Ethical Principles of Physical Therapy (Includes American Physical Therapy Standards)

Contact Hour(s): 

2 Contact Hours

Author:

Cindy Endicott, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, ATC, Cert Dn

This peer-reviewed course is applicable for the following professions:

Physical Therapist (PT), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

State Approvals:

FPTA Approval: CE26-1283485, New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association of Tennessee Approval Number 2026-1184 for Class I Continuing Competency Requirement This distant learning-independent format is offered at 0.2 (2 contact hours) CEUs. Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply the APTA TN supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors.

Course Description:

This course discusses ethical principles for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. APTA core values, code of ethics, sample behaviors, ethical dilemmas, and violation reporting are thoroughly covered.

Outcomes:

92% of participants will know the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Core Values and Code of Ethics and how to apply ethical principles to the professional physical therapy practice.

Objectives:

After completing this continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the concepts of values, morality, ethics, and professionalism.
2. Summarize the five key roles of the Physical Therapist.
3. Describe the APTA Core Values of the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant.
4. Recognize the ethical commitments and standards of conduct outlined in the APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession.
5. Outline the Realm-Individual Process-Situation (RIPS) model of ethical decision-making.
6. Apply the APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession to physical therapy ethical dilemmas.
7. Relate what to do if they witness an ethical violation and possible consequences.

Disclosures:

CEUFast Inc. and the course planning team for this educational activity do not have any relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.