What is the difference between an ATC and a physical therapist?
• As discussed in the above question, an ATC’s education is dealing strictly with athletic/orthopedic injuries. In addition, ATC’s are trained in triage, emergency catastrophic injuries and the assessment of illness. An ATC is considered a specialist within Orthopedics. At minimum, it is required that a physical therapist earns a Bachelor Degree in physical therapy. However, most PT’s have a master’s level degree. There education incorporates all aspects of rehabilitation. This would include cardiovascular, stroke, geriatrics, neurological, in-patient and orthopedics. During their education, they complete a series of externships within the various areas of physical therapy. Upon graduation, the PT decides which setting they prefer.
