Episode 9 - What’s in a Name?

In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss the dizzying array of credentials physiotherapists place behind their names and what the standards require when it comes to use of title in practice.

Use of title isn’t an issue that tends to lead to complaints, but it does lead to public confusion. Physiotherapy Alberta hears from members of the public who want to know what those credentials mean and whether a particular physiotherapist is qualified to treat them.

“Some signature lines look like a veritable alphabet soup of letter combinations… The bottom line with credentials and additional training is that they need to be presented in a way that has meaning to the public. When it comes to listing credentials and additional training on a business card or website, it needs to be done in a way that your grandmother or mine can understand.”

• What titles are physiotherapists and physiotherapist interns expected to use?
• What about academic credentials? Can physiotherapists use them? What order should they be listed in?
• What about other credentials, like Clinical Specialist, Doctor, or Advanced Practice Physiotherapist? What are the rules around these terms?

We answer these questions and more in this episode.

Most importantly, be proud of your protected title! You worked hard to earn it.

For more information about use of title, check out these other resources from Physiotherapy Alberta:

• Standards of Practice – Use of Titlehttps://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/standards_of_practice/use_of_title
• Good Practice: Using Your Professional Title Appropriately https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/news/good_practice_using_your_professional_title_appropriately

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