What is CPAM in occupational therapy?

She also is certified in physical agents modalities (CPAM) for safe and effective use of adjunct therapy modalities in treating upper extremity dysfunctions.

What is Pam certification?

Physical Agent Modalities (PAM’s) for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants is designed as an introductory course to educate occupational therapy practitioners in the use of physical agents in the areas of electrotherapy and ultrasound.

What are PAMs and how are they used in OT?

One class of treatments are called physical agent modalities (PAMs). The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) describes PAMs as equipment including superficial and thermal agents, electrotherapeutic agents, and mechanical devices designed to assist patients in their daily lives.

Can OTs do modalities?

The use of physical agent modalities was controversial in the profession of occupational therapy for many years. But, as professional roles and licensure acts were passed, the use of these modalities by OTs was clarified and approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Can OTAs become CHT?

At this time, you cannot be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) unless you have completed a Master’s or Doctorate bridge program.

What can OTAs specialize in?

The nine occupational therapy specialties available to OTs and OTAs include:

Gerontology (BCG)
Mental Health (BCMH)
Pediatrics (BCP)
Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)
Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A)
Environmental Modification (SCEM or SCEM-A)
Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)

What does SWC stand for in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy training: University of Puget Sound. Specialty training: Advanced Practice Approved in Swallowing Assessment, Evaluation or Intervention (SWC), Advanced Practice Approved in Physical Agent Modalities (PAMS)

Can Ota use PAMs?

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) asserts that physical agent modalities (PAMs) may be used by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in preparation for or concurrently with purposeful and occupation-based activities or interventions that ultimately enhance engagement in …

Can Ota administer PAMs?

If state regulations permit, then delegating occupational therapy assistants to use PAMs is permitted. The occupational therapy assistant must also be adequately trained and demonstrate competency to use the recommended modalities.

How do I study for the CHT exam?

Time yourself to practice pacing. Practice taking a computer based test as this is the format of the exam. Practice writing down what you plan to use your scrap piece of paper for during the exam (brachial plexus, etc). Study a little bit each day.

How long is the CHT exam?

4 hours
There are 200 multiple-choice questions on the examination. You will have 4 hours to complete the examination.

What are PAMS for Occupational therapists?

Seminar Description: Physical Agent Modalities (PAM’s) for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants is designed as an introductory course to educate occupational therapy practitioners in the use of physical agents in the areas of electrotherapy and ultrasound.

Can I use PAMS concurrently with therapeutic activity or exercise?

PAMs may also be used concurrently with therapeutic activity or exercise. We want to note that the use of PAMs without applying their effects to occupational performance is not considered occupational therapy.

Are physical agent modalities allowed in occupational therapy?

What are physical agent modalities (PAMS)?

In 2008, AOTA published (and updated in 2020) a position paper on the use of physical agent modalities that every occupational therapist should review prior to using modalities. The paper emphasizes that PAMs are used by OTs as treatments to prepare an area for other treatment techniques, such as functional activity.