Models of Pelvic Health in DPT Education: Options, Opportunities, and Outlook (APTA-CSM 2025)
APTA-Combined Sections Meeting Houston, TexasFriday, February 14, 2025 3:00-5:00 PMNew models of pelvic health in DPT education must emerge. The number of pelvic health and pregnancy related questions on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) have gradually increased. This parallels the growth of pelvic and maternal health advocacy, research efforts, and increasing public demand for skilled pelvic health and postpartum providers. A committed response from Doctor of Physical Therapy programs is required to meet this societal need.However, there has been no formal guidance or consensus on how much, what type, and when pelvic health content should be included in entry-level programs. Thus, DPT education programs offer varying amounts of standalone content, ranging from a two-hour lecture to a 16-week elective course. Rarely is pelvic health in DPT education threaded through the curriculum. This limited and siloed approach disconnects pelvic health from whole person care and does not reflect contemporary integrative pelvic health practice patterns. The result is low health literacy about pelvic health, deficits in differential diagnosis, reduced screening and wellness promotion tools amongst allied health professionals.This session will summarize the pelvic health content that is included in the NPTE with options and opportunities to integrate it into curriculums. It will also summarize the CAPTE requirements for pelvic health and what courses might be appropriate to insert pelvic health content. Join us to discuss building new models of pelvic health in DPT education.Collaborators: Carina Siracusa, PT, DPT, EdD, WCS, OnCS and Jill Cramp, PT, DPT, PRPC (and me!)