2025 Pauline Cerasoli Lecture: Y'All Means All. Inclusivity and Belonging of ALL PTs, PTAs, and Academic Programs

Much work, endless hours, and many resources have been devoted to exploring the education of the physical therapy professional. The Vision for Excellence in Physical Therapist Education, the National Study of Excellence and Innovation in Physical Therapist Education, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy's Blueprint for Excellence, and Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Essential Outcomes for Physical Therapist Entrance Into Practice are a few of these outstanding works that will be springboards for the continuing maturation of our education. However, all of these resources are centered solely around the physical therapist, not the physical therapist assistant. In addition, many of the suggestions and recommendations in these resources do not take into consideration the vast array of physical therapy education models and modalities.

When we propose pathways to excellence in physical therapy education, ALL physical therapy education programs much SEE themselves in the pictures painted. All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must see how they fit into the Vision. I fear that this is not the case.

It is time to enhance our awareness of the lack of inclusivity and the lack of belonging that permeates our education system and profession. Only by including ALL physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from ALL physical therapy education programs will we have the collective strength, wisdom, and expertise to move forward. We can do this. We should do this. We must do this.