Kathleen Powers, DPT

Dr. Powers teaches core content in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a specialty in Pediatrics.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education 270

563-333-6281

PowersKathleenE@sau.edu

Education and Training

DPT, St. Ambrose University
BS, St. Ambrose University

Certifications and Licensure

State of Iowa, Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy, License Number 4340
Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
APTA Credentialed Advanced Clinical Instructor
APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Recent Publications

Powers, K. Surviving with BRAT 1 Mutation: a case report of a 13 year old female. Poster presented at Combined Sections Meeting; February 3, 2022, San Antonio, TX.

DPT: Functional Anatomy
- Provide students with the knowledge and psychomotor skills necessary to successfully use and document these basic forms of assessment - visual observation and manual palpation of anatomical landmarks, examination of joint mobility and range of motion, and testing of the muscular strength and performance - in clinical practice.
DPT: Pediatric Therapeutics
- The focus of this course is developing the foundational skills of pediatric physical therapy. Concepts related to human development, movement skills across the lifespan, reflexes and motor learning are incorporated. Management of pediatric patients with disorders related to injury (e.g., cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, brachial plexus injury, congenital muscular torticollis), genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, muscular Dystrophy), or other developmental disorders (e.g., Developmental coordination disorder, autism) affecting central and peripheral components of the neuromuscular system are addressed. Elements related to examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcomes are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the child within the context of their family, community, culture and larger social systems. Frameworks for clinical decision-making are identified and used to guide learning and problem solving throughout the course. Related research is used to support interventions and assessment of outcomes, as well as incorporate evidence-based practice into pediatric treatment interventions.
DPT: Evidence Based Practice I
- This course is the first in a four-course series that covers topics relevant to clinical research and the principles of evidence-based practice. This course focuses on developing clinical questions and searching for intervention, diagnostic, and prognostic studies. For each study type, emphasis will be placed on research design, sound measurement principles, statistical tests and how to use the studies to answer clinical questions. A major portion of the course will emphasize the critical appraisal and synthesis of the findings of clinical research..

DPT: PT Procedures II
- This course presents current evaluation experiences and intervention topics applicable to selected patient populations and areas of specialty practice in physical therapy. Topics related to the pediatric population include neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric pelvic health, serial casting, educational setting, Early Intervention setting, and orthotic devices specific for pediatric clients. Topics related to geriatrics include psychosocial considerations for older adults and caregivers, functional assessments, exercise prescription, pain management, fall prevention, nutrition, communication, community resources, and treating clients with dementia. Topics related to other specialty practices in physical therapy include industrial rehabilitation, workstation assessment, aquatics, pelvic health, emergency department, home health, assistive technology, and alternative/integrative therapies. It is anticipated that this course will increase students' exposure to a greater variety of topics, skills, and techniques, and facilitate their interest in pursuing future areas of specialized clinical practice.
DPT: Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics I
- This course is the first in a two part course series. The purpose of this course is to enhance the physical therapist's knowledge of administration and interpretation of outcome measures utilized with the pediatric population, as well as advanced handling skills utilized in pediatric physical therapy practice. Residents will develop the reasoning skills needed to select and administer outcome measures to interpret and apply during the clinical decision-making process as part of pediatric physical therapy. Didactic and laboratory instruction will include some review of professional DPT pediatric therapeutics material, with emphasis placed on enhancing skills, particularly clinical reasoning skills, from that level. The resident will be expected to prepare and present current patient cases. Lab sessions will involve specific hands-on techniques related to the outcome measures currently being covered.
DPT: Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics II
- This course is the second in a two part course series. This course will continue to build upon the physical therapist's knowledge of administration and interpretation of outcome measures utilized with the pediatric population, as well as advanced handling skills utilized in pediatric physical therapy practice. Residents will develop the reasoning skills needed to select and administer outcome measures to interpret and apply during the clinical decision-making process as part of pediatric physical therapy. Additionally, this course will enhance the physical therapist's clinical decision-making process when selecting, utilizing and monitoring the use of pediatric orthotics and durable medical equipment. Didactic and laboratory instruction will include some review of professional DPT pediatric therapeutics material, with emphasis placed on enhancing skills, particularly clinical reasoning skills, from that level. The resident will be expected to prepare and present current patient cases. Lab sessions will involve specific hands-on techniques related to the outcome measures currently being covered.

Professional Service

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Specialty Academy of Content Experts in Pediatrics
Academy Pediatric Physical Therapy, Pediatric Mentoring Programming Subcommittee
Mississippi Bend Trykes, President

Professional Memberships

America Physical Therapy Association, member
Academy of Pediatrics, member
Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association

Honors and Awards

Physical Therapy Program Special Recognition Award, St. Ambrose University, 2015
Most Productive Item Writer, ABPTS Pediatrics, 2023
SAU Distinguished Alumni Award 2024

Presentations

Powers, K., Petersen, J., Jones, J., & Holst, K. (2023, October 28). Examining Graduate Student Perceptions and Attitudes of Teaching Methodologies when Addressing Pediatric Interprofessional Collaboration Standards. [Poster presentation]. American Physical Therapy Association Pediatrics Annual Conference, Omaha, NE.
Powers, K. (2022, February 3). Surviving with BRAT 1 Mutation: a case report of a 13-year-old female. [Poster presentation]. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX.