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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:
- APTA Learning Center Continuing Competence for Physical Therapists Course
This course provides an up-to-date overview of competency standards in physical therapy, featuring insights from The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and the Core Competencies of a Physical Therapist Resident. - Professional Development, Lifelong Learning, and Continuing Competence in Physical Therapy (HOD P05-07)
- Enhanced Proficiency and Continuing Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant
- Clinical Continuing Education for Individuals Other Than Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
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.
Additional Continuing Competence Content
Oct 1, 2025 / Column
One PT reflects on a career shaped by unexpected turns, personal discovery, and the enduring impact of patient care.
Oct 1, 2025 / Success Story
Examining hold status uncovered planning gaps, leading to better communication and outcomes for one organization.
Aug 1, 2025 / Article
APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, shares how growing your knowledge can expand your impact.
Aug 1, 2025 / Feature
What PTs need to know about working with patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists.
Jul 1, 2025 / Column
How one early experience of belonging at APTA CSM helped a young PT overcome imposter syndrome and dedicate his career to service.
Jul 1, 2025 / Feature
Discover how physical therapists are using health coaching strategies to help patients stick with the plan — and make it their own.
Jun 2, 2025 / Perspective
Members of APTA Oncology share information and resources about Cancer Rehabilitation Month, a new public awareness campaign.
Apr 22, 2025 / News
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Christine McDonough, PT, PhD, FAPTA, on Dec. 18, 2024. Christine was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2023. She was a force, with an incredible drive and zest for life. Her contributions to the fields of physical therapy and outcomes research cannot be overstated.
Apr 1, 2025 / Column
A physical therapist recalls a memorable patient and her struggles to make peace with the patient’s untimely death.
Mar 17, 2025 / Website
PT CPI provides a standardized training and assessment tool designed to educate physical therapist students, and other members of physical therapy program academia.