Now available: The “Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Essential Outcomes for Physical Therapist Entrance Into Practice” report provides defined performance outcomes for physical therapists at entrance into practice. This work responds directly to a key recommendation in “A Vision for Excellence in Physical Therapy Education,” which calls for clearly defined outcomes that align learner development with contemporary health care needs.    

The report identifies essential performance outcomes for physical therapists entering the profession for the first time. These defined outcomes are a core component of a competency-based education framework, and includes:

• 19 entrustable professional activities
• Eight domains of competence
• 54 competencies.

By standardizing outcomes, DPT students are clear on what is expected of them, clinical faculty can use this information to provide targeted learning activities within authentic workplace environments, and DPT programs can better track student progress and facilitate additional support and practice as needed. Collectively, these standardized outcomes will help ensure consistent preparedness among graduates and clearly communicate to the public the role and value of physical therapy.

Steven Chesbro, PT, DPT, EdD, vice president of education for APTA, states, "Our association was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with approximately 200 members, as well as consultants from medical education in the culmination of this effort. It was validating when one of our consultants, Robert Englander, MD, MPH, shared this comment when this work was completed: ‘I really think you all have completed one of the best processes I have seen for a profession's development of entrustable professional activities, and the outcome is excellent and will serve your community both theoretically and practically.’”