Psychology minor (Fall 2008 - Spring 2011)

My undergraduate minor in psychology taught me important concepts that I can use throughout my career as a physical therapist, such as human development, psychology of the elderly population, and motivational principles.  These courses enabled me to look at human life from a perspective other than anatomy and physiology.  I learned about societal and cultural issues, methods of learning, psychology of the workplace, and other aspects of human cognition.

Related coursework:

• General Psychology
• Psychology of Aging
• Developmental Psychology
• Proseminar in Motivation
• Animal Cognition
• Intro to Research
• Abnormal Psychology
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Gross Human Anatomy & Cadaver Dissection (Summer 2011)

My first 500-level course in the physical therapy program at Ithaca College was Gross Human Anatomy at the Rochester campus during the summer of 2011.  It was an intensive six-credit course with a lecture and laboratory component.  The lab consisted of 10 weeks of a full human cadaver dissection.  I had never learned so much in one course up to that point of my academic career.  I gained a true appreciation for the human body and will never forget the experience.  When I envision muscles and other anatomical structures, I will picture them as they were in the cadaver I worked on.  A group of eight students, four at a time worked on one body, and during exams we were tested on all 12 bodies.

Related Coursework (Spring 2011 - Spring 2013)

• Human Anatomy
• Research I: Evidence-Based Practice
• Research II: Evidence-Based Practice
• Fundamentals of Patient/Client Care
• Teaching & Learning in the Clinic
• Profession of Physical Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Musculoskeletal Examination & Evaluation
• Peripheral Joint Mobilization
• Soft Tissue Examination & Palpation
• Pathology for Physical Therapists
• Applied Biomechanics
• Introduction to Health Care Systems
• Electrotherapeutic Modalities & Physical Agents
• Professional Development I
• Professional Development II
• Primary Human Anatomy
• Clinical Physiology
• Clinical Neuroanatomy
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Clinical Administration I
• Clinical Administration II
• Spine Examination and Rehabilitation
• Motor Development Across the Lifespan
• Aquatic Therapy
• Clinical Grand Rounds
• Center For Life Skills
• Psychosocial Aspects of Patient & Client Care
• Fundamentals of Neurological Examination
• Pharmacology
• HVLA: Thrust Manipulation of the Spine and Extremities

China: Culture, Health, Healing, & Sport

For two weeks in May/June 2013, I participated in a short-term study abroad program offered by the School of Health Science & Human Performance at Ithaca College.  We traveled to Beijing Sport University and Chengdu Sport University to study Chinese culture and traditional Chinese medicine.  I was very excited for this opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Eastern cultures and incorporate what I learn into my future clinical practice.