Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certifications
Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Sports and Physical Therapy clinicians are pediatric and adolescent injury treatment and rehabilitation experts. Specializations and certifications allow us to tailor treatment techniques to fit each child’s unique needs.
Some of the certifications our team possesses include:
Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Certified Specialists (OCS, SCS)
The Orthopedic and Sports Specialist Certifications were established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in orthopedic and sports practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists. Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. Orthopedic Clinical Specialization in physical therapy requires knowledge, skill, and experience exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry to the profession and is unique to the orthopedic area of practice, while the Sports Clinical Specialization focuses on advanced skill in these same areas while also gaining experience in sideline coverage of athletic events.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist is currently the gold standard certification in the area of strength and conditioning advanced credentialing among health care providers. These providers have advanced knowledge in constructing and implementing strength and conditioning principles in order to maximize athletic performance and decrease injury risk.
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
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. Every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
