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Advancing Clinical Skills: Replus Introduces Online Program for PTs and OTs

In a significant initiative to improve local healthcare practices, the general incorporated association Replus, located in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, has announced the opening of registration for its new online program titled "PT・OT Community Action Practice Lab." This program is specifically designed for physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) working in hospitals, facilities, and home healthcare. Set to launch on October 7, 2026, the program's application period began on August 3, 2026, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program Overview

The "PT・OT Community Action Practice Lab" is structured as a comprehensive five-month program that allows healthcare professionals to engage in practical exercises tied to real-world challenges they face in clinical settings. Participants will be guided in translating their clinical experiences into actionable proposals and trial projects within their communities and organizations.

Key Features of the Program:

1. Learning While Working: The program consists of 16 online sessions held weekly from October to December and biweekly from January to February. Participants can access recorded sessions to stay up-to-date even if they miss a live class.
2. Concrete Results: Attendees will leave each session with tangible outcomes, including a structured problem analysis and a business plan that can be implemented in their practices.
3. Expert Insights: The program shares insights and trial-and-error experiences from leading practitioners including six prominent instructors, some of whom have been featured on NHK's "Asaichi" program.

Important Details

• - Target Audience: PTs, OTs, and other rehabilitation specialists with a recommended experience of three years or more in clinical settings.
• - Duration: October 7, 2026, to February 24, 2027 (16 sessions).
• - Format: Online sessions every Wednesday (weekly from October-December and biweekly from January-February, 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM) with recorded access.
• - Capacity: Limited to 10-15 participants, with a minimum of 6 required to initiate the program.
• - Cost: 99,000 yen (including tax, special introductory price for the first cohort, covering all content and one-on-one coaching sessions).
• - Application Deadline: Available until capacity is reached, with a target date of September 10, 2026, for potential applications.

Apply Here!

Methodology

This program utilizes a three-phase approach: understanding, designing, and implementing. Participants will learn to structure their clinical observations, identify underlying issues using the iceberg model, and formulate a logical framework to drive change. Moreover, practical materials like assessment sheets and instructional content used by Replus will be made available to participants.

Personalized Support

Additionally, a one-on-one career counseling service is offered, led by certified career consultants specializing in occupational therapy. This support aims to help participants outline their career paths and make informed decisions regarding their future steps.

Expert Instructors

Participants in the program will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of several leading professionals, including:

• - Daisuke Okamura: Manager of Rehabilitation Department at St. Luke's International Hospital.
• - Kazushige Ide: Associate Professor at Chiba University Center for Preventive Medicine, PT, and Doctor of Medicine.
• - Yoshiko Yamaguchi: Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition, OT, and Ph.D.
• - Yumekazu Horie: Founder of O-nest, OT.
• - TorU Sugiura: Partner at Marudot LLC, PT.
• - Yumiko Kawamura: CEO of REHANOWA, Certified PT (Respiratory).

Leadership Statement

Replus's founding director, Daigo Hashimoto, expressed, "We began tackling challenges that exist between systems by attempting small tests. In the absence of resources and connections, we've experimented with frameworks, iterated after failures, and collaborated with media and businesses. I share the practical knowledge derived from the very same struggles faced by our current participants—feeling lost about where to begin."

Replus Background

Established in 2013, Replus has expanded its influence from outcomes around 'graduation from caregiving within insurance' into broader realms. Collaboration with companies including Kao and Miyagi Coop, along with roles such as instructor for corporate training at Recruit Management School, and features in media outlets such as NHK, Forbes Japan, and Nikkei newspaper highlight the organization's longstanding commitment to community health, work-care balance support, and workforce training and development.

For press inquiries, please contact:
General Incorporated Association Replus PT・OT Community Action Practice Lab Office [email protected]