About the Physical Therapy Clinical Education Glossary

The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the APTA Academy of Education worked collaboratively to develop this website and glossary of physical therapy clinical education terms for both PTs and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).

The initial glossary was developed after a review of the physical therapy literature, extensive discussion and debate by the ACAPT Common Terminology Panel, and engagement of key stakeholders within the physical therapy clinical education community. The glossary is divided into major categories and, as applicable, definitions are referenced.

You can also read the published article: Recommendations from ACAPT's Common Terminology Panel (2018).

If you have suggestions for other terms, please contact us.

We will be adding terms over time.

About the Glossary