American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)

ABPTS coordinates and oversees the specialist certification process, is the governing body for certification and recertification of clinical specialists. This board is composed of nine individuals: board-certified physical therapists from five different specialty areas; one physical therapist member of the APTA Board of Directors; one physical therapist representing the APTA Council of Section Presidents; one individual with expertise in test development, evaluation, and education; and one non-physical therapist representing the public.

Specialist Certification
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members throughout the United States, established the specialist certification program in 1978. 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.

Purpose of the Clinical Specialization Program

The purposes of APTA's Clinical Specialization Program are to:

1. Assist in the identification and development of appropriate areas of specialty practice in physical therapy.

2. Promote the highest possible level of care for individuals.