Committed to Excellence
The University of Utah Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training is committed to providing high-quality continuing education opportunities that support clinical excellence. Our programs are designed to bring together expert instructors and leaders in the field to deliver current, evidence-based content that is applicable to daily practice. Through innovative coursework and hands-on learning experiences, we aim to ensure that practicing physical therapists have the best opportunity to continuously improve, expand, and refine their clinical skills. Our offerings reflect our dedication to advancing patient care and professional growth.
CURRENT COURSE OFFERINGS
Lumbopelvic Management
This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of lumbopelvic pain and dysfunction. Recorded lecture material will introduce key concepts in differential diagnosis, clinical practice guideline-based and treatment-based classification system examination, subgrouping of low back pain, neurophysiology of manual therapy, pain mechanisms, and exercise prescription for common lumbar and pelvic presentations.
In-person laboratory sessions will focus on the safe, effective, and clinically reasoned delivery of thrust and non-thrust manipulation techniques for the lumbar spine, thoracolumbar region, sacroiliac region, and pelvis. Participants will practice assessment strategies and manual therapy techniques with emphasis on appropriate patient selection, clinical reasoning, safety, and integration into a broader plan of care.
Additional lab content will address lumbar radiculopathy, thoracolumbar junction dysfunctions, lumbopelvic motor control, mobility interventions, and progressive loading strategies. Exercise labs will emphasize practical application of graded exposure, hip hinge mechanics, and progressive strengthening, including incorporation of the deadlift when clinically appropriate.
Cervicothoracic Management
This course will cover current best evidence in the physical therapy management of cervical, thoracic, and cervicothoracic conditions. Recorded lecture material will summarize relevant anatomy, differential diagnosis, clinical practice guideline-based examination, headache classification, cervical radiculopathy, neurophysiology of manual therapy, safety considerations, and current evidence related to thrust and non-thrust manipulation.
In-person laboratory sessions will focus on clinical examination and the safe and effective delivery of manual therapy techniques to the cervical spine, upper thoracic spine, cervicothoracic junction, ribs, and shoulder girdle region. Participants will practice thrust and non-thrust manipulation, mobility techniques, and complementary exercise strategies with emphasis on patient selection, risk screening, and clinical decision-making.
Additional lab sessions will address management of neck pain, cervicogenic headache, cervical radiculopathy, thoracic mobility limitations, and movement coordination impairments. Exercise components will include mobility, motor control, postural endurance, scapulothoracic control, and progressive strengthening strategies to support long-term function and performance.
Upper Extremity Management
This course is designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge and skill in the evidence-based management of individuals with upper extremity disorders and dysfunction. Recorded lecture material will review current best evidence related to examination, differential diagnosis, regional interdependence, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and clinical reasoning for common shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand presentations.
In-person laboratory sessions will focus on practical examination and intervention strategies for the upper extremity. Participants will practice joint and soft tissue assessment, thrust and non-thrust manual therapy techniques, mobility interventions, and progressive exercise strategies for common upper quarter impairments and functional limitations.
Laboratory content will include management of shoulder pain, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, mobility restrictions, scapulothoracic movement impairments, elbow pain, wrist and hand dysfunction, and upper extremity strength deficits. Exercise labs will emphasize progressive loading, return-to-function decision-making, pushing and pulling progressions, overhead capacity, grip demands, and integration of mobility, motor control, and strengthening into individualized care plans.
Lower Extremity Management
This course is designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge and skill in the evidence-based management of individuals with upper extremity disorders and dysfunction. Recorded lecture material will review current best evidence related to examination, differential diagnosis, regional interdependence, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and clinical reasoning for common shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand presentations.
In-person laboratory sessions will focus on practical examination and intervention strategies for the upper extremity. Participants will practice joint and soft tissue assessment, thrust and non-thrust manual therapy techniques, mobility interventions, and progressive exercise strategies for common upper quarter impairments and functional limitations.
Laboratory content will include management of shoulder pain, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, mobility restrictions, scapulothoracic movement impairments, elbow pain, wrist and hand dysfunction, and upper extremity strength deficits. Exercise labs will emphasize progressive loading, return-to-function decision-making, pushing and pulling progressions, overhead capacity, grip demands, and integration of mobility, motor control, and strengthening into individualized care plans.
MEET THE TEAM
Interested in Hosting a Course?
Do you have questions or requests about hosting a course?
Email us at continuingeducation-ptat@utah.edu to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
We primarily host courses in the clinical teaching laboratories at 419 Wakara Way. These labs include plinths, stools, AV equipment, and open floor space suitable for manual therapy, exercise labs, and lecture-style instruction.
You can choose one of two options:
- Facility rental at $ 750 per day ($ 250 of this is the administrative fee). Some concessions may be made to lower this cost.
Contact a Continuing Educator Coordinator for more details. - The administrative fee is always required and is nonrefundable. All payments must be submitted in advance.
The participant cap is 60. This is a fixed departmental policy to maintain safety, access, and space usability.
Yes. All external CE providers must carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of 1,000,000 per occurrence and 2,000,000 aggregate. Proof of insurance must be submitted before the event date.
We provide plinths, stools, AV projection systems, linens, and standard classroom items. Course providers are responsible for bringing specialty equipment such as needling supplies, taping materials, exercise tools, or any items unique to their course content. Providers must also return all equipment and furniture to its original configuration.
Only water bottles with secure lids are permitted. No other food or drink is allowed in laboratory spaces. A break area is available and included that includes refrigerators and microwaves.
Cancellations more than 30 days before the course may be refunded minus the administrative fee. Cancellations within 30 days result in forfeiture of all fees. Rescheduled courses require an additional 100 administrative fee.
No. The course provider is responsible for registration, payment processing, marketing, CEU approval, and all participant communication.
We may include approved CE courses in newsletters or on our department website, if certain stipulations are met. Providers remain responsible for all external marketing.
Paid parking is available on weekdays at $65 per day. Parking is free on weekends. Course providers are responsible for covering these costs, if they wish to have free parking on weekdays.
Yes, but all items must be stored neatly, and nothing can obstruct walkways, emergency exits, or departmental equipment. The building is locked overnight. The department is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Submit a request to the Continuing Education Committee including your course description, preferred dates, expected participant numbers, and equipment needs. We will follow up within 10 business days next steps including documents and scheduling.
GROSS ANATOMY COURSES
The purpose of this course is to provide a review of lower extremity anatomy for those in health care.
This course taught by The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at The University of Utah and therefore is credited for PT CEU’s in Utah. Please check with your state/governing body to see if you have reciprocity. If not, please see the section in canvas labeled “Materials for CEU request” for documentation of the course and check with your state/governing body for what is required to submit for CEU approval.
Participants may choose to register for the online portion of the Lower Extremity Anatomy course only, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning. There is also an option to register for the online course plus an in-person lab experience, which requires travel to Salt Lake City. The in-person lab will be held as a half-day course on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please note that registration and completion of the online portion is required before attending the lab.
The purpose of this course is to provide a review of upper extremity anatomy for those in health care. This 5.5 hour asynchronous course allows participants to work at their own pace. These videos include both lecture and lab content and that consists of musculoskeletal, vasculature, nervous system and arthrology. The course will focus on the following areas: anterior thoracic wall, shoulder and axilla, arm, forearm, and hand.
Participants have 60 days to complete the course. The course consists of 5.5 hours of videos, 7 quizzes and 1 exam.
This course taught by The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at The University of Utah and therefore is credited for PT CEU’s in Utah. Please check with your state/governing body to see if you have reciprocity. If not, please see the section in canvas labeled “Materials for CEU request” for documentation of the course and check with your state/governing body for what is required to submit for CEU approval.
Participants may choose to register for the online portion of the Upper Extremity Anatomy course only, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning. There is also an option to register for the online course plus an in-person lab experience, which requires travel to Salt Lake City. The in-person lab will be held as a half-day course on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please note that registration and completion of the online portion is required before attending the lab.
The purpose of this course is to provide a review of upper extremity anatomy for those in health care. This 5.5 hour asynchronous course allows participants to work at their own pace. These videos include both lecture and lab content and that consists of musculoskeletal, vasculature, nervous system and arthrology. The course will focus on the following areas: anterior thoracic wall, shoulder and axilla, arm, forearm, and hand.
Participants have 60 days to complete the course. The course consists of 5.5 hours of videos, 7 quizzes and 1 exam.
This course taught by The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at The University of Utah and therefore is credited for PT CEU’s in Utah. Please check with your state/governing body to see if you have reciprocity. If not, please see the section in canvas labeled “Materials for CEU request” for documentation of the course and check with your state/governing body for what is required to submit for CEU approval.
Participants may choose to register for the online portion of the Upper Extremity Anatomy course only, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning. There is also an option to register for the online course plus an in-person lab experience, which requires travel to Salt Lake City. The in-person lab will be held as a half-day course on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please note that registration and completion of the online portion is required before attending the lab.
