Top 10 Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certifications

Certifications are important for pediatric occupational therapists in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the therapist is knowledgeable and experienced in providing quality care for children. Certifications also help to ensure that therapists are up-to-date on best practices and current research in the field. Having certifications can give a therapist an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers will be confident that the therapist is qualified and knowledgeable in their field. Certifications can also lead to higher salaries, as those with certifications often earn more than those without them.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Pediatric Occupational Therapists and explain how they can enhance a pediatric occupational therapist's career.

What are Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certifications?

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for Occupational Therapists who specialize in working with children and families. This certification demonstrates that an OT has achieved a high level of expertise in the area of pediatric practice, and is committed to providing quality care to children and their families.

This certification can help pediatric occupational therapists become more competitive in the job market, as employers will know they have specialized knowledge and experience working with children. It also provides recognition among peers that the therapist has met certain standards of excellence, which may inspire confidence in parents seeking services for their child. Additionally, some states may require this certification for licensure; therefore, it is important to check with your state’s licensing board to determine what requirements are necessary for practice.

Finally, this certification can help pediatric OTs stay current on best practices and research related to their field. The AOTA requires continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain this certification, which ensures practitioners are continually learning new strategies and techniques that can be applied in clinical settings.

Pro Tip: When considering pediatric occupational therapist certification, be sure to research the requirements and credentials of the certifying body. This will help ensure that you are obtaining a valid certification and that your education meets the necessary standards for practice.

Related: What does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist do?

Top 10 Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pediatric Occupational Therapists today.

1. Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist (CPOT)

Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist (CPOT) is a credential that is awarded to occupational therapists who have completed specialized training and passed an examination in the field of pediatric occupational therapy. This certification demonstrates the therapist’s expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs.

In order to become a CPOT, an individual must first have earned a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university or college. Then they must complete at least two years of clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy as well as pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Once these requirements are met, the individual can apply for the CPOT certification.

The process of obtaining the CPOT certification takes approximately one year from start to finish. The cost of applying for the certification varies depending on whether or not you are already certified by NBCOT and if you need to retake any exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $400 and $600 to apply for the CPOT certification.

2. Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a physical or occupational therapist who has advanced knowledge and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries. CHTs have extensive experience in the rehabilitation of upper extremity injuries including fractures, tendon lacerations, nerve compression syndromes, and cumulative trauma disorders. They are also knowledgeable about orthotic fabrication and splinting to assist in the recovery process.

To become certified as a CHT, an individual must have at least five years of clinical experience in hand therapy with 4,000 hours or more of direct practice in hand therapy; pass a comprehensive test administered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC); and demonstrate ongoing professional development activities related to hand therapy. The certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed.

The cost for taking the CHT exam is $450 USD. The cost for recertification is $350 USD every 5 years.

3. Sensory Integration Certification (SIC)

Sensory Integration Certification (SIC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the area of sensory integration. It is offered by the Sensory Integration International Certification Board (SIICB). The certification is based on a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as assessment, intervention, and research related to sensory integration.

The SIC program requires applicants to complete a minimum of 120 hours of coursework, including 30 hours of supervised clinical experience in sensory integration. Coursework must be completed at an accredited institution or through an approved provider. The cost for the coursework varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500.

Once coursework is completed and all requirements are met, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the SIICB. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies related to sensory integration theory and practice. Applicants must score at least 80% on the exam in order to be certified. The cost for taking the exam is $250.

Once certified, individuals must complete 40 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain their certification status. The cost for continuing education varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100-$300 per hour.

In total, it can take up to two years to complete all requirements for SIC certification and can cost between $3,000-$5,000 depending on the provider chosen and additional costs associated with continuing education credits.

4. Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is a professional who specializes in providing solutions for people with disabilities. An ATP works with individuals to identify, evaluate, and provide assistive technology devices and services that can help improve their independence and quality of life.

The length of time it takes to get an ATP varies depending on the individual's needs and the availability of resources. Generally, it can take anywhere from one week to several months to get an ATP evaluation and recommendation.

To get an ATP evaluation, you should contact your local or state department of health or disability services office. They will be able to connect you with a qualified professional who can assess your needs and recommend appropriate assistive technology solutions.

The cost of an ATP evaluation depends on the type of services provided and the complexity of the individual's needs. In some cases, funding may be available through public or private sources such as Medicaid or private insurance companies.

5. Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is an evidence-based approach to physical therapy that focuses on the treatment of impairments in movement and posture caused by neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. It is a hands-on approach that uses specific techniques and strategies to improve body functions such as balance, coordination, strength, range of motion, and motor control. The goal of NDT is to help individuals with neurological impairments regain their independence and quality of life.

NDT typically involves one-on-one sessions with a physical therapist who has specialized training in this type of intervention. Sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the individual's needs. During the session, the physical therapist will assess the individual's movement patterns and postural alignment and then use various manual techniques to improve their abilities. These techniques may include stretching, strengthening exercises, positioning strategies, and functional activities.

The cost of NDT varies depending on where you receive services and how often you need treatment. Generally speaking, it can range from $50-$100 per session or more for private practice physical therapists who specialize in NDT. Insurance coverage for NDT also varies depending on your plan so it's important to check with your provider before beginning treatment.

In order to get Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), you must first be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist who specializes in this type of intervention. This evaluation will help determine if NDT is appropriate for you or your loved one’s needs. After the evaluation is complete, your physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan that outlines the frequency of sessions needed along with any other recommendations they have for improving function.

6. Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)

A Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) is a professional who has completed specialized training in the field of autism spectrum disorder and has been certified by an accredited organization. The certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum.

The process for becoming a CAS typically involves completing an approved course of study, passing an exam, and meeting other requirements as determined by the certifying organization. Depending on the certifying organization, this process can take anywhere from six months to two years.

In order to become a CAS, you must first complete an approved course of study that covers topics such as autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and treatment, communication strategies, behavior management techniques, social skills development, family support services, and more. After completing your coursework, you will need to pass an exam administered by the certifying organization in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a CAS varies depending on the certifying organization. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

7. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Certification

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Certification is a voluntary certification for occupational therapists that demonstrates their commitment to the profession and their dedication to providing quality care. It is a mark of excellence that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of occupational therapy.

In order to become AOTA certified, a person must first have graduated from an accredited occupational therapy program and passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for AOTA Certification through the organization's website. The application process includes submitting documentation such as transcripts, NBCOT scores, and other required materials.

The entire process typically takes between 3-6 months depending on how quickly all of the necessary documents are submitted and processed. The cost of AOTA Certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of AOTA. For non-members, it costs $350 while members pay only $225.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years and renewing their membership with AOTA every three years. This ensures that they remain knowledgeable about current trends in the field and continue to provide quality care to their patients.

8. Certified Early Interventionist (CEI)

A Certified Early Interventionist (CEI) is a professional who has specialized training and experience in providing early intervention services to infants, toddlers, and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. CEIs are qualified to provide assessments, evaluations, and interventions for children from birth to three years of age. They also provide support and guidance to families of children with special needs.

In order to become a CEI, individuals must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field. They must also complete an approved training program in early intervention and obtain certification from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The training program typically takes about one year to complete and includes courses on child development, family systems, assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and more.

The cost of becoming a CEI varies depending on the specific program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$4,000 for the entire program. In addition to tuition fees there may be additional costs associated with books and materials needed for the coursework.

Once certified as an Early Interventionist (CEI), individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. This requirement helps ensure that CEIs stay up-to-date on best practices in early intervention so they can provide quality services to families with young children who have special needs.

9. Feeding and Swallowing Disorders Certification

Feeding and Swallowing Disorders Certification is a professional certification program designed to help clinicians gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat feeding and swallowing disorders. It is offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in partnership with the Academy of Swallowing and Feeding Therapists (ASFT). The certification program consists of a series of online courses, an examination, and a clinical practicum.

The certification process typically takes about two years to complete. During this time, candidates must complete all required coursework and successfully pass the exam. The cost for the entire certification program is $1,500 USD. This includes all course materials, exam fees, and clinical practicum fees.

To get started on your journey towards becoming certified in feeding and swallowing disorders, you will need to first register for the ASHA/ASFT Certification Program. Once registered, you will be provided with access to all course materials needed for completion of the program. After completing all required courses and passing the exam, you will then be eligible to apply for a clinical practicum experience in order to gain hands-on experience working with patients who have feeding or swallowing disorders. Upon successful completion of both the coursework requirements and clinical practicum experience, you will receive your certificate from ASHA/ASFT certifying that you are now a certified feeding & swallowing therapist!

10. Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Certification

Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT) Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who provide direct care services to individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. The MHRT certification program is designed to ensure that individuals providing these services have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to deliver quality care.

The MHRT Certification Program requires successful completion of an approved training course, which typically takes between 6-12 weeks to complete. Coursework includes topics such as mental health assessment and diagnosis, medication management, crisis intervention, therapeutic communication techniques, and recovery principles. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals must pass an examination in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as an MHRT, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old; having a high school diploma or GED; having at least one year of experience working with people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders; and completing an approved MHRT training program.

The cost of the MHRT Certification Program varies depending on the provider offering the training course. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500-$1,000 for tuition and materials fees.

Do You Really Need a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certificate?

The answer to this question is highly dependent on the individual's career goals. For some, a certificate in pediatric occupational therapy may be essential to achieving their desired career trajectory. This is especially true for individuals who wish to specialize in the field of pediatric occupational therapy, as a certificate in the area provides an additional layer of expertise and knowledge that can be beneficial.

On the other hand, those who are simply looking to gain a greater understanding of the field or become more knowledgeable about it may find that obtaining a certificate is not necessary. There are many resources available online and through libraries and bookstores that provide information on pediatric occupational therapy without requiring certification or licensing. Additionally, there are numerous seminars and workshops offered by organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) which offer valuable information without requiring certification.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a certificate in pediatric occupational therapy depends entirely on their own personal career goals. For those looking to specialize in this field, obtaining a certificate can be highly beneficial; however, for those simply seeking to gain a better understanding of the topic, there are many alternative resources available that do not require certification or licensing.

Related: Pediatric Occupational Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Pediatric Occupational Therapist Certifications

1. What is a pediatric occupational therapist certification?

Answer: A pediatric occupational therapist certification is an advanced certificate that demonstrates expertise in treating children with developmental, physical, and mental delays. It requires additional training and experience beyond the standard requirements for an occupational therapist.

2. Who can get certified as a pediatric occupational therapist?

Answer: To become certified as a pediatric occupational therapist, you must be licensed to practice occupational therapy and have at least two years of experience working with children in a clinical setting. You must also pass a written exam from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

3. How long does it take to become certified as a pediatric occupational therapist?

Answer: The process typically takes between one and two years depending on your experience level and the number of courses you need to complete. You will also need to pass the AOTA written exam before you can be certified.

4. What are the benefits of being a certified pediatric occupational therapist?

Answer: Becoming certified as a pediatric occupational therapist shows employers that you have specialized knowledge and skills when it comes to working with children who require extra attention due to their physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. This certification also helps you stand out from other therapists when seeking employment opportunities or higher pay rates.

5. Is there ongoing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, there is ongoing education required for maintaining your certification as a pediatric occupational therapist through the AOTA's Continuing Competency Program (CCP). This program requires therapists to complete continuing education activities every three years in order to maintain their certifications.