The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specialist certification program has been designed to identify and define physical therapy specialty areas and to formally recognize physical therapists that have attained advanced knowledge and skills in those areas.

Certification also assists the public and health care community in identifying therapists with acknowledged expertise in a particular field of practice and demonstrates that physical therapists are devoted to addressing the unique needs of the people with whom we work.

Certification is achieved through successful completion of a standardized application and examination process. Coordination of this program is provided by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), the governing body for approval of new specialty areas and certification of clinical specialists. Specialty councils representing the seven recognized specialty areas have been appointed to delineate and describe the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities of clinical specialists; determine specific requirements for certification; and develop the certification examinations.

The APTA established this program in 1978 to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, competence, and skills in a special area of practice. The program evolved from the membership of special interest sections of APTA as a way to encourage and facilitate the professional growth of individual members and thereby facilitate growth of the entire profession.

Certified specialists have clearly demonstrated their commitment to service by the variety, depth, and consistency of their professional involvement. Their desire to attain formal recognition of their advanced clinical knowledge, competence, and skills reflects their devotion to their profession and their patients. In these times of dramatic health care reform, dedication to public service by providing high quality physical therapy services is paramount.

Physical Therapy First believes strongly in these personal and professional principles. Our physical therapists are currently recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) as board-certified Orthopaedic Specialists (OCS) or they are actively pursuing a Board Certification.

Our commitment to advanced clinical training is motivated by our desire to provide the best patient care, and we hope this will be your experience while at Physical Therapy First. We welcome you to our practice and we appreciate the opportunity to help you with your recovery.