APTA Master Class Series Package
- Registration Closed
A curated series of live impactful learning experiences occurring at APTA Centennial Center in Alexandria, VA. Space is limited per session.
The Master Class Series is a curated collection of onsite learning experiences designed to elevate clinical practice, strengthen PT–PTA collaboration, modernize operational workflows, and support the evolving business needs of clinicians, managers, and practice owners. Each recommended session targets both immediate skill gaps and long‑term strategic priorities, ensuring relevance for clinicians, leaders, support staff, and practice owners alike.
If you’re unsure which courses to choose, don’t limit your growth. This series offers an exceptional opportunity to earn licensure renewal credits, stay at the forefront of industry learning, and access high‑value education at an unbeatable price. Register for all six courses today.
- Format: Live, in-person
- Cost:
- $2,449 PT/PTA members
- $3,399 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 5.5-6 (55-60 contact hours)
I understand that this onsite event may involve physical, technical, or hands‑on activities that carry inherent risks, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, property damage, or other loss. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the event host, instructors, organizers, facility owners, and their employees, agents, and representatives from any liability arising from my participation. I agree to follow all instructions and safety guidelines and accept responsibility for my own actions. I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate and will disclose any condition that may affect my safety. In an emergency, I authorize the host to seek medical assistance on my behalf and understand I am responsible for related costs. By participating, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to this waiver and release of liability.
Photographic Disclaimer - I understand that I may be photographed and/or audio/video recorded during an APTA event. By registering for an APTA event, I hereby grant APTA the irrevocable right, permission, and license to take photos and/or audio/video record me at this event and publish, reproduce, and otherwise use the photos and audio/video recordings in all forms and media for educational, trade, web, advertising, and all other lawful purposes without compensation. I release APTA from all forms of claims and liability related to my photo and audio/video recording. I agree that the photos and audio/video recordings shall be the sole property of APTA, and I grant, assign, and transfer to APTA all necessary rights to that effect.
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits
(2026_MasterC_RTM) This dynamic, interactive course demystifies Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and equips clinicians with the clarity, confidence, and practical skills to integrate it into modern physical therapy practice.
Join us for this live, in person learning session on Friday, Aug. 21, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET) at APTA Centennial Center in Alexandria, VA.
To enhance this dynamic learning experience, we’ve set up a discussion board for all participants. Since this session includes live interaction, you can use the board to ask questions, exchange ideas, and let the speaker(s) know which topics matter most to you. Feel free to post comments or questions whenever they arise.
Key features:
- Format: Live, Synchronous, interactive format
- Cost:
- $599 PT/PTA members
- $799 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours)
Course Description:
This dynamic, interactive course demystifies Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and equips clinicians with the clarity, confidence, and practical skills to integrate it into modern physical therapy practice. You’ll explore RTM’s evolution, code development, and key clinical literature while learning how to incorporate RTM into the plan of care and use real‑time data to optimize outcomes. Participants will develop competence in identifying patients who will benefit from the integration of RTM into their course of physical therapy. Through case examples, data‑driven exercises, and a guided workshop, you’ll also master operational, compliance, and reimbursement essentials. Whether you want to elevate patient engagement, expand digital care capabilities, or strengthen your clinic’s value, this course delivers the strategies and insights that make RTM a vital and clinically meaningful, future‑ready tool.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the clinical indications for integrating RTM into a plan of care
- Identify the CPT codes to report RTM and the requirements for reporting each code
- Explain the models of implementation of RTM and the operational impact of the models
- Demonstrate appropriate clinical documentation of RTM services
- Clarify where RTM fits into a digitally enabled physical therapy clinical model
Powered by Fusion by Ensora Health
Alice Bell, PT, DPT
Sr. Specialist, Health Policy and Payment
American Physical Therapy Association
Alice Bell, PT, DPT, is a senior specialist in health policy and payment at APTA, a role she has held since joining the association in 2016. Her duties include engaging with commercial payers to advocate for positive physical therapy policies and address member issues and challenges, representing APTA on public and private workgroups to advocate for physical therapy, developing member resources related to payment and advancing opportunities for physical therapists in alternative payment models and quality payment programs. Alice received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana. Her professional activities include serving on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Technical Expert Panels, APTA staff representative to the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), APTA appointee to the NDHI Opioid Crisis Workgroup, National Quality Partnership Opioid Stewardship Action Team, and the National Quality Partnership Opioid Stewardship Steering Committee, member of the National Quality Partnership Leadership Consortium, APTA representative to the National Quality Forum Measure Applications Partnership for Post-Acute and Long Term Care, APTA representative to the MACRA Wave 4 Low Back Pain Cost Measure workgroup, and member of the Battelle Partnership for Quality Improvement Cost and Efficiency Workgroup. Most recently Alice was appointed to the American Institutes for Research®️ (AIR), Functional Assessment Expert Workgroup. Dr. Bell works with public and private payers to promote policy changes to support the delivery of physical therapy. Dr. Bell is engaged in value based and alternative payment model development and clinical innovations in integrating digital health into the practice of physical therapy.
Ellen Morello, PT, DPT
President
EverEx USA
Ellen Morello, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and healthtech operator specializing in remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), digital health, and scalable care delivery models. With nearly a decade of leadership experience in high-growth digital physical therapy startups, Ellen brings a unique combination of hands-on clinical expertise and real-world operational leadership.
Ellen currently serves as President of EverEx USA, an RTM software and services company, where she leads market expansion, customer success, and implementation strategy across a growing network of physical therapy providers. In this role, she partners directly with clinics ranging from solo practitioners to multi-site organizations, helping them design, launch, and scale RTM programs that enhance patient engagement while generating meaningful, sustainable revenue.
In addition to her operational leadership, Ellen has served as an instructor for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Telehealth Certificate Series and Digital Health Certificate Series, where she teaches clinicians how to effectively integrate virtual care and technology into practice. She is also an active contributor to the American Physical Therapy Association AI Task Force, where she helps shape conversations around the impact of artificial intelligence on clinical decision-making, workflows, and patient engagement in rehabilitation.
Ellen’s perspective is grounded in both innovation and practicality—focused on helping clinicians adopt emerging technologies in ways that support care delivery while maintaining clinical autonomy.
Course Instructions
- Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
- Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
- Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
- Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page.
Need Assistance?
For assistance logging in, accessing activities, claiming credit, or for other questions or concerns please email [email protected].
I understand that this onsite event may involve physical, technical, or hands‑on activities that carry inherent risks, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, property damage, or other loss. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the event host, instructors, organizers, facility owners, and their employees, agents, and representatives from any liability arising from my participation. I agree to follow all instructions and safety guidelines and accept responsibility for my own actions. I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate and will disclose any condition that may affect my safety. In an emergency, I authorize the host to seek medical assistance on my behalf and understand I am responsible for related costs. By participating, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to this waiver and release of liability.
Photographic Disclaimer - I understand that I may be photographed and/or audio/video recorded during an APTA event. By registering for an APTA event, I hereby grant APTA the irrevocable right, permission, and license to take photos and/or audio/video record me at this event and publish, reproduce, and otherwise use the photos and audio/video recordings in all forms and media for educational, trade, web, advertising, and all other lawful purposes without compensation. I release APTA from all forms of claims and liability related to my photo and audio/video recording. I agree that the photos and audio/video recordings shall be the sole property of APTA, and I grant, assign, and transfer to APTA all necessary rights to that effect.
- Registration Closed
- More Information
-
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/17/2026 at 9:00 AM (EDT)
(2026_MasterC_PT_PTA_Collab) LIVE VIRTUAL This master class examines PTA education, scope of practice, communication, delegation, and professional accountability, while addressing misconceptions that contribute to underutilization in clinical practice.
Join us for this LIVE VIRTUAL session on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (ET).
To enhance this dynamic learning experience, we’ve set up a discussion board for all participants. Since this session includes live interaction, you can use the board to ask questions, exchange ideas, and let the speaker(s) know which topics matter most to you. Feel free to post comments or questions whenever they arise.
Key features:
- Format: Live Virtual, Synchronous
- Cost:
- $599 PT/PTA members
- $799 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours)
Course Description:
Effective communication, role clarity, and appropriate utilization within the PT–PTA relationship are essential to patient safety, continuity of care, and team effectiveness. This master class examines PTA education, scope of practice, communication, delegation, and professional accountability, while addressing misconceptions that contribute to underutilization in clinical practice. Participants will explore barriers including role ambiguity, supervision gaps, documentation breakdowns, handoff failures, situational awareness, and team culture, along with their impact on practice and education. Drawing on evidence-informed strategies, the session highlights practical approaches to strengthen delegation, align care delivery with reimbursement considerations, and develop intra-professional competence through case-based learning, structured documentation practice, and team-based communication models. Tools such as SBAR, closed-loop communication, micro-huddles, escalation scripts, and structured handoffs will equip clinicians and educators to reduce risk, enhance efficiency, expand patient access, and improve outcomes.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Analyze key PT–PTA communication barriers and their impact on safety, care continuity, and team performance
- Differentiate situations requiring PT escalation or clarification to ensure safe delegation and effective supervision
- Integrate evidence‑based communication strategies into clinical practice and curricula to strengthen teamwork and handoffs
- Describe PTA entry‑level education, scope of practice, and core competencies to clarify role preparation
- Apply strategies to optimize PTA utilization through appropriate delegation, reimbursement alignment, and effective skill use
Course Instructions
- Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
- Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
- Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
- Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page.
Need Assistance?
For assistance logging in, accessing activities, claiming credit, or for other questions or concerns please email [email protected].
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/02/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
(2026_MasterC_Business) Led by a diverse panel of physical therapy leaders, this two-day intensive will pull back the curtain on how different models "get it done." We’ll dive deep into marketing, payment structures, operations, and the art of professional development.
Join us for this live, in person learning session on Friday, Oct. 2, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET) at APTA Centennial Center in Alexandria, VA.
To enhance this dynamic learning experience, we’ve set up a discussion board for all participants. Since this session includes live interaction, you can use the board to ask questions, exchange ideas, and let the speaker(s) know which topics matter most to you. Feel free to post comments or questions whenever they arise.
Key features:
- Format: Live, Synchronous, interactive format
- Cost:
- $599 PT/PTA members
- $799 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours)
Course Description:
Stop choosing between being a great clinician and a savvy business professional. Most Physical Therapy education focuses on the how of treatment, but rarely the why or how of the business structures that support it. Whether you are a student, a seasoned PT or PTA, or an aspiring clinic owner, this APTA Master Class is designed to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and operational success.
Led by a diverse panel of physical therapy leaders, this two-day intensive will pull back the curtain on how different models "get it done." We’ll dive deep into marketing, payment structures, operations, and the art of professional development.
Join us to learn how a healthy bottom line isn't just a goal, it’s the vehicle that allows you to deliver the care your patients deserve.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key revenue drivers across multiple physical therapy business models
- Compare how different models structure billing and value creation
- Analyze how patient experience reflects and reinforces the underlying business model
- Recognize the importance of business literacy in advocating for one’s career and professional growth
- Engage in interactive group discussions to apply concepts to real‑world scenarios
Powered by Fusion by Ensora Health
Stacey Alberts, PT, CSCS
Owner and Physical Therapist
Total Rehab Orthopedic & Sports Specialists
Stacey Alberts, PT, CSCS is the Owner and Physical Therapist at Total Rehab Orthopedic & Sports Specialists, a successful outpatient private practice she founded in 2005 in Grinnell, Iowa. Over two decades, Stacey has grown Total Rehab into a multi-site practice with three locations and a robust team of clinicians delivering high-quality orthopedic care and patient-centered outcomes while navigating the complex realities of private practice management.
Stacey has lived experience as a clinician-entrepreneur balancing the demands of business leadership with family and community engagement. In addition to her clinical and operational responsibilities, she has held leadership roles on the Board of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Midwest Therapy Network Board, and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Board, and has coached youth athletics for nearly two decades, demonstrating her ability to lead both inside and outside the clinic.
Stacey’s career began with a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa and expanded through clinical management at Grinnell Regional Medical Center before opening her practice. Her commitment to practice excellence, advocating for professional protection at the federal level, and work-life integration make her an engaging speaker for clinicians aiming to grow sustainable practices while honoring personal priorities.
Josh D’Angeles, PT, DPT
CEO, MovementX and Adjunct Faculty
The George Washington University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Joshua D’Angelo is a doctor of physical therapy and board certified orthopedic specialist who has co-founded and directed global organizations centered around improving access to healthcare and innovating healthcare delivery. Dr. D’Angelo co-founded MovementX, a movement health platform delivering high quality physical therapy and personal training services whenever and wherever it is needed most. MovementX’s mission is to help people move their best, so they can live their best.
Dr. D’Angelo also co-founded Move Together, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to increase access to quality rehab medicine around the corner and around the world. He served as Vice President and COO from its founding in 2015 through 2021. He is responsible for co-creating the first global Physical Therapy Day of Service, which has united over 20,000 physical therapy clinicians and staff from all 50 states and nearly 90 countries to give back to their communities.
Dr. D’Angelo has served as delegate in the DC Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), as president of APTA’s Student Assembly, which represents over 25,000 physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students, and as the chair of APTA’s New Professionals Committee. In 2018, Dr. D’Angelo received APTA’s Societal Impact Award and George Washington University’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award. He is a previous recipient of the George Washington University’s George Washington Award and APTA’s Mary McMillan Scholarship, named after the physical therapy profession’s founder.
Dr. D’Angelo has spoken nationally and internationally on physical therapy, leadership, and global health. He currently serves as CEO of MovementX, as an adjunct faculty at The George Washington University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, on the American Physical Therapy Association’s Finance Committee, and on the Alumni Council of the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan.
Yogi Matharu, DPT, OCS, MBA
Associate Chair of Clinical Services
University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Dr. Matharu received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and MBA degrees from the University of Southern California. He completed a residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California and has been a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist since 2002. At the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, he is Associate Chair of Clinical Services overseeing Residency Programs, Continuing Education, and USC Physical Therapy ( PT faculty practice including a role as Director of Physical Therapy at USC Keck Hospital and Norris Cancer Hospital). His academic appointments include Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy, faculty of the Pain Medicine Fellowship program at the Keck School of Medicine, faculty of the Physical Therapy Spine Fellowship at USC. His clinical interests include musculoskeletal disorders, shoulder replacement, spinal dysfunction, pain management, tendon disease, and developmental disabilities. While at USC he has developed and participated in innovative primary care and multi-disciplinary care delivery models. Dr. Matharu also holds a General Contractor’s license and has an interest in accessible housing and the implications on function.
Amy Snyder, PT, DPT (Moderator)
CEO
PT Plus Management
Amy Snyder, PT, DPT, brings a unique blend of national leadership vision and daily, real-world private practice experience. As a second-generation leader and CEO of PT Plus Management, she has navigated the evolving healthcare landscape for over 20 years. She has balanced hands-on patient care in outpatient orthopedics with the complex operations, marketing, financial planning, and clinical mentorship required to run a multi-site practice. Under her leadership, PT Plus was named the APTA Wisconsin Private Practice of the Year in 2024.
Amy's extensive governance background includes multiple terms as Secretary, Vice President, and Director for the APTA Private Practice Section, as well as President of the APTA Wisconsin Private Practice Special Interest Group. As the founder of NorthStar Executive Consulting, she leverages her deep industry expertise to coach private practice owners through strategic growth, helping them align business operations with clinical excellence.
Course Instructions
- Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
- Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
- Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
- Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page.
Need Assistance?
For assistance logging in, accessing activities, claiming credit, or for other questions or concerns please email [email protected].
I understand that this onsite event may involve physical, technical, or hands‑on activities that carry inherent risks, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, property damage, or other loss. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the event host, instructors, organizers, facility owners, and their employees, agents, and representatives from any liability arising from my participation. I agree to follow all instructions and safety guidelines and accept responsibility for my own actions. I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate and will disclose any condition that may affect my safety. In an emergency, I authorize the host to seek medical assistance on my behalf and understand I am responsible for related costs. By participating, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to this waiver and release of liability.
Photographic Disclaimer - I understand that I may be photographed and/or audio/video recorded during an APTA event. By registering for an APTA event, I hereby grant APTA the irrevocable right, permission, and license to take photos and/or audio/video record me at this event and publish, reproduce, and otherwise use the photos and audio/video recordings in all forms and media for educational, trade, web, advertising, and all other lawful purposes without compensation. I release APTA from all forms of claims and liability related to my photo and audio/video recording. I agree that the photos and audio/video recordings shall be the sole property of APTA, and I grant, assign, and transfer to APTA all necessary rights to that effect.
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/09/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
(2026_MasterC_PT_ED) This course is designed to bridge the gap between what the evidence recommends and what patients realistically do. The session will synthesize contemporary evidence for exercise recommendations across multiple populations at increased risk for underdosing and sedentary behavior.
Join us for this live, in person learning session on Friday, Oct. 9, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET) at APTA Centennial Center in Alexandria, VA.
To enhance this dynamic learning experience, we’ve set up a discussion board for all participants. Since this session includes live interaction, you can use the board to ask questions, exchange ideas, and let the speaker(s) know which topics matter most to you. Feel free to post comments or questions whenever they arise.
Key features:
- Format: Live, Synchronous, interactive format
- Cost:
- $599 PT/PTA members
- $799 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours)
Course Description:
Emergency departments are one of the most complex and high-stakes environments in healthcare, where clinical decisions must be made rapidly with limited information and resources. While physical therapy has established a presence in this setting, current models of care remain highly variable, often underutilized, and inconsistently integrated into emergency workflows.
This session will challenge the status quo and redefine what physical therapy should look like in the emergency department. Moving beyond traditional consult-based and mobility-focused models, participants will explore how physical therapists can function as essential contributors to clinical decision-making, patient flow, and safe disposition planning.
Through a combination of historical context, current state analysis, and forward-looking frameworks, this session will introduce a systems-based approach to practicing at the top of scope. Attendees will learn how to optimize when, where, and why physical therapy is delivered in the emergency department, aligning care with patient needs and operational priorities.
Using real-world cases and implementation strategies, this master class will equip clinicians and leaders with the tools to move from presence to impact—shifting physical therapy from a supportive service to a critical component of emergency care delivery.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the current state of physical therapy practice in the emergency department and identify gaps limiting top-of-scope care
- Differentiate between traditional consult-based models and optimized, integrated approaches to emergency department physical therapy
- Apply a systems-based framework to determine the right patient, right time, and right setting for physical therapy intervention
- Integrate physical therapy into emergency department workflows to support clinical decision-making, patient flow, and safe disposition
- Develop strategies to advance physical therapy practice toward a redefined standard aligned with patient and system-level outcomes
Rebekah Griffith
PT, DPT, NCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Rebekah Griffith PT, DPT, FAAOMPT is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, who specializes in care in the Emergency Department and ICU settings. She believes that physical therapy should not be a luxury and should be accessible to everyone, particularly in life’s most critical moments. Dr. Griffith is the founder of the ED DPT, a business focused on making Emergency Physical Therapist practice well-known and well-practiced. She also serves her profession as President of APTA Colorado. A believer in life-work flow, she is a dedicated mother of 3, wife of 22 years, an avid reader, writer, and photographer, and also holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Dr. Griffith firmly believes that we rise by lifting others, which is at the core of being a physical therapist and human.
I understand that this onsite event may involve physical, technical, or hands‑on activities that carry inherent risks, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, property damage, or other loss. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the event host, instructors, organizers, facility owners, and their employees, agents, and representatives from any liability arising from my participation. I agree to follow all instructions and safety guidelines and accept responsibility for my own actions. I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate and will disclose any condition that may affect my safety. In an emergency, I authorize the host to seek medical assistance on my behalf and understand I am responsible for related costs. By participating, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to this waiver and release of liability.
Photographic Disclaimer - I understand that I may be photographed and/or audio/video recorded during an APTA event. By registering for an APTA event, I hereby grant APTA the irrevocable right, permission, and license to take photos and/or audio/video record me at this event and publish, reproduce, and otherwise use the photos and audio/video recordings in all forms and media for educational, trade, web, advertising, and all other lawful purposes without compensation. I release APTA from all forms of claims and liability related to my photo and audio/video recording. I agree that the photos and audio/video recordings shall be the sole property of APTA, and I grant, assign, and transfer to APTA all necessary rights to that effect.
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/23/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
(2026_MasterC_Presc_to_Prog) This course is designed to bridge the gap between what the evidence recommends and what patients realistically do. The session will synthesize contemporary evidence for exercise recommendations across multiple populations at increased risk for underdosing and sedentary behavior.
Join us for this live, in person learning session on Friday, Oct. 23, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET) at APTA Centennial Center in Alexandria, VA.
To enhance this dynamic learning experience, we’ve set up a discussion board for all participants. Since this session includes live interaction, you can use the board to ask questions, exchange ideas, and let the speaker(s) know which topics matter most to you. Feel free to post comments or questions whenever they arise.
Key features:
- Format: Live, Synchronous, interactive format
- Cost:
- $599 PT/PTA members
- $799 Non-members
- Earn CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours)
Despite strong evidence supporting the importance of appropriate exercise dosing, exercise continues to be underdosed across clinical practice and community settings. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants consistently recognize the value of individualized, high-intensity, and progressive exercise, yet real-world implementation is often limited by patient-, clinician-, clinic-, and system-level barriers. At the same time, patients look to rehabilitation professionals as trusted experts to translate evidence into meaningful, achievable, and effective exercise programs.
This course is designed to bridge the gap between what the evidence recommends and what patients realistically do. The session will synthesize contemporary evidence for exercise recommendations across multiple populations at increased risk for underdosing and sedentary behavior. Participants will consider context that should inform optimal dosing such as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, access, time constraints, socioeconomic factors, and patient beliefs and values. Emphasis will be placed on actionable strategies, including monitoring physiological response, leveraging shared decision-making, and fostering therapeutic relationships to support sustainable participation. At the end of this session, attendees will be equipped to move beyond population-level exercise recommendations toward tailored, purposeful progress for patients.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Summarize current evidence-based exercise dosing and training intensity recommendations across selected patient populations
- Apply principles of exercise physiology to develop appropriately dosed, patient-centered exercise prescriptions
- Identify common barriers that contribute to underdosed exercise in rehabilitation
- Integrate strategies such as physiological monitoring, shared decision-making, and therapeutic relationship-building to enhance patient engagement and adherence Adapt exercise dosing strategies to promote purposeful progress and sustainable participation within real-world clinical constraints
- Adapt exercise dosing strategies to promote purposeful progress and sustainable participation within real-world clinical constraints
Powered by Fusion by Ensora Health
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Drexel University
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University. She is a physical therapist-scientist with expertise in designing, assessing, and implementing community exercise to meet the values and needs of adults with chronic mobility limitations. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based exercise principles into accessible and adaptable movement strategies that support sustainable physical activity behavior. She has over 10 years’ experience developing and leading adapted movement programs with teaching appointments at the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports and as an inaugural OnDemand fitness instructor with Move United, a national adapted sports organization. Laura’s research integrates the assessment of personal, environmental, and social factors influencing physical activity with the development and implementation of group exercise for people with chronic conditions such as spinal cord injury, arthritis, and chronic mobility limitations. Through this work, she advances practical blueprints to apply exercise progressions and regressions across diverse functional levels. Laura is funded by the Department of Defense, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Clinician-Scientists Transdisciplinary Aging Research Network. She serves as Treasurer of the APTA Academy of Research Qualitative and Mixed Methods Special Interest Group and is a member of the Academy of Geriatrics Academic Education Committee.
Hallie Zeleznik, PT, DPT
Vice Chair of Clinical Education and Practice Innovation in the Department of Physical Therapy
University of Pittsburgh
Hallie Zeleznik, PT, DPT, is Vice Chair of Clinical Education and Practice Innovation in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh and a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist. She has more than 20 years of experience in progressive clinical and leadership roles within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute. Her national service includes multiple roles with the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, including serving as an article reviewer and as a member of the knowledge translation task force for the Clinical Practice Guideline: A Core Set of Outcome Measures for Adults with Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Physical Therapy. She currently serves as co-chair of the knowledge translation committee for the Clinical Practice Guideline: A Core Set of Outcome Measures to Assess Physical Function for Adults Participating in Physical Therapist Treatment in the Hospital through the Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy. Her additional national service includes work with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists as a member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts, followed by a term on the Neurologic Specialty Council from 2017–2020. She is currently serving a four-year term on the ABPTS Board of Commissioners and represents Pennsylvania as a delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. In 2023, Hallie received the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy’s Outstanding Clinical Innovator Award for her work advancing evidence-based practice across the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute.
I understand that this onsite event may involve physical, technical, or hands‑on activities that carry inherent risks, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, property damage, or other loss. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the event host, instructors, organizers, facility owners, and their employees, agents, and representatives from any liability arising from my participation. I agree to follow all instructions and safety guidelines and accept responsibility for my own actions. I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate and will disclose any condition that may affect my safety. In an emergency, I authorize the host to seek medical assistance on my behalf and understand I am responsible for related costs. By participating, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to this waiver and release of liability.
Photographic Disclaimer - I understand that I may be photographed and/or audio/video recorded during an APTA event. By registering for an APTA event, I hereby grant APTA the irrevocable right, permission, and license to take photos and/or audio/video record me at this event and publish, reproduce, and otherwise use the photos and audio/video recordings in all forms and media for educational, trade, web, advertising, and all other lawful purposes without compensation. I release APTA from all forms of claims and liability related to my photo and audio/video recording. I agree that the photos and audio/video recordings shall be the sole property of APTA, and I grant, assign, and transfer to APTA all necessary rights to that effect.
- Registration Closed
- More Information
