Wound (ABPTS) - Wound Management Clinical Specialist

The Wound Management Clinical Specialist certification is a professional credential offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). It is designed for physical therapists who specialize in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of acute and chronic wounds. This certification acknowledges a physical therapist's advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in wound management. The ABPTS is an organization that ensures physical therapists meet specific educational, ethical, and professional standards in their specialty area.

Completion Time: 7 hours

Cost: Application: $535 for APTA members ($635 after July 1) or $880 for non-members ($990 after July 1). Exam fee: $810 for APTA members or $1,535 for nonmembers.

Exam Format

The exams are offered at PSI testing centers throughout the country.

The computer-based exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of wound management, including wound assessment, treatment modalities, infection control, and prevention strategies.

Each year in May, ABPTS meets to make certification decisions, and in June, score reports are prepared and released by the specialist certification office.

Certification Steps

• Eligibility: Verify eligibility criteria, including licensure as a physical therapist and specific clinical practice hours in wound management.

• Application: Complete the application process through the ABPTS, including payment of the examination fee.

• Preparation: Utilize ABPTS-approved materials and resources for exam preparation.

• Examination: Schedule and pass the certification exam at an ABPTS-designated testing center.

• Certification: Upon passing the exam, candidates receive certification as a Wound Management Clinical Specialist.

The certification for Wound Management Clinical Specialist requires renewal every 10 years. To renew, you need to demonstrate continued competence through professional development and continuing education activities. To maintain your certification, you're required to submit evidence of your continuing competence every three years. You must submit the following by June 30 of your certification's third, sixth, and ninth year:

1. Evidence of current unrestricted U.S. licensure as a physical therapist

2. Documentation of 200 hours of direct patient care obtained in the specialty area

3. Proof of participation in ongoing specialty area service or professional development

4. Demonstrated practice performance through clinical care and reasoning via the submission of a case reflection portfolio

The ABPTS specifies requirements for continuing education credits and activities that certified specialists must complete to maintain their certification. These may include coursework, workshops, presentations, publications, and practice hours in the specialty area.

This guide provides an overview of the Wound Management Clinical Specialist certification through the ABPTS based on general knowledge. For detailed, accurate, and current information on eligibility, exam content, fees, renewal processes, and continuing education requirements, please refer to the ABPTS website or contact them directly.

The ABPTS and APTA offer various resources to help candidates prepare for the exam, including study guides, practice exams, and continuing education courses related to wound management.

Physical therapists certified in wound management may also be interested in pursuing additional specializations offered by the ABPTS, such as Orthopaedics, Geriatrics, or Sports Physical Therapy, to further enhance their clinical practice.

The ABPTS also offers the following certifications:

• Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)