Professionalism and Ethics in Physical Therapy: 4-Part Course Series
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Register
- Non-Member - $50
- PT Member - $25
- PTA Member - $25
- Student - Free!
- Post-Professional Student - $25
- Staff - Free!
Explore professionalism and ethics in physical therapy with this 4-part course series. You'll learn about the historical development of these principles, ethical decision-making frameworks, and current trends and challenges.
Key Features
- Purchase Information: Free for students, $25 for members/post-professional members, $50 for non-members
- Mixed Asynchronous and Synchronous Formats:
- Courses 1, 2, and 3 are asynchronous
- Course 4 is synchronous on February 5 and 6, 2025.
- Release Dates:
- Courses 1 and 2: Available Now!
- Course 3: Wednesday, February 5
- Course 4: Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6
Course Details:
- Course 1: Core Concepts in Professionalism and Ethics (0.5 CEUs / 5 contact hours)
- Course 2: Ethical Decision-Making in Professional Practice (0.7 CEUs / 7 contact hours)
- Course 3: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas with Tailored Training Based on Your Role (0.4 CEUs / 4 contact hours)
- Training for Faculty Members, DCEs, SCCE, Clinical Instructors, Residents, Fellows, Clinicians, and Students
- Course 4: Ethical Practices Across Practice Settings (0.4 CEUs / 4 contact hours)
- Training for Orthopaedic/Sports Medicine, Acute Care, Pediatric, and Neurologic Practitioners
Join us to deepen your understanding and enhance your practice!
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Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits
(Professionalism-Ethics-Series-1) This essential course covers the historical context of ethics in physical therapy, ethical theories, and the principles of equity and professionalism that shape today’s best practices in physical therapy. Enhance your ethical understanding and skills - register today! (0.5 CEU / 5 contact hours)
This course is part of the Professionalism and Ethics in Physical Therapy: 4-Part Course Series. This course equips physical therapists with essential knowledge of professionalism and ethics.
- Module 1 explores how historical developments shape current ethical practices.
- Module 2 offers an overview of key ethical theories and examines how they have influenced the understanding of disability and the development of ableism in the field today.
- Module 3 provides physical therapy professionals with essential strategies and insights to assess and enhance well-being, fostering a healthy practice that promotes both personal and professional growth.
Join us to enhance your understanding of ethical principles and their application in practice!
0.5 CEU / 5 contact hours
Beth Linker
PT, PhD
Beth Linker, a former physical therapist turned historian, is the Samuel H. Preston Endowed Term Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Renowned for her insightful works on rehabilitation and disability, her latest book, Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, delves into the historical fears surrounding poor posture in the 20th century.
Full Bio
Beth Linker, a former physical therapist, is the Samuel H. Preston Endowed Term Professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of the History and Sociology of Science. She is the author of War’s Waste: Rehabilitation in World War I America (Chicago, 2011) and co-editor of Civil Disabilities: Citizenship, Membership, and Belonging (Penn Press, 2014). Her most recent book, Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America (Princeton University Press, 2024), is a historical consideration of how poor posture became a feared pathology in the United States throughout much of the twentieth century. For this project, Linker received grants from The American Council of Learned Societies, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The National Institutes of Health, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Sarah Caston
PT, DPT
Dr. Sarah Caston is physical therapist who is board- certified neurologic and geriatric PT. She is an Associate Professor within Emory University’s Division of Physical Therapy. Dr. Caston received her BS in Rehabilitation Science from University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and her DPT in 2011 from Emory University. She recently completed a Master’s degree in Bioethics and Emory’s Center for Ethics. Dr. Caston’s passion for ethics in physical therapy was cultivated as a clinician where she witnessed both the gifts and limitations of the biomedical approach to care, and grew at the intersections of humanism justice and a desire for greater flourishing for patients and clinicians.
Alyssa M Gibbons
Ph.D.
Alyssa Mitchell Gibbons, Ph.D., is an associate professor of industrial/organizational psychology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Dr. Gibbons’ research interests include safety culture, occupational health, and leadership development. Dr. Gibbons’ research has appeared in journals including Journal of Management, Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Human Performance, Human Resource Management Review, International Journal of Selection and Assessment and Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice. Dr. Gibbons received her doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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 e-mail learningcenter@apta.org.
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Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits
(Professionalism-Ethics-Series-2) This course aims to enhance physical therapists' ethical decision-making skills by exploring critical guidelines, ethical frameworks, and strategies for recognizing and mitigating bias. Participants will also learn best practices to uphold professional integrity and avoid disciplinary actions. (0.7 CEU / 7 contact hours)
This course is part of the Professionalism and Ethics in Physical Therapy: 4-Part Course Series. It is designed to enhance the ethical decision-making skills of physical therapists.
- Module 1: Navigating Core Documents: Code of Ethics and Essential Guidelines
- Explore essential guidelines, including the Code of Ethics that underpins professional practice.
- Module 2: Ethical Approaches: Frameworks for Effective Decision-Making
- Explore key frameworks to enhance your decision-making when faced with ethical dilemmas.
- Module 3: Ethical Decision-Making to Prevent Disciplinary Action
- Understand best practices to maintain professionalism and avoid disciplinary action.
0.7 CEU / 7 contact hours
Becca Ditwiler
PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, is a board-certified orthopaedic specialist in physical therapy. With a PhD in Ethical Leadership, her research and teaching focus on ethics, professionalism, and leadership in the field. She also serves on the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee.
Full Bio
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT, PhD is an Associate Professor and board-certified orthopaedic specialist in physical therapy. She is a practicing physical therapist and educator in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Ditwiler is DPT Curriculum Coordinator and oversees interprofessional education in that role. Becca Ditwiler received her DPT from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011 and completed a BS in Movement Science from the University of Michigan. Becca also completed a PhD in Ethical Leadership with a focus in higher education. Her research focuses on ethics, professionalism, and leadership. Dr. Ditwiler has also participated in clinical research and clinical service throughout her career. She currently serves on the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and is an active member of the Florida Physical Therapy Association. She is part of USF’s Academy of Distinguished Educators.
Bernardine Evans
PT, DPT
Bernardine Spaulding Evans (She/Her/Hers) is a dedicated Clinical Assistant Professor at Howard University with over 30 years of experience in treating neurological disorders. She has served on the Board of Physical Therapy in DC for the past eight years, is a board member of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and the Vice Chair of the PT Compact's Education and Outreach Committee.
Full Bio
Bernardine Spaulding Evans (She/Her/Hers) is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Howard University in Washington, DC. She began her academic career at Montgomery College's PTA program, teaching neuro-techniques for six years before joining Howard University's DPT program. She later became the Program Director of the physical therapy department and now teaches in the Department of Radiation Therapy.
Dr. Evans chairs the licensing Board of Physical Therapy in the District of Columbia and serves on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She is also Vice Chair of the PT Compact's Education and Outreach Committee and has chaired its compliance committee. At Howard University, she is a member of the College Grievance committee and an alternate delegate for the Faculty Senate.
With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Evans specializes in treating Traumatic Brain Injury and progressive brain disorders. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Geriatrics and a published researcher in Geriatric Neurology. Her current research focuses on comparative anatomy and oncology. Dr. Evans has spoken at the FSBPT's annual education conference and the NICHD Eunice Kennedy Shriver international conference at NIH.
She also coordinates and serves on the board of Howard University’s Pro Bono Clinic, providing outreach primarily for Spanish-speaking populations in the District of Columbia.
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 e-mail learningcenter@apta.org.
- Module 1: Navigating Core Documents: Code of Ethics and Essential Guidelines
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Contains 8 Component(s)
(Professionalism-Ethics-Series-3) This course offers tailored learning experiences focused on ethical dilemmas commonly experienced in the field and strategies to approach them for faculty members, DCEs, SCCEs, CIs, residents, fellows, and clinicians alike. Join us to enhance your understanding of how to navigate moral distress and ethical challenges effectively.
This course provides customized learning experiences for faculty, Directors of Clinical Education (DCEs), Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (SCCEs), residents, fellows, and clinicians, exploring ethical dilemmas commonly experienced in the field and strategies to overcome them.
Key Features:
- Purchase Information: Free for students, $15 for members/post-professional members, $25 for non-members
- Learning Format: All courses are asynchronous
- Release Dates: Wednesday, February 5
- Target Audience: Faculty, clinicians, residents, fellows, and clinical instructors.
Course Details:
- Module 1 - Faculty Insights: Navigating Moral Distress and Ethical Challenges in Education, empowering faculty and educators to navigate moral distress in educational environments, focusing on the integration of professionalism and ethics in their teaching.
- Intended audience: Faculty members.
- Module 2 - Professionalism and Ethics in Clinical Education, equipping DCEs with insights and strategies to enhance professionalism and ethics in clinical training environments.
- Intended audience: Directors of Clinical Education (DCEs).
- Module 3 - Professionalism and Ethics in Clinical Settings, equipping clinicians with essential tools to effectively apply professionalism and ethics in clinical settings, fostering integrity and ethical decision-making in their practice.
- Intended audience: Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (SCCE), clinical instructors (CI), residents and fellows, clinicians, and students.
Enhance your understanding of professionalism and ethics and register today! (0.4 CEUs / 4 contact hours)
This course is part of the Professionalism and Ethics in Physical Therapy: 4-Part Course Series.
Sarah Luna
PT, DPT, PhD
Seth Kress
PT, DPT
Tara Pearce
Janet Readinger
PT, DPT
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 e-mail learningcenter@apta.org.
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Contains 11 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 02/05/2025 at 1:00 PM (EST)
(Professionalism-Ethics-Series-4) This course series provides a comprehensive exploration of professionalism and ethics across various practice settings, including orthopaedics and sports, neurology, pediatrics, and acute care. Through case studies and discussions, participants will develop a strong understanding of how to maintain high ethical standards and professionalism in their clinical work.
This course is part of the Professionalism and Ethics in Physical Therapy: 4-Part Course Series.
Through case studies and interactive learning, participants will tackle ethical dilemmas with expert advice from experienced clinicians in the field.
Key Features:
- Purchase Information: Free for students, $25 for members/post-professional members, and $50 for non-members.
- Learning Format: Mixed asynchronous and synchronous content.
- Release Dates: Live sessions held on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6
- Target Audience: Clinicians with an interest in orthopaedic/sports, acute care, pediatrics, and neurologic settings.
Course Details:
- Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
- Instructor: Dustin Willis, PT, DPT, PhD
- Acute Care Settings
- Instructors: Jessica Marengo, PT, DPT, SM; Babette Sanders, PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA
- Pediatrics
- Instructors: Magdalena Oledzka, PT, PhD, DPT, MBA; Rebecca Leonard, PT, DPT, MS, PhD; Kristen Snarski, PT, PhD
- Neurologic
- Instructor: Sarah Caston, PT, DPT, NCS
Enhance your ability to adapt ethical practices and maintain high professionalism standards - register today! (0.4 CEUs / 4 contact hours for each session)
Jessica Marengo
PT, DPT
Jessica Marengo, PT, DPT, SM is a physical therapist and current Duke University Faculty Development Resident. She is a Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor at Northeastern University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Marengo earned both her BS in Rehabilitation Science and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University. She recently completed her Master of Science in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School, where her research centered on disparate access to solid organ transplant for individuals with physical disabilities. Dr. Marengo has presented nationally at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting. Her work in bioethics has been recognized by the International Neuroethics Society and she was awarded an honorable mention for the 2023 Henry K. Beecher Prize in Medical Ethics. Jessica specializes in critical care rehabilitation with a particular focus on the care of patients pre and post heart and lung transplantation.
Babette Sanders
PT, DPT, MS
Babette Seligmann Sanders, PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA is a professor emeritus (2022) from the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. She was involved in DPT courses including ethics in Professional Role Development and Psychosocial Aspects of Human Behavior. She is currently serving as the Ethics Liaison for the Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy, a delegate to the APTA House of Delegates from Illinois and a member of CAPTE (ASCC-RAI panel). She previously served on the APTA Board of Directors from 1997-2003 and as APTA Secretary from 2004-2010. During this time, she served as the APTA Board Liaison to the Ethics and Judicial Committee and was involved in the development of the APTA Code of Ethics,(2009).
Sarah Caston
PT, DPT
Dr. Sarah Caston is physical therapist who is board- certified neurologic and geriatric PT. She is an Associate Professor within Emory University’s Division of Physical Therapy. Dr. Caston received her BS in Rehabilitation Science from University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and her DPT in 2011 from Emory University. She recently completed a Master’s degree in Bioethics and Emory’s Center for Ethics. Dr. Caston’s passion for ethics in physical therapy was cultivated as a clinician where she witnessed both the gifts and limitations of the biomedical approach to care, and grew at the intersections of humanism justice and a desire for greater flourishing for patients and clinicians.
Dustin Willis
Magdalena Oledzka
PT, DPT, PhD, MBA
Dr. Magdalena M. Oledzka is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy with over 25 years of experience in the field. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Hunter College in 1998, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Baruch College in 2008, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2018. Currently, she serves as an adjunct professor in the Pediatric PhD program at Rocky Mountain University and has previously held a position as an assistant adjunct professor at Brooklyn College.
Dr. Oledzka has been a member of the pediatric rehabilitation team at the Hospital for Special Surgery since 2007, where she is now the Clinical Lead at the Pediatric Rehabilitation and Young Athlete Center. Her research on the topic of congenital muscular torticollis has garnered recognition from the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, earning her the 2020 Dissertation Award.
Dr. Oledzka has traveled to China and Ghana to support and educate local pediatric therapists. She has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals on congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and has presented lectures across the U.S. and internationally on topics including infant development, cerebral palsy, and fostering motor competence in children of all abilities.
Kristin Snarski
PT, PhD
Rebecca Leonard
PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Rebecca Leonard is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. She earned her physical therapy degree from the University of Connecticut, a Master's in Physiology from Marshall University, a T-DPT, and a PhD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is an adjunct professor at Marymount University, teaching the pediatric course for third-year physical therapy graduate students. She has served as an adjunct professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, teaching the Family Studies course.
Dr. Leonard developed, owned, and directed Early Intervention Associates, a private pediatric physical therapy practice, for over 38 years until 2021. She continues as an active practitioner at EIA, pursuing and fostering continual learning to enhance the practice. She has enjoyed APTA activities with the awards committee, reviewing manuscripts and engaging with the Delphi survey for Angelman’s Syndrome Video Assessment for the development of a gross motor exam. For over 20 years, she has participated in Music and Motion, a dance program at Maryland Youth Ballet for children with disabilities.
Dr. Leonard received the Marymount University Physical Therapy Award for Clinical Excellence in 2017 and the APTA recognition for the Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award in 2018.
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 e-mail learningcenter@apta.org.