Pediatric & Geriatric Physical Therapy To PTA Recognition Program

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has added two new categories of proficiency — Geriatric and Pediatric Physical Therapy—to its Recognition of Advanced Proficiency for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.

"We are proud to honor those physical therapist assistants who have achieved advanced proficiency through education, experience, and leadership," said APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "Physical therapist assistants are an integral part of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant team. We are extremely pleased to now be honoring the accomplishments of PTAs who have advanced their knowledge and skills in geriatric and pediatric physical therapy."

The Advanced Proficiency for the Physical Therapist Assistant program was begun in July, 2004. The program currently honors PTAs who have obtained the required experience and advanced education in the areas of Cardiopulmonary, Geriatric, Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromuscular, Pediatric physical therapy while also demonstrating leadership abilities through contributions to their communities and the profession.

For more information on the Recognition of Advanced Proficiency for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program or to obtain an application, please visit www.apta.org. Applications should be submitted to PTARecongition@apta.org. Application due dates have changed to April 1 and October 1.