Guest guest Posted February 5, 2005 Report Share Posted February 5, 2005 We have two DPT's and will soon have a third one. We do not have a formal policy, but to date we do have " DPT " as the credential on their business cards along with the title of " Doctor of Physical Therapy " beneath the therapist's name. We have been doing this for over four years now and no problems have ensued. They do not generally use the " doctor " title in general conversation, however, as they refer to themselves as " physical therapists " just like a pharmacist refers to him/herself as a " pharmacist " rather than a " doctor of pharmacy " . Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA markdwyer87@... DPT Title I was curious how different facilities were handling therapists with doctorate degrees as far as policies that either allow or prevent them from referring to themselves as " Dr. " etc. My current facility does not have any set policies (as I am the the only DPT so far) and I was curious how other facilities were handling this. D. Nanzer, DPT, CSCS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Our facility will request they introduce as Dr , Physical Therapist. We will stress that the patient understands he/she is a physical therapist. I recently had a discussion with the past president of the orthopedic section who recommended this technique. I also had this discussion with the head of a PT school who felt we should hold-off on using Dr until all PT's had an opportunity to obtain a DPT. Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 This is one of the best answers I have yet to read. " They do not generally use the " doctor " title in general conversation, however, as they refer to themselves as " physical therapists " just like a pharmacist refers to him/herself as a " pharmacist " rather than a " doctor of pharmacy " . Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA markdwyer87@... " > > > We have two DPT's and will soon have a third one. We do not have a formal > policy, but to date we do have " DPT " as the credential on their business > cards along with the title of " Doctor of Physical Therapy " beneath the > therapist's name. We have been doing this for over four years now and no > problems have ensued. > > They do not generally use the " doctor " title in general conversation, > however, as they refer to themselves as " physical therapists " just like a > pharmacist refers to him/herself as a " pharmacist " rather than a " doctor of > pharmacy " . > > Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA > markdwyer87@... > > DPT Title > > > > I was curious how different facilities were handling therapists with > doctorate degrees as far as policies that either allow or prevent them from > referring to themselves as " Dr. " etc. My current facility does not > have any set policies (as I am the the only DPT so far) and I was curious > how other facilities were handling this. > > D. Nanzer, DPT, CSCS > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I am a student and this is also what we have been taught, " Hello, I am Dr. , your Physical Therapist. " I also think this is a very interesting topic and important to our profession. I recently did an inservice at my last rotation and its was interesting to see how many PT's in the hospital had never seen the DPT curriculum or did not know the difference in degrees. Many people are defensive about this. I was also informed by veterans in our profession that this same thing happened with the switch from BS to Masters. I am of the feeling that our profession needs to keep up the advancement in titles that other professions in the health care field have ie, Chiropractors, Pharmacists, Podiatrists, etc. Sincerely, Flath DPT06 Class President Des Moines University Phone (515)240-6413 Email: .M.Flath@... ________________________________ From: Pulaskipt@... Sent: Mon 2/7/2005 1:13 PM To: PTManager Subject: Re: DPT Title Our facility will request they introduce as Dr , Physical Therapist. We will stress that the patient understands he/she is a physical therapist. I recently had a discussion with the past president of the orthopedic section who recommended this technique. I also had this discussion with the head of a PT school who felt we should hold-off on using Dr until all PT's had an opportunity to obtain a DPT. Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I am a student and this is also what we have been taught, " Hello, I am Dr. , your Physical Therapist. " I also think this is a very interesting topic and important to our profession. I recently did an inservice at my last rotation and its was interesting to see how many PT's in the hospital had never seen the DPT curriculum or did not know the difference in degrees. Many people are defensive about this. I was also informed by veterans in our profession that this same thing happened with the switch from BS to Masters. I am of the feeling that our profession needs to keep up the advancement in titles that other professions in the health care field have ie, Chiropractors, Pharmacists, Podiatrists, etc. Sincerely, Flath DPT06 Class President Des Moines University Phone (515)240-6413 Email: .M.Flath@... ________________________________ From: Pulaskipt@... Sent: Mon 2/7/2005 1:13 PM To: PTManager Subject: Re: DPT Title Our facility will request they introduce as Dr , Physical Therapist. We will stress that the patient understands he/she is a physical therapist. I recently had a discussion with the past president of the orthopedic section who recommended this technique. I also had this discussion with the head of a PT school who felt we should hold-off on using Dr until all PT's had an opportunity to obtain a DPT. Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 I appreciate your comments and applaud your degree. I also think this move in curriculum is important to the longevity of our field. But, as one of those " veterans, in the trenches " it really is not in title but in results. A patient therapist relationship goes well beyond the introduction and although an important first step, an introduction is small one in gaining confidence from the patient. I would think it more appropriate as the relationship lengthens that the patient is informed of your credentials and schooling. A discussion that I had the other day with some therapists was the connotation of " doctor " and the automatic assumptions that patients make, such as: able to order drugs and X-rays being on call or having someone on call to answer questions more expense another doctor.... he / she is better than the other therapists the LPTA's are nurses Just food for thought. Ron Barbato P.T. Corporate Director , Rehabilitation Ephraim McDowell Health Voice (859 )239-1515 Fax (859 )936-7249 rbarbato@... " PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL: This transmission may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, then please do not read it and be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein (including any reliance thereon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this transmission in error, please immediately advise me, by reply e-mail, and delete this message and any attachments without retaining a copy in any form. Thank you. " Re: DPT Title Our facility will request they introduce as Dr , Physical Therapist. We will stress that the patient understands he/she is a physical therapist. I recently had a discussion with the past president of the orthopedic section who recommended this technique. I also had this discussion with the head of a PT school who felt we should hold-off on using Dr until all PT's had an opportunity to obtain a DPT. Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 To my knowledge, our hospital has no policy regarding the use of " Dr " , as a PT or OT. I believe that one respondent's answer made a lot of sense, introduce yourself as Dr. if you wish, but make sure that the patient understands that you are a physical therapist or occupational therapist. I am an OTD and I choose not to introduce myself as Dr. Marti. I made this decision because I didn't want there to be any confusion between me and the medical doctor staff. However, if I chose to introduce myself as Dr. Marti, my education and qualifications would allow me to do so. I would have serious reservations about a hospital policy that didn't recognize my earned credentials. The key is to make sure that the patient is clear on what your responsibilities are, just the same as explaining the differences between OT, PT, and the other allied health disciplines. Thank you, Curtis Marti, OTR/L Inpatient Coordinator of Therapies Hillcrest Medical Center Tulsa, Oklahoma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 If you have earned the right to be called Doctor, you certainly have the right to be called whatever you want. However we need to stop and think about the bigger picture, the professional society we all belong to. Our behavior affects every one of our colleagues, as well as the image our profession has in the eyes of the public. I have met pharmacists who say, " Iam Dr. XYZ, Iam a pharmacist " , as I have met educators (PhDs), Osteopaths (DO) and chiropractors (DC) who all announce to the world that they are Doctors as well. I would hope that we are proud enough to say the same thing, for as though I agree that a degree will not insure outcomes, the image of the profession of physical therapy will be enhanced in the eyes of the public if we do announce to the world that we have taken the step as a profession to demand of ourselves the highest clinical degree attainable in our profession, a clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy Jim Dunleavy PT, MS Administrative Director Rehab Services Trinitas Hospital , NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 You need to update yourself on the work APTA has done regarding clinical education. It is a complex and costly undertaking for schools, and possibly for the clinical sites that would have to finanically support such an undertaking. Unlike medicine, physical therapy does not recieve $$$ thru medicare or meidcaid for clinical education as residency programs for physicians get today. SO supporting the DPT actually would enhance the possiblity of clinical education change by increasing the expectations of clinical performance prior to leaving such residencies. In fact they are a few already in existance today. Jim Dunleavy PTMS Trinitas HOspital , NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 There have been a lot of responses on this question. I'd like to weigh in by agreeing with who have pointed out that we must first recognize the realities of patient impressions. Calling oneself a doctor when providing clinical services will certainly muddy the water for most patients. And if it's not good for patients, then why would we do it? I do not believe for a minute that outcomes will be improved because patients know there is a doctor doing their therapy. Many professionals with doctoral degrees already eschew the verbal title because it is simply not necessary, or would confuse. Pharmacists are a prime example, but I could add lawyers (LLD), and those with PhDs or EdDs who are in clinical practice. Part of this problem is undoubtedly coming from our profession's (and others!) tendency to be a bit title crazy, with some people signing their name tailed with every degree and certification they have. That sort of thing looks shallow and self-serving. (Dave Barry once suggested a " letter tax " to put these people in their place.) The bottom line for me is that (in my experience of course) degrees mean little or nothing to the quality of the clinician. Expertise in therapy has always been a matter of post-graduation dedication to learning. Managers, directors, and employers all know this---new grads of any stripe need practical experience and mentoring. I dearly wish that multi-year residency programs were instituted before (or at least concomitant with) the push to DPT. I could much more easily support the DPT programs were it so. Dave Milano, Director of Rehab Services Laurel Health System 32-36 Central Ave. Wellsboro, PA 16901 dmilano@... Re: DPT Title To my knowledge, our hospital has no policy regarding the use of " Dr " , as a PT or OT. I believe that one respondent's answer made a lot of sense, introduce yourself as Dr. if you wish, but make sure that the patient understands that you are a physical therapist or occupational therapist. I am an OTD and I choose not to introduce myself as Dr. Marti. I made this decision because I didn't want there to be any confusion between me and the medical doctor staff. However, if I chose to introduce myself as Dr. Marti, my education and qualifications would allow me to do so. I would have serious reservations about a hospital policy that didn't recognize my earned credentials. The key is to make sure that the patient is clear on what your responsibilities are, just the same as explaining the differences between OT, PT, and the other allied health disciplines. Thank you, Curtis Marti, OTR/L Inpatient Coordinator of Therapies Hillcrest Medical Center Tulsa, Oklahoma Looking to start your own Practice? Visit www.InHomeRehab.com. Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join and participate now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 I dearly wish that multi-year residency programs were instituted before (or at least concomitant with) the push to DPT. I could much more easily support the DPT programs were it so. >Dave Milano, Director of Rehab Services Dave- Amen! This is a fantastic idea! Cormican, OTR/L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Well spoken Jim, The right an individual has to call him or herself a doctor is concomitant to the degree confirmed upon them after they have met all the educational and clinical requirements as set forth. People should not be worrying about or even discussing their decision not to pursue their DPT. We should all be pursuing the next level of becoming a doctoring profession. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Well spoken Jim, The right an individual has to call him or herself a doctor is concomitant to the degree confirmed upon them after they have met all the educational and clinical requirements as set forth. People should not be worrying about or even discussing their decision not to pursue their DPT. We should all be pursuing the next level of becoming a doctoring profession. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Well spoken Jim, The right an individual has to call him or herself a doctor is concomitant to the degree confirmed upon them after they have met all the educational and clinical requirements as set forth. People should not be worrying about or even discussing their decision not to pursue their DPT. We should all be pursuing the next level of becoming a doctoring profession. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2005 Report Share Posted February 12, 2005 I hear you Dave. But if we are to change the image of the profession and the preceptions of society about us, certainly the use of " Doctor " will help. I agree with you that we at the same time have the responsibility to explain it in terms of being a PT and not a medical doctor, which is the current situation even with " Doctors " who are PhDs. Will I see you in New Orleans? Jim Dunleavy PT MS Administrative Director Rehab Services Trinitas HOspital , NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2005 Report Share Posted February 12, 2005 Group- I've enjoyed the excellent discussion regarding the DPT title. I must admit that I am, too, interested in the public perception of Dr. , your Physical Therapist. Anyone that has earned the degree of doctor deserves to use it, point final in my book. I'm still a bit uneducated in how our peers and coworkers see the Doctor of Physical Therapy. How does the Masters trained PT, who must pass a certain PT exam to practice here in New York, differ from the DPT? Certainly the EDUCATION is different (assumedly much broader for the DPT), but is the standard for clinical exam any different? Is the expectation that the DPT is not to be the entry level degree but rather that the additional education will manifest itself in the clinical arena? Are the clinical DPT and transitional DPT inherently equal? Thanks for any insight and comments. dc Cormican >From: DPT@... >Reply-To: PTManager >To: PTManager >Subject: Re: DPT Title >Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 13:59:42 -0500 > > > >In a message dated 2/10/2005 8:49:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, >JIMDPT@... writes: > > > > > > >If you have earned the right to be called Doctor, you certainly have the > >right to be called whatever you want. However we need to stop and think >about the > >bigger picture, the professional society we all belong to. > >Our behavior affects every one of our colleagues, as well as the image >our > >profession has in the eyes of the public. > > > >I have met pharmacists who say, " Iam Dr. XYZ, Iam a pharmacist " , as I >have > >met educators (PhDs), Osteopaths (DO) and chiropractors (DC) who all >announce to > >the world that they are Doctors as well. I would hope that we are proud > >enough to say the same thing, for as though I agree that a degree will >not insure > >outcomes, the image of the profession of physical therapy will be >enhanced in > >the eyes of the public if we do announce to the world that we have taken >the > >step as a profession to demand of ourselves the highest clinical degree > >attainable in our profession, a clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy > > > >Jim Dunleavy PT, MS > >Administrative Director Rehab Services > >Trinitas Hospital > >, NJ > > > > >-- >Jim, >I agree with most of your thoughts, but let me add a reservation. The >context of the meeting/session in which the introduction is made needs to >be considered when introducing oneself. Some circumstances would lend >themselves to either mislead or confuse the parties present if I begin my >conversation with " I'm Doctor , Physical Therapist. Might it confuse >the patient who has only one image of " Doctor " , that being his medical >doctor? Might it be viewed as being pretentious? Or might it be factor in >getting a better reservation at a nice restaurant for your Valentine's Day >dinner? >I do not believe that there is a simple answer, or that it would be >appropriate to always include it or exclude it. Let the situation dictate >the appropriateness, and let us use common sense in how we present >ourselves. Yes, be proud of being a physical therapist! But also be logical >and sensible in how we present ourselves to a varying public. > Perhaps some day I will have to worry about this personaly. But for now, >I never worry about presenting myself as , Master Physical >Therapist > > W. , PT, MS >Therapy Manager >Henry Ford Home Health Care > office > fax > cell >dperry1@... > > > > > > >Looking to start your own Practice? >Visit www.InHomeRehab.com. >Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a >professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange >PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join >and participate now! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 et al Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. Interesting discussion Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 et al Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. Interesting discussion Newton, PT, OCS, CWS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 , You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. Ford, PT Manager of Rehabilitation Services CareGroup Home Care 44 Trapelo Rd Belmont, MA 02478 rford@... Re: DPT Title > > > > et al > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > Interesting discussion > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 , You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. Ford, PT Manager of Rehabilitation Services CareGroup Home Care 44 Trapelo Rd Belmont, MA 02478 rford@... Re: DPT Title > > > > et al > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > Interesting discussion > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 , You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. Ford, PT Manager of Rehabilitation Services CareGroup Home Care 44 Trapelo Rd Belmont, MA 02478 rford@... Re: DPT Title > > > > et al > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > Interesting discussion > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 ; Unfortunately the " initials " issue is not a simple issue. The APTA has addressed it but has not solved the issue! Anyone can use their appropriate initials on a business card etc., BUT the law states P.T. is the designation. The sole purpose of the law is to protect the public. If it were not such a big deal then all other initials would be permitted. It is not! Besides, many patients and doctors can point to a number of " P.T.'s " and say they are much better skilled than " D.P.T.'s " ! That is because the standard for entry level PT licensure has not changed despite the title. This has all to do with the residency programs or better said, " lack of residency programs " . Finally, I don't care what we're called, let's just put a better product out there! Zerr, PT > > > Date: 2005/02/15 Tue AM 09:18:00 EST > To: <PTManager > > Subject: RE: Re: DPT Title > > > > , > > You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. > > How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. > > Ford, PT > Manager of Rehabilitation Services > CareGroup Home Care > 44 Trapelo Rd > Belmont, MA 02478 > > rford@... > > > Re: DPT Title > > > > > > > > et al > > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > > > Interesting discussion > > > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 ; Unfortunately the " initials " issue is not a simple issue. The APTA has addressed it but has not solved the issue! Anyone can use their appropriate initials on a business card etc., BUT the law states P.T. is the designation. The sole purpose of the law is to protect the public. If it were not such a big deal then all other initials would be permitted. It is not! Besides, many patients and doctors can point to a number of " P.T.'s " and say they are much better skilled than " D.P.T.'s " ! That is because the standard for entry level PT licensure has not changed despite the title. This has all to do with the residency programs or better said, " lack of residency programs " . Finally, I don't care what we're called, let's just put a better product out there! Zerr, PT > > > Date: 2005/02/15 Tue AM 09:18:00 EST > To: <PTManager > > Subject: RE: Re: DPT Title > > > > , > > You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. > > How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. > > Ford, PT > Manager of Rehabilitation Services > CareGroup Home Care > 44 Trapelo Rd > Belmont, MA 02478 > > rford@... > > > Re: DPT Title > > > > > > > > et al > > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > > > Interesting discussion > > > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 ; Unfortunately the " initials " issue is not a simple issue. The APTA has addressed it but has not solved the issue! Anyone can use their appropriate initials on a business card etc., BUT the law states P.T. is the designation. The sole purpose of the law is to protect the public. If it were not such a big deal then all other initials would be permitted. It is not! Besides, many patients and doctors can point to a number of " P.T.'s " and say they are much better skilled than " D.P.T.'s " ! That is because the standard for entry level PT licensure has not changed despite the title. This has all to do with the residency programs or better said, " lack of residency programs " . Finally, I don't care what we're called, let's just put a better product out there! Zerr, PT > > > Date: 2005/02/15 Tue AM 09:18:00 EST > To: <PTManager > > Subject: RE: Re: DPT Title > > > > , > > You raise an interesting point about the legal issue of wanting to use the initials DPT after a clinician's name. Interesting but unfortunately a point that the profession and APTA has already surrendered. Despite the APTA's pronouncements that the only recognized initials designating a physical therapist is PT, we frequently encounter such initials as MSPT, RPT, and any other designations on this list serv alone. This may be a little point to some but until we can get conformity in something as simple as the initials designating our profession, we cannot present a unified front to the other medical disciplines and payors that are not as well versed in the nuances of our profession. > > How can we expect anyone to look at three different clinicians with three different titles and know what expertise the profession collectively holds. Furthermore is smacks of professional insecurity that we need to bestow legitimacy on ourselves by adding initials after out name. > > Ford, PT > Manager of Rehabilitation Services > CareGroup Home Care > 44 Trapelo Rd > Belmont, MA 02478 > > rford@... > > > Re: DPT Title > > > > > > > > et al > > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the difference between > > an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an advanced clinical science DPT?, > > Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 " The > > Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical Therapist Education " has a > > significant amount of information. Those that are in the Education Section > > of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > > > Interesting discussion > > > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 As a point of clarification, you can certainly use initials such as DPT or MSPT, but they must follow the designation of PT. The reason is fairly simple. It's entirely possible to obtain a degree such as DPT or MSPT without becoming licensed to practice. The degree qualifies you to sit for licensure, but does not allow you to practice in and of itself. The designation " PT " indicates that you are a licensed PT who is able to practice in your state. A. Lee, PT, MSPT Director of Inpatient Therapies Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Lincoln, NE Re: DPT Title > > > > > > > > et al > > Many of these questions are addressed in the " frequently asked > > questions " education section of the APTA's website, ie what is the > > difference between an entry level DPT, transitional DPT and an > > advanced clinical science DPT?, Why do some Clinicians object to the DPT degree? > > Also the June 1999 issue of Physical Therapy-Volume 79 number 6 > > " The Clinical Doctorate: A Framework for Analysis in Physical > > Therapist Education " has a significant amount of information. Those > > that are in the Education Section of the APTA also have access to several other articles relating to this topic. > > > > Interesting discussion > > > > Newton, PT, OCS, CWS > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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