Skip to main content

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


Recommended Content

Quick Reference Guide: Continuing Education Course Quality Standards

Feb 1, 2024 / Open Access

Core Competencies of a Physical Therapist Resident

Apr 11, 2024 / Resource

Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist

Aug 12, 2020 / Policies & Bylaws

APTA Guide for Professional Conduct

Jun 1, 2012 / Open Access


Additional Continuing Competence Content

APTA Continuing Competence Resources Help You Understand, Evaluate, and Advocate

May 15, 2024 / News

A webpage devoted exclusively to continuing competence is helping the profession move toward a more unified concept.