ABPTS Recognizes Board Certified Specialists, USA

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 25 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has awarded specialist certification to 828 physical therapists this year. To date 7,573 physical therapists have achieved board certification since 1985. Those who were recognized recently completed the requirements to become Board-certified specialists in one or more of the following specialty areas: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, and Sports Physical Therapy.

"Clinical specialists, as a community of practice, are a vital resource and have a critical leadership role in identifying the profession's public mission and moral responsibility for improved health care in the United States," said Gail Jensen, PT, PhD, keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony for the Recognition of Clinical Specialists at the APTA 2007 Combined Sections Meeting. According to Jensen, "Clinical specialists have a vital role leading the way for the profession. They are responsible for shaping the next generation of clinicians who learn much about physical therapist practice from their clinical instructors and clinical specialists, who provide the important social and clinical context for practice."

To obtain Board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in a specialty area. In addition, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous written examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing nearly 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access the Online Directory of Certified Clinical Specialists in Physical Therapy to locate a board-certified clinical specialist. Additional consumer information is available at http://www.apta.org/consumer

American Physical Therapy Association