Physical Therapists Are Transforming Emergency Department Care

Physical therapists are transforming emergency care. Over the past decade, physical therapists have become increasingly vital members of emergency department teams. In the busy ED environment, PTs offer expertise in musculoskeletal evaluation and early mobilization allows for more accurate diagnoses, faster treatment, and reduced reliance on imaging and medications. Furthermore, by integrating PTs into emergency care, hospitals can improve patient flow, reduce unnecessary admissions, and provide more personalized, nonpharmacological pain management—especially important in addressing chronic pain and combating opioid overuse.

At Education Resources, Inc., we support this growing field by offering emergency room and acute care continuing education courses for physical therapists. In fact, through ERI’s live webinars and on-demand video library, PTs can gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in fast-paced emergency settings. Overall, whether you’re looking to start an ED PT program or strengthen an existing one, our training resources are designed to help physical therapists deliver high-quality, evidence-based care that meets the needs of diverse patient populations.

$2,376 saved per patient. Increased satisfaction in emergency department care. 25% decrease in pain with physical therapy interventions as compared to medication. 23% reduction in repeat emergency department visits for the same issue.

Physical therapists in the emergency department improve patient costs, satisfaction, and outcomes while reducing the need for pain medications and repeat emergency visits for the same issue.

How PTs Are Transforming Emergency Care

🏥 Emergency Department Efficiency

·   2 hours saved on average when PTs are consulted vs. ED physicians alone

·   Decreased wait times

·   Improved patient throughput

·   Shorter length of stay

🛏️ Hospital Admissions & Readmissions

·   Earlier discharge

·   Avoidance of unnecessary admissions

·   Lower return rates to ED within one year

😊 Patient Satisfaction

·   Higher satisfaction rates with PT care

·   Decreased total time in ED and increased contact time 

Education Resources, Inc. courses in emergency and acute care

Effective Physical Therapist Management of Patients in the Emergency Setting: Differential Diagnosis, Intervention, and Inter-Professional Collaboration
Michael Lebec, PhD, PT

On-Demand Course
Learn to distinguish sources of pathology, conduct an efficient physical exam, and administer interventions even when limited to one or few episodes of care.

ICU and Acute Care Update
Chris Wells PT, Ph.D., CCS, ATC 

Live Webinar November 1 and 2, 2025
Adults experiencing cardiovascular and pulmonary critical illness in ICU or acute care settings experience limitations and deterioration of function for many typical and daily activities. Early mobility and physical activity can lead to an increase in functional capacity and improve quality of life for these patients.

Acutely Adorable: Pediatric Therapeutic Interventions in Acute Care and Beyond
Siobhan O’Donnell PT, DPT, PCS

Live Webinar starting October 9, 2025 – Four sessions
Live Webinar starting January 14, 2026 – Four sessions
Live Webinar starting October 1, 2026 – Four sessions
Pediatric acute care therapy for children and adolescents with pediatric neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and orthopedic disorders, as well as oncology, burns, and hematology.

Collaborative Dementia Care: Integrating Person-Centered Strategies for Positive Outcomes
Robyn Ligotti, PT, DPT

On-Demand Course
Therapists in ED and urgent care settings must recognize and be comfortable altering communication and intervention strategies when someone with dementia is under their care.  Learn effective strategies for communicating, educating, and treating persons living with dementia, along with caregiver collaboration to reduce further complications.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Evaluation and Management of Individuals with Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Live Webinar starting September 20, 2025 – Two sessions
In-person starting October 18, 2025 in Seattle, WA – Two sessions
Learn to assess and treat patients with vertigo and disequilibrium from vestibular causes. The information presented in this course is applicable to a large patient population including geriatric patients and individuals with CNS lesions such as multiple sclerosis, CVA, and head injuries. Specific emphasis will be placed on the assessment and treatment of unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction, benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo, central vestibular disorders, and multisensory dizziness.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Advanced
Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Live Webinar starting December 6, 2025 – Two sessions
The course will focus on the assessment and treatment of patients with vertigo and dysequilibrium from unusual vestibular causes. The course is designed for clinicians (PT & OT) with prior vestibular rehabilitation course work and clinical experience.

 

 

References:
Hanelt, K. (2025). A Critical Addition: Embedding PTs into Emergency Departments APTA Magazine,17 (5), 24-32. 

 

 

Calling All School-Based Therapists: Scholarship Opportunity Below!

scholarship therapist

Do you know of someone who deserves recognition? A rising star new to the schools or a seasoned standout in school-based therapy? We want to hear about their hard work and innovative ideas! We will be honoring two therapists and awarding both with a scholarship of free tuition to this years’ 26th Annual Therapies in the School Conference.

🌟 Empowering New School-Based Therapists: Nominate A Rising Star

Are you, or someone you know, a therapist just beginning their journey in the school setting? As in past years, we’re excited to offer a scholarship of free tuition designed to support a therapist who is new to school-based practice and shows promise in making a meaningful impact. This award aims to help a new therapist grow into a leader who will help to shape the future of school-based therapy.

This nominee should have a strong potential to meet student needs and collaboratively engage with colleagues, parents, and other providers. Whether you’re nominating yourself or a colleague (or both!), we want to hear about individuals who embody the heart of this work.

📝 Nomination Criteria:

  • The nominee must be an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, or OT/PT/SLP assistant.
  • The nominee must currently practice therapy in the school setting.
  • The nominee must demonstrate the core values of collaboration, integrity, and a passion for improving the lives of children.

📅 Deadline to Apply: Friday, September 19, 2025

📚 Honoring Excellence in School-Based Therapy: Nominate A Master Clinician

Every school has that one therapist – the quiet force who leads with heart, lifts others through mentorship and transforms student lives through skillful, compassionate care. As in past years, we’re thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on this unsung hero and recognize their impressive achievements with a scholarship of free tuition. 

The award celebrates a standout therapist who exemplifies leadership, innovation and collaboration in the school setting. Whether they’re pioneering new approaches, mentoring peers, or meeting students needs in evidence-based, creative and collaborative ways, this award honors those who go above and beyond to make a difference and improve the outcomes of their students. 

Whether you’re nominating yourself or a colleague (or both!), we want to hear about individuals who inspire us and remind us why we do this work. 

📝 Nomination Criteria:
  • The nominee must be an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, or OT/PT/SLP assistant.
  • The nominee must currently practice therapy in the school setting.
  • The nominee must demonstrate the core values of collaboration, leadership, integrity and a passion for improving the lives of children.

📅 Deadline to Apply: Friday, September 19, 2025

The award recipients will be notified in October and honored at the Annual Therapies in the School Conference  – November 20 and 21, 2025. Thank you for taking the time to nominate and recognize those who uplift and inspire us. We can’t wait to read all about them! 

Reignite Your Practice with In-Person CEU Training for OTs, PTs and SLPs

Why You Should Attend Our In-Person Trainings

While live webinars and on-demand courses offer flexibility and convenience, there’s something uniquely powerful about learning in-person, especially when it comes to mastering hands-on clinical skills. That’s why we’re proud to offer in-person CE trainings that go beyond the screen to deliver an immersive, practice-driven experience.

These courses combine video instruction, interactive labs, and real-time expert feedback, giving you the tools to build confidence and competence in your clinical practice. Led by our renowned faculty, these classes are designed to help you think critically, refine your techniques and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

What You’ll Experience:

  • 👐 Hands-On Practice: Learn and apply mobilization and manipulation techniques, including how to effectively use clinical equipment (if applicable)
  • 👀 Real-Time Feedback: Get immediate corrections on posture, hand placement and pressure from experienced instructors.
  • 🔁 Movement Replication: Observe and mirror nuanced techniques demonstrated live
  • 💬 Collaborative Learning: Engage in dynamic discussions and problem-solving with fellow therapists.
  • 🌍 Real-World Scenarios: Participate in live labs that simulate clinical challenges, helping you prepare for complex cases with confidence.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or expand your clinical toolkit, our in-person continuing education courses for physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists offer a rich, supportive environment to grow as a provider. 

2025 In-Person CEU Dates:

💸 Don’t forget, we offer group learning, loyalty discounts and savings that apply to our in-person courses. Check out our rewards program to see if you qualify. Interested in learning as a group? Contact our office for more details and group discount rates: 800-487-6530 or email info@educationresourcesinc.com.

Bundle + Save With These Torticollis Courses!

baby with torticollisERI is thrilled to announce that two revamped torticollis courses designed to elevate your clinical experience are now available! Take them individually or bundle both for extra savings and even more value. Join Anjali Gupta, PT, a leading expert in torticollis care and mentee of Cindy Miles, for a deep dive into practical strategies, updated guidelines and hands-on tools you can use right away. Explore these essential courses below and enhance your torticollis treatment skills. 

💥 Bundle & Save!
Take these courses individually or add both to your cart and receive 10% off at checkout! Learn more and register here 🔗 Whether you’re new to treating torticollis or looking to refine your approach, these courses are designed to support your growth and success.

What Can I Expect?

Begin with: Torticollis: The Basics-What Every Therapist Needs to Know
💻 On-demand version (recorded by Anjali Gupta from April 2025)
💲 Price: $199
🎓 5.5 Contact hours

✅ This on-demand provides foundational information on the etiology, evaluation and treatment of infants with torticollis. This would be considered a refresher course for anyone already familiar with treating torticollis, or ideal for those new to treatment. You can expect to learn how to: 

  • Identify the types of torticollis and the factors contributing to it in infants
  • Analyze red flags for differential diagnosis and understand long-term implications of untreated/undiagnosed torticollis
  • Identify best practice to maximize torticollis outcomes

Continue learning with: Torticollis: Comprehensive Strategies for Assessment and Interventions
📅 Live webinar: September 9, 11, 16 and 18, 2025
💲 Price: $389 (use coupon EARLYBIRD20 to receive $20 off the price by August 5, 2025. (*Cannot be combined with bundling offer).
🎓 15 Contact hours

✅ *Note: If you have taken Cindy Miles past course “Torticollis: Assessment and Treatment of Infants and Children: Impact on the Movement System of Infants and Beyond”, this updated course will still be of interest to you because between 50-70% of the information presented will be NEW. These added topics include:

  • New information regarding assessment strategies and tethered oral tissue (TOTS)
  • New information to the relation of feet to torticollis
  • New intervention strategies and hands-on labs and videos related to: manual stretching, alignment, scar tissues, fascial correction, ROM, strengthening, vision and vestibular interventions

From Basics to Proficiency – Build Your Confidence

Created for occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists, these courses provide a valuable opportunity to build a strong foundation and progress through the full spectrum of care for children with torticollis. Register today!

Questions? Contact our office info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530. 

$100 Off Early Bird Pricing for ERI’s Therapies in the School Conference!

📅 Join Us for this Virtual School-based Conference: November 20 and 21, 2025

therapies in the school conference school-based therapistsAt ERI, we’re committed to helping school-based therapists like you feel inspired, empowered, and equipped with tools you can use right away to improve learning outcomes for your students. That’s why every year, our virtual Therapies in the School Conference brings together the most passionate and knowledgeable speakers in the field, providing two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration with hundreds of your fellow therapists. Continuing education designed for school-based physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and special educators…there’s something for everyone!

Whether you’re new to school-based practice or a seasoned professional, this CEU conference is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies you can implement throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Earn up to 12 contact hours for the full two days. 

💸 Register Early and SAVE $100!

Not only do early birds get the worm, but they get the best pricing too! Receive the early bird discount of $100 off the full two-day registration when you sign up by August 30, 2025. Use coupon code THERAPIES2025 at checkout to unlock this savings. 

Register 15+ participants together and receive a FREE on-demand course (up to 3 contact hours) for each of your registrants (they will have the opportunity to choose their course from a select list).

💡 Why You Should Attend:

Learn as a group during interactive and energetic morning sessions.
Choose your afternoon adventure – select from a line-up of 5 topics each afternoon.

✅ Virtual face-to-face interactions with expert speakers
✅ Explore the core issues impacting your day-to-day school practice:

  • Unravelling sensorimotor and behavior needs from multiple perspectives
  • Students with complex communication needs
  • Interventions for students who “hate” writing
  • Motor needs, educational relevance and evidence based practice all at once
  • Vision differences in ADHD
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
  • The role of orthotics in schools
  • Building more collaborative teams for medically complex students

🗣️ Who Is Presenting?

Learn from our seasoned presenters who bring real-time experience to each session and truly understand the demands of your day-to-day.

✅ Faculty include – Susan Cecere, Athena Oden, Amy Lewis, Kelsie Olds and more! View the conference page to see our full line-up of speakers.

🧠 What You’ll Gain:

Get ready for two unforgettable days of learning where big ideas will be shared, practical strategies will be applied and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with colleagues and presenters who truly understand the work you do. Come away reinvigorated, empowered and full of fresh inspiration for a successful school year and school career. You can review the full agenda with descriptions, speaker line-up and objectives here.

📩 Questions? Reach out to info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530. We hope you’ll join us for this transformative conference, we can’t wait to learn with you!