Defining Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapist Practice

Background and Purpose: The requirements of an entry-level physical therapist to practice in acute care are not well defined. The Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy convened the Minimum Skills Task Force to define entry-level practice in acute care. The purpose of this report is to discuss the process and outcome of the development of the Core Competencies for Entry-level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy. Methods: A task force of acute care clinicians and educators was assembled to develop this document. This document was created through a multistep process consisting of a review of limited existing literature and educational documents, reviews from 4 physical therapists with extensive specialized expertise in acute care physical therapy, and solicitation of Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy member feedback through 2 webinar forums. Results: The final document was adopted by the Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy in December 2015. The Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy identifies the necessary knowledge, actions, and behaviors that are required of an entry-level clinician in the acute care environment. Conclusion: The task force charged with the process and creation of the Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy met the challenge of integrating best available research, clinical experience, member feedback of all levels of experience, and expert feedback to develop this document. Further research on the benefits of this document to guide preparation for the entry-level clinician is needed.