When working with our therapy staff, you may notice that we have varying sets of credentials listed after our name on our nametag. Ever wonder what these represent? The following is a quick cheat sheet for the most common initials you will encounter with our staff.
MS, PT – MPT – DPT = Master of Science – Masters of Physical Therapy – Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- One of these sets of credentials is held by each of our physical therapists. They indicate the post-baccalaureate entry level degree earned in becoming a physical therapist.
- All physical therapists are licensed through the Commonwealth of Virginia
OTD, OTR/L – MS, OTR/L = Doctor of Occupational Therapy or Masters of Science
- Just as with physical therapy, these sets of credentials indicate the post-baccalaureate entry level degree for our occupational therapists
- OTR/L – Occupational Therapist, Registered, Licensed = Just as with physical therapists, all of our occupational therapists are licensed through the Commonwealth
PTA – LPTA = Physical Therapy Assistant – Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
- All of our physical therapy assistants are licensed through the Commonwealth of Virginia
CHT = Certified Hand Therapist
- As defined on the Hand Therapy Certification Commission’s website… “A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.”
OCS = Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
- As indicated by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists website, this is representative of a physical therapist who has been recognized for advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in the field of orthopaedic physical therapy. This requires 2000+ hours of patient care in the area of orthopaedic care and successful passing of comprehensive test of advanced skills.
ATC = Certified Athletic Trainer
- As stated on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association website, “Certified athletic trainers are allied health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active. To become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) one must graduate from a bachelors or masters degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) via the Joint Review Committee-Athletic Training (JRC-AT). This candidate must then pass the certification examination conducted by the Board of Certification (BOC).
CMT = Certified Massage Therapist
- These individuals have demonstrated a “mastery of core skills and knowledge related to their profession and passed a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork standardized exam.”
CMTPT = Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist
- These therapists have been certified to perform dry needling.
If you have questions about certifications, schooling, or professional development that your staff has completed or is participating in, please do not hesitate to ask. We are happy to share with you our past education and experiences and our continued effort to provide the most up to date care and service to you.