Healthcare Policy, Practice, and Regulation in the United States
We are now taking applications for the Spring 2025 session
Course starts: January 6, 2025
Course ends: March 16, 2025
Application deadline: December 6, 2024
Course Objective
This online course provides a foundational knowledge of the complexities and nuances of physical therapy policy, practice, and regulation in the United States that are critical to moving toward licensure and then practice. This 10-week online course aims to provide internationally educated physical therapists with an overview of the healthcare system across the United States and the culture and context in which physical therapy is practiced. It is assumed that participants in this online course seek to establish physical therapy educational equivalency in the United States and are planning to sit for the National Physical Therapy licensure exam.
In this course, learners will be exposed to a diverse range of topics, including cultural competence, the role of the federal and provincial governments, acts and regulations guiding PT practice, and client-centered care in various PT roles and settings. Successful participants will earn 2.0 Duke University credits.
Format
This online course takes place during a 10-week period and is facilitated by instructors experienced in online learning and health care professional practice in the United States. A different topic is covered each week, and participants must complete the weekly readings, watch videos, and participate in a discussion forum with the other class members. Participants should expect to spend 5-10 hours a week on the course.
Topics
The course consists of 10 individual but linked sessions:
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Federal and State Governments Roles in Health Care
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Administrative Models of Care
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Use and Supervision of Support Staff
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Determinants of Health Promotion, Wellness, and Prevention
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Cultural Competencies
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Client-Centered Care Models
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Ethics in the Profession of Physical Therapy
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Direct Access
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Transition to the Workplace
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Online Evaluation, Reflection, and Feedback
Requirements
This course is open to internationally educated physical therapists who meet the English Language requirements below. If applicable, proof of graduation from a physical therapy education program and/or licensure is required to participate in this course. Participants will also need to ensure full access to a laptop or desktop computer during the course (using a phone or tablet is not sufficient) and full 24/7 access to high-speed internet.
Language Requirements
English proficiency is an absolute minimum standard and critical for success in this course and practice as a physical therapist across the United States. While there are no specific requirements for English language proficiency to participate in this course (i.e., TOEFL), all applicants are expected to be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking in the English language. There will not be any special provisions given to participants who fail to keep pace with the course or their fellow participants because of English language difficulties. All participants are expected to self-assess their competency in English before beginning this course.
Course Features
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The course runs 10 weeks.
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Participants will use Canvas as the learning platform.
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Participants can learn at their own pace, at the time of day that suits them during the week.
Fees
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Administration fee: $50 (non-refundable)
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Course fee: $850
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Total fees for the course: $900
Cancellation Policy
The course will be canceled, and refunds will be given for insufficient registration. If you withdraw from the course before the start date, you will receive your $850 course fee as a refund. There is no refund if you withdraw after the start of the course.