Updated July 7, 2026
Author: Jill Baker
How Physical Therapists Are Transforming Emergency Department Care
Physical therapists are transforming emergency care. Over the past decade, physical therapists have become increasingly vital members of emergency department teams. In the busy ED environment, PTs offer expertise in musculoskeletal evaluation and early mobilization allows for more accurate diagnoses, faster treatment, and reduced reliance on imaging and medications. Furthermore, by integrating PTs into emergency care, hospitals can improve patient flow, reduce unnecessary admissions, and provide more personalized, nonpharmacological pain management—especially important in addressing chronic pain and combating opioid overuse.
At Education Resources, Inc., we support this growing field by offering emergency room and acute care continuing education courses for physical therapists. In fact, through ERI’s live webinars and on-demand video library, PTs can gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in fast-paced emergency settings. Overall, whether you’re looking to start an ED PT program or strengthen an existing one, our training resources are designed to help physical therapists deliver high-quality, evidence-based care that meets the needs of diverse patient populations.
Physical therapists in the emergency department improve patient costs, satisfaction, and outcomes while reducing the need for pain medications and repeat emergency visits for the same issue.
How PTs Are Transforming Emergency Care
🏥 Emergency Department Efficiency
· 2 hours saved on average when PTs are consulted vs. ED physicians alone
· Decreased wait times
· Improved patient throughput
· Shorter length of stay
🛏️ Hospital Admissions & Readmissions
· Earlier discharge
· Avoidance of unnecessary admissions
· Lower return rates to ED within one year
😊 Patient Satisfaction
· Higher satisfaction rates with PT care
· Decreased total time in ED and increased contact time
How Can You Get Trained in Emergency and Acute Care?
Education Resources, Inc. offers certified continuing education for physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists in emergency and acute care. Here’s a list of some of our upcoming courses available on-demand:
Collaborative Dementia Care: Integrating Person-Centered Strategies for Positive Outcomes
Robyn Ligotti, PT, DPT
On-Demand Course
Therapists in ED and urgent care settings must recognize and be comfortable altering communication and intervention strategies when someone with dementia is under their care. Learn effective strategies for communicating, educating, and treating persons living with dementia, along with caregiver collaboration to reduce further complications.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Evaluation and Management of Individuals with Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Richard Clendaniel, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA
On-Demand Course
Learn effective, comprehensive, and evidence-based treatment and evaluation of the number one reason individuals over the age of 70 seek medical attention: Dizziness.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Advanced
Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, FAPTA
On-Demand Course
The course will focus on the assessment and treatment of patients with vertigo and dysequilibrium from unusual vestibular causes. The course is designed for clinicians (PT & OT) with prior vestibular rehabilitation course work and clinical experience.
Management of Persistent Post Concussive Symptoms: What’s the Latest Evidence?
Christina Finn, Ed.D, OTR/L
On-Demand Course
In this newly revised course, updates from the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport will be discussed including Recommendations for Return to Learn and Return to Play. The course provides updates on the latest research related to the diagnosis and management of concussion and persistent post-concussive symptoms and will focus on the latest relevant and evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies for adults and children with prolonged visual, vestibular and sensory complaints as a result of concussion.
References:
Hanelt, K. (2025). A Critical Addition: Embedding PTs into Emergency Departments APTA Magazine,17 (5), 24-32.