Malta Physical Therapist Dr. Andrew J Gaetano Awarded Neurologic Specialist Certification
MALTA, NY, June 24, 2018 – Andrew J Gaetano, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, CSCS of Malta, New York, has been awarded the professional designation of board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Gaetano, a Malta physical therapist who has also previously been awarded the same distinction in orthopedic physical therapy in 2012, becomes one of the few physical therapists in the country to have dual board- certifications in orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. These specializations make him especially qualified to assess and treat back and neck pain with associated nerve symptoms, nerve problems in the extremities, as well as a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. He is a co-owner and treating therapist at Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness in Malta and Queensbury, a growing private practice with 6 full time physical therapists.
“I’m constantly searching for techniques and theories that help me deliver the best possible treatment to every single patient”, said Gaetano. “Becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy demonstrates my continued commitment to pursuing the highest level of skill with which to best serve the patients at our clinic”.
Gaetano graduated in 2009 from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He is a full time practicing physical therapist at Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness (CapitalAreaPT.com) and is also an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Sage Graduate School in Troy, NY.
To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in one of nine specialty areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Sports, and Women’s Health Physical Therapy.
In addition, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice.
Certifications are valid for 10 years. For recertifications, ABPTS has developed a maintenance model that focuses on continuing competence of the physical therapist specialist. This new “Maintenance of Specialist Certification” model includes the following elements: professional standing and direct patient care hours, commitment to lifelong learning through professional development, practice performance through examples of patient care and clinical reasoning, and cognitive expertise through a test of knowledge in the profession.
ABPTS was established by APTA as the governing body that awards certification to physical therapists who meet approved requirements. ABPTS oversees the physical therapy clinical specialist certification and maintenance of specialist certification programs and awards certificates to physical therapists meeting approved requirements.
