ANPT Essential Competencies for Neurologic Physical Therapist Education

In 2021, the ANPT Board of Directors assembled a task force to draft consensus-based competencies for entry-level neurologic physical therapy education.  A task force consisting of three co-chairs, ten members, and a consultant, utilized Nominal Group Technique to arrive at competency statements mapped to seven broad domains.  A detailed description of the methodology and the complete list of final competencies were published in 2023 in JNPT and can be found here.

ANPT is pleased to provide resources to help educators assimilate the competencies into their own unique curriculum structure.  These can be found below.

Podcast: Essential Entry-Level Competencies to Prepare Clinicians for Success in Neurologic Physical Therapy Practice

In this episode, we speak to Dorian Rose, one of the authors of the recently published article on essential competencies in entry-level neurologic physical therapist education (article video link: https://links.lww.com/JNPT/A427). Dr. Rose discusses the benefits of competency-based education for accountability, flexibility, and learner centeredness, and summarizes how the seven essential competency domains can guide academic and clinical educators to support clinician success in neurologic practice.

 Sample Learning Objectives, Teaching and Assessment Strategies for ANPTE Essential Competencies*: 

• Domain 1: Participation
• Domain 2: Communication and Collaboration
• Domain 3: Health, Promotion, and Wellness
• Domain 4: Movement Science
• Domain 5: Assistive Technology and Equipment
• Domain 6: Evidence Based Practice
• Domain 7: Provider Health and Wellness

*Authors of content: 

• Megan Eikenberry, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Jennifer Elinich, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Patti Noritake Matsuda, PT, PhD, DPT
• Brian Moore, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Melissa Allen PhD, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Jessica Lieb Cammarata, PT, DPT, D.Ed., Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Heidi R. Roth, PT, DHS, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Michael Furtado, PT, EdD, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)

Sample Compendium Activities Mapped to Competencies

Curricular Mapping Worksheet

• Curricular Mapping Worksheet Overview
• Essential Competencies Curricular Mapping Worksheet - Sample
• Essential Competencies Curricular Mapping Worksheet - Blank