APTA Learning Center

Build your primary care expertise with the APTA Primary Care Certificate, a six-course series, available as individual courses or a comprehensive certificate program.

Course 1: Empowering Physical Therapists to Excel in Primary Care Practice

Explore the evolving role of physical therapists in primary care, highlighting the benefits they bring and strategies for effective advocacy. Participants will learn to overcome barriers, create value, and make positive impressions on physicians while managing patient care and addressing socioenvironmental factors.

CEU: 0.1 (1 contact hour)

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.

Course 2: Perspectives from the Field: Integrating Physical Therapy Into Primary Care

Moderator Bill Boissonnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, and a panel of experienced physical therapists discuss the evolving roles of PTs in various settings, including pediatrics, rural health centers, and private practices. Participants will learn about different models of care and strategies for integrating physical therapy into diverse primary care practices.

CEU: 0.3 (3 contact hours)

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.

Course 3: Legislative and Payment Efforts: Direct Access and Its Role in Advancing PT in Primary Care

This course covers the latest legislative updates and direct access initiatives, clarifying the differences between direct access and primary care. Participants will also learn effective communication strategies for working with payers.

CEU: 0.2 (2 contact hours)

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.

Course 4: Designing and Implementing Injury Prevention Programs in Physical Therapy

In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of injury prevention, the role of physical therapy in sports and exercise injury prevention, and evidence-based multimodal approaches to reducing injuries.

CEU: 0.3 (3 contact hours)

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.

Course 5: APTA Guide to Health and Wellness

This course covers health promotion, early detection, and the role of nutrition in disease prevention. It equips physical therapists with skills to conduct exams, promote wellness, and implement health and nutrition strategies.

CEU: 0.6 (6 contact hours)

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.

Course 6: Foundations of Imaging, Pharmacology, Clinical Decision‑Making, and Treatment in Primary Care PT

This course enhances clinical decision-making skills through modules on assessment, diagnostic imaging, and differential diagnosis for common conditions seen in the primary care setting. Patient evaluation, referral, and interventions will be discussed. 

CEU: 1.0 (10 contact hours) ~ Approved for Direct Access CEU in Pennsylvania

Individual purchase of this course can be found here.