Jackie Oliver, DPT, OCS passed the rigorous Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) examination in March 2019. Orthopaedics is the specialty dealing with the musculoskeletal system: bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints. This examination covered everything pertaining to orthopaedic physical therapy from head to toe. In order to sit for the exam one must have completed at least 2,000 hours of direct orthopaedic patient care within the last 10 years or have completed a post-professional residency in the field or orthopaedics.
The Orthopedics Clinical Specialist (OCS) advanced certification is coordinated by The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS). The organization oversees a specialist certification process from the nine different specialties one can attain within the realm of physical therapy. The ABPTS mission is “to advance the profession of physical therapy by establishing, maintaining, and promoting standards of excellence for clinical specialization, and by recognizing the advanced knowledge, skills and experience by physical therapist practitioners through specialist credentialing.”
Under the ABPTS advanced certification programs, we have 1 Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (Jason Lunden) and 2 Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialists (Megan Peach and Jackie Oliver). As of 2018, there are only 86 Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialists in the State of Montana, making this designation a well respected and prestigious title. Excel Physical Therapy’s team values incorporate investing in and encouraging advanced training and certifications for all of our physical therapy providers to help ensure excellent care and outcomes for our clients.
