Appointed Group Size

Each specialty council consists of four members, with the exception of the orthopaedic specialty which consists of five members.

Term of Appointees

Specialty council appointments are four-year terms beginning January 1. The nomination process opens in mid-May each year with a July 31 submission deadline.

Candidate Requirements

Individuals seeking appointment to ABPTS and the Specialty Councils must have the following qualifications:

1. Must be a board-certified physical therapist in a specialty area, 
2. Show evidence of effective group participation, and
3. Demonstrate the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
   
   

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop minimum eligibility requirements for certification and recertification in a specialty area, based on ABPTS guidelines. Eligibility requirements are to be  reviewed annually.
• Develop the examination instruments in consultation with ABPTS testing agency and ABPTS approved consultants.
• Submit reports for ABPTS review at annual meetings.
• Make recommendations to ABPTS about individuals nominated for ABPTS and council vacancies.
• Make recommendations to ABPTS on petitions for establishing new specialty areas.
• If required, screen applicants for eligibility to sit for exams.
• Complete practice analysis research to produce the Description of Specialty Practice

APTA reimburses specialty council members for all ABPTS-related meeting expenses.

Specialists who serve on the specialty councils and ABPTS receive 1 MOSC credit per year of service.

Apply Online

The nomination process opens in mid-May each year with a July 31 submission deadline.