Physical Therapist Scope of Practice-AT duties?

[bjjpurplebelt]

I have a question regarding scope of practice. Athletic trainers, more especially MATs and DATs, are not allowed to function as Physical Therapists. However, it could be argued that the duties of an AT fall within the scope of PT. Can physical therapists with the DPT credential perform all the duties of an AT (i.e. first responder to a sports injury, sport rehab, acute wound management w/ CPR and 1st Aid Cert., protective equipment, etc...).

Any objective references would be appreciated. The AT role varies state to state.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

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[Fiveoboy11]

A DPT no (entry level training does not even come close). A PT, ATC yes. A PT, SCS performing SOME of the typical ATC duties in certain circumstances maybe (in the absence of ATC coverage). No PT can perform "all" the duties a ATC can. And no PT can practice athletic training.

 

[atstudent]

I have a question regarding scope of practice. Athletic trainers, more especially MATs and DATs, are not allowed to function as Physical Therapists. However, it could be argued that the duties of an AT fall within the scope of PT. Can physical therapists with the DPT credential perform all the duties of an AT (i.e. first responder to a sports injury, sport rehab, acute wound management w/ CPR and 1st Aid Cert., protective equipment, etc...).

Any objective references would be appreciated. The AT role varies state to state.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

If you want to be an AT, then get an AT degree, AT certification, and an AT license.

 

[bjjpurplebelt]

I would like this conversation to be more specific to scope of practice. For example in Idaho ATs are legally defined as being able to provide many of the same TX as PTS but the billing codes and diagnostic capacities are not the same. My question remains. What can PTS NOT do that ATs can?

I am not asking if I should be a PT or AT rather can PTS cover the job of an AT if need be? Objective information sources are appreciated.

Thanks again in advace.

 

[bjjpurplebelt]

A DPT no (entry level training does not even come close). A PT, ATC yes. A PT, SCS performing SOME of the typical ATC duties in certain circumstances maybe (in the absence of ATC coverage). No PT can perform "all" the duties a ATC can. And no PT can practice athletic training.

Thanks for the response could you be more specific about skills/duties. Thanks

 

[truthseeker]

At AT and a PT in an ortho clinic are very similar. PT's scope also includes all movement disorders from CP to CVA, parkinsons, TBI, positional vertigo, back pain after pregnancy, pelvic floor pain, long term rehab in SNF, pediatrics, autism, and cardiac rehab among others. ATs have little to no training whatsoever in these areas. Further, they (we) are not trained to deal with mulitple co-morbidities like the brittle diabetic, heart disease, cancer, pressure sores, low level functioning (IQ). PTs are.

AT scope includes nutrition, emergency care, (spinal stabilization, helmet removal, ALS, epipens, reducing dislocated joints etc . . .) first aide (cuts, abrasions, steristrips, liquid bandage etc . . .), and generally function as an orthopedically skewed family practice doctor. In many cases they are given standing orders by team physicans to distribute non-controlled meds to athletes when they are on the road. They are master referrors and problem solvers (think Macgyver).

I wouldn't want a PT on my particular sideline unless the next best thing was the assistant coach. The very best of ATs can function in a PT clinic with the very best PTs so long as they are not asked to see someone who is not generally a well, but injured athlete.

 

[bjjpurplebelt]

At AT and a PT in an ortho clinic are very similar. PT's scope also includes all movement disorders from CP to CVA, parkinsons, TBI, positional vertigo, back pain after pregnancy, pelvic floor pain, long term rehab in SNF, pediatrics, autism, and cardiac rehab among others. ATs have little to no training whatsoever in these areas. Further, they (we) are not trained to deal with mulitple co-morbidities like the brittle diabetic, heart disease, cancer, pressure sores, low level functioning (IQ). PTs are.

AT scope includes nutrition, emergency care, (spinal stabilization, helmet removal, ALS, epipens, reducing dislocated joints etc . . .) first aide (cuts, abrasions, steristrips, liquid bandage etc . . .), and generally function as an orthopedically skewed family practice doctor. In many cases they are given standing orders by team physicans to distribute non-controlled meds to athletes when they are on the road. They are master referrors and problem solvers (think Macgyver).

I wouldn't want a PT on my particular sideline unless the next best thing was the assistant coach. The very best of ATs can function in a PT clinic with the very best PTs so long as they are not asked to see someone who is not generally a well, but injured athlete.

This is the response I was hoping for. If anyone can add to these areas of scope of practice, I appreciate more information.

So, if I infer correctly athletic trainers have direct access to patients through oversight of an activity or under the direct supervision of a physician (other providers depending on state). They provide first aid, TX under supervision, and refer masterfully (note: Macgyver is a great association!). Do they require direct oversight or can they own their own practice/clinic for rehabilitation? Is this state dependent?

Also, it sounds to me that the PT could acquire additional skills and continuing education in being a first responder with minor injury prevention and care. Essentially a PT who took continuing ed. and certification focusing on these skills could "legally" work on the sidelines of a wrestling tournament or MMA match. Does this sound feasible and legal?

 

[truthseeker]

This is the response I was hoping for. If anyone can add to these areas of scope of practice, I appreciate more information.

So, if I infer correctly athletic trainers have direct access to patients through oversight of an activity or under the direct supervision of a physician (other providers depending on state). They provide first aid, TX under supervision, and refer masterfully (note: Macgyver is a great association!). Do they require direct oversight or can they own their own practice/clinic for rehabilitation? Is this state dependent?

Also, it sounds to me that the PT could acquire additional skills and continuing education in being a first responder with minor injury prevention and care. Essentially a PT who took continuing ed. and certification focusing on these skills could "legally" work on the sidelines of a wrestling tournament or MMA match. Does this sound feasible and legal?

ATs sometimes are owners of or partners in PT clinics. the thing is that they usually would not be reimbursed by insurance companies. they can certainly do a cash business depending on their state practice act.

A PT could conceivably learn the things that an ATC knows by going to class and spending a lot of time exposed to athletic environments and injuries but I am not sure that any amount of training is as good as the supervised training and curriculum of an AT program. It can be done but there will be gaps unless the PT is exceptionally diligent.

 

[atstudent]

Also, it sounds to me that the PT could acquire additional skills and continuing education in being a first responder with minor injury prevention and care. Essentially a PT who took continuing ed. and certification focusing on these skills could "legally" work on the sidelines of a wrestling tournament or MMA match. Does this sound feasible and legal?

Is it "feasible and legal" for an AT to acquire additional skills and treat the everyday patient?

 

[PiekM]

Would a PT work in the dressing room of an MMA event? Most likely not because almost all states are required to have a physician on site and/or will take any injured fighters to the ER immediately. Based on your name I'm assuming you are also interested in brazilian jiu jitsu. I listened to a podcast, where the head of the IBJJF medical staff, Ethan Kreiswirth, looks for ATs and DPTs with jiu jitsu experience for working on injured athletes during events.