In the fast-changing field of physical therapy, staying current is crucial for growth and success. At Summit, we recognize that professional development is not just a box to check. We support our physical therapists in gaining certifications and attending classes that enhance their skills and career prospects. This support ensures our team is well-equipped to provide high-quality, specialized care to our patients.
Understanding the value of continued education and certification at Summit involves looking at the specialties our therapists pursue, the benefits of these certifications, and how they enhance our team's overall capabilities.
The Importance of Continuing Education for Physical Therapists
Continuing education is essential for physical therapists. It is not merely a requirement for licensure; it is a vital path for professional advancement. According to a survey conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association, 78% of physical therapists who pursue ongoing education report improvements in patient outcomes. By participating in certification programs and continuing education, therapists broaden their expertise and explore specialized areas that align with their interests, ultimately improving the patient experience.
At Summit Physical Therapy, we value ongoing learning and create an environment that encourages our staff to seek opportunities to enhance their skills through workshops, conferences, in person, and online courses. This commitment allows our therapists to meet the evolving needs of our patient population.
Specialties and Certifications at Summit
Our dedicated therapists take advantage of diverse certifications, each one contributing to their professional growth and enriching our team's collective expertise. Here are some of the specialties you may find within our team:
McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)
The McKenzie Method is a respected global approach that emphasizes the active involvement of patients in managing their musculoskeletal conditions. With comprehensive assessments, therapists trained in this method can identify and develop tailored treatment plans that effectively address spine and extremity disorders. This empowers patients to understand their conditions better and follow more effective treatment strategies.
Functional Dry Needling (FDN)
Functional Dry Needling is an advanced technique widely used to relieve muscular pain and tightness. Through this certification, therapists learn to use fine needles to target painful trigger points, improving patient mobility and functionality. A recent study found that patients receiving dry needling experienced a 62% reduction in pain within the first few treatments, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach.
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
The OCS certification is for therapists dedicated to specializing in orthopedic care. It signifies a high level of expertise in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Patients at Summit benefit significantly, as they receive care from professionals not only experienced but also certified in orthopedics, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Pelvic Health Continuing Education
As awareness of pelvic health issues increases, there is a rising demand for specialized services. Summit provides resources for therapists to pursue pelvic health continuing education or certification, focusing on conditions that affect pelvic function. This specialization helps our team offer comprehensive care for patients dealing with pelvic pain, pregnancy related pain, post-partum recovery, and incontinence, impacting their quality of life.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
The CSCS certification is crucial for therapists working with athletes or individuals wanting to improve their physical performance. This credential emphasizes performance enhancement through tailored conditioning programs. Therapists with this certification can help clients safely achieve their fitness goals, contributing to injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Postural Restoration Continuing Education
The Postural Restoration Institute® (PRI) is a continuing education institute that was established in 2000 to explore and explain the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS)
The MSKUS certification allows therapists to use imaging techniques to accurately diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. With this certification, our therapists can implement more precise assessment techniques, significantly improving their treatment plans by visualizing soft tissue structures.
Support for Continuing Education at Summit
At Summit, we understand that earning certifications involves both a financial commitment and time away from regular duties. To facilitate this, we offer competitive continuing education benefits that cover costs for workshops, seminars, and classes relevant to our therapists’ interests and patient needs.
Our team often collaborates and shares insights gained from their ongoing education with each other. This culture of collaboration helps create a skilled and well-rounded team, ultimately benefiting our patients through improved care.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
Continuing education and certification opportunities are critical for physical therapists aiming to maximize their professional growth. At Summit, we are proud to support our therapists on this journey by providing resources and encouragement to pursue specialized certifications. The scope of specialties available, from the McKenzie Method to musculoskeletal ultrasound, enhances the quality of care we provide.
As we prioritize lifelong learning, our team not only hones individual skills but also fosters a culture of excellence that directly improves patient care. We encourage all physical therapists to embrace ongoing education, as these experiences pave the way for enhanced practice, better patient outcomes, and fulfilling careers.
As physical therapy evolves, so must we. By focusing on continuous education and certification, we ensure we are prepared to meet the diverse needs of the patients we serve.
Join Our Team at Summit Physical Therapy!
We're hiring full-time Physical Therapists (PTs) to join our growing team! If you're interested in learning more about what Summit Physical Therapy has to offer, including our competitive hiring package, please reach out to Kristin Oelschlegal at KOelschlegal@summitptalaska.com or Joanna Owen at JOwen@summitptalaska.com for more details.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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