1. The content is relevant to physical therapy practice (clinical practice, clinical education, clinical research, clinical management, clinical science, professional ethics, Tennessee laws relating to the practice of physical therapy).
(a) Must have significant content to improve professional competence in physical therapy
(b) Must be designed to increase or enhance knowledge or skills of current standards in physical therapy practice
(c) Programs that deal with the internal affairs of an organization do not qualify for approval
2. Course objectives are clearly stated and identify the knowledge and/or skills that the participants should acquire during the course.
(a) Course objectives must be clearly stated and relevant to physical therapy
(b) Course objectives must include the expected outcome for participants that relate to the practice of physical therapy
3. The course content is consistent with the stated objectives.
(a) Course content must be appropriate to achieve the objectives
4. The instructional methods are appropriate to achieve the objectives.
(a) Methods must be appropriate to the subject matter taught
(b) Methods must allow suitable time for participants to absorb the material presented
(c) Must describe instructional aids and resource materials utilized
5. The instructor(s) have appropriate qualifications and credentials in the content areas of the course.
(a) Must have practical experience or academic credentials in the topic areas presented in the course
6. The method used to assess a participant’s attainment of the course objectives is appropriate.
(a) Method of assessment must be consistent with objectives (e.g. written test for lecture material or skills observation for lab material)
7. The evaluation form that the participants must complete is appropriate.
(a) Evaluation form has questions that are relevant to providing the presenter with information on the strengths and weaknesses of the course.
1. Individual PTs or PTAs licensed in Tennessee may submit an application for approval of their completion of an onsite continuing education course or home study course that has not been pre-approved by TPTA, APTA or APTA Sections.
2. Separate application and payment must be made for each course submitted for approval.
3. A course will not be evaluated for approval if the applicant does not submit all of the information required on the application.
4. The review process may take up to sixty (60) days after an application is received.
5. The applicant will receive email notification as to whether the course is approved or denied.
6. If approval of a course is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision to the TPTA Executive Committee.
7. TPTA uses the term “continuing education units” (CEUs) to define the credit given in course approval. CEUs are based on contact hours. Sixty (60) minutes of time actually spent in the educational portion of the course equals one contact hour. Credit is not given for registration, meals, or breaks. Ten contact hours equal 1 CEU. TPTA will award CEUs based on the contact hours.
8. TPTA will not maintain records of individual names of participants attending continuing education courses. It is the licensee’s responsibility to maintain his/her own records for continuing education.
