Summit's Hybrid Simulcast Aims to Reshape Therapist Training

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – January 05, 2026 – Summit Professional Education, a prominent provider of continuing education for rehabilitation therapists, today launched an innovative hybrid learning model designed to bridge the persistent gap between high-quality, hands-on training and the convenience of remote learning. The new "Simulcast" format combines live, online instruction with collaborative in-person group sessions, aiming to redefine professional development for physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) nationwide.

The move comes at a time when the continuing education (CE) market for healthcare professionals is grappling with the post-pandemic demand for flexibility without sacrificing the efficacy of practical, lab-based learning.

The Evolving Landscape of Professional Education

The landscape for professional development in rehabilitation therapy is a diverse and competitive space. Providers like MedBridge have gained significant traction with extensive on-demand video libraries and live webinars, offering an "all-you-can-learn" subscription model for around $375 annually. Similarly, platforms like OccupationalTherapy.com and SpeechPathology.com provide vast, discipline-specific content for a low annual fee. Professional associations, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), also serve as major hubs for CE, offering a mix of online courses, certificate programs, and guidelines for various learning formats.

However, a common challenge in this digital-first environment is replicating the value of in-person training. While online courses excel at delivering didactic information efficiently, they often fall short in providing the hands-on practice crucial for mastering clinical skills. Research and anecdotal evidence consistently show a strong preference among therapists for interactive, practical learning. A study on hybrid CE for physical therapists highlighted that while online modules are effective for theory, the "practice and feedback required for new skill acquisition... is available only when learners are in direct contact with an instructor." This sentiment is echoed by the structure of many university-level OT and PT programs, which blend online coursework with mandatory on-campus sessions specifically for hands-on skill development.

Summit's own proprietary market research from late 2025 reinforces this demand, revealing that 82% of surveyed rehabilitation professionals prefer courses with a hands-on clinical lab component. Nearly half also favor live, interactive sessions for specialized topics, underscoring a clear market need for a model that delivers both.

Bridging the Gap: How Simulcast Works

Summit's Simulcast format is engineered to directly address this dichotomy. The model allows a group of therapists at a single facility or a regional gathering to participate in an in-person lab session while receiving real-time instruction from an expert instructor who is broadcasting live from a remote location. This structure aims to provide the best of both worlds: the focused, collaborative environment of a group lab and the access to top-tier educators without the associated travel costs and logistical hurdles.

"The future of continuing education requires us to eliminate the choice between quality and convenience," said Ken Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Professional Education, in the company's announcement. "Our Simulcast format delivers on that promise."

The technology underpinning this model likely involves a sophisticated integration of high-definition video conferencing, interactive tools like digital whiteboards and live polling, and a robust Learning Management System (LMS) to manage course materials and credits. For the in-person component, facilities would utilize large screens to display the remote instructor, coupled with high-quality cameras and microphones to ensure seamless, two-way communication. This allows the instructor to observe techniques, provide real-time feedback, and answer questions as if they were physically in the room. This approach differs from purely on-demand content or passive webinars by reintroducing the dynamic, instructor-led interaction that is critical for complex skill acquisition.

A Strategic Tool for Healthcare Facilities

Beyond individual learning, the Simulcast format is being positioned as a powerful strategic asset for healthcare organizations. In an industry facing persistent staffing shortages and high turnover, robust professional development programs have become a key differentiator for recruitment and retention. Summit's research highlighted that nearly one-third of therapists consider employer support for specialized certification a significant factor when choosing a job.

By adopting a model like Simulcast, hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers can offer the high-quality, engaging training that clinicians demand without the associated downtime and travel expenses of sending multiple staff members to off-site courses. This allows facilities to upskill entire teams simultaneously, promoting a standardized, evidence-based approach to care that can directly impact patient outcomes. For multi-site organizations, it offers a path to consistent training across all locations, ensuring a uniform standard of care.

"It is the most effective way for facilities to offer high-quality, live instruction that directly impacts patient outcomes, while providing the flexibility necessary to accommodate today's demanding clinical schedules," Ramirez added. This focus on operational efficiency and its link to both staff satisfaction and quality of care makes the hybrid model an attractive proposition for healthcare administrators and HR professionals looking for a tangible return on their training investments.

Empowering Clinicians with In-Demand Skills

For frontline PTs, OTs, and SLPs, the new format promises more accessible pathways to career advancement and enhanced clinical confidence. The ability to participate in hands-on labs without extensive travel or time away from patients addresses a major barrier to pursuing advanced certifications and specialized training. This flexibility is crucial for therapists juggling demanding caseloads and personal commitments, potentially reducing burnout by fostering continuous professional growth and engagement.

To launch the Simulcast format, Summit has curated a slate of courses that address pressing clinical needs, taught by instructors with deep expertise and specialized board certifications. The initial offerings demonstrate a commitment to providing relevant, evidence-based content that therapists can immediately apply in their practice.

The 2026 schedule begins on January 30 with "Building Solutions Through Sensory Integration, Play, and Creativity," taught by Paula Simpson, OTR/L, MHA, an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. On February 21, Timothy Dunn, PT, DPT, a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist with certifications in home health and exercise for aging adults, will lead "Assessment, Tests, and Treatment for the Medically Fragile Patient." Finally, on March 21, Darren Smith, PT, DPT, a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and certified Athletic Trainer, will instruct "Evidence-Based Strategies for Medical Screening and Differential Diagnosis," a critical skill for therapists in direct-access environments. The selection of these topics and highly-credentialed instructors underscores the company's focus on delivering quality and relevance through its innovative new delivery model.