What the initials mean?
PT: Probably the easiest initials to determine stand for physical therapist. Someone who has graduated from a physical therapy program, passed a state board examination and be licensed or eligible for licensure in the state. Each physical therapist must take ongoing courses every 2 years to maintain a license in Nebraska.
PTA: This denotes a physical therapist assistant. These professionals have graduated from an assistant program usually through a professional college or junior college. They are able to treat patients but are limited in evaluation and assessment. They are also licensed through the state they are practicing in and have continuing education requirements.
ATC: Stands for Athletic Trainer Certified. These individuals have completed 1500 hours of training working under another ATC with athletes usually in the college or high school settings. They must pass a 3-part exam and must attend continuing education to maintain their license.
CSCS: Stands for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. These individuals have passed an examination proving competence in concepts specific to strength training and physical conditioning. They also must show ongoing continuing education to maintain their designation.
OCS: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. This is one of many specialist certifications exclusively available to physical therapists. This specialist designation is given to those individuals who have practiced orthopedic physical therapy for a designated number of years and passed a rigorous written test indicating proficiency in the current practice of orthopedic physical therapy.
CMDT: This certification designates someone who has gone through the formal McKenzie Training Program and passed an examination. This program focuses on spinal evaluation, assessment and treatment and stands for Certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the spine.
CDT: Certified Decongestive Therapist, includes training for lymphatic drainage techniques.
NOTE: Some physical therapist graduate with an entry level Bachelor’s degree, others with an entry level Master’s degree and now many are graduating from physical therapy programs with a DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy. The program for any physical therapy degree is essentially the same but has evolved with the expansion of knowledge and the profession.
