Re-Entering Physical Therapy Practice: Resources for Clinicians and
Employers
The following resources are provided to support physical therapists and
employers in navigating a successful re-entry into clinical practice.
Evidence-based practice, direct access, new documentation guidelines,
and changes in reimbursement are only a few of the areas of practice
that have experienced a significant evolution in a very short time. This
is not intended to be a comprehensive list — simply a way to get
started. You'll find more information throughout APTA's Web site and may
also obtain answers to other questions from our Department of Practice
staff at practice-dept@apta.org.
Updates in Practice
Self-Assessment
Tools: Resources to Help You Assess Your Clinical Practice
Determine how much work needs to be done to successfully re-enter
clinical practice. Suggested tools include "Assessing Competence: A
Resource Manual" and APTA's "Clinical Performance Instrument."
Evidence-Based
Practice Resources
APTA provides several resources to help you become familiar and
comfortable with incorporating evidence into clinical practice.
Moving
Toward a Doctoring Profession (Vision 2020)
Vision 2020 guides the direction of APTA and represents a philosophical
shift for physical therapy toward a doctoring profession.
Changes
in Documentation Requirements
It is essential for re-entering PTs to understand changes in
documentation requirements and the standards for all aspects of the
patient-client management model.
Changes
in Reimbursement
APTA has extensive resources to assist members in getting paid for
services.
Licensure
and Regulation
Learn about changes affecting the legal practice of physical therapy in
your state. Mandatory CEUs? Direct access provisions? Licensure and
reinstatement?
Additional Resources
Find
a Mentor
Find a member PT currently practicing in the same clinical area in which
you would like to practice. Discuss practice changes and seek their
guidance.
Considerations
for Practice Opportunities and Professional Development
APTA has developed a resource to assist members seeking new or different
practice or work opportunities.
Consider
a DPT
The transition to a doctoring profession is resulting in the return of
many practicing PTs to school, in order to obtain a doctor of physical
therapy (DPT) degree. Also, tDPT programs are intended to bridge the gap
between current and previous practice.
Articles
[Last updated: 05/20/09 | Contact: practice-dept@apta.org]
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