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APTA compiled resources to assist physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students when seeking opportunities for maintaining and expanding their knowledge and skills.
In 2022 the House of Delegates adopted RC19-22: Charge: Evaluation of continuing clinical competence requirements.
Charge: That the American Physical Therapy Association, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, evaluate continuing competence requirements as the preferred method for maintenance of licensure and develop recommendations for a uniform evaluation process of educational and professional activities that could be implemented by components and jurisdictions.
Continuing Competence is the ongoing possession and application of contemporary knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with an individual’s (physical therapist or physical therapist assistant) role within the context of public health, welfare, and safety and defined by a scope of practice and practice setting. The following resources were identified and compiled to assist physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students when seeking opportunities for maintaining and expanding knowledge and skills.
It is important to realize that uniform adoption by APTA components and enforcement of any standards for best practices in physical therapy continuing education courses is challenging. Also, licensing agencies, such as state boards, must follow statutes in their jurisdiction that are legislatively determined, which may put boundaries on their ability to adopt such standards. However, access to easily available resources for assessment of quality continuing education courses used by APTA and the APTA Learning Center could facilitate wider implementation by APTA components and State Boards.
Resources
- Related APTA positions:
Recommended Content
Feb 1, 2024 / Open Access
The following checklist of standards may be used by stakeholders when developing or reviewing continuing education courses.
Apr 11, 2024 / Resource
Access core competencies expected of a physical therapist resident upon graduation from the program.
Aug 12, 2020 / Policies & Bylaws
House standard: Outlines and describes the code of ethics for physical therapists.
Jun 1, 2012 / Open Access
This guide is intended to serve PTs in interpreting the Code of Ethics.