Written by Ryan Wilkins, SPT
This chart provides information on the specific letter designations that follow the names of each of the physical therapists at both the Malta and Queensbury locations of Capital Area PT & Wellness.
|
Initials
|
Description |
Requirements |
Examination |
|
PT (Physical Therapist) |
“The initials PT represent all licensed physical therapists.1”
|
“Physical therapists are licensed professionals who have completed an accredited physical therapist program (professional entry-level degrees have evolved from certificate to clinical doctoral degree) and have passed a licensure examination.1”
|
The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) consists of 250 objective, multiple-choice questions that cover the major areas of physical therapy, and must be completed within 5 hours.2 |
|
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) |
“These initials represent PTs with a clinical doctoral degree in physical therapy.1”
|
Indicates PTs who earned a clinical doctoral degree upon completion of a 3 year physical therapist professional program.1 |
———– |
|
OCS (Orthopaedic Certified Specialist) Andrew |
“Specialist certification initials represent PTs who demonstrate competence in both specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency.1” Orthopaedic physical therapy specifically refers to the examination, evaluation, and treatment of musculoskeletal impairments, conditions, and movement dysfunction.4
|
“PTs must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to sit for the specialist certification examinations: 1) current licensure to practice physical therapy in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands; 2) evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the specialty area, 25% of which must have occurred within the last 3 years1”; or 3) “evidence of successful completion of an APTA-accredited post professional clinical residency in their respective specialty.3”
“PTs must pass the specialist certification examination and be recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties to use the designator. The certification is effective for 10 years, after which re-certification is required.1” |
The OCS exam is based on the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 6 hours.4 This exam specifically tests the candidate’s ability to recognize and understand the practice dimensions, professional responsibilities, knowledge areas, procedures, and body regions that an orthopaedic physical therapist encounters on a day-to-day basis.4
|
|
CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Andrew |
“Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.5”
|
“To be eligible to take the CSCS® examination, candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and hold current CPR and AED certification.5”
|
The CSCS® exam consists of 2 sections: scientific foundations, and practical/applied.5 “The scientific foundations section is 1.5 hours in length, and contains 95 multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge in the areas of anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.5 The practical/applied section is 2.5 hours in length, and contains 125 questions that test the candidate’s knowledge in program design, exercise techniques, testing and evaluation, and organization/administration.5” |
CapitalAreaPT.com
Physical Therapy in Malta, NY and Queensbury, NY
