S

Specialist Certification
AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
ALEC GRIESELDING
Purpose of Specialist
Certification
Promote
highest possible level of physical therapy
care
ongoing development of science and art
underlying each specialty practice

Recognize specialists through a reliable
and valid method
INTERESTS
S Major: Kinesiology/Exercise Science
S Studying human movement
S Includes physiological, mechanical and psychological mechanisms
of the human body
S Exercise and relation to fitness (athletes)
S Health and wellness in clinical populations
S Interests consist of: orthopedics; strength and conditioning;
methods of rehabilitation, such as physical and occupational
therapy; and chiropractic care
WHY?
S The human body and mind are tremendous
forces that are continually amazing scientists
and society. Therefore, we have no choice but
to keep an open mind as to what the human
being can achieve. -Evelyn Glennie
S Helping others
S Personal Experience physical therapy

REQUIREMENTS
FOR SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
S Minimum Eligibility requirements
S (1) current licensure to practice physical
therapy in the United States, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin
Islands
S (2) evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours
of clinical practice in the specialty area,
25% of which must have occurred within
the last 3 years
Benefit of Specialist
Certification
S Specialization is the process by which
a physical therapist builds on a broad
base of professional education and
practice to develop a greater depth of
knowledge and skills related to a
particular area of practice.
CAREER ADVANTAGES
S The specialist certification program was
established to provide formal recognition for
physical therapists with:
S advanced clinical knowledge
S experience and skills in a special area of practice
S to assist consumers and the health care
community in identifying these physical
therapists
CAREER ADVANTAGES
S Areas of Specialization include :
1. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (CCS)
2. Clinical Electrophysiologic (ECS)
3. Geriatrics (GCS)
4. Neurology (NCS)
5. Orthopaedics (OCS)
6. Pediatrics (PCS)
7. Sports (SCS)
8. Womens Health (WCS)
Renewal Time Requirements
S Today, the vast majority of physical therapy
licensure agencies require an average of
about 20 hours a year of continuing
education as a minimal requirement for
licensure renewal.
S Specialist Certification is valid for 10 years.


Clinical Time Requirement
S 2,000 hours minimum of direct patient care
as a licensed physical therapist in the
specialty area
25% (500 hrs) of which must have
occurred in the last 3 years.
Yes, there is a Board
Examination
Developed by the Specialty Councils, in
collaboration with the
National Board of Medical Examiners

A rigorous, criterion referenced exam that
tests the application of:
advanced knowledge
clinical skills & reasoning

Examination Format
Computerized exams,
administered at Prometric
test centers worldwide
Multiple choice questions
including case scenarios,
videos, and pictures

Examination Fees

Recertification Process
For specialists certified before 2013:
Direct patient care hours in specialty (2000
hr)
AND
Professional Development Portfolio
OR
Current written examination
OR
Graduation from a credentialed APTA clinical
residency

Additional Recommendations
PREPARING FOR EXAM

1. Continuously review and adapt your path
2. Use resources from APTA Sections
S Recommended textbooks
S Reading lists
S Advanced Clinical Practice Courses
3. Join a study group
4. Attend continuing education
5. Seek the guidance of a mentor

SOURCE
S "APTA." American Physical Therapy Association. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.