Manual Therapy Foundations for the PTA
Build a clearer clinical purpose behind every hands-on technique.
A self-paced, 10-module course connecting anatomy, safety, evidence, and clinical reasoning with practical manual-therapy decisions.
34 Indiana CE hours · 10 modules · Student workbook · 70 quiz questions · $500 one time · Lifetime course access
Who this class is for
Physical therapist assistants who want a structured approach to choosing, applying, and reassessing manual therapy within the physical therapist’s established plan of care.
What you’ll learn
Use evidence and clinical findings to decide when and where manual therapy may be appropriate.
Recognize red flags, precautions, contraindications, and findings requiring communication or referral.
Connect anatomy, joint mechanics, symptoms, and function to technique selection.
Apply a consistent test–treat–retest process to evaluate the response.
Reinforce gains with active movement and home care.
Document interventions and responses clearly and communicate effectively with the supervising PT.
Inside the 10 modules
Foundations: Manual Therapy Fundamentals and Flag Awareness.
Upper quarter: Cervical, Shoulder, Thoracic, and Elbow/Wrist/Hand Manual Therapy.
Spine and lower quarter: Lumbar Spine, Hip, Knee, and Ankle/Foot Manual Therapy.
What a lesson looks like
Preview objectives and key concepts, watch the recorded presentation, review handouts and assigned open-access readings, then apply the ideas in your workbook. Each module includes a clinical-reasoning worksheet, a test–treat–retest plan, a seven-question quiz, and a reflection.
A preview from the workbook
The ankle and foot module connects ankle mechanics and movement limitations with balance, strength, and progressive loading. A sample reflection asks: What balance or loading activity will reinforce the mobility gain?
Your instructors
Sean Bagbey
Sean Bagbey brings more than 20 years of rehabilitation experience, teaching, and healthcare leadership. He is a National Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year honoree and co-founder of RPI, recipient of the 2023 Ascend Practice of the Year Award.
Jay Tasker
PTA, Dip. Osteopractic, Cert. SMT, Cert. DN, Cert. VCS
Jay Tasker brings more than a decade of clinical experience, with a focus on outpatient orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and neurologic care. The first PTA to earn the Diploma in Osteopractic through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy, he emphasizes practical clinical reasoning, evidence-informed care, and techniques clinicians can apply in patient care.
Enrollment and course credit
$500 one time includes lifetime course-content access.
Approved for 34 hours of continuing education in Indiana. For credit eligibility in other states, contact Sean before enrolling. Participation does not expand professional scope or replace employer competency requirements.