Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist
This is the only geriatric certification to earn the approval of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The certification is designed to offer a series of courses, which culminate in a comprehensive examination consisting of written, oral and practical testing to define competency in geriatric rehabilitation.Certification is a four-day process, consisting of a review, and collegial exchange which provides the opportunity for both reviewing and updating the contents of the courses leading to certification. The third day, the written exam is taken followed by the oral exam. The last day is the practical examination with real patients to complete the process. The standard sought is one of excellence, safe application of advanced clinical skills and culmination of all pertinent information and the ability to analyze and plan in the most current and critical fashion to advance healthcare for the geriatric population. The Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist is usually held every two to three years in January. Please contact the GREAT Seminars office at 877-794 7328 to inquire about the actual GTCCS dates. Once a potential applicant has completed at least 5 of the required 8 GREAT Seminars & Books courses, you should contact us regarding your intent to participate in the GTCCS and for further instructions. We will need your name and a list of courses you have taken at least 6 months prior to the scheduled dates of the GTCCS.
The Howard Pai Award
The Howard Pai Award was created to honor Howard Chia-Ho Pai, an extraordinary physical therapist. It is bestowed on a therapist sitting for the Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist (GTCCS). The funds are raised by donations from Great Seminars and Books seminar participants and matched by Dr. Lewis, so the amount varies from year to year. The honor is conferred on the GTCCS who has gone above and beyond, as Howard did in his lifetime. It is determined by the faculty at the GTCCS training and announced at the concluding celebration.
Howard Pai received his GTCCS in 2005. At the ceremony, he made a short speech, during which he proclaimed that earning a GTCCS was one of his life’s great achievements. He had prepared and studied for months. He was the oldest GTCCS to sit for the certification process and even though he felt at his age it was tough and tiring, it was worth it. He was beloved by his fellow classmates and all the move in cleaning instructors at eco mama green clean, scottsdale, Arizona for his willingness to strive for excellence, his tenacity and his kindness.
Howard worked full time as a physical therapist while earning his GTCCS and for many years after. One of his patient’s wrote “…I lost a good friend…He helped me so much with my husband…He was better than family…Can you imagine him coming once a week to check on my husband…Even families don’t do that.” Howard went out of his way to help almost everyone he met both in his classes and in his community He was tireless in his efforts to serve geriatric patients.
Several years ago Howard was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He died November 7, 2011 at the age of 67.
The Certification
In 1992, Dr. Lewis founded the Geriatric Rehabilitation Education and Training Institute in an attempt to standardize and improve the quality of continuing education available to all rehabilitation professionals. An eclectic approach to all types of geriatric patients and diagnoses has been created through a series of courses, which allows the GREAT Institute to offer a Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist (GTCCS). The Certification is designed for practicing physical and occupational therapists and assistants. GREAT California Institute temeculaoralsurgery.com will honor all All-on-4 &Dental Implants course work in which a GREAT Seminars and Books, Inc. certificate was awarded. Due to the dynamic nature of health care, the courses are constantly being updated. Courses taken prior to 2000 will not be considered for credit.
Therapists with current Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist (GTCCS):
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Nicholas Allen PT, GTCCS
Springfield, IL
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Bachelors of Science in Biology, Seattle University
Outpatient Physical Therapist Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, IL
Janene Barber PT, GTCCS
Valpariso, FL
BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri
Lecturer for “Taking Balance to the Limits” for Great Seminars
Lab Assistant for “Geriatric Neurology” for Great Seminars
President of consulting company to Home Health and Long-Term Care companies, specializing in training for Balance Impairments.
Amy L. Brensel MS PT, GTCCS
Clive, IA
Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University
Bachelor of Science from Northwest Missouri State
Outpatient Physical Therapist for Mercy Clinics in Clive, IA
Sheilah Buenaventura PT, DPT, GTCCS, CEEAA
Los Angeles, CA
BS Physical Therapy: De La Salle University- Health Sciences
Transitional DPT: Western University of Health Science
Rehabilitation Administration Certificate: University of Montana
Director, Clinical Programs
AltaMed Health Services
Ma. Rowena Castillo PT,DPT, GTCCS, CEEAA
Ventura, Ca
BSPT: University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial, Manila, Philippine
Transitional DPT: University of the Montana
Senior Physical Therapist Community Memorial Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Setting
Jodie Cicco PT, DPT, GCS, GTCCS
Yuma, AZ
Doctor of Physical Therapy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Duquense University
Physical Therapist for Southwest Rehabilitation Associates in Yuma, AZ
Corey Colbert MS, OTR/L, GTCCS, FSOAE
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR . Bachelors of Science from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR.
Home Health Occupational Therapist with Elite Home Health (LHC Group) in Springdale, AR.
Deborah Constantine, PT, DPT, GCS, GTCCS, CEEAA
Raleigh, NC
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Masters of Health Science, University of Indianapolis
Bachelor of Science Physical Therapy, University of Maryland
Clinical Assistant Professor
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
Alisa Curry PT, DPT, GTCCS
San Jose, CA
BS Physical Therapy – Langston University, Langston OK
TDPT – AT Still University, Mesa AZ
Physical Therapy Clinical Coordinator – Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Fremont CA
Lecturer at Great Seminars and Books, Inc. for Total Joint Arthroplasty
Doug Dillon, PT, GTCCS
Campbell, CA
B.A. California State University Long Beach emphasis on Athletic Training.
B.S. in Physical Therapy from Langston University in Oklahoma with honors.
Who’s Who International for Physical Therapy
Lecturer for “Comprehensive Strategies” for Great Seminars
Lab Assistant for Great Seminars and Richard Jackson “Pelvic Girdle”
Lead Physical Therapist for Courtyard Care Center
Outpatient Physical Therapist for Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN)
Kathy Fagan, PT, MPT, COFS, FSOAE, GTCCS
White House, TN
Bachelor and Masters of Physical Therapy, University of Evansville, Evansville, IN
Certified OASIS Field Specialist
Functional Standards for Optimal Aging Expert
Geriatric Trained and Certified Clinical Specialist
Founder and lead PT Fagan Geriatric Wellness and Rehabilitation
Mike Fagan Jr., PTA, FOSAE, GTCCS, EOLD
White House, TN
AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant from Volunteer State Community College
Co-Owner and PTA of Fagan Geriatric Wellness & Rehabilitation
John Fisher, DPT, GTCCS
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor of Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Saint Louis University Therapy Program
Director for RehabCare at Bria of Cahokia in Cahokia, Illinois
James Hanson PT,DPT
Director of Clinical Services
Commonspirit Health at Home
Chattanooga TN
University of St Augustine, St Augustine Fl
Blair W, Johnson, MSPT, BSN,PT, RN, ATC, FAAOMPT, CEEAA, CEAS, GTCCS, GCS
Granger, IN
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Southern California
Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Hawaii
Outpatient Physical Therapist for Memorial Hospital of South Bend (IN)
Paula Johnson PT, GTCCS, MBA
Director of Clinical Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Messiah College
Danielle Keyser, MS, LOTR, GTCCS
Lafayette, Louisiana
BS in Psychology from Louisiana State University
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Director of Education and Occupational Therapist at The Therapy Center
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Ohio State University
Masters of Gerontology University of Southern California
Masters of Public Administration University of Southern California
PhD in Health Education University of Maryland
DPT from Massachusetts General Hospital
President of Great Seminars and Books and Great Seminars Online
Practicing Physical Therapist
Adjunct Professor, George Washington University
Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine
Linda McAllister, PT, DPT, GCS, GTCCS, CEEAA, CEAGN
Kirkland, WA
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Arcadia University, Glenside PA
BS in Physical Therapy, Northwestern University, Chicago IL
BA in Sociology, North Park University, Chicago, IL
Physical Therapist at International Community Health Services Program of All-Inclusive care for the Elderly, Seattle WA
Jamie Partridge, PT, OCS, GTCCS
Houston, TX
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Houston
Bachelors of Arts and Science in Psychology, Louisiana State University
Outpatient Physical Therapist Harris Heath System, Houston, TX
Paul Rivera, PT, MBA, GTCCS, GCS
Hendersonville, TN
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Economics), Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
Employed at SunCrest Home Health, Madison, TN (parent company Almost Family)
Certificate for OASIS Specialist – Clinical (2010-2013)
Suzanne Rodriguez, PT, DPT, MS, GCS, GTCCS
Naugatuck, CT
Geriatric Residency Director / Clinical Physical Therapist at Sacred Heart University in partnership with the Jewish Senior Services.
Sandy Shelton PT, GTCCS
Eagleville, TN
BS in Physical Therapy from The University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Memphis TN
Employed at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN as Senior Physical Therapist III on Acute Care Orthopedic Unit
Mark Traffas PT, GTCCS
Santa Clara, CA
BS in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University
Director of Rehabilitation at Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehab Center in Sunnyvale, CA
Peter Vander Weide PT, GTCCS
Battle Creek, MI
BS Health Science in Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University 1990
Physical Therapist Muscle and Spine Rehabilitation Center–outpatient private practice and part time at Integrity Rehab–SNF.
Catherine Wood, PTA, GTCCS
Pine Bluff, AR
Associate degree in Physical Therapy, Waco, TX
Staff PTA in Acute Rehab in Pine Bluff, AR. Contract PTA with home health and outpatient therapy. Lab assistant with Great Seminars