You don't have to look very far to find an article that lists "physical therapy" as a hot, in-demand career. That's good news for students and newly minted physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs), but it's also a challenge to the profession to ensure that those joining its ranks are prepared for and energized about their futures.
The 2019 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, set for January 23-26 in downtown Washington, DC, will offer several sessions of particular interest to students, educators, and others interested in preparing the next generation of professionals. Here are a few suggestions.
Future Momentum: Pushing Limits on Simulation to Maximize Student Preparation
What's the state of simulation-based education in preparing PT and PTA students for the dynamic, fast-paced arena of acute and critical care physical therapy? How can faculty and clinicians leverage this technology to maximize its potential? Experience lively discussion from an expert panel of acute care physical therapist academic faculty as they debate and challenge our existing evidence base regarding simulation-based education to prepare the next generation of PTs and PTAs. Friday, January 25, 8:00 am–10:00 am.
Competency-Based Education: Exploring Opportunities for Our Future
How well do our professional curricula and educational methods prepare our learners to meet current and future needs of patients, communities, and society? Competency-based education (CBE) theories have existed for decades but have only recently been applied to medical education, including the use of competencies, milestones, and entrustable professional activities, with a de-emphasis on the time required to demonstrate competence. This session will center on evaluation of ongoing development of CBE in medicine and its potential application to physical therapy. Friday, January 25, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
From Lightly Salted to Seasoned: Implementing Early Professional Development
The shift from student to PT or PTA can be dramatic for some. What can be done to maintain and even increase engagement in the profession during this critical time? Join panelists involved with the Florida Physical Therapy Association's Early Professional Special-Interest Group (SIG) to discuss their efforts to maintain membership engagement and facilitate the transition from new graduates to early-career professionals and further into association leadership. Thursday, January 24, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm.