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The scope of practice for physical therapists is dynamic, evolving with evidence, education, and societal needs.
The scope of practice for physical therapists has three components: professional, jurisdictional, and personal.
The professional scope of practice is grounded in the profession’s unique body of knowledge, supported by educational preparation, based on a body of evidence, and linked to existing or emerging practice frameworks.
The jurisdictional (i.e., legal) scope of practice is established by a state's practice act governing the specific physical therapist’s license, and the rules adopted pursuant to that act. The Model Practice Act for Physical Therapy (MPA) is the preeminent standard and most effective tool at the state level for revising and modernizing physical therapy practice acts via legislation.
Personal scope of practice consists of activities for which an individual physical therapist is educated and trained and their competence to perform.
Recommended Content
Feb 9, 2023 / Website
The Guide is the description of physical therapist practice for use by PT and PTA educators, students, and clinicians.
Sep 13, 2017 / Policies & Bylaws
House position: An individual physical therapist’s scope of practice is influenced by professional, jurisdictional, and personal scopes of practice.
Additional Scope of Practice Content
Feb 1, 2025 / Column
How becoming the patient changed the clinical perspective of this clinician.
Feb 1, 2025 / Feature
Changes to Medicare in 2025 will impact requirements for PT supervision of PTAs. Do they make direct supervision obsolete?
Jan 14, 2025 / Perspective
How physical therapists contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to improving the health of soldiers.
Aug 11, 2023 / Article
Discover the pressing need for translating research findings into practical clinical applications within the field of physical therapy.
Apr 12, 2023 / News
The physical therapy profession has evolved, and so has its foundational resource.
Mar 20, 2023 / Article
Discussion about women; women empowerment, mentoring, networking, and APTA's awesome profession, founded by women!
Mar 10, 2023 / Article
Consider how to leverage specialized knowledge and skills to propel the evolution of physical therapy practice toward greater precision.
Mar 1, 2023 / Roundup
It's looking like a busy year for state legislatures, with the potential for some good news for the profession. Now's your chance to help.
Aug 15, 2022 / Article
Discover the fundamental role of exercise in modern physical therapy practice.
Aug 14, 2022 / Article
Watch the 2022 annual address on the importance of foresight in the physical therapy profession.