Doctor Of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is a post-baccalaureate 3-4 year degree which may be conferred upon successful completion of a professional doctoral program.
The DPT prepares students to be eligible for the PT license examination in all 50 states.
The American Physical Therapy Association's Vision statement is:
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"By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health."
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As this statement highlights, the DPT program is an integral part of the APTA's continued advocacy for legislation granting consumers (i.e. patients and clients) direct access to physical therapists, rather than requiring physician referral.
Board-Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist
The Orthopaedic Clinical Specialty Board Certification is granted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists and was established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists. Orthopaedic Clinical Specialists are experts in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal conditions, a distinguished honor that is shared by less than 5% of all physical therapists in the United States.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
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The Vision of the National Athletic Trainers Association is:
"Athletic trainers will be globally recognized as vital practitioners in the delivery and advancement of health care. Through passionate provision of unique services, athletic trainers will be an integral part of the inter-professional health care team."
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists 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. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate
