Occupational Health Practitioner Certificate

Program Description

The Occupational Health Practitioner (OHP) Certificate of Achievement is awarded to Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) who complete a comprehensive series of 3 evidence-based courses that culminates with submission of an OHP portfolio and program reflection of Occupational Health Services. Recipients of the OHP Certificate of Achievement, who are active as members or individual partners, are also featured in the Academy’s distinguished OHP website registry.

The OHP Certificate Program is coordinated by the Occupational Health Special Interest Group (OHSIG) of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA. Its purpose is to empower members to optimize movement, musculoskeletal health, and work participation from hire to retire. This certificate program incorporates best practice recommendations from Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists and other OHSIG Current Concepts resources that include the OHSIG Collective Glossary of Occupational Health Terms (now available as free download).

Step 1: Bridging the Gap Between the Workplace and Clinic

ISC 32.4 is a 3-monograph independent study course. It covers best practice examples and regulations that support job accommodation and Total Worker Health^®, with emphasis on workplace wellness, functional job analyses, functional employment exams, and entry point care. Total Worker Health^® is defined as policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of injury and illness-prevention efforts to advance worker well-being. Each monograph concludes with applied case examples for prevention and management of musculoskeletal injuries, including the use of transitional work or simulated work tasks to promote stay-at-work or return to work after injury or illness.

Step 2: Advanced Therapy Programs in Occupational Health

ISC 32.5 is a 3-monograph independent study course that covers best practice examples and regulations for comprehensive programs for ergonomics, work rehabilitation, and functional capacity evaluation. Each monograph concludes with 3 or 4 applied case scenarios for advanced occupational health programs to prevent needless work disability, expedite functional recovery of injured workers, and validate the extent of physical disability.

Step 3: Facilitating Therapy Services for Total Worker Health^® - available in January, 2023

Interactive webinar course, 32.W3, is the final step to achieve the Occupational Health Practitioner (OHP) certificate of competency. Participants are assigned a mentor to support the development of competencies that integrate best practices for therapy services to meet the Total Worker Health^® needs of employers. PTs and OTs submit an OHP portfolio and program reflection that is peer-reviewed to verify competency with evidenced-based content.
 

Total Worker Health^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Use of this mark by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA, Inc. does not imply endorsement by HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Program Fees