EDUCATA, a provider of accredited physical therapy continuing education, along with the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), have released the Certification of Achievement in Oncology PT course series, which aims to prepare physical therapists for a specialization in the field of oncology rehabilitation. According to a Market Watch news report, the program, which has launched with the release of the Comprehensive Management of Edema course, will address the skills needed for advanced practice.

Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, states, “Survival rates for cancer patients have steadily increased, and it’s estimated that nearly 14 million Americans alive today had cancer in their medical history. Close to 2 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US this year alone. This represents a huge population whose need for physical therapy during and after treatment has to be addressed.”

The program includes didactics, hands-on workshops, and case study reviews. The online courses are provided through EDUCATA and are taught by academic specialists. The program consists of the following sections: foundations of oncology; the comprehensive management of edema course; physical agents, which is an online course; cancer rehab case studies; and weeklong, hands-on workshops.

The Market Watch news report also notes that it will offer future course series in pediatric oncology, hospice and palliative care, advanced edema management, and HIV disease rehabilitation.

Marilyn Pink, PT, PhD, CEO of EDUCATA, says, “We are proud and excited to offer the online education components of this program. Physical therapy of patients with cancer, whether during or after treatment, represents a tremendous opportunity to help, providing vital benefits, as shown by evidence. This new program also adds a valuable skill set to any PT’s curriculum and prepares them for a rewarding career in this field.”

For more information, visit www.educata.com.

[Source: Market Watch]