years, there has been 65 new PA programs developed ² with similar increases in PT programs. This certification program would assist in providing needed anatomical knowledge, hands-on dissection experience, and anatomical lab experiences to those who desire to teach in the Health Science professions. This program would meet the requirements set forth by accrediting boards for teacher qualifications. Additionally, no such programs, as the one proposed, exist in the Central South USA, providing excellent potential for recruitment.
1. https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ase.1895
2. https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-findings-confirm-predictions-physician-shortage

Handbook paragraph: This 12-hour hybrid certificate will prepare individuals to teach gross anatomy in a variety of health professions including physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, nursing, medicine, respiratory therapy, radiological sciences, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, dietetics, athletic training, exercise physiology/sport sciences and chiropractic. A strong science foundation and a professional and /or graduate degree is required to enter the program. The purpose of this certificate is to meet the shortage of qualified professionals to teach anatomy. This unique hybrid certificate program includes 4 online courses with a final, short, intensive course on-campus, where human cadaver dissection leads to increased knowledge, skills and new ways of teaching anatomy. Unique to this certificate is incorporation and application of differential diagnosis and diagnostic imaging utilizing clinical anatomy.

Potential students include those with backgrounds in physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, nursing, medicine, respiratory therapy, radiological sciences, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, dietetics, athletic training, exercise physiology/sport sciences and chiropractics. Students must have at least a bachelor's degree and a strong science foundation, with a professional and/or graduate degree required to enter the program.  Students must complete all 12 hours to receive the certificate in anatomy, but some courses may be taken if not seeking the certification.

The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.

“The mission of the College of Health Professions provides excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values by nurturing the mind, body and spirit to prepare life-long scholars and leaders who exhibit high ethical standards while serving individuals, society and their profession. “

The mission of the Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy program is to prepare individuals who demonstrate excellence in the practice of physical therapy and are enlightened by Christian faith and values. 

This certification program is in alignment with both HSU mission and HSU COHP/ PT mission by encouraging participants to demonstrate excellence through their educational pursuit as well as sharing how fearfully and wonderfully made our bodies are made by our Father.

ONLINE: (9 credit hours)
1. Clinical Anatomy- PHYT 7301 (3 credit) FALL
     a. Clinical anatomy covers the major structures of the back/ limbs followed by the head/ neck, thorax and abdomen, including pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging, and follows with clinical case scenarios.

2. Clinical Neuroanatomy PHYT 7304 (3 credit) SPRING 
     a. Clinical neuroanatomy
     b. Histology/ Embryology is included
3. Differential Diagnosis and its Anatomical Implication PHYT 7103 (1 Credit) SPRING

  a. Clinical diagnostic differentiation in regards to the anatomical areas 

4. Clinical Diagnostic Imaging- PHYT 7202 (2 credit) SUMMER 
     a. Clinical diagnostic imaging includes radiology, MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, CT scan, etc.
     b. Use of DUS in contact session

5. Clinical Anatomy and Neuroanatomy Laboratory PHYT 7308 (3 credit): ON CAMPUS: : 5 days – 48 hrs): Classroom/lab: SUMMER (MAY) 

     a. Review: lab preparation/ handling of specimens; requirements for anatomy lab.
     b. Dissection of human cadaver combined with diagnostic images of areas/ DUS/ and dry needling application.
     c. Active teaching of anatomical structures
     d. Diagnostic imaging included with dissection with radiographs, DUS.
     e. Differential diagnosis in the anatomy lab – dissection of organs (8 hrs)
     f. Active teaching of anatomical structures
     g. Dissection of human cadaver combined with diagnostic images of areas

                        CONTACT Dates/Times of class: 48 contact hours (Held in May)

                                    Day 1: 8:00 PM- 6:00 PM
                                    Day 2: 8:00 PM- 6:00 PM
                                    Day 3: 8:00 PM- 6:00 PM
                                    Day 4: 8:00 PM- 6:00 PM
                                    Day 5: 8:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Faculty:
Those with appropriate qualifications from the Physical Therapy Department, Biology Department, and other appropriately trained professionals from outside the university.

INSTRUCTORS:

Marsha Rutland, PT, ScD, MEd, OCS, COMT, C-DN, CSCS
 325-670-1337 [e-mail]

 Austin Alexander, PT, DPT
 325-670-1141 [e-mail]

Brian Young, PT, DSc, OCS

[e-mail]

 

CLOCK HOURS: 12 total hours

PREREQUISITES: Bachelor’s degree and professional and /or graduate degree in health science field

Suggested software: ANATOMY 4-D 

Certificate Requirements

In order to be awarded the certificate, students must earn a minimum grade of C on all coursework with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher.

GRADING SCALE:

Letter Grade	Value	Descriptor
A	100-90	Above average graduate work
B	80-89	Average graduate work
C	70-79	Below average graduate work
D	60-69	Failing graduate work
F	<60	Failing graduate work
I		Incomplete
IP		In progress
W		Withdrawal

Required Courses

PHYT 7103	Differential Diagnosis and its Anatomical Implication	1
PHYT 7202	Diagnostic Imaging in Clinical Anatomy	2
PHYT 7301	Clinical Anatomy for Certification program	3
PHYT 7304	Clinical Neuroanatomy for Anatomy Certification	3
PHYT 7308	Clinical Anatomy and Neuroanatomy Lab	3

Total Credit Hours: 12

Clinical Anatomy for the Certification Program PHYT 7301 (3 credits) FALL
Clinical anatomy covers the major structures of the back/ limbs followed by the head/ neck, thorax and abdomen, including pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging, and follows with clinical case scenarios. There is an emphasis on arthrology, histology, osteology, and gross neuromuscular and vascular anatomy of the superficial and deep thoracic and lumbar region, cervical region, upper limb, and lower limb. Emphasis is on general relationships between structures and applied anatomy relevant to the healthcare professions. There is an emphasis on study of the spine, abdominal and pelvic viscera, posterior abdominal wall, thorax, the lungs and heart, neck, head and face, and the cranial cavity and contents. An emphasis on general relationships between structures and applied anatomy relevant to the practice of physical therapy is emphasized as well as to teaching anatomy in health disciplines. 

Books 
1.Gilroy A. MacPherson B. Wikenheiser J. Atlas of Anatomy, General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System, 4^th edition.2020. Thieme Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1-684-20-203-4.

2. Moore KL, Agur AM, Dalley AF. Moore Essential Clinical Anatomy, 6th edition. 2019. Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN: 978-1-496369659
3. Visible Body 4-D 

4. Other anatomy texts the student may have 

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize anatomical terminology and its primary features of human systems.
1.1 Select and utilize anatomical terms correctly orally and in writing.
1.2 Outline the anatomy of the integumentary system.
1.3 Relate the basic anatomy and function of the connective tissues.
1.4 Contrast the basic anatomy and function of muscle and nerve tissue.
1.5 Differentiate the embryological development of the germ layers.
1.6 Compare and contrast the principle features of development of the nerve, 
muscle, and skeletal systems.
1.7 Verbalize the histology of structures of the human anatomy.
2. Develop a 3-dimensional image/concept of the skeletal and muscular systems of 
the body; with particular attention to the back and limbs.
2.1 Specify the attachments of muscles.
2.2 Relate individual and groups of muscle actions by the line of muscle fiber
from the skeletal attachments.
2.3 Diagram muscle attachments to the skeleton, cadaver and in the living 
subject.
3. Verbalize the function of all ligaments through knowledge of specific attachments
and the line of action of ligament fibers.
4. Analyze a 3-dimensional image/concept of the nervous system.
4.1 Differentiate the individual peripheral nerves.
4.2 Determine which nerves go to surrounding structures.
4.3 Integrate muscle innervation to functions.
4.4 Evaluate nerve lesions, at various levels, relate to muscle dysfunction.
4.5 Compare and contrast the cutaneous innervation of dermatomes and 
cutaneous innervation patterns as related to the spinal nerve.
4.6 Compare dermatomes, myotomes and sclerotomes of the body
5. Explain the anatomy of the peripheral nervous plexii.
5.1 Diagram, label and relate muscle to nerve and spinal cord segment of
origin of the brachial and lumbosacral plexii.
5.2 Relate spinal cord segments to individual muscle innervations.
5.3 Integrate pre-axial, post-axial determination of innervation and functional
applications
6. Explain and outline the anatomy of the arterio-venous circulatory system. 
6.1 Relate the systemic vascular supply to its origin from the heart.
6.2 Select the major vessels to the limbs.
6.3 Integrate anatomical route of vessels relative to regional anatomy, 
landmarks and clinical significance of anastomoses.
6.4 Relate the systemic vascular supply to the heart.
6.5 Specify the major vessels of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis.
6.6 Integrate anatomical route of vessels relative to regional anatomy, 
landmarks and clinical significance of anastomosis
6.7 Relate anatomy of the heart to its blood supply.
6.8 Relate the anatomy of the great vessels at the root of the neck. 
6.9 Distinguish the major vasculature of the abdomino-pelvic cavity
6.10 Relate neuro-vascular components of regions of the neck and face
7.0 Explain embryology of the heart and relate this development to possible
congenital abnormalities
8.0 Verbalize the anatomy of the abdomino-pelvic cavity.
8.1 Outline the muscles and their innervation of the anterolateral abdominal 
wall, respiratory and pelvic diaphragms, and the posterior abdominal wall.
8.2 Compare and contrast the relationships and orientation of the 
abdominal and pelvic viscera.
8.3 Relate concepts of retro-and intra-peritoneal viscera and the mesentery.
9.0 Diagram the anatomy of the head and neck.
9.1 Differentiate the major bones, foramina and landmarks of the skull.
9.2 Contrast muscles of the neck, and those of facial expressions and 
mastication.
10.0 Investigate anatomy to clinical scenarios
10.1 Explain dysfunction or abnormalities that occur with an injury to a muscle or 
nerve

 

 

 

Clinical Neuroanatomy for Anatomy Certification PHYT 7304 (3 credits) SPRING
Clinical Neuroanatomy covers information related to function of the human peripheral and central nervous system. Particular attention is given to neuroscience, neuro-embryology, sectional anatomy of the brain, brainstem, spinal cord and the related neural pathways for the motor and somatosensory systems. Emphasis is on general relationships between structures and applied anatomy relevant to the healthcare professions. Clinical case scenarios and various teaching methods will be incorporated into this class.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Relate anatomical terminology of the nervous system, communicating proper use of terms in a clinical context.
2. Develop a 3-dimensional image/concept of the nervous system, contrasting the anatomy of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord.
3. Explain spinal cord anatomy, including describing the general organization of gray and white matter as well as the concept of long tract systems of the spinal cord, and discussing the sensory and motor pathways.
4. Relate selected lesions of the nervous system to clinical signs and symptoms by discussing the results of lesions to selected areas of the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.
5. Explain the basic anatomy and circuitry of the cerebellum, describing the connections of efferent and afferent connections as related to the results of cerebellar lesion clinical signs and symptoms.
6. Discuss the basal ganglia and the extrapyramidal system, describing the anatomical substrate and functional aspect of the systems and relating the results of clinical lesion signs and symptoms.
7. Explain the neural substrates for pain, discussing the sensory receptors, sensory pathways and termination for pain perception related to the neural connections and clinical aspects of mechanisms for pain control.

Books: 
1. Lundy-Ekman, L: Neuroscience: Fundamentals for rehabilitation, 5th ed., Elsevier, 2018.(ISBN 978-0-323-47841-0)
2. Haines DE: Neuroanatomy: An atlas of structures, sections, and systems, 9th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015. (ISBN-13: 978-0-323-47841-0)

3. various online neuroscience and/or neuroanatomy resources

OPTIONL Available through McGraw Hill/FA Davis Access PT online offered through HSU

 

 

 

 

 

Differential Diagnosis and Its Anatomical Implication PHYT 7103 (1 Credit) SPRING
This course will utilize basic concepts taught in anatomy to assist the learner in differentiating and identifying cutaneous, somatic, visceral, neurogenic, referred and low back pain by identifying red flags, and examining systemic illness.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Differentiate the types of serious sources of low back pain.
2. Visualize the process and the clinical uses of several heuristics for differential screening.
3. Explain the types of patient data that falls under the category of symptom investigation, including red flag information requiring physician contact and risk factors that require monitoring during patient management.
4. Value the role and responsibilities of differential diagnosis in patient management. 
5. Hypothesize signs and symptoms associated with medical disorders that may result in patient pain syndromes.
6. Evaluate data from examination to make clinical judgments in the diagnosis and management of the patient.
7. Build useful knowledge needed for comprehensive history taking and physical examination for differentiation of chest and abdominal pain disorders.
8. Differentiate when abdominal pain or chest pain is musculoskeletal versus visceral in nature.
9. Evaluate risk factors relevant to medical screening and for monitoring and modifying in the screening process.
10. Determine constitutional symptoms that suggest systemic illness.
11. Conduct a systems’ review and frame questions to obtain maximal patient cooperation in the process.
12. Differentiate vascular versus neurogenic back pain.
13. Formulate the key areas of questioning/information gathering required for assessment of patient's pain.
14. Justify the most likely source of pain (i.e., cutaneous, somatic, visceral, neurogenic, or referred), given a description of a patient’s pain.
15. Construct a body diagram of referred pain and hypotheses as to the sources of the pain.
16. Validate signs and symptoms of psychological disorders that may affect a patient’s response to pain and the tools used in this process.
17. Assemble & Utilize knowledge of regional screening conditions and useful tests to differentiate atypical conditions from typical musculoskeletal conditions.
18. Illustrate a neurological screening exam to detect limb pain and neuropathy, to include cranial nerves and peripheral nerve integrity.
19. Simulate an upper and lower quarter screening examination.
20. Differentiate serious red flags that require immediate physician referral and consultation.
21. Develop effective approaches to hip/pelvic/groin, neck/back, shoulder/upper back, and chest/breast screenings based on the work of Goodman and Heick..

Book: Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy, 6th edition by Goodman. 2018. ISBN 13: 9780323478496 

 

Diagnostic Imaging in Clinical Anatomy PHYT 7202 (2 credits): SUMMER
Course Description: Diagnostic Imaging will be taught online through use of different radiological images, including Clinical diagnostic imaging includes radiology, MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, CT scan, etc. 

Course objectives: By the end of the course, the student will be able to: 
1. Appraise multiple forms of diagnostic imaging (Radiographs, CT scans, Diagnostic Ultrasound, MRI, etc): 
1.1. Position plain radiographs or other diagnostic images correctly for viewing.
1.2. Illustrate key anatomical landmarks and structures of the human body relative to systems, location, and planes of the body through radiographic imaging.
1.3. Formulate an enhanced working vocabulary of diagnostic and musculoskeletal imaging terminology.
1.4. Compare and contrast normal and abnormal features on the radiograph/diagnostic images, including, but not limited to bony abnormalities and fractures.
1.5. Analyze the radiograph/image in terms of view and anatomical area being studied.
1.6. Distinguish signs, symptoms, and imaging appearances of a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology.
1.7. Assess the validity of various forms of imaging based on evidence-based criteria.
2. Utilize the information to be gained using the various imaging techniques.
2.1. Examine the specific purposes for using different imaging techniques, including radiographs, MRI, CT scan, Diagnostic Ultrasound, and bone scans.
2.2. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
2.3. Formulate factors considered to determine the correct choice of imaging techniques.
2.4 Engage in the diagnostic process to establish differential diagnosis utilizing imaging and determine its relevance to clinical decision-making.
2.5 Mentor peers on musculoskeletal imaging according to the principles of evidence-based practice. 
2.6 Utilize imaging to enhance differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making plan 
2.7 Formulate concerns of diagnostic imaging as related to diagnosis and health of the individual. 
2.8 Investigate a Dexascan and its evaluation of skeletal integrity 

BOOKS:
McKinnis, LN. Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging, 5^th edition. (2020). FA Davis. ISBN-13: 9780803676022 (available online through HSU)

 

Clinical Anatomy and Neuroanatomy Laboratory PHYT 7308 (3 credit) MAY
This course is the culmination of the certificate program and incorporates a 5-day, onsite, hands-on lab component to include cadaveric dissection, regulations of the anatomy lab and teaching ideas.

I. Clinical Anatomy Laboratory (28 hrs-2 credit)
Objectives: By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze the anatomical features of articular cartilage, bone, ligaments, muscle, 
tendons and neural tissue in the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine.
4. Examine the musculoskeletal anatomical variations between individuals and its implications on clinical practice. 
5. Correlate surgical conditions utilizing cadaveric dissection to clinical practice.
6. Integrate cadaveric dissections of the heart, lungs, diaphragm, and GI tract into clinical case scenarios, differential diagnosis and treatment. 
7. Evaluate the effects of aging and selected disease processes on musculoskeletal tissues.
8. Investigate specific insertions, actions, nerve supply and vascular supply of muscles of the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine and it effect on movement. 
9. Verbalize lab preparation/ handling of specimens and the requirements for implementing/sustaining a human anatomy cadaver laboratory. 
10. Develop and perform dissection skills appropriate for teaching cadaveric
dissection combined with utilization of diagnostic images/diagnostic ultrasound/and dry needling application. 
11. Construct and perform a teaching project to incorporate evidence-based 
anatomical knowledge and cadaveric dissection.
12. Contrast and compare anatomical findings with differential diagnosis utilizing
dissection of organs with evidence-based practice. 

II. Neuroanatomy Laboratory (20 hr-1 Credit)
1. Actively teach  anatomical structures of the neuro system to other students 
2. Perform Dissection of human cadaver combined with diagnostic images of areas of the brain and spinal cord

BOOKS: Previous anatomy books used in PHYT 7301 and PHYT 7304 will be used.