A guideline-implementation credential
Connecting Guidelines to Global Impact
The world’s clinical practice guidelines already define how the most common musculoskeletal conditions should be managed. ICF Nexus confirms that the practitioner delivering that care is equipped to follow them.
We are building now. Questions? Reach out to eric@icfnexus.com.
Proof that care follows the guidelines
Guidelines tell clinicians what to do. Until now, nothing told patients, employers, or payers whether a clinician could do it. An ICF Nexus certification confirms that a practitioner has the knowledge, competency, and skill proficiency to put the guidelines into practice.
For patients
Find a practitioner whose care follows the evidence.
For employers and payers
Verify competency in seconds through the public directory.
For practitioners
Earn a credential built on the standards your profession already uses.
The Program
Three tiers. One standard.
Each certification is built on the ICF-based clinical practice guidelines and confirms competency at a defined clinical scope. Credential names, tiers, and fees are being finalized.
Tier 1
Prevention and Management with Education and Exercise
For physical therapist assistants, trainers, coaches, instructors, and other health and fitness practitioners.
Tier 2
Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders
For licensed clinicians: physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists.
Tier 3
Primary Care Practitioner
For licensed clinicians working as first-contact musculoskeletal providers.
The Team
Clinical leadership and technical depth
Hoda Maleki, PhD
Chief Technology Officer
Tenured Associate Professor of computer and cyber sciences at Augusta University, where she leads NSF-funded research in applied cryptography and system security. She leads the ICF Nexus platform, security, and AI, and is the owner of ExpertGuard Solutions and Chief Technology Officer of BrainSmith.
Joseph Godges, DPT, MA, FAPTA
Clinical and Guideline Lead
Coordinator and editor of APTA Orthopedic’s ICF-based clinical practice guidelines from 2008 to 2017, a period in which fifteen guidelines were published in JOSPT. One of the original orthopaedic clinical specialists, with thirty-four years training residents and fellows.
Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, MFA, OCS, FAAOMPT
Managing Member
Educator and program builder who has built more than eight hybrid DPT, residency, and fellowship programs. Author on the Academy’s Neck Pain clinical practice guideline and the Cervical Spine monograph in Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Founder of BrainSmith.
Built to be trusted
01
Guideline-based
Every item traces to a published clinical practice guideline, not to opinion.
02
Independent and secure
ICF Nexus builds and scores the exam and does not sell preparation. Randomized online delivery in four testing windows a year.
03
Verifiable
Every active certificant is listed in a free public directory with primary-source verification.
We are building now
ICF Nexus is in development. Practitioners, employers, educators, and professional associations with questions or an interest in the program are welcome to reach out.
Contact: eric@icfnexus.com