Greg Rickert, PT, MPT, senior physical therapist and team leader of inpatient rehabilitation at WK Rehabilitation Institute, has earned the designation of as clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy (GCS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He is one of only three physical therapists in Northwest Louisiana with this certification.

To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in one of nine specialty areas: cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports, and women’s health physical therapy.  Candidates complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice.

“Becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy has increased my confidence and ability to effectively treat patients,” Rickert says. “I’m also more credible when providing mentorship to my colleagues and raising their awareness of issues in regard to aging.”

Physical therapists who work with older adults help them achieve the highest possible level of independence. The GCS certification is valuable because geriatric care encompasses a wide range of medical issues affecting the movement system, including stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, osteoporosis, heart/respiratory failure, and joint replacement among others.