Dear physio,
I need your input on this one for the October issue of the Aquatic Resources
Network (ARN) newsletter (USA publication). Please respond with a short
message (suitable for publication in a newsletter) within 1 week from this
posting. E-mail your opinion to [log in to unmask]
I can publish your opinion with your full name and credentials or simply
with your initials (e.g. AS), your state or, for internationals, your
country and your professional credentials (e.g. P.T.). Please advise which
you prefer. Read the following excerpt from the July issue of ARN newsletter
for details:
ATRI Multidisciplinary Certification for Aquatic Therapy
Last year, the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI) launched
its multidisciplinary aquatic therapy certification. Prior to this step,
ATRI had served solely as a continuing education provider of an extremely
popular 1x/year Aquatic Symposium for multiple disciplines. Since launching
the certification, ATRI has announced its shift from just a CME provider to
both a CME and membership organization.
ATRI offers its certification to those who have met the following criteria:
1) certification in CPR and First Aid,
2) documentation of basic water rescue skills,
3) thirty (30) hours of documented training specific to aquatic therapy and
rehabilitation, and
4) one of the following:
a) a degree in exercise science, biology, pre-med, physical education,
recreation or a related field;
b) a degree in an unrelated profession plus 3000 hours of on-the-job
training in aquatic therapy and rehab; or
c) no undergraduate or graduate degree, a water fitness certification from
the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) and 5000 hours of on-the-job training
in aquatic therapy and rehab. The founder of ATRI, Ruth Sova, also founded
AEA.
Candidates may attend an 8-hour prep course (cost $245-$299) prior to
sitting for the ATRI Certification Exam (cost $195). Upon passing,
professionals may use the designation “ATRI Certified”. According to ATRI
published literature, the exam “will test your ability to offer safe aquatic
therapy and rehab….It will prove that you meet the Aquatic Therapy and
Rehabilitation Industry Standards to practice. The certification will not
make you a therapist if you aren’t already one.”
I would like to hear from PTs on this one. I’ll publish portions of several
letters (from all perspectives) in the next issue of the ARN newsletter. If
you have taken the aquatic therapy certification exam, let me know why you
did so. If you are opposed to the concept, drop me a note. Be specific about
your reservations.
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