This course will help prepare the orthopedic physical therapist to assume the role as an independent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. This role involves the ongoing process of determining if the patient’s problem is appropriate for physical therapy intervention and whether there is change of patient’s health status or clinical manifestations warranting referral back to the physician. Inherent in this process is sound clinical reasoning and decision making based on understanding of the biomechanical, physiological, and behavioral factors that impact the patient’s functional movement problems and presenting signs and symptoms. Clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to effectively and efficiently collect and evaluate the examination data will be covered through lecture, discussion, case studies, and laboratory sessions. A series of patient cases will be presented and discussed to illustrate the application of these principles and tools.