Abstract
Background: Cancer and its treatments commonly result in adverse effects that impair function, well-being, and quality of life, necessitating access to skilled physical therapists (PTs). Although oncology is an essential component of physical therapist practice, entry-level education in cancer rehabilitation has historically been limited. In 2025, the Essential Competencies for Physical Therapy Entry-Level Education in Oncology were developed through a mixed-methods, modified Delphi process, establishing 19 competencies across six domains and defining minimum expectations for new graduates. To support translation of these competencies into academic curricula, a practical implementation resource was needed.
Purpose: To develop an implementation manual that operationalizes the oncology entry-level competencies and supports faculty in embedding oncology content within didactic and clinical education.
Methods: A collaborative, iterative, mixed-methods development process was used. Small working groups of oncology physical therapy clinicians and academic educators drafted competency-aligned learning objectives, teaching activities, case studies, and recommended resources. Iterative peer review by additional expert educators and clinicians ensured accuracy, feasibility, and educational relevance. Feedback was synthesized and integrated through consensus-based revisions.
Results: The final Implementation Manual includes foundational introduction and background content, 91 competency-linked learning objectives mapped directly to entry-level expectations, adaptable active learning strategies for classroom, laboratory, and clinical education, six case studies highlighting sociocultural considerations across cancer types and care settings, and curated resource lists including evidence-based readings, assessment tools, and community-based program links.
Conclusion: The Implementation Manual operationalizes the oncology entry-level competencies by providing structured, practical strategies for curricular integration. Broad adoption of this resource has the potential to standardize oncology education in entry-level physical therapist programs and enhance graduate readiness to provide high-quality rehabilitation care for people living with and beyond cancer.
DOI
10.26890/xlhg4281
Recommended Citation
Harrington S, Wilson CM, Zaranec M, Boright L. Integrating Oncology Into Entry-Level Physical Therapist Curricula. Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice. 2026; 3(2). doi: 10.26890/xlhg4281.