Extra titles after DPT

[Apollo#1585...]

Hey all,

Quick question for you DPTs, all the extra titles after some people's name, is there a list somewhere that says them all?
Also, other than getting that one specialty that some people might want to do, is there any benefit to getting more of them? Such as extra base pay, can you do some private work on the side (like consultations or something?) There's another thread on here that mentioned ENMGs that can rake in some serious cash. You can live comfortably on the $80,000-$90,000 avg DPT pay but I'm tryin to buy my parents a house haha.

If ya'll know of any other certifications, specialties, residencies, etc that can bring in some extra money after you get your DPT those would be helpful too.

Thanks.

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[callmecrazy]

Take a few steps back and spend some time reading through the forum. You might be disappointed, but I suggest starting here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/starting-salary-for-dpt-new-grads.931151/

 

[ktachiba]

$80-90K+ right after graduation is only available if you work in-patient settings, do PRN jobs on the side (meaning 50-60 hour weeks), or do travel PT

 

[engmedpt]

Take a few steps back and spend some time reading through the forum. You might be disappointed, but I suggest starting here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/starting-salary-for-dpt-new-grads.931151/

Apollo, extra titles and letters don't do anything except allow one to possibly change clinics in the same area of practice relatively easily. This profession isn't all about cash and has a salary ceiling. 80-90 is more than enough. Expect 60 in many environments, don't settle for any less if possible and watch the loans as well as in this case......the promises.

 

[engmedpt]

I'm tryin to buy my parents a house haha.

This isn't going to happen in this profession.

Profession has salary ceiling. Not about huge income.
Extra titles denote only specialization and may help in staying in a specialty, not raise in pay

^Still, help out ppl applying to schools in which they will never be able to pay back education costs and help them through the app. process though.

 

[Apollo#1585...]

^He's been here awhile.

Ktachiba, honestly you should know that the extra titles and letters don't do anything except allow one to possibly change clinics in the same area of practice relatively easily. This profession isn't all about cash and has a salary ceiling. 80-90 is more than enough. Expect 60 in many environments, don't settle for any less if possible and watch the loans as well as in this case......the promises.

That was my main question. Is there any PRN stuff you can do with specific titles? Bigger focus is paying off these loans. Anything I can do for extra cash is welcomed. I'm not expecting to be making mills by any means. Just trying to see what I can do to maybe earn some extra cash here and there.

 

[engmedpt]

^I'd like to know that as well actually. Intuition tells me no, it does not as that isn't your fulltime, but I may be wrong.

 

[jblil]

If you want to pursue a specialty cert in PT, here is the official list:
http://www.abpts.org/Certification/
They are pretty pricey to get, too.

All the PRN stuff that I have seen is with hospitals or SNFs. Doesn't mean that other settings don't hire PRN, but I think the lion's share is hospitals/SNFs. Not sure if those places would prefer you to have a particular cert for PRN work, seems like overkill to me.

 

[Azimuthal]

It depends on what you want to do. You generally do not need anything if you're doing PRN as a PT. If you want to step into other overlapping fields where you can leverage that PT degree, you can do home surveys or set up and teach your own "Train the Trainer" programs. Here are some examples.

Home Evaluation Specialist (I don't know of a required cert. or credential but you better know the ADA requirements)
Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist (CEES)
Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS)
Personal Trainer (your preference)
Certified Durable Medical Equipment Specialist (CDME)
...the list goes on.


Obviously there are professionals within those fields, but not many with your expected breath of knowledge. Like I try explaining to my classmates, the DPT opens many doors.

 

[ktachiba]

^He's been here awhile.

Ktachiba, honestly you should know that the extra titles and letters don't do anything except allow one to possibly change clinics in the same area of practice relatively easily. This profession isn't all about cash and has a salary ceiling. 80-90 is more than enough. Expect 60 in many environments, don't settle for any less if possible and watch the loans as well as in this case......the promises.

I didn't say anything about extra titles or letters...I just said that there are ways to make 80-90K right after graduation...you can either do travel PT or work 50-60 hour weeks doing PRN. Yes this job isn't about money, but I think you can be a good physical therapist and still care about your salary. We live in a capitalistic society, so money is important.

 

[ktachiba]

I dont understand why people criticize those that are motivated to make extra income by doing hard, honest, legit work

 

[engmedpt]

AGHH!!!

MESSED UP =(

QUOTED AND RESPONDED TO THE WRONG PEOPLE. UGH!!!

KTACHIBA, MY BAD.

 

[engmedpt]

Just edited first comment to reflect correct responses. My bad.

 

[ktachiba]

haha no worries man! we're all PT family here

 

[truthseeker]

in order to do extra work the only in PT the only real credentials you really need are the letters "PT" after your name. (especially if you are in an urban or suburban setting where there are more clinics that have people that go on vacations or maternity leaves. That said, if you have ATC (certified athletic trainer) behind your name you can do athletic event coverage. The other letters listed above can be helpful for some moonlighting. The letters have to be earned with education and/or training and might allow you to get the job you want when competing with others who don't have the extra credentials.

 

[dylanh]

I didn't say anything about extra titles or letters...I just said that there are ways to make 80-90K right after graduation...you can either do travel PT or work 50-60 hour weeks doing PRN. Yes this job isn't about money, but I think you can be a good physical therapist and still care about your salary. We live in a capitalistic society, so money is important.

I dont understand why people criticize those that are motivated to make extra income by doing hard, honest, legit work

agree with this and its like this in every health care field.

btw why not work 2 prn jobs or how about home health care. heard they pay around 90$/hr so thats pretty good isnt it?

 

[Apollo#1585...]

agree with this and its like this in every health care field.

btw why not work 2 prn jobs or how about home health care. heard they pay around 90$/hr so thats pretty good isnt it?[/QUOTE]

can someone confirm this?? That would be awesome!

 

[Bluecase]

I live in an urban city- highest per diem rate for home health I've heard is sixty dollars an hour. That's per diem without benefits and only when treating not when driving or doing paperwork

 

[DesertPT]

heard they pay around 90$/hr so thats pretty good isnt it?

I've got some ocean-front property in Arizona going for a great price if you're willing to act now.

 

[engmedpt]

No way on that 90......................................

I would've called crazy almost on that 60

 

[ktachiba]

agree with this and its like this in every health care field.

btw why not work 2 prn jobs or how about home health care. heard they pay around 90$/hr so thats pretty good isnt it?

$90 seems too extreme...I've heard of $40-$70

 

[engmedpt]

70???

 

[jblil]

$70 ? Is this confirmed, or hearsay? When it comes to salary, don't trust the "I heard somebody got $xx".

I keep in touch with many of the folks in the classes before mine; the highest rate they got for PRN work is $48.

 

[Carson Ranger]

My outpatient mentor got her license 25 years ago and she makes $48 PRN at the hospital 2 days a month (every other Sunday).

 

[DesertPT]

Around 50 bucks an hour also seems to be the norm for PRN in my area, from what I've heard.

 

[ktachiba]

I saw it on a thread here... Definitely not from a trusted source ... $50 seems like the norm

 

[ptisfun2]

I have made anywhere from $35 - 70/ hour for PRN. The $70/hour was a while ago, but was consults in a psych hospital, so not for everyone. I currently get $62/hour PRN at an outpatient clinic, seeing primarily patients with orthopedics injuries. I work evenings at the clinic, so primarily see the working age population ('weekend warrior' types).

 

[DesertPT]

consults in a psych hospital

Can you describe this a little more? I haven't really heard about PTs in this setting and am curious what a PT does in that area. Was it still most MSK/NM stuff? Or did it have anything to do wiht the psyche diagnosis?

 

[ktachiba]

I have made anywhere from $35 - 70/ hour for PRN. The $70/hour was a while ago, but was consults in a psych hospital, so not for everyone. I currently get $62/hour PRN at an outpatient clinic, seeing primarily patients with orthopedics injuries. I work evenings at the clinic, so primarily see the working age population ('weekend warrior' types).

Which area are u working in? Those hourly rates sound amazing

 

[engmedpt]

Have you worked with a large depressed population? How was that emotionally if you don't mind me asking.

but was consults in a psych hospital, so not for everyone

 

[ptisfun2]

Have you worked with a large depressed population? How was that emotionally if you don't mind me asking.

It was truly a consult role. I came in and gave recommendations to Nursing, and others for exercise prescription. It was not my favorite job at all, but I was a grad student, and the money was good.

 

[ptisfun2]

Which area are u working in? Those hourly rates sound amazing

No, you get what you pay for. I was a grad student for many so I took PRN jobs no one else wanted. I had a lot of clinical experience under my belt so I could make sure I was following my practice act, as it could have been easy to wrack up lots of hours (and probably break some laws). The best PRN were the lowest paying (35-45/hour), except for the one I have now. I am paid a percent of what gets reimbursed. So if a claim gets denied or a patient does not show up for example, I get nothing. Due to the setting I am in, that rarely happens (a patient not showing up). But I extra special check my documentation so no claims get denied, and have been very fortunate. I also do not treat patients with Medicare.

 

[ptisfun2]

Can you describe this a little more? I haven't really heard about PTs in this setting and am curious what a PT does in that area. Was it still most MSK/NM stuff? Or did it have anything to do wiht the psyche diagnosis?

I saw young ladies mostly in the eating disorders unit and would give nursing an exercise prescription once that was allowed for weight maintenance. And then inpatient pain unit for exercise, and dementia unit for safety. I almost never saw a patient more than once...truly consultative.

 

[engmedpt]

^I'm completely open to doing this by second year if I can find out how. My school is affiliated with a well known teaching hospital. Regardless of not being the best job, this looks like a much better alternative to bar tending and/or science tutoring

 

[DesertPT]

I almost never saw a patient more than once...truly consultative.

Did this decrease the job satisfaction level for you at all?

Interesting little niche area of PT.

 

[DesertPT]

^I'm completely open to doing this by second year if I can find out how. My school is affiliated with a well known teaching hospital. Regardless of not being the best job, this looks like a much better alternative to bar tending and/or science tutoring

By grad student I am guessing he means PhD student, just FYI. Maybe I'm wrong...

 

[engmedpt]

^Possibly. Students are still swinging part times where Im at. Usually 5-8 hrs MAX

 

[ptisfun2]

Did this decrease the job satisfaction level for you at all?

Interesting little niche area of PT.

No. As I said I was in grad school, so this was my part time job. So of my classmates worked at coffee shops or bars, I did PT. Most of my classmates did not even know I was a PT; they were just confused why I had a bit more money than they did.
I am not a PT who has ever said, 'I like to get to know my patients.' As a matter of fact, I do not like that aspect at all, so consults never bother me for that. This was truly a job though...not a part of my professional career...it just decreased my student loan burden while in grad school.

 

[ptisfun2]

By grad student I am guessing he means PhD student, just FYI. Maybe I'm wrong...

Masters degree, but close enough. My PT degree is a BS (which dates me ). I worked for a long time between BS and Masters, and then a bit of time between Masters and PhD. Through both grad degrees, I picked up PRN work.

 

[Apollo#1585...]

No. As I said I was in grad school, so this was my part time job. So of my classmates worked at coffee shops or bars, I did PT. Most of my classmates did not even know I was a PT; they were just confused why I had a bit more money than they did.
I am not a PT who has ever said, 'I like to get to know my patients.' As a matter of fact, I do not like that aspect at all, so consults never bother me for that. This was truly a job though...not a part of my professional career...it just decreased my student loan burden while in grad school.

PT = Physical Therapy or PT = Personal Trainer? I've heard people use them interchangeably. I consider PT to be personal trainer.

 

[DesertPT]

I consider PT to be personal trainer.

PT is physical therapist. Always. In fact, it's illegal in most if not all states for a personal trainer to put "PT" after their name. I believe "CPT" would be the correct designation for that.

 

[ptisfun2]

PT = Physical Therapy or PT = Personal Trainer? I've heard people use them interchangeably. I consider PT to be personal trainer.

Physical Therapy

 

[Azimuthal]

PT = Physical Therapy or PT = Personal Trainer? I've heard people use them interchangeably. I consider PT to be personal trainer.

PT = Physical Therapist. As with hospitals, medical clinics, rehab centers, etc.

 

[engmedpt]

I was unaware of this. This is an important distinction. A lot of the general public may think trainer. Similar to if PT's refer to themselves as Dr. then general public will think MD or DO.....but lets not even go there on this thread right now.

PT is physical therapist. Always. In fact, it's illegal in most if not all states for a personal trainer to put "PT" after their name. I believe "CPT" would be the correct designation for that.

 

[Apollo#1585...]

PT is physical therapist. Always. In fact, it's illegal in most if not all states for a personal trainer to put "PT" after their name. I believe "CPT" would be the correct designation for that.

Thanks for this.

 

[ktachiba]

No, you get what you pay for. I was a grad student for many so I took PRN jobs no one else wanted. I had a lot of clinical experience under my belt so I could make sure I was following my practice act, as it could have been easy to wrack up lots of hours (and probably break some laws). The best PRN were the lowest paying (35-45/hour), except for the one I have now. I am paid a percent of what gets reimbursed. So if a claim gets denied or a patient does not show up for example, I get nothing. Due to the setting I am in, that rarely happens (a patient not showing up). But I extra special check my documentation so no claims get denied, and have been very fortunate. I also do not treat patients with Medicare.

Oops, I meant which state do you work in? Or would I be able to find these PRN rates in every state?

 

[DrEvil518]

This is a great question, Apollo. It seems like there are so many certifications after PTs' names, it feels like alphabet soup Because of that, we created a comprehensive list: http://www.newgradphysicaltherapy.com/the-alphabet-soup-of-physical-therapy-certifications/

We're working on an eBook, which will break down each certification by cost, time-investment and value to a new graduate. Sign up for the site for a free copy, once it's ready!

 

[Apollo#1585...]

This is a great question, Apollo. It seems like there are so many certifications after PTs' names, it feels like alphabet soup Because of that, we created a comprehensive list: http://www.newgradphysicaltherapy.com/the-alphabet-soup-of-physical-therapy-certifications/

We're working on an eBook, which will break down each certification by cost, time-investment and value to a new graduate. Sign up for the site for a free copy, once it's ready!

Do you have any knowledge on whether any of these can get you bigger checks?

 

[DrEvil518]

Hey there, Apollo! To be honest, it totally depends on the facility. There are a few, here in San Diego, that really value Ola Grimsby manual certifications. Other places in the country are like, "who is Ola Grimsby?" And, truth be told, many large hospital systems bring new grads in on a "one size fits all" non-negotiable pay rate. It is frustrating, but that's what happens. Smaller clinics may have a little more leverage.

I think a better approach is to figure out where you want to work...I mean location, type of clinic, etc. You can even straight up contact some of them and ask what they'd value most. If they're an Applied Functional Science (Gary Gray) place, they may value FAFS more than CSCS. If you're working in a clinic attached to a gym, CSCS may be a better bet. In some lands, OCS will always reign king, and for good reason; its an ABPTS specialty From what I understand, wound certifications will boost your earning potential in acute care settings. I would think that NDT or Neuro-Ifrah (depending on the facility) may help in neuro/inpatient rehab.

By the way, I totally understand why you're asking. PT school is pricey, and we all gots bills to pay, yo! To be honest, I think the benefit of these certifications is to show employers and patients that you're committed to a certain approach/specialty. As for adding more dollars to your paycheck, they *can*. But I wouldn't bank on it being enough to offset the cost and time-commitment to get them in the first place. Let me know if you have any other questions

 

[DesertPT]

There are a few, here in San Diego, that really value Ola Grimsby manual certifications....Other places in the country are like, "who is Ola Grimsby?"....If they're an Applied Functional Science (Gary Gray) place, they may value FAFS more than CSCS....I would think that NDT or Neuro-Ifrah (depending on the facility) may help in neuro/inpatient rehab.

This reminds me of a quote from last years 45th Mary McMillan lecture by Dr. James Gordon: "Whereas the 2014 DPT is guided by evidence-based practice, the 1974 RPT is guided by what I would call “guru-based practice.” That is, early in his career, he has to make a decision as to which of the charismatic therapist gurus he will follow. Will it be Bobath or Brunnstrom? Or perhaps Knott and Voss? In orthopedics, will it be Mackenzie or Maitland, or maybe Paris?"

Just some food for thought.