4 answers
Kirsten
Student
Providence, Rhode Island
2
Questions
Asked
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Is it a good idea to specialize in a specific area of Physical Therapy ?
If so, what area would be best? I'm trying to think in the future what exactly I want to do. Thank you! #physical-therapist #physical-therapy
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4 answers
Deborah R. Brandt, PT, DPT
Good Moves Physical Therapy, mindful movement
43
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Deborah R.’s Answer
Eventually you would probably want to specialize in a specific area of physical therapy. You may become interested in two or three areas of specialization over your whole career.
You indicated that you do not know now what area of specialization you want to pursue. That is great! As your career emerges you will probably be drawn to certain groups of people and their needs, or your job may require you to specialize in a specific area. Then you will know what you need to focus on. Keep going and expose yourself to as many treatment options - diagnoses, types of people, treatment facilities like hospitals, out patient treatment centers, schools, teams sports, nursing homes, cardiac or cancer care centers, etc. as you can. There are many options open to you. Explore as many as you can and your own direction will become clear to you. You don't need to know everything now.
Morgan Sarver
Physical Therapist
4
Answers
Owings Mills, Maryland
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hi there!
This is a really great question. I think it truly depends on your specific situation when you get closer to PT or graduating PT school. Often times a board certified speciality such as an OCS, NCS, PCS, GCS, etc does not get you much more benefits such as increased pay however there are certainly situations where it does. For example, pelvic floor therapy is a huge area of development and one in which organizations are often looking for specialized individuals. However, this does not necessarily mean you have to obtain a board certification, there are other certifications that are less intensive and may provide the same benefits however, this isn’t always the case for other specialties. I think that if there is a specific opportunity you have a goal of achieving that requires a speciality it can be beneficial to pursue that right away but, otherwise it can be something you pursue at a later time once you have a chance to practice in the field for a while and get a feel for what areas you are truly passionate about. There are also definitely therapists who never truly have a speciality, definitely from a board certified perspective but often they take continuing education courses that guide them towards a specific area of interest.
In my current position, my employer has a position called “specialist” and you do not have to have a board certification. Instead you have to complete a combination of other steps and present a specialty project. I went this route for now and have a specialty with my organization “Neurological impairments across the lifespan”. I may chose to pursue a board certification in neuro (NCS) at a later time but I am unsure if I will or not.
If you haven’t already check out the American Physical Therapy Association’s site on this topic to learn more about specific specialties: https://epiprod.specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist
This is a really great question. I think it truly depends on your specific situation when you get closer to PT or graduating PT school. Often times a board certified speciality such as an OCS, NCS, PCS, GCS, etc does not get you much more benefits such as increased pay however there are certainly situations where it does. For example, pelvic floor therapy is a huge area of development and one in which organizations are often looking for specialized individuals. However, this does not necessarily mean you have to obtain a board certification, there are other certifications that are less intensive and may provide the same benefits however, this isn’t always the case for other specialties. I think that if there is a specific opportunity you have a goal of achieving that requires a speciality it can be beneficial to pursue that right away but, otherwise it can be something you pursue at a later time once you have a chance to practice in the field for a while and get a feel for what areas you are truly passionate about. There are also definitely therapists who never truly have a speciality, definitely from a board certified perspective but often they take continuing education courses that guide them towards a specific area of interest.
In my current position, my employer has a position called “specialist” and you do not have to have a board certification. Instead you have to complete a combination of other steps and present a specialty project. I went this route for now and have a specialty with my organization “Neurological impairments across the lifespan”. I may chose to pursue a board certification in neuro (NCS) at a later time but I am unsure if I will or not.
If you haven’t already check out the American Physical Therapy Association’s site on this topic to learn more about specific specialties: https://epiprod.specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kirsten,
Is it a good idea to specialize in a specific area of Physical Therapy?
Specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can be a beneficial career choice for several reasons. By focusing on a particular area, you can deepen your knowledge, skills, and expertise in that specific domain, which can lead to better patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and potentially higher earning potential. Specialization can also set you apart from other physical therapists and make you more marketable in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, specializing allows you to work with a specific population or treat certain conditions that you are passionate about, which can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your work. It can also open up opportunities for research, teaching, and leadership roles within the field of physical therapy.
However, it is essential to carefully consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals before choosing a specialization. Conducting thorough research on different areas of physical therapy, exploring various specialties through clinical experiences or internships, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help you make an informed decision.
If so, what area would be best?
The best area of specialization in physical therapy ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, and personal preferences. Some popular specializations within the field of physical therapy include:
Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Specializing in orthopedics involves treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions such as fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Orthopedic physical therapists work with patients to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
Neurological Physical Therapy: Neurological physical therapists focus on treating individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. They help patients improve balance, coordination, strength, and mobility.
Sports Physical Therapy: Sports physical therapists work with athletes of all levels to prevent injuries, enhance performance, and facilitate recovery from sports-related injuries. They may work in sports clinics, fitness centers, or with sports teams to provide specialized care for athletes.
Other areas of specialization in physical therapy include pediatric physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy, women’s health physical therapy, and occupational health physical therapy.
When choosing a specialization, consider your interests, strengths, values, and career aspirations to determine which area aligns best with your professional goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA is a leading professional organization for physical therapists that provides resources on different specialties within the field of physical therapy.
Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC): PTBC offers information on approved specialization areas for physical therapists in California and provides guidance on the requirements for becoming a specialist.
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT): JOSPT is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research articles and clinical practice guidelines related to orthopedic and sports physical therapy specialties.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Is it a good idea to specialize in a specific area of Physical Therapy?
Specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can be a beneficial career choice for several reasons. By focusing on a particular area, you can deepen your knowledge, skills, and expertise in that specific domain, which can lead to better patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and potentially higher earning potential. Specialization can also set you apart from other physical therapists and make you more marketable in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, specializing allows you to work with a specific population or treat certain conditions that you are passionate about, which can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your work. It can also open up opportunities for research, teaching, and leadership roles within the field of physical therapy.
However, it is essential to carefully consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals before choosing a specialization. Conducting thorough research on different areas of physical therapy, exploring various specialties through clinical experiences or internships, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help you make an informed decision.
If so, what area would be best?
The best area of specialization in physical therapy ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, and personal preferences. Some popular specializations within the field of physical therapy include:
Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Specializing in orthopedics involves treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions such as fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Orthopedic physical therapists work with patients to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
Neurological Physical Therapy: Neurological physical therapists focus on treating individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. They help patients improve balance, coordination, strength, and mobility.
Sports Physical Therapy: Sports physical therapists work with athletes of all levels to prevent injuries, enhance performance, and facilitate recovery from sports-related injuries. They may work in sports clinics, fitness centers, or with sports teams to provide specialized care for athletes.
Other areas of specialization in physical therapy include pediatric physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy, women’s health physical therapy, and occupational health physical therapy.
When choosing a specialization, consider your interests, strengths, values, and career aspirations to determine which area aligns best with your professional goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA is a leading professional organization for physical therapists that provides resources on different specialties within the field of physical therapy.
Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC): PTBC offers information on approved specialization areas for physical therapists in California and provides guidance on the requirements for becoming a specialist.
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT): JOSPT is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research articles and clinical practice guidelines related to orthopedic and sports physical therapy specialties.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Maria Cecilia San Juan
Management and Clinical Operations, Patient Care
12
Answers
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Updated
Maria Cecilia’s Answer
My opinion is not necessarily. However, having a specialized skill set does help you to stand out when a specific job description is looking for that skill to fill a position. One certainly wants to become particularly skilled with all the basics. Specializing just brings you more to the forefront and can make you an expert in a certain area that others may look for.