HARRISBURG, PA – Nearly 80 physical therapy professionals from across the nation joined a one-day virtual conference on October 4, hosted in partnership between Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU), Select Medical, and the Select

Medical Institute of Physical Therapy & Movement Science at Harrisburg University.

The event, “Enhancing and Progressing Patient Outcomes Through Exercise & Interprofessional Collaboration,” focused on building stronger collaboration and communication between physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to improve patient experiences.

The conference opened with a keynote address from Drew Contreras, Vice President of Strategic Affairs for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Contreras provided a “state of the profession” overview, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and professional growth to expand access to care.

Following the keynote, two educational modules guided participants through practical frameworks for effective communication, shared responsibility, and patient-centered collaboration:

- Communication and Systems to Optimize Intraprofessional Teamwork and Patient Education explored how team dynamics and communication strategies support trust and cohesive care delivery.

- Collaborating for Ideal Patient Outcomes examined structural principles of delegation and clarified the distinct yet complementary roles of PTs and PTAs.

“The need for physical therapy services is continuing to increase, but we as an industry are challenged to see all the patients that need our care,” said Chris Gnip, PT, DPT, National Director of Clinical Education for Select Medical and Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. “Through modules on communication and improving teamwork between our PTs and PTAs, this conference directly addressed some of the issues limiting our patients' access to quality care. The speakers all did a great job of addressing the core issues limiting our ability to utilize our therapist assistants, and our panel discussion provided real-world examples of how functioning teams work.”

According to Jacqueline Kopack, PT, DPT, EdD, “In the clinical setting, there’s a lot of struggle with appropriate teamwork and utilization of the Physical Therapist Assistant. Select put this conference together to really provide a jumping-off point for clinicians to reflect on how they’re collaborating within the team.”

Presentations from HU faculty members Tonya Miller, PT, DPT, Ph.D., and Jessica Byerly, DPT, Ed.D., OCS, together with Kopack and Sean Medairy, PTA, BS, Director of Clinical Education at Harcum College, helped participants connect communication frameworks with effective exercise prescription.

“One of the biggest takeaways was how PTs and PTAs can truly work as a team, and that requires spending time outside the treatment schedule to communicate and progress together,” said Byerly. “It’s not always just about what’s written on paper for the treatment or exercise. Working together for the patient’s outcome requires listening skills and collaboration that can’t always be captured in documentation.”

Miller added, “Sometimes you can’t portray on paper what the patient really needs, no matter how good the documentation system is. That’s where collaboration comes in. Having people who are really in sync with each other. It’s those connection skills between therapist and assistant that become the secret sauce that moves a plan of care forward.”

The event drew 77 participants nationwide and exemplified Harrisburg University’s commitment to bridging education and industry to meet workforce needs in healthcare.

“Through our partnership with Select Medical and the Institute of Physical Therapy & Movement Science, Harrisburg University has the opportunity to present nationally,” said Miller. “It’s an exciting way to elevate the University’s national presence and highlight how physical therapy education builds incredibly rewarding careers and contributes to better patient outcomes.”

Harrisburg University extends sincere gratitude to Select Medical for its continued partnership in advancing healthcare futures across Pennsylvania and beyond. Together, these collaborations are helping to elevate patient care, strengthen professional collaboration, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.

HU invites current and aspiring professionals to learn more about its hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, upcoming four-year BS Exercise Science program to complement the existing PTA Pathway, and continuously growing MS Nursing and MS Health Informatics degree programs – all designed to meet the region’s evolving healthcare and technology needs.

ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

Harrisburg University was recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges for 2025. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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