Physical Therapist Olive Frias Earns Geriatric Clinical Specialist Certification

Thrivera Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious Geriatric Clinical Specialist Certification

Physical Therapist Olive Frias

Thrivera is proud to celebrate Physical Therapist Olive on earning her Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), a division of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

This advanced certification recognizes physical therapists who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise in caring for older adults. To qualify for the exam, Olive completed more than 2,000 hours of direct patient care in a geriatric setting and dedicated approximately 150 hours of advanced study, including research journals, textbooks, and specialized coursework. She sat for the rigorous seven-hour examination in March 2026 and received notification in June that she had successfully earned the designation.

The achievement is especially notable given the select number of Geriatric Clinical Specialists practicing today.

As of July 2025, there were just 4,321 certified geriatric specialists nationwide, with only 31 practicing in Iowa. Olive has now joined this prestigious group.

Olive was motivated to pursue this certification to better serve older adults and help them achieve their own definition of quality of life whether that means remaining independent at home, traveling, volunteering, working, or simply participating in the activities they enjoy most.

For Thrivera clients, this certification means access to an even higher level of specialized care. Geriatric Clinical Specialists are trained to address the unique and often complex needs of aging adults, including conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, chronic pain, balance impairments, and recovery after hospitalization or surgery. This advanced expertise allows Olive to develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider the whole person and the interaction of multiple health conditions.

“Specialized geriatric care is so important as we age because it helps people achieve healthier living and a better quality of life,” Olive shared.

We are proud to have Olive's expertise on our team and know her knowledge will continue to positively impact the lives of our clients and the community we serve!