The APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, the one-of-a-kind resource that lays out a universal foundation for understanding the profession, is now available online in a revised fourth edition. The updated guide has been expanded to include deeper dives into some of the hottest issues in the profession — and best of all, it's available for free as an APTA member benefit.
The Guide lays out a full description of what PTs do in ways that make the resource indispensable not just for clinicians, but for students, educators, insurers, policymakers, and anyone else seeking a wholistic understanding of physical therapist services and why physical therapy is a crucial part of patient-centered, cost-effective health care. Chapters focus on an introduction to PT practice; patient and client management; examination and evaluation; diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes; and career advancement. Additional resources include expansive information on tests and measures, as well as on educational and procedural interventions.
First published in 1997, the Guide has evolved with every revision. This year's guide includes more information on population health, social determinants of health, telehealth, primary care, direct access, imaging, prevention and wellness, optimization of movement, and the physical therapy workforce, among other topics. Paid subscriptions are available to institutions and nonmember affiliates, but APTA members receive free unlimited access.
Although popular with PT and PTA educators, no matter where you are in your professional journey, the Guide is a valuable tool. Students can learn the fundamentals as well as get a jump on their careers by learning about specialty areas and understanding the pathways open to them. Early-career PTs can maximize the power of their evaluative skills and anchor their practice in strong foundational concepts; experienced clinicians can refine their clinical decision-making and increase their understanding of the importance of outcome measures; advocates can rely on the guide to help policymakers, payers, and others understand the integral role PTs and PTAs play in a changing health care environment.
Visit the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice today and start exploring the breadth and depth of the physical therapy profession. You might be surprised at what you find.
