Meridee Danks receives recertification Meridee Danks, assistant professor of physical therapy, was recertified in June as a board certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Danks is one of only two physical therapists in the state of North Dakota to have a neurologic certification. The certification has helped her advance her clinical knowledge in neurologic physical therapy and aided in her teaching and clinical practice, she says. Recertification, a voluntary process that occurs every 10 years, requires the physical therapist to either pass an examination or submit a portfolio in addition to required clinical practice hours. It verifies current competence as an advanced practitioner in a specialty area and indicates a commitment to clinical excellence and the development of knowledge and skills in a chosen specialty. Danks teaches mainly in the area of neurologic rehabilitation. She has been a faculty member since 1995 and received her BSPT, MPT, and DPT from UND. The Department of Physical Therapy offers a clinically oriented, six year curriculum leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Physical therapists are licensed professionals who work with people that have lasting physical function disabilities or impairments, with the goal of reaching maximal patient functional independence. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 72,000 members. ABPTS is the certification board for specialty areas.