Transcript Physical Therapy Specialist Certification

AMERICAN BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY SPECIALITIES:
Enhancing Professional Development through Certification
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this presentation, you'll be able to:
1. Discuss the role of specialist certification in advancing your
clinical practice and importance to our profession
2. Describe the current areas of specialty practice
3. Provide an overview and describe the process for ABPTS
certification and Maintenance of Specialist Certification
Program
• Describe the minimum eligibility requirements and role of clinical
residencies
4. Identify top motivations to pursue ABPTS specialist
certification
The Path to Clinical Excellence
Clinical Excellence: Dimensions
Clinical
Reasoning
Collaborative process
Reflection
Knowledge
Multidimensional
Patient centered
Philosophy
of PT
Practice
Virtues
Movement
Jensen GM et al (2000) Phys Ther 80(1):28–43
Caring
Commitment
Central focus
Centered on function
Clinical Excellence: Potential Pathways
• Entry level degree
• Years of experience
• Continuing education
• Post–professional residency
• Post-professional degrees
• Post-professional certifications
• Specialization – board
certification!
What is Clinical Specialization?
A formal process established to:
• recognize physical therapists with advanced clinical
knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area
of practice
• assist consumers and health care community in
identifying physical therapists who are specialists
• address a specific area of patient need
Key Elements of Board Certification
Voluntary
You decide
Unrestrictive
Coordinated
Does not
prohibit
others
All areas of
specialization
managed by
a central
mechanism:
ABPTS
What does Clinical Specialization Require?
• Broad based foundation of
physical therapy education and
clinical practice
• Depth and breadth of knowledge
in a specialty area
• Advanced clinical expertise and
skills
Knowledge
Purpose of Board Certification
• Recognize specialists through established testing
methods to ensure a defensible process, and a
reliable and valid examination
• Promote
• highest possible level of physical therapy care
• ongoing development of science and art
underlying each specialty practice
• Inform stakeholders of physical therapists who
are certified in a specialty area
Areas of Specialty Practice Recognized
through ABPTS Board Certification
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (CCS)
Clinical Electrophysiologic (ECS)
Geriatrics (GCS)
Neurology (NCS)
Orthopaedics (OCS)
Pediatrics (PCS)
Sports (SCS)
Women’s Health (WCS)
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
for Clinical Specialization Certification
• Current license to practice physical therapy in the
United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or
Virgin Islands
• 2,000 hours minimum of direct patient care
 as a licensed physical therapist in the
specialty area
 25% (500 hrs) of which must have occurred in
the last 3 years.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Direct patient care must include activities:
• in each element of the patient/client
management model, as defined in the
Guide to Physical Therapy Practice
• included in the Description of Specialty
Practice (DSP)
Other Eligibility Requirements
Specific to the specialty:
• Emergency care certification (SCS)
• ACLS certification, Data Analysis Project (CCS)
• Patient reports (ECS)
• Case reflections (WCS)
Other Option to Meet the Eligibility Requirements
for Specialty Certification
APTA Accredited Clinical Residency
• Program of post-professional clinical and didactic education
designed to advance the physical therapist's skill in a defined
practice area
• www.abptrfe.org
• Residency Curriculum - designed using the Description of
Specialty Practice
• Specialty councils may allow completion of an APTA-
accredited clinical residency to replace all or a portion of the
practice eligibility requirements
Board Examination
• Developed by the Specialty Councils,
in collaboration with the
National Board of Medical Examiners
• A rigorous, criterion referenced exam
that tests the application and synthesis
of:
• advanced knowledge
• clinical skills & reasoning
Where to Start?
• Description of Specialty Practice
• Self-Assess strengths and
weakness
• Consider patient populations that
are familiar and not as familiar
• Develop a plan and strategy to
prepare.
• Your patients are your best teachers!
Description of Specialty Practice (DSP)
• Describes the advanced
knowledge, skills, and
abilities for clinical practice
in a specialty area
• Based on the results of an
extensive practice analysis
• conducted by Specialty Councils
and approved by ABPTS
• Guides the development of
the certification exam
Components of the Examination*
• Patient Care
• Teaching
• Administration
• Consultation
• Communication
• Interpretation of Research
*As defined by a specific DSP
Path towards Clinical Specialization
Clinical
experience in
specialty area
Seeking
mentors
• Board certified
specialists
Professional
Development
• Knowledge and skills
• Continuing education
• Post professional
clinical residency
• Post professional
education
Preparing for the
Board Certification Examination
1. Continuously review and adapt your “path”
2. Use resources from APTA Sections
• Recommended textbooks
• Reading lists
• Advanced Clinical Practice Courses
3. Join a study group
4. Seek the guidance of a mentor
5. Attend continuing education
 ABPTS does not approve or review material or course content 
Links to APTA Section Websites
1. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary: http://www.cardiopt.org
2. Clinical Electrophysiologic: http://www.aptasce3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
wm.org
Geriatrics: http://www.geriatricspt.org
Neurology: http://www.neuropt.org
Orthopaedics: http://www.orthopt.org
Pediatrics: http://www.pediatricapta.org
Sports: http://www.spts.org
Women’s Health: http://www.womenshealthapta.org
Specialist Certification Application Process
On-line
Application
Deadlines for
2016 exam
All applications
are reviewed
• www.abpts.org
• July 1, 2015 – WCS, CCS, ECS
• July 31, 2015 – all other specialties
• APTA Department of PostProfessional Certification and
Credentialing
Specialist Certification Fees
Application Review
Examination
Total
APTA Member
$515
$800
Non-Member
$860
$1,525
$1,315
$2,385
Board Certification is valid for ten years
Possible Sources of Financial Assistance
• Continuing education funds through employer
• Scholarships
• Section on Pediatrics: Carol Gildenberg Dichter
Memorial Fund Scholarship
When is the certification exam administered?
• Once per year, over a two-week exam period
• Candidates may sit for the exam between
February and March
● 2016
– February 27-March 12
Examination Format
• Computerized exams,
administered at Prometric
test centers worldwide
• www.prometric.com
• Multiple choice questions
including case scenarios,
videos, and pictures
Recognition of Certified Clinical Specialists
• Opening Ceremony of APTA Combined Sections Meeting
• APTA sections and State 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”
Board-Certified Clinical Specialists
Who Are They?
Number of Certified Specialists by Year
Total as of June 2014: 16,138 individuals
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Certified Specialists by Area
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary
CCS
218
Clinical Electrophysiologic
Geriatrics
Neurology
Orthopaedics
Pediatrics
Sports
Women’s Health
ECS
GCS
NCS
OCS
PCS
SCS
WCS
163
1721
1530
9505
1378
1424
226
Total in 2014 = 16,138
Certified Clinical Specialists: Age
Data current as of June 2014
Certified Clinical Specialists: Gender
female
56%
Data current as of June 2014
male
44%
Certified Clinical Specialists: Work Settings
Private PT Offices
2. Health systems or hospital-based
outpatient facility or clinics
3. Academic Institutions
1.
Certified Clinical Specialists: Positions Held
Supervisor/Director of PT
2. Staff or Senior PT
3. Sole Owner/Partner PT Practice
4. Academic Faculty
1.
Why do physical therapists become
Board Certified Clinical Specialists?
Perspective on ABPTS Specialization
Initial Certification = Starting Point
Mind Set
Commitment
To stay current
and advanced
in PT practice
To be a lifelong
learner
Continued
practice as
a Certified
Specialist
Top Motivations to Pursue ABPTS Certification
• Professional career goal
• Personal challenge or
achievement
• Earn a credential that
reflects advanced practice
to patients, physicians, &
payers
• Proof of expertise in
specialty area
Source: Survey of certified specialists (2013)
Positive Impact of Board Certification
• 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
Source: Survey of certified specialists (2007)
How has board specialty certification influenced
the careers of Specialists?
Opened doors for professional growth
• Consultations
• Invited Presentations
• New job opportunities
• Leadership & service
• Teaching opportunities
• Research collaboration
• Networking
Service Opportunities Related to Specialization
ABPTS
Specialty
Councils
SME
CCE
SACE
• Oversees
all
specialties
• Oversee
exam
development
process,
MOSC,
practice
analysis
• Conduct
exam
standard
setting and
specialty
practice
analysis
• Edit exam
items
• Mentor
SACE
• Write exam
items
Employer Support of ABPTS Certification
• 53% pay at least some of the costs associated with
obtaining clinical specialization.
• 43% give priority in hiring to job applicants who are
board certified.
• Employers value the expertise of specialist.
• Have high patient care standards
• Serve as mentors for others
• Provide team leadership
Value of ABPTS Certification to
Certified Specialists
• 79% report that certification is an 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)
Specialist Recertification: Purpose
• Verify current competence as an advanced
practitioner in a specialty area
• Encourage ongoing education and
professional growth
Specialist Recertification: Requirements
For specialists certified before 2013:
• Direct patient care hours in specialty (2000 hr)
AND
• Professional Development Portfolio
OR
• Current written examination
OR
• Graduation from a credentialed APTA clinical
residency
Professional Development Portfolio (PDP)
• 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
Presentations to professional groups 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
MOSC: Purpose and Model
• More effectively verify current competence as an advanced
practitioner in the specialty area
• More effectively evaluate professional development and clinical
experience
• Better encourage ongoing education and professional growth
• Keep pace with the rapidly expanding specialty knowledge base
and scientific evidence that guides clinical decision-making
• Promote improved health outcomes related to physical therapy
specialty services
Maintenance of Specialist Certification
Certification Cycle
Year
3
Lifelong
Learning &
Professional
Development
MOSC
6
9
10
Licensure &
Professional
Standing
Cognitive
Expertise
Practice
Performance
& Clinical
Care and
Reasoning
48
Minimum Eligibility Requirements of MOSC
1. Professional Standing and Direct Patient Care Hours
• Evidence of Current Licensure as a physical therapist in
the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the
Virgin Islands
• Direct Patient Care in the Specialty Area
• Evidence of 200 hours of direct patient care in the specialty
practice within each three (3) year submission period
• Hours accrued in year 10 applied to the next three year
submission period
49
Minimum Eligibility Requirements of
MOSC
• 2. Commitment to Life Long Learning through
Professional Development
• Mimics the information captured in the current PDP
(professional services, continuing education coursework,
publications, presentations, clinical supervision and
consultation, research, clinical instruction, teaching)
• Minimum requirements for each three (3) submission period
across three (3)designated activity areas
• Minimum of 10 MOSC credits, within 2 of the 3 designated
activity categories, in years 3, 6, and 9. By year 9, a
specialist must have accrued a minimum of 30 MOSC credits,
and demonstrated professional development in each of the 3
designated activity categories.
• A web-based submission/tracking system
50
Minimum Eligibility Requirements of
MOSC
3. Practice Performance through
Examples of Clinical Care and Clinical
Reasoning
• Online submission of one (1) Reflective Portfolio
for each three (3) year submission period
• Demonstrate the clinical care and reasoning
utilized and reflect how a patient case(s) has
impacted practice
• Not scored, but screened for completion of
required information and reflection
51
Minimum Eligibility Requirements of
MOSC
4. Cognitive Expertise through Examination
• Recertification examination, comprised of approximately 100
items in year ten.
• Exam blueprint will mirror that of initial certification
exam/DPS, but will reflect contemporary specialist practice
and allow a specialist to demonstrate continued competency in
general areas of the profession (professional roles,
responsibilities, values)
• Successful completion of requirements 1-3 at each three (3)
year submission period are prerequisites
• Permitted two attempts without loss of credential
MOSC: Timeline
MOSC Model
Transition
Period
• started 2013
Recertification
Model
• prior to 2013
• Full
implementation
projected in
2016
Transition & Implementation Phase: 2013-16
• All individuals who are newly certified or recertified as of 2013 will
be subject to the new MOSC process.
• This will include a waiver of the first 3-year requirements,
meaning that
• board-certified specialists certified or recertified in 2013 and 2014, and
those who will certify and recertify in 2015, will be required to fulfill the
year 6 (second 3-year) requirements beginning in 2016, 2017, and 2018
respectively.
• As of 2016, all individuals who will newly certify or recertify will be
subject to the MOSC process, as described, in its entirety.
Timeline for MOSC Implementation
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2012
4
5
6
7
2013
3
4
5 MOSC
2014
2
3
4
5 MOSC
2015
1
2
3
4
1
2 MOSC
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
PDP
PDP
1
2022
2023
8
9 10-PDP
1
7
8 MOSC
7
5 MOSC
4
2 MOSC
PDP
2021
1
2 MOSC
PDP
1
PDP
2 MOSC
4
5
5 MOSC
2030
2
10Exam
1
8 MOSC
7
5 MOSC
4
2029
4
1
8 MOSC
2028
2 MOSC
10Exam
7
4
2027
1
8 MOSC
5 MOSC
4
2026
2 MOSC
10Exam
7
2 MOSC
1
1
8 MOSC
7
2025
2 MOSC
10Exam
5 MOSC
4
2024
10Exam
8 MOSC
7
5 MOSC
10Exam
8 MOSC
7
10Exam
8 MOSC
10Exam
For more information contact:
APTA
Department of Postprofessional Certification and
Credentialing
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800/999-2782, ext 8520
www.abpts.org
Questions
Literature about Specialization or Specialists
• Conrad S. Taking on the Specialist Certification Exam - And Winning.
•
•
•
•
Perspectives for New Professionals of the American Physical
Therapy Association. February, 2013.
Stepp DD. Focus your career: Specialist Certification. Perspectives
for New Professionals of the American Physical Therapy Association.
May, 2010.
Bryan J, Blake A. How do other health care professionals view
specialist certification? PT Magazine. 2004;12(9):54-57.
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.
Literature about Specialization or Specialists
• 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
Literature about Specialization or Specialists
• Smith LC. The decision to specialize. PT Magazine.
•
•
•
•
•
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