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about PCS OCS................
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about PCS OCS................ - June 22, 2002 11:59:00 AM
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Adriana
Posts: 2
Joined: June 20, 2002
From: Southern California, USA
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HI, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am a junio at Cal State Long Beach and am majoring in Kinesiology and Physical Education with the option in Kinesiotherapy. I have volunteered at a Wellness Center run by a Registered Kinesiotherapist and am now looking for a place where I can work as a PT Aide.
I was wondering if anyone can clarify what DPTSc and DScPT is and also about PCS and OCS. I am thinking about going into either Pediatrics, Orthopedics, or Geriatrics ( I have not decided yet).
Also, I was wondering if anyone can tell me how to go aobut getting a Physical Therapist Mentor.
Any help about anyhting would be great. Thank you very much.
Adriana
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 23, 2002 6:38:00 PM
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PTupdate.com
Posts: 1473
Joined: October 8, 2001
From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Status: offline
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Hello!
Hopefully Drew will jump on here regarding the DPT information.
Once you have your PT degree (PT, MSPT, MPT, DPT) you can apply to sit for the specialization certifications. These are in geriatrics, electro, pediatrics (PCS), sports, neuro, and ortho (OCS).
The idea was to find a way to identify persons with advanced clinical and technical skills above and beyond the average clinician in that specific area of interest. I chose to tackle the OCS as my peers seemed to have a lot of respect for anyone with that designation. Other classifications often don't mean much, as you can basically "purchase" the initials by attending a bunch of expensive courses.
It appears they slacked off on the strict criteria to sit for the exam, including 5 years of full time practice in the specialty (an old intern of mine just called to say she got her OCS, and only needed 2 years). While this candidate deserves this honor (she is a great PT), I don't want to see this watered down to make everybody happy, kind of the way the US military is giving everyone black berets to wear, something that used to be reserved only for those in an elite branch (Rangers, I believe).
Having an OCS or PCS, or any other certification, does earn some respect from other PT's, but doesn't necessarily result in pay increases or increased market demand, from what I have heard.
Hope this info helps!
John Duffy, PT OCS [URL=http://www.PTupdate.com]www.PTupdate.com[/URL]
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 23, 2002 9:09:00 PM
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Adriana
Posts: 2
Joined: June 20, 2002
From: Southern California, USA
Status: offline
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Thank you John for the helpful information on the different specializations there are. I really appreciate it.
Would you be able to explain to me what Orthopedic PT is?
Adriana
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 24, 2002 1:51:00 PM
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jma
Posts: 2405
Joined: August 24, 2000
From: NY
Status: offline
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Hello,
Orthopedic PT involves the assessment and treatment of muscles of the body and the bones they are connected to. This is one of the most well known specializations out of all of the other ones previously mentioned.
JMA
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 26, 2002 6:28:00 AM
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gerry
Posts: 238
Joined: July 6, 1999
From: Montgomery, AL, USA
Status: offline
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John,
When you spoke of "other classifications" that don't mean much, were you speaking of other clinical specialties offered by the board of PT Specialists, or other certifications offered by continuing education providers?
I "tackled" the PCS, and did not purchase it by attending expensive courses. I found the process of studying and preparing for the exam beneficial. There is a lot of work that goes into making sure the test is a good one, and that the whole process measures what it should. I would encourage you to get involved with the specialty board and provide input into the standards if you feel they should be strengthened.
Adiana,
For a mentor, I would encourage you to look around your local area for a PT who would be willing to do that. The APTA has a mentor program, but I believe that is primarily for members. You could check their website ofr more info. Good Luck!
gerry
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 26, 2002 5:28:00 PM
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PTupdate.com
Posts: 1473
Joined: October 8, 2001
From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Status: offline
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Gerry,
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I feel that ALL the APTA certifications are earned. In fact, some are far more difficult to obtain than the OCS. I meant outside courses that offer their own specialty degrees....the ones with all kinds of letters that nobody can figure out what they mean. Those are they ones that are "purchased" by attending classes and sitting for proficiency exams at the end.
Duffy
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Re: about PCS OCS................ - June 27, 2002 10:31:00 AM
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gerry
Posts: 238
Joined: July 6, 1999
From: Montgomery, AL, USA
Status: offline
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Agreed!
Thanks John.
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