Direct Access Essentials: Evaluating and Treating Patients Without a Referral

Overview

This course series equips physical therapists practicing in Pennsylvania with the knowledge and skills to manage patients under direct access licensure confidently. Each session emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment, with a critical focus on identifying non-musculoskeletal and systemic disorders that require referral. The series supports compliance with licensure requirements while enhancing clinical effectiveness in outpatient settings.

Course Objectives

• Develop advanced evaluative skills to treat patients under direct access.

• Enhance proficiency in screening for non-musculoskeletal and systemic conditions. 

• Learn best practices for referring patients to other healthcare providers when necessary.

• Build confidence in managing common outpatient conditions and red-flag scenarios. 

Course topics include evaluation and treatment as well as red flag referral reasoning for The Lumbar Spine, Hip and Knee, Cervical Spine, Core/Pelvic Health, Chronic Pain, Cervical Spine, Shoulder, Elbow/Wrist/Hand, Concussion/Dizziness, Cardiopulmonary care, Balance/Falls

Series Schedule