AdventHealth Winter Park Physical Therapists: All OCS Certified

Doug: It’s a voluntary process. An OCS therapist has raised their hand to study and take additional course work to prepare for an in-depth, rigorous exam testing our knowledge on clinical practice guidelines, best evidence of care and our understanding of orthopedic research. Per the APTA, it’s also a meaningful way to deepen our connection to our specific area of practice that we’re most inspired by. Going through the process helps you stay current with your advanced physical therapy (PT) practice in orthopedics. Being recognized as an OCS therapist identifies you as a lifelong learner and seeker of ever-expanding clinical evidence.

Doug: As of 2018, there were 461 OCS therapists in Florida. As of this year we have 25 OCS therapists within AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab team. We have Pediatric Specialists (PCS), Women’s Health/Pelvic Health Therapists (WCS), Geriatric Specialists (GCS), Neurological Specialists (NCS) and Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS). In total, we have over 40 board-certified therapists in our system.

Doug: You need to pass a rigorous board exam in order to become certified. The exam is offered only once per year. The exam is a valid measure of a candidate’s knowledge, skills and ability.

After you pass your exam, there are requirements and documentation that we must maintain every year to maintain our certification. After 10 years, we take another exam to maintain our certification.

In order to sit for the exam, you need to have graduated from a residency program or have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in your specialty.

Doug: There are only about 500 board-certified orthopedic therapists in Florida. To have 25 in our system is a testament to our culture and focus on clinical excellence. Therapists learn from each other and are inspired by one another to grow clinically in our skills and knowledge to deliver the most current and best evidence of care to our patients. We strive to give high-value care to every patient, which means getting the maximum improvement from their injury or surgical rehab with the least amount of cost to the patient and payer.

Doug: Becoming an OCS is a huge accomplishment for each of us personally and also gives us confidence that we are working to provide each patient with the very best care. I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I have put into becoming OCS PTs because of the benefits our patients receive from advanced evaluation and treatment skills.