The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy's Foreign Educated Physical Therapy Course, "Healthcare Policy, Practice, and Regulation in the United States," helps U.S. residents who have completed their physical therapy education abroad prepare to practice in the U.S.
Course Objective
The Healthcare Policy, Practice, and Regulation in the United States course provides foundational knowledge of the complexities and nuances of physical therapy policy, practice, and regulation in the U.S.—all of which are critical to moving toward licensure and practice. This 10-week online course aims to provide internationally-educated physical therapists with an overview of the U.S. healthcare system and the culture and context in which PT is practiced.
It is assumed that participants in this online course seek to establish physical therapy educational equivalency in the U.S. 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
The course is offered three times per year, with start dates in:
- January
- May
- September
This 10-week online course is facilitated by instructors who are experienced in online learning and healthcare professional practice in the U.S.
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. The online learning platform utilized is Canvas. Participants should expect to spend 5-10 hours a week on the course. They can learn at their own pace, at the time of day that suits their weekly schedule.
Topics
The course consists of 10 individual but linked sessions:
- Federal and State Governments Roles in Health Care
- Administrative Models of Care
- Use and Supervision of Support Staff
- Determinants of Health Promotion, Wellness, and Prevention
- Cultural Competencies
- Client-Centered Care Models
- Ethics in the Profession of Physical Therapy
- Direct Access
- Transition to the Workplace
- Online Evaluation, Reflection, and Feedback
Apply
2025 Summer Session
Class Begins: Monday, May 12
Class Ends: Sunday, July 20
Application Deadline: The summer enrollment deadline has passed; the next opportunity to enroll is in the fall.
Requirements
This course is open to internationally-educated physical therapists who meet the English language requirements below. If applicable, proof of graduation from a PT 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.
English proficiency is an absolute minimum standard and critical for success in this course and practice as a physical therapist across the U.S. 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.
Fees
- Administration fee: $50 (non-refundable)
- Course fee: $850
- Total fees for the course: $900