News Taffy

Brian Lewis, Physical Therapist Assistant for NEA Baptist Clinic Physical Therapy, becomes first in Arkansas to receive Advanced Proficiency certification. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines the recipients of this certification as someone who has gone above and beyond entry-level education in their selected area of work and sets the recipient apart from other providers. The specified area of work may include: acute care, aquatic, cardiovascular/pulmonary, geriatric, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, oncology, and/or pediatric physical therapy.

Lewis has more than 6,000 hours of work experience, far exceeding the minimum 2,000 hour requirement for potential certification candidates. He also has more than 1,200 hours in the musculoskeletal specialty field.

In addition, Brian has more than 73 contact hours of continuing education in physical therapy, all within the last five years. Of the 73 hours, 71 of those were focused directly on his chosen specialty field, musculoskeletal.

Originally from Harrisburg, AR, Lewis graduated from Arkansas State University in 2005. He has worked for NEA Baptist Clinic since June of 2005 and has been a clinical instructor for ASU since 2006. He is also an ASU PTA Advisory board member.

When asked what this award means to him, Brian stated, “It is an honor to receive distinction from the APTA and I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to my development. At the end of the day it's all about providing quality care for our patients and helping the community, so anything that I can do to have a positive impact is worth the time and effort.”

 To be eligible for this certification, candidates must meet the following minimal requirements.

1. Must be a current member of APTA.

2. Five (5) years of work experience that must include a minimum of 2,000 hours total  and at least 500 hours in the past year in one of the following categories of advanced proficiency: acute care, aquatic, cardiovascular/pulmonary, geriatric, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, oncology, and/or pediatric physical therapy.

3. Completion of at least 60 contact hours (6 CEUs) of continuing education in physical therapy within the last five (5) years. Continuing education must include a minimum of:

·         6 contact hours (.6 CEUs) per year for the five years prior to application

·         75% or forty-five (45) hours must be in the selected category of advanced proficiency

4. Consistent, above-average job performance within the PT/PTA team verified through a letter of reference from a supervising physical therapist.

5. Evidence of involvement in at least three activities that demonstrate the applicant's leadership abilities and contributions to the community. At least one of these activities must be related to physical therapy or health care.

NEA Baptist Clinic Physical Therapy, located at 1007 Windover in Jonesboro, AR, cares for people who have a temporary or permanent disability or pain due to injury, disease, age, accident, or birth defect. The Physical Therapy Clinic is one of 35 medical specialties within NEA Baptist Clinic, the largest and most comprehensive physician-led and professionally managed multi-specialty group practice in the region.

The mission of NEA Baptist Clinic is to provide comprehensive, personalized, quality healthcare for our patients throughout the Northeast Arkansas region.  For more information on NEA Baptist Clinic, visit us at www.neabaptistclinic.com.