professional
pathways
Specialized Physical Therapy Education offers quality educational opportunities to practicing clinicians in the area of musculoskeletal physical therapy and rehabilitation to enhance personal professional development and to contribute to the profession’s vision of evidence-based autonomous practice. SPTE seeks to provide a variety of opportunities for professional growth, while taking into account your current practice, professional goals, and personal life, with opportunities to continue to expand ones knowledge.
Dry Needling Specialization
Get Certified in Dry Needling by completing all three of SPTE's Dry Needling Courses. The certification process starts with a Level One Introduction Course which includes a blended learning format including readings, video presentations, forum discussion and a pre-course quiz prior to the start of our in-person education. At the conclusion of the in-person course, participants will demonstrate competency in all muscles and nerve paths they have been for that course while still having access to their online content.
At the conclusion of Level One, participants will be eligible to complete either of the Expert Level Two Courses. Our Expert Courses are divided into the Upper Quadrant and Lower Quadrant. They are provided via a patient case format integrating clinical reasoning through more complicated needle placement of deeper more delicate muscles.
Participants who complete all three courses will become "Certified in Dry Needling" with 54 CEU's making them eligible to utilize dry needling in nearly every state. Make sure to check your state practice act to know your requirements.

Specialization pathways
SPTE ORTHOPEDIC RESIDENCY
Advance your clinical practice on all levels with SPTE’s Orthopedic Residency. Our program provides a structured, multidimensional educational program addressing all three levels of learning from the psychomotor application of skills, one’s knowledge base in critiquing and implementing the most current practice guidelines, and helping you apply this to your practice ever refining your clinical decision making and patient care outcomes. Click here for the SPTE Orthopedic Residency curriculum.
benefits
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18 month distance education learning model with a standardized curriculum in all required components of the APTA’s Description of Specialty Practice
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Receive direct one-on-one live patient care mentoring and hands on skills practice to maximize your patient outcomes
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Upon completion of the residency you will be eligible to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialty Examination as a resident graduate
SPTE ORTHOPEDIC speciality
Improve your knowledge and hands on skills while applying the current best treatment guidelines. SPTE’s Orthopedic Specialty Track allows you to still take part in a year long curriculum based on the current Description of Specialty Practice in Orthopedics preparing you for the American Board of Physical Therapy Orthopaedic Specialization Exam. Click here for the SPTE Orthopedic Speciality Curriculum.
benefits
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In depth conversations and readings regarding current orthopedic evaluation and treatment topics, which is followed by hands on skills application and training
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Hands on instruction and feedback with the application of various soft tissue mobilization techniques as well as joint mobilization and manipulation.
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Upon completion of the coursework, you will have the knowledge base to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialty Exam
SPTE ORTHOPEDIC academic
With SPTE’s Academic track, you can take one or all four core courses including PT Management of Cervicothoracic, Lumbopelvic, Upper and/or Lower Extremity Disorders. Click here for the SPTE Orthopedic Academic Curriculum.
benefits
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Further your knowledge in the current best evaluation and treatment options for orthopedic conditions
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Upon completion of the coursework, you will have the knowledge base to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialty Exam
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You are provided current practice guidelines
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You will engage in weekly discussions about current evidence, clinical reasoning, and patient centered care
SPTE mentored
clinical practice
Continually looking to serve the patients you see most often in YOUR practice? With the mentorship component of SPTE, you will continue to develop critical thinking skills through all elements of a patients care. SPTE clinical faculty will work with you in your clinic with your patients.
benefits
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Reinforce clinical reasoning skills
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Identify key elements of pattern recognition and hypothesis development
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Provide effective, efficient care identifying a treatment threshold early in care to ensure the greatest recovery and prognosis for your patients