What would you recommend the next step be for someone who is interested in getting into this area?
Answer
First, you have to see if there is a market for your skills. If you are getting started in this field and there is an old-time neurologist in the building next to you, you are going to be coming in on his/her territory. Make sure that you have potential clients before you start. We have had a plethora of students that started and then their business plan did not work out. The studies did not materialize. To get a business plan, my recommendation would be to find a young orthopedic physician just out of school who is not yet part of a network. Start a relationship by telling them what you can do for their practice. Soon your business will start to build as other physicians find out what good work you are doing. The second part would be to check on the internet to see who is out there offering certification courses. The course that I took is still around. It is through the American Academy of Clinical Electrodiagnosis. To summarize, it is a two-pronged attack. First, figure out your educational plan. Second, have a business plan.
Michael C. Lescallette, PT, DPT, ECS, R.NCS.T#630
Mike received his Masters in Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2001 and Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2010. He earned a Certificate in Electrophysiological Evaluation from Expert Clinical Benchmarks, LLC, in 2004. Since that time, Mike has worked as a full-time electromyographer for a large healthcare organization in Harrisburg, PA and has completed over 7,000 EMG/NCS evaluations. He completed a didactic and practical examinations through AAET as a Registered Nerve Conduction Study Technician in 2011 and is an Electrophysiological Certified Specialist (ECS), sponsored by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, attained in 2008. He has presented at both the APTA Combined Sections and APTA National conferences. Mike also works as an adjunct faculty member for Lebanon Valley College Physical Therapy School providing lecture and laboratory expertise for differential diagnosis and electrophysiologic testing modules.
Related Courses
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2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/alzheimer-s-and-other-dementias-4864Alzheimer's and Other Dementias: Overview for Healthcare ProfessionalsAn overview for healthcare professionals about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders is provided in this course. Characteristics of the dementias, such as symptoms, progression, and how they are diagnosed, are described. Care planning strategies for improving communication with patients and families, understanding and managing behavioral challenges, and promoting independence are also discussed.auditory, textual, visual
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3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/wheelchair-seating-considerations-for-hands-3585Wheelchair Seating: Considerations for the Hands-Free SitterWheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.auditory, textual, visual
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This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.
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