Upon completion of this presentation, you'll be able to:

Discuss the role of specialty certification in advancing your clinical practice and importance to our profession

List the current areas of Areas of Specialty PracticeProvide an overview of the ABPTS certification and

maintenance of specialty certification program Describe the minimum eligibility requirements for certification

and recertification for specializationDescribe the process for board certification and maintenance

of specialty certification Describe the role of clinical residencies in the certification

process Identify top motivations to pursue ABPTS Specialty

certification

KnowledgeClinical

Reasoning

Movement

Virtues

Philosophy of PT

Practice

MultidimensionalPatient-centered

Collaborative with Patient-

Reflective Practice

Caring, Commitment,

Respect, Ethical

Practice

Primary focus; Centered on

function: hands-on

Jensen GM et al (2000) Phys Ther 80(1):28 – 43.

Entry level degree Years of experience Continuing education Post–professional residency Post-professional degrees Post-professional

certifications Specialization

Specialization is a process for physical therapist ◦ Established to provide formal recognition for physical

therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice

◦ Professional education and development ◦ Clinical Expertise in specific areas of practice

Clinical specialization responds to a unique area of patient need

Recognition Assists consumers and the health care community

in identifying physical therapists who are specialists in a unique area of practice

Voluntary – you decide Unrestrictive – does not prohibit others Coordinated - all APTA recognized are managed by a central mechanism (ABPTS)

Broad based foundation of physical therapy education and clinical practice

Combined with… Depth and breadth of

knowledge in specialty area Clinical experience in

specialty area

KnowledgeKnowledge

Advanced clinical expertise, skills, and abilities unique to a specialized practice area

Expertise in clinical reasoning applied to specialty practice area

What does Clinical Specialization Require?

KnowledgeKnowledge

Promote highest possible level of physical therapy care

Promote ongoing development of science and art underlying each specialty practice

Recognize specialists through a reliable and valid method for certification of specialty practitioners

Identify for the consumers and the health care community physical therapists who are specialists in a unique area of practice

1. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (CCS)2. Clinical Electrophysiologic (ECS)3. Geriatrics (GCS)4. Orthopaedics (OCS)5. Pediatrics (PCS)6. Neurology (NCS)7. Sports (SCS)8. Women’s Health (WCS)

Current license to practice physical therapy in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands

Practice eligibility requirement is 2,000 hours minimum of direct patient care in the specialty area, 25% (500 hrs) of which must have occurred in the last 3 years.

Direct patient care ◦ must include activities in each

of the elements of patient/client management model applicable to the specialty area and included in the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP)

Practice elements of patient/client management as defined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice Examination Evaluation Diagnosis Prognosis Intervention

Other requirements specific to the specialty such as:◦Emergency care certification (SCS)◦ACLS certification (CCS)◦Patient reports (ECS)◦Case reflections (WCS)

APTA Credentialed Clinical Residency ◦ A planned program of post-professional clinical

and didactic education that is designed to advance significantly the physical therapist's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice

◦ Residency Curriculum - designed around the DSP◦ Specialty councils may allow completion of an

APTA-credentialed clinical residency to replace all or a portion of the practice eligibility requirements

Last step in initial certification process

The Specialty Councils develop the examinations

A rigorous examination that tests the application of advanced knowledge and clinical skills & reasoning National Board of Medical

Examiners Criterion referenced exam

Another exam!!!

Patient Care Teaching Administration Consultation Communication Interpretation of Research

As defined by specific DSP

Components of the Examination*

Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) ◦ Describes the

advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities for clinical practice in the specialty area

◦ Developed from a valid process for assessing expertise domain and current standards of specialty practice

Based on data from an extensive practice analysis study◦Conducted by Specialty

Councils and approved by ABPTS

Document from which the certification exam is developed

Description of Specialty Practice◦ Self-Assess strengths

and weakness Develop a plan and

strategy, decide on a “path”

Clinical experience in specialty area

Seek mentor(s)◦ Board certified specialist

Professional development ◦ Knowledge and skills◦ Continuing Education◦ Post professional clinical

residency◦ Post professional education

Continuously review and adapt your “path” Resources

◦ Resources available from APTA Sections

Recommended textbooks

Reading lists

Advanced Clinical Practice Courses

◦Study Groups

◦ *ABPTS does not approve or review material or course content*

Application ◦APTA Department of Post-Professional Certification and

Credentialing (www.abpts.org) Deadline:

◦July of the preceding year◦To sit for the 2013 exam, applications must be

postmarked by:◦July 1, 2012 – WCS, CCS, ECS◦July 31, 2012 – GCS, NCS, OCS, PCS, SCS

All applications are reviewed

Certification is valid for ten years with no maintenance fees

APTA member Non-member

Applicant Review $500 $845

Examination $800 $1,525

Total $1,300 $2,370

Exams are offered once per year for a two-week exam period

Candidates may sit for the exam between February-March

●2012 – February 25–March 10, 2012●2013 – March 2-16, 2013

Computerized examinations, administered at Prometric, Inc. testing centers

FORMAT: Multiple choice questions including case scenarios, videos, pictures

Recognized at Opening Ceremony of APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)

Recognized by sections and chapters Inclusion in online Directory of Certified

Specialists Only individuals who have successfully

completed the ABPTS certification process may use the term “Board-Certified Clinical Specialist”

Who Are They?

Total 2012- 12,937 individuals

Cardiovascular & Pulmonary CCS 176

Clinical Electrophysiologic ECS 156

Geriatrics GCS 1422

Neurology NCS 1102

Orthopaedics OCS 7655

Pediatrics PCS 1178

Sports SCS 1094

Women’s Health WCS 154

Total in 2012 = 12,937

54%

46%

Female Male

Private PT OfficeHealth system or hospital-based outpatient facility or clinic

Academic Institution

Supervisor/Director of PT Staff or Senior PT Sole Owner/Partner PT PracticeAcademic Faculty

Proof of expertise in specialty area

Personal challenge or achievement

Professional career goal

Earn a credential that reflects advanced practice to patients, physicians, & payers

Source: Survey of certified specialists (2007)

Specialists report that board certification has had a positive impact on . . . ◦Sense of personal achievement ◦Self-confidence & professional growth◦Patient care, including better outcomes◦Increased credibility with patients &

referral sources◦Recognition in clinical, academic and

community settings

Sources: Survey of certified specialists (2007)

Opened doors for professional growth◦Consultations◦Invited Presentations◦New job opportunities◦Leadership & service◦Teaching opportunities◦Research collaboration◦Networking

SACE – exam item writers CCE – exam item editors SME – exam standard setting and specialty

practice analysis Specialty Councils – over see exam

development process, maintenance of certification, specialty practice analysis

ABPTS – board that oversees all specialties

Employer Support of ABPTS Certification ◦ 53% of employers pay at least some of the costs

associated with obtaining clinical specialization.◦ 43% of employers indicate that they give priority in

hiring to job applicants who are board certified. Value expertise of specialist

◦ High patient care standards◦ Serve as mentors for others◦ Provide team leadership

79% report that certification is a indicator of clinical competence

90% report that certification is an indicator of depth and breadth of knowledge in an area of specialty practice

High rate (68%) of specialists choose to recertify

Source: Survey of certified specialists (2007)

Yes!! What is the process?

◦Currency of clinical practice and expertise in the specialty

◦Currency of advanced knowledge and skills in the specialty

◦Demonstration of professional development

Initial Certification is valid for 10 years.

To maintain the credential, a specialist must meet the requirements of before his or her certificate expires

ABPTS has developed process for assessing currency and recertification standards

Ensures to the public the validity of advanced skills and expertise of the specialist

To verify current competence as an advanced practitioner in the specialty area

Evaluation of professional development and clinical experience

To encourage ongoing education and professional growth

Current requirements

◦ Direct patient care hours in specialty (2000 hr)

AND

◦ Professional Development Portfolio (PDP)

OR◦ Current written examination

OR◦ Graduation from a credentialed APTA clinical residency

Future Model - MOSC

Documentation of professional development activities and advanced clinical practice related to specialty practice since initial certification

Examples:√ Continuing Education courses√ Clinical Supervision√ College/University courses√ Teaching continuing education or college courses√ Research presentations (platform or poster)√ Presentations to professional groups, classes, or in-services√ Presentations to community or client-based groups√ Author or editor of book chapters, journal articles, grant

proposals√ Committee membership in professional organization√ Consultation

Maintenance of Specialist Certification Model

(MOSC)

RecertificationModel

MOSC Model

MOSC

#1

#2 #3

#4

3 6 9CertificationCycle (10 yrs) years

Professionals with clinical expertise Advancing our profession Making a difference in lives of our patients

Consider setting your career path toward clinical excellence and Specialization

CCS, ECS, GCS, NCS, OCS, PCS, SCS, WCS

APTA

Department of Post-Professional Certification and Credentialing

1111 North Fairfax Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

800/999-2782, ext 8520

http://www.abpts.org

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Bryan J, Gill-Body K, Blake A. How employers view specialist certification. PT Magazine. 2003;11(1):50-51.

Thompson M. The role of higher education in the career paths of board-certified clinical specialists in geriatric physical therapy: implications for professional and post professional

education. J Phys Ther Educ. 2001;15(2):10-16.

Hart DL, Dobrzykowski EZ. Influence of orthopaedic clinical specialist certification on clinical outcomes

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2000;30(4):183-193 Milidonis MK, Godges JJ, Jensen GM. Nature of clinical

practice for specialists in orthopaedic physical therapy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1999;29(4):240-247 Ellison J, Becker M, Nelson AJ. Attitudes of physical

therapists who possess sports specialist certification. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1997;25(6):400-406

Smith LC. The decision to specialize. 2001;9(6):52-59 Edmonds MM. What if? PT Magazine. 1999;7(4):44-49 Wynn KE. Why recertify? PT Magazine. 1996;4(11):68-70 Williams DO. Answering the bell: PTs & school sports. PT Magazine. 1996;4(12):36-39 Woods EN. What’s so special about specialist certification?

PT Magazine. 1994;2(2):46-51 Ferrier MPB. One stage in professional evolution. Clinical Management. 1991;11(2):66-70