For physical therapists looking to stay ahead of the curve, continuing education is essential. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which companies offer the best physical therapy continuing education courses. From online classes that teach communication skills and evidence-based practice to courses focused on hands-on techniques, there are plenty of ways for physical therapists to learn more about their field and improve patient care.
In this blog post we’ll explore types of con-ed courses and some of the advantages and disadvandages of each..
Table of Contents:
- Online Courses,
- Communication Skills,
- Evidence-Based Practice,
- Professional Development,
- Conclusion.
How to Find the Best Physical Therapy Continuing Education Courses
Keeping abreast of the most recent advancements in physical therapy is a must for PTs, but how is a clinician supposed to do it with so little time (you know, there’s treatment, charting, family, recreation…it’s tough). Whether it be in-person events like CSM, or online courses, you want to find the best physical therapy continuing education courses that meet your needs and also are part of work/life balance.
Licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants Need Options for Continuing Education Requirements
Online courses provide an easy and cost-effective way to do this (and that’s why we decided to offer two courses which we consider may be the best physical therapy continuing education courses available). With online courses, you can take advantage of the convenience and flexibility to learn at your own pace from any place with internet access.
Another Advantage with Online Physical Therapy Con Ed – You Can Squeeze It In…
If you are caught in a jam or have some down time during lunch or in the evening, your mobile phone or laptop allows you to easily and quickly access physical therapy con-ed & their materials. This means that you don’t need to be tied down by the traditional clinical settings or schedules – which makes it much easier as a busy professional in physical therapy practice.
Online physical therapy continuing education courses also offer flexibility when it comes to learning. Interactive components, such as chat rooms providing direct communication with educators and fellow physical therapist students, are often incorporated into online courses to promote “connection” despite physical separation. This allows everyone to stay connected even when they’re not physically together – making it easier for the group to share ideas and get feedback on the topics without having face-to-face contact.
Some of the Best Physical Therapy Continuing Education Courses Focus on Communication Skills
Good communication is essential for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapist assistants to provide the best care possible. This means understanding patients’ needs, being able to listen effectively, and developing treatment plans that will be successful. Con ed courses offered by groups like the American Physical Therapy Association, can help physical therapists & PTAs hone their communication skills so they are better equipped to handle any situation with confidence.
Physical Therapy Practice Professionalism Requires Providers to Invest in Development – Don’t Forget Communication Skills
Continuing education requirements often seem cumbersome, even unnecessary. While manual therapy skills and clinical treatment approaches dominate the continuning education credit space, one of the most important skills needed, i.e. communication skills, is often forgotten.
Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants know that care starts with the subjective interview of the patient, yet we often don’t spend enough time taking continuing education courses about this topic.
Comprehending the patients wants and needs (patient goals) from their therapy is a crucial part of successful communication. In order to gain insight into a patient’s objectives, it is important to:
- Be Aware of the Current Clinical Research that will Guide Your Care,
- Have the Right Mindset before Asking Questions (Prioritizing Pateint Needs First),
- Know What Questions to Ask (Open-Ended Question are Often Best)
- Be an Active Listener,
- Be Aware of Both Verbal & Non-Verbal Cues
- Provide Answers that are in the Patient’s Best Interest,
- Be Open to Options & Alternatives.
Continuing education credits earned from courses on communication skills can provide guidance on techniques such as paraphrasing key points made by the patient or using open-ended questions that invite further discussion rather than a simple yes/no answer – thus enabling physical therapists to become adept conversationalists who really understand where their patients are coming from before providing advice or solutions.
Interacting with patients and colleagues (think about the importance of getting feedback from your peers) effectively necessitates strong communication skills, which should be developed through continuing education programs. Evidence-based practice involves utilizing research evidence in clinical decision making, allowing physical therapists to provide high quality care based on best practices.
Case Study: It’s a fact that more than half of Americans are overweight or obese. This additional weight often times slows or even prevents healing. Having the right communications skills, like those offered in our Weight Management for Rehab Patients, are a perfect example of how better communicating with patients can lead to the best possible treatment outcome.
The Best Physical Therapy Continuing Education Courses are Evidence Based
EBP is a major factor in physical therapy, being an indispensable part of the profession. Continuing education is a must for physical therapists to remain abreast of the most recent studies and techniques in treating patients, thereby enabling them to successfully implement evidence-based practice. Through these courses, PTs, OTs, and PTAs can learn how to properly apply EBP in clinical settings.
For example, one course might cover the basics of evidence-based medicine, including its importance and benefits. It could also provide guidance on how to assess patient data when making decisions about treatment plans or developing protocols for specific conditions or injuries. Moreover, it could assist practitioners in comprehending the numerous forms of proof to be taken into account when crafting a care plan for their patients.
Communicating Treatment Options Based on Evidence
Another course might focus more specifically on applying EBP in practice by teaching therapists how to communicate about treatment options for shoulder problems (this is the topic of our shoulder continuing education course). This type of course would also discuss different approaches for evaluating outcomes in the clinical literature from interventions that are available (i.e. physical therapy comparted to drugs, injections, or surgery) and provide strategies for incorporating new treatments into existing programs or creating entirely new ones if needed.
A great example of this is learning the communication skills on how to gain trust from a patient that might be convinced they need shoulder surgery for impingement when the clinical literature suggests otherwise (like this study here concludes).
Don’t Forget About Continuing Education Courses About Technology
Finally, continuing education courses are available to help physical therapists use technology in evidence-based practice. These can involve the utilization of electronic medical records systems or other digital tools, which allow for greater efficiency while optimizing accuracy and consistency in patient care delivery over time.
Remote Therapeutic Monitorning (RTM) is a great example of a skillset that physical therapists need to master which are in the best interest of patients and can also help mitigate the ever declining insurance reimbursement conundrum.
Clearly, having a thorough comprehension of evidence-based practice is essential for delivering superior care, and this would be difficult to accomplish without an extensive familiarity with the subject. Professional Development courses provide an opportunity for therapists to expand their knowledge base in order to stay current with clinical, communication, research trends, and advances in technology.
Continuing Education Credits are All About Professional Development
Physical therapists understand the importance and licensure requirements of professional development and continuing education. Staying abreast of the newest studies, approaches, and interaction strategies is critical for delivering optimal care to those in need.
Through the internet, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and assistants can now easily access a vast array of online courses to keep up with their field. From evidence-based practice to soft skills like communication and patient engagement, there are plenty of opportunities for physical therapists to learn new skills without having to leave home or take time off work.
We Encourage You to Check Out Our Online PT Continuing Education Courses
From online courses, communication skills development, evidence-based practice implementation, and professional development resources – there is something for every physical therapist out there looking to take their career further. Most understand that by investing in PT/OT CEUs, one can keep abreast of the current best evidence and hands-on techniques.
In addition, we hope this article also shined a spotlight on the importance of communications skills development.
Three Ways to Connect For More Information, About Our Offerings
When seeking out the best physical therapy continuing education courses in 2023, ACE (Accredited Continuing Education) provides a great opportunities to learn and grow professionally.
Call us today for more information (781) 229-8011
Email us at Info@physicaltherapyceus.com
