PT - Physical Therapist - A Physical Therapist is a health care professional who evaluates and treats people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. Physical Therapists assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance and performance of daily living activities. Treatments vary based on the practice setting but include therapeutic exercise, cardiovascular training, joint mobilization, modalities such as estim and ultrasound and home exercise programs. Physical therapists typically complete an undergraduate program of study prior to the acceptance in to an accredited Physical Therapy program. Most programs require three years of further training.

PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant - A Physical Therapist Assistant is a health care professional that works under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. A PTA has completed at least an Associates Degree at an accredited program and passed the state board of licensure. They assist the Physical Therapist in treating patients with simple to complex injuries or diseases using therapeutic exercise, modalities and gait training.

ATC - Certified Athletic Trainer - A Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled member of the health care team. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care professionals the Athletic Trainer functions to provide services to secondary schools, colleges and universities and professional athletic programs. An Athletic Trainer holds at minimum a Bachelors Degree, usually in the area of athletic training, physical education or exercise science. Certified Athletic Trainers have completed the requirements for certification through the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification.

SCS - Sport Credentialed Specialist - A Sport Credentialed Specialist is a Physical Therapist who has completed at least five years of practice, 2000 hours of direct patient care in the area of sports physical therapy and courses in CPR and emergency care. In addition the Physical Therapist must pass an examination administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. They must recertify every 10 years to keep current on trends relating to the specialty.

CHT - Certified Hand Therapist - A Certified Hand Therapist is a Physical Therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical practice, including 4,000 hours or more of direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. A CHT is required to recertify every five years to demonstrate competency as it relates to changes in the profession.

CSCS - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist is a professional who applies scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving performance. They conduct sport-specific training sessions, design and implement safe and affective training programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. A CSCS holds at minimum a Bachelors Degree by an accredited institution. The CSCS is the only strength and conditioning certification nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Cert MDT - Certificate in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine - A Cert MDT is a Physical Therapist who specializes in the treatment of the spine utilizing the McKenzie Method for Treatment of the Spine. The McKenzie Method is a comprehensive evaluation, treatment and prevention program utilizing fundamental movement patterns and developing a treatment plan based on the results. To become certified the therapist must complete a four part series of instruction along with a written and practical examination.

MS - Master of Science - Someone who holds a Master of Science degree has completed an undergraduate program of study and then completed another two years of study, usually including research and a thesis in the same or related field.

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