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Not that I will be basing my choice off this, but I was just curious if there are any particular specializations in PT that tend to pay less or more than average for a DPT.
Salary for various types of speicalties
- Thread starter ndsmith1987
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From what I've heard (disclaimer) PT specialties don't mean much. A regular PT can do basically anything a specialized PT can do.
I have heard of PT's who do EMG/NCV testing for their specialty and that pays more. Not sure on a salary for that. My guess is most are self-employed.
I have heard of PT's who do EMG/NCV testing for their specialty and that pays more. Not sure on a salary for that. My guess is most are self-employed.
A generalist PT CAN do anything a specialist can do; however, a the specialist is a specialist for a reason--more education, training, and a larger skill set in that particular field. If you had a family member who had a neurological disorder and needed rehabilitation, would you rather choose a generalist PT or a neurologic specialized PT?
There is still contention out there about the value and the merits of a specialty certification in the physical therapy profession--everything from residency to how competency in the specific field is actually measured. But I believe (from anecdotal experience from CIs, professors, and PTs that I know) PTs who are specialized are more vastly more knowledgeable about their specific field, and are more apt to apply EBP to their everyday encounters with patients. However, there is currently no research to support this anecdote. I am not saying all specialized PTs are da bomb. I am just fortunate to know a few great PTs.
As for the salaries: it still mostly depends on setting and location rather than actual specialization. There may be a better chance for getting hired at an orthopedic rehab hospital if you have an OCS, for example. Or if you are a pediatric specialized PT, you may have a better chance of getting the job at a children's hospital. I would expect higher pay for specialized PTs, but I haven't exactly gotten fuzzy-wuzzy friendsies with the PTs I know to actually ask them about their pay. lol
A board certified clinical specialist (OCS,NCS, SCS, GCS...) should get $1-3 more per hr than their counterpart with all other things being equal. I was offered a $2/hr raise just to finish my manual therapy certification.
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As far as salary, it should be a few bucks difference.
As far as knowledge, I'd want a specialist any day over a regular therapist. Im a regular DPT, and many of my friends just got their OCS or SCS...They really know a lot more than I do and I often ask them questions to see what they think. If a family member of mine were to ask me about a PT clinic, I tell them to ask the clinic if they have a specialist and narrow it down from there.
As far as knowledge, I'd want a specialist any day over a regular therapist. Im a regular DPT, and many of my friends just got their OCS or SCS...They really know a lot more than I do and I often ask them questions to see what they think. If a family member of mine were to ask me about a PT clinic, I tell them to ask the clinic if they have a specialist and narrow it down from there.
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Specialties alone won't guarantee you any more earning potential since you would bill the same as any other PT. However, I think specialty credentialing is something that should be sought after for improvement in care and promotion of the field towards APTA's 2020 vision. Some employers will pay more as it looks good for their facility (and likely improve pt outcomes).
ECS certification is the likely the only exception as EMG/NCS pay well however it is hard to get the required 2000 hrs outside of a military setting (not sure if residencies are available for this?). Also some PTs have told me it is hard to get these referrals as the referring physicians usually send them to other physicians.
Settings have the most to do with salary. In my experience, pay from highest to lowest is: home health, SNF, peds, inpatient, outpatient. Frankly you couldn't pay me enough to do anything except outpatient because its SO boring to me!
ECS certification is the likely the only exception as EMG/NCS pay well however it is hard to get the required 2000 hrs outside of a military setting (not sure if residencies are available for this?). Also some PTs have told me it is hard to get these referrals as the referring physicians usually send them to other physicians.
Settings have the most to do with salary. In my experience, pay from highest to lowest is: home health, SNF, peds, inpatient, outpatient. Frankly you couldn't pay me enough to do anything except outpatient because its SO boring to me!
