LibGuides: Physical Therapy: Getting Started

Welcome

Welcome to the Simmons University Library guide to resources for DPT! Use this guide to discover physical therapy concepts and evidence-based research articles.

Need help? Ask a Librarian.

Contact the Library

There are many ways to contact the library!

Chat

You can chat with a librarian any time the Library is open (see our hours page for more information).

Email

library@simmons.edu

You can email us any time. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Phone

617-521-2780

You can call us any time. If you don't get an answer right away, leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment

You can also schedule an appointment with a librarian for one-on-one help. Click the calendar icon above or the book now icon on the right side of the screen.

Professional Organizations

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The American Physical Therapy Association is a U.S-based individual membership professional organization representing more than 100,000 member physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy.
APTA: Evidenced-Based Resources
Evidence-based practice includes the integration of best-available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances related to patient and client management, practice management, and health policy decision making.
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
We fund physical therapy research grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

Important Services

E-books

Search the library catalog to see if we have any e-books on your topic. Type the topic or title you're looking for into the search bar. Under Format, select "E-books." For more information on e-books, check out our Simmons E-books guide

Article Databases

The library provides access to many different databases, or collections of articles. These are the best places to search the literature for your research projects. See the Articles on Your Topic page of this guide for more information.

Interlibrary Loan

Looking for a book or article that Simmons doesn't have? Log into your Interlibrary Loan account and request it! Books will be mailed to you, and articles & book chapters will be shared electronically.

Help with Research

Need help? There are lots of ways to get help from a Simmons Librarian. If you have a quick question or need help right away, chat, email, or call us. We're also happy to schedule remote research appointments with you via Zoom, or whatever method of communication works best for you. Make a research Appointment and work with a librarian to:

discuss and narrow your topic
refine your searching techniques, and
choose the highest-quality information to use.

Librarians are here to support your learning and research, and to make finding information a straightforward and friendly process. Feel free to make an appointment with your subject specialist, or choose "No preference" to see all librarians' availability.

Getting To Know Your Topic

Anatomy and Physiology Revealed
An interactive cadaver dissection experience. This unique multimedia study aid is designed to help you explore human anatomy using cadaver specimens and master physiology concepts through animation. Digital dissections allow unlimited drill and practice - anytime, anywhere. Detailed information and audio pronunciations build anatomical knowledge, and comprehensive quizzing reinforces learning.

AccessPhysiotherapy
Focused the study, instruction and practice of physical therapy, this resource includes 20 textbooks, +500 procedure and exercise videos, NPTE review, image galleries, self-assessment tools, and anatomy tools.
AccessPhysiotherapy combines authoritative textbooks with multimedia resources focused on physical therapy education and practice. The platform features detailed procedure and exercise videos, anatomical tools including a unique cadaver dissection tool, and extensive image galleries. Content is regularly updated to reflect current best practices. This resource serves as a comprehensive learning and reference tool for physical therapy students and practitioners.
AccessMedicine
Provides access to Harrison's, Goodman & Gilman, Williams Obstetrics and Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. It also includes drug monographs, a diagnostic tool and current practice guidelines in primary care.
AccessMedicine provides full-text access to leading medical textbooks, clinical resources, and multimedia content for healthcare education and practice. The platform combines comprehensive medical reference materials with interactive learning tools, including procedural videos and self-assessment modules. Content spans all major medical specialties and is regularly updated to reflect current clinical guidelines and practices. This resource is essential for medical students, healthcare practitioners, and researchers seeking authoritative clinical information.
Nursing Reference Center Plus
This easy-to-use resource is full of evidence-based info on diseases, procedures, drugs, and more, all written to be easy to use at the point-of-care. (This is also available to Simmons students as an iPhone/iPod touch app.)
Nursing Reference Center PLUS provides evidence-based nursing information for clinical decision-making and professional development. Content includes care sheets, drug information, continuing education modules, and skills videos. Resources are continuously updated with current best practices. This platform supports nursing education, clinical practice, and research.
Merck Manual
One of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers.
The Merck Manual provides detailed information on diseases, conditions, and treatments. Content is regularly updated to reflect current medical knowledge and practices. The resource includes both professional and consumer versions. This platform serves as an authoritative reference for medical information.

Meet Your Librarian

Jen Goldberg

Email Me

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Health Professions Education, Mathematics, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Physics, Public Health

Related Guides

Qualitative & Quantitative Research
This guide is designed to help you find specific types of articles - research and reviews. It will walk you through the resources to search in, strategies to find the articles you need, and provide helpful definitions for understanding the different types of articles.
Evidence Based Practice
EBP is a process used to review, analyze, and translate the latest scientific evidence. The goal is to quickly incorporate the best available research, along with clinical experience and patient preference, into clinical practice, so nurses can make informed patient-care decisions.
Instruments, Tests & Measures
Finding an instrument, test or measure draws on your strategies for finding peer-reviewed research articles, but is a different process. This guide offers search strategies, recommends resources, and answers some FAQs.