In Part 2 of this post, we continue to look at the importance of using standardized job titles in your ads and listings.
Calling someone by their name is a way of letting them know they’re important to us. It’s also a sign of respect. But what if you call them by the wrong name? If you mistakenly call Kate “Jennifer,” how likely is she to respond?
Job titles are like a name, and we turn our head when we hear the right one.
When advertising for nursing positions by direct mail postcards or other methods, an unclear or incorrect job title can leave job seekers confused. These candidates have credentials or licenses that let them perform special functions. Instead of using a creative job title that’s unique to your company, try using the following standardized terms in your ads to ensure you’re turning the right heads.
Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant
All physical therapists (PTs) must complete a degree from an accredited PT graduate-level program, then pass a national licensing exam. Additional requirements to practice vary from state to state according to laws and regulations governing physical therapy.
To work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA), which works under the supervision of a PT, an individual must graduate with an associate degree (two years, usually five semesters) from an accredited PTA program at a technical or community college, college, or university. In most states, graduates must then pass the national licensing exam for PTAs.
PTs can also earn board certification in eight specialty areas through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant
Both occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) must graduate from an accredited program and complete fieldwork requirements in order to practice. Most states require OTs and OTAs to be licensed, and a few states have certification or registration by a state agency.
OTs and OTAs are required to pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) upon initial licensure. Licensure and certification are different. States license OTs and OTAs while NBCOT certifies them. But not all states require OTs and OTAs to maintain NBCOT certification. If a certificant fails to renew their national certification they are not permitted to carry the NBCOT registered credential trademarks (OTR®-Occupational Therapist Registered, COTA®-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant).
Speech-Language Pathologist/ Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are required to hold at least a master’s or doctorate degree in speech and language pathology from an accredited program. Many states require SLPs to complete an internship or clinical fellowship before initial licensure. Other requirements vary from state to state.
SLPs may also earn the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in their field. Those who have this certification have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure.
Support personnel assist SLPs. There are typically two levels of support personnel— aides and assistant, but their definitions vary from by state. ASHA distinguishes between these two levels based on level of training and responsibilities. Aides, for example, have a different, usually narrower, training base and more limited responsibilities than speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). States may use different terminology to refer to support personnel in speech-language pathology (e.g. SLP-Assistant, paraprofessional, speech aide, therapy assistant and communication aide).