Physical Therapists as Primary Care Providers
| Online Only | Online + Hard Copy | |
|---|---|---|
| APTA Orthopedics Member | $115
$86.25
|
$140
$105
|
| Non-APTA Orthopedics Member | $265 | $290 |
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Cancellation Policy / Refund Policy
Due to the automation of our learning management system allowing you instant access to the online content and the immediate order placement for a plus print product, there are no refunds after an order is placed.
Course Description
As healthcare delivery shifts toward improved access, value-based care, and team-based models, physical therapists (PTs) are taking on increasingly prominent roles as first-contact providers. This course offers a focused yet comprehensive introduction to primary care physical therapy, tracing its historical roots, key policy developments, and emerging opportunities across the healthcare continuum. Participants will explore how PTs function within military health systems, where autonomous practice and rapid decision-making are essential, and within emergency and urgent care environments, where PT-led triage and early intervention can significantly impact patient flow and outcomes. Supplemental video content highlights the realities of rural and underserved settings, providing insight into innovative strategies that expand access where resources are limited. Through real-world examples and contemporary evidence, learners will gain a practical understanding of how PTs contribute to efficient, patient-centered care in diverse primary care models. Whether you are a clinician, student, or educator, this course offers an opportunity to envision how physical therapy can shape the future of frontline healthcare. Join us to discover where the profession is heading and how you can be part of its next evolution.
Course Overview
Course Format: Online with an option to purchase the print version
Contact Hours: 15 contact hours
State Approval: AOPT courses are accepted in all states plus the District of Columbia, as allowed by the type of course requirements in state regulations. A small number of states require APTA to seek pre-approval of courses. The approval codes for these states can be found here. Always check with your State Licensing Board to confirm contact hours offered.
View Full State Approval InformationCourse Objectives
- Upon completion of this series, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the historical development and current trends shaping primary care physical therapy.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of physical therapists functioning as first-contact providers in military, emergency and rural settings. Analyze how primary care physical therapy models influence patient access, clinical efficiency, and health system outcomes.
- Evaluate opportunities and challenges for expanding physical therapy practice within evolving primary care and interprofessional care models.
Topics and Authors
- A Profession in Motion: The Rise of Primary Care Physical Therapy
John Heick, PT, DPT, PhD - Physical Therapy in the Military
Matthew Garber, PT, DSc - Physical Therapy in the Emergent Care Environment
John Heick, PT, DPT, PhD
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