Top 10 Physical Therapist Aide Certifications

Certifications for physical therapist aides are important in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge, skill, and experience. A certification shows employers that the aide has met certain criteria and is qualified to perform specific tasks related to physical therapy. It also demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and can give an aide an edge over other applicants who do not possess certifications. Furthermore, some states require licensing or certification for physical therapist aides to practice, so having one may be necessary to secure employment in certain locations.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Physical Therapist Aides and explain how they can enhance a physical therapist aide's career.

What are Physical Therapist Aide Certifications?

Physical therapist aide certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have completed an approved physical therapy aide training program, and passed an exam. Physical therapist aides work under the direction of a physical therapist to provide support in patient care. They are responsible for helping patients with exercises, assisting with therapeutic equipment, providing general care and maintaining the safety of the environment.

Physical therapist aide certification can help individuals gain employment in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities and private practices. It can also increase job security by demonstrating knowledge and expertise in the field to employers. Being certified also ensures that aides have received proper training and understand their duties and responsibilities as a physical therapy aide. Certification can also lead to higher pay and better job opportunities for those seeking advancement in the profession.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist aide, make sure to research and understand the certification requirements of your state. Many states require that physical therapist aides be certified, so it is important to understand the specific qualifications and training needed to become certified in order to ensure that you meet all necessary requirements.

Related: What does a Physical Therapist Aide do?

Top 10 Physical Therapist Aide Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Physical Therapist Aides today.

1. Certified Physical Therapist Aide (CPTA)

Certified Physical Therapist Aide (CPTA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a formal program of study and training in physical therapy. The CPTA program provides education and training on the fundamentals of physical therapy, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise and modalities. It also covers patient assessment, documentation and communication.

The CPTA program typically takes between six months to two years to complete depending on the institution offering the course. Most programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience in a physical therapy setting. To become certified as a CPTA, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Physical Therapy (NBCPT).

The cost of becoming a Certified Physical Therapist Aide varies depending on the institution offering the course. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $500-$1500 per semester or credit hour. Additional costs may include books and supplies, fees for certification exams and other related expenses.

In order to become certified as a CPTA, individuals must meet certain requirements such as completing an accredited physical therapist aide program and passing the NBCPT exam with at least 70% accuracy. Additionally, applicants must be 18 years old or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in any CPTA program.

2. Certified Physical Therapy Assistant (CPTA)

A Certified Physical Therapy Assistant (CPTA) is a health care professional who works under the direction of a physical therapist to help patients improve movement, manage pain, and prevent injury. CPTAs are trained to provide therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and other interventions to help patients achieve their goals.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a CPTA. This includes completing an accredited associate's degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university. In addition, most states require CPTAs to pass a national certification exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

To become a CPTA, you must first complete an accredited associate's degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university. You must also pass the FSBPT's National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). After passing the NPTE, you can apply for state licensure through your state board of physical therapy. Once licensed, you can then apply for certification as a CPTA through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

The cost to become a CPTA varies depending on where you attend school and how long it takes you to complete your studies. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $10,000-$20,000 per year for an associate’s degree program in physical therapy. Additionally, there is usually an application fee and exam fees associated with becoming certified as a CPTA which can range from $200-$400 dollars depending on the state in which you live.

3. Certified Rehabilitation Aide (CRA)

Certified Rehabilitation Aide (CRA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the field of rehabilitation. The CRA credential is designed to recognize those individuals who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care for persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The CRA certification is offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). To become certified, applicants must complete an approved program in rehabilitation aide/assistant studies and pass a national certification exam. The program typically takes one year to complete, depending on the type of program chosen.

The cost for the CRA certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, it costs between $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the program. In addition, there are application fees and exam fees associated with taking the national certification exam that range from $200-$400.

Overall, becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Aide requires dedication and hard work but can be a rewarding experience for those interested in helping others with disabilities or chronic illnesses achieve their highest level of independence.

4. National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Physical Therapy Aide Certification

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Physical Therapy Aide Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have successfully completed training and demonstrated competency in the field of physical therapy. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified physical therapy aides and ensure that they are providing quality care to their patients.

To get certified, applicants must complete an approved physical therapy aide training program and pass the NAHC Physical Therapy Aide Certification exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient safety, infection control, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic modalities.

The NAHC Physical Therapy Aide Certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

The cost of the NAHC Physical Therapy Aide Certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 to register for the exam and take it at a testing center or online proctored testing site.

5. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Certified Physical Therapist Aide is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in providing quality patient care. The certification requires that individuals pass an exam, complete continuing education courses, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

It typically takes approximately three months to obtain the APTA-Certified Physical Therapist Aide certification. To become certified, applicants must first complete a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical training in a physical therapy setting. After completing this requirement, applicants must take and pass the APTA-Certified Physical Therapist Aide Exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, patient/client management, documentation and communication.

In order to sit for the exam, applicants must submit an application along with proof of their clinical training hours and pay an examination fee of $200 USD. Once the application is approved by APTA, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date.

The cost for obtaining the APTA-Certified Physical Therapist Aide certification includes fees for completing the required clinical training hours ($50-$100 USD), submitting an application for the exam ($50 USD), taking the examination ($200 USD), and any additional continuing education courses required by your state or employer ($50-$100 USD).

6. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Certified Physical Therapist Aide (CPTA) credential is a voluntary certification program that recognizes physical therapist aides who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the practice of physical therapy. The CPTA credential is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an NBCOT-approved physical therapist aide education program and passed the NBCOT Physical Therapist Aide Examination.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the necessary steps to obtain the CPTA credential. First, you must complete an accredited physical therapist aide education program. This typically includes completing coursework and clinical experience hours. Once you have completed your program, you can apply to take the NBCOT Physical Therapist Aide Examination. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the CPTA credential.

The cost of obtaining the CPTA credential varies depending on where you take your education program and how long it takes you to complete it. In addition, there is a fee for taking the NBCOT Physical Therapist Aide Examination which is currently $360 USD.

7. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Certified Physical Therapist Aide (CPTA) is a certification program that provides physical therapy aides with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively under the direction of a physical therapist. This certification is designed to help physical therapy aides become more competent in their roles, as well as demonstrate their commitment to professional development and patient care.

To become certified, an individual must complete an approved course of study in physical therapy aide education, pass the AOTA-administered CPTA exam, and meet all other eligibility requirements. The course of study typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the program chosen.

To get started, individuals must first find an approved educational program. These programs may be offered through community colleges or technical schools, or they may be available online. Once enrolled in a program, students will need to complete all required courses and clinical experiences before taking the CPTA exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen but can range from $2,000-$3,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books and materials as well as fees for taking the certification exam.

Overall, becoming AOTA-Certified Physical Therapist Aide is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional development and patient care while gaining valuable knowledge and skills in physical therapy aide education.

8. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide is a certification program for physical therapist aides. It is designed to ensure that physical therapist aides have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to patients in orthopedic settings. The certification requires passing an exam administered by the AAOS, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, medical terminology, patient safety and quality assurance.

The certification process takes approximately six weeks to complete. The first step is to register for the exam with the AAOS. Once registered, applicants must complete a study guide and practice tests provided by the AAOS. After completing the study guide and practice tests, applicants must pass a proctored examination administered by the AAOS. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from the AAOS.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on where you take the exam and any additional materials you may need to purchase for studying purposes. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $200-$400 for registration fees, study materials and test fees.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain criteria set forth by the AAOS in order to be eligible for this certification program. These criteria include having at least one year of experience working as a physical therapist aide or equivalent position; being at least 18 years old; having completed high school or its equivalent; having no criminal record; and having no prior disciplinary action taken against them by state licensing boards or other regulatory bodies related to their profession.

9. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)-Certified Physical Therapist Aide

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Physical Therapist Aide (CPTA) certification is a credential for physical therapist aides who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The CPTA program is designed to provide physical therapist aides with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist physical therapists in providing quality patient care. This certification is offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, which is one of the leading organizations in the field of sports medicine and exercise science.

To become an ACSM-Certified Physical Therapist Aide, individuals must complete an approved training program that includes at least 160 hours of instruction in topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, and patient care. After completing this training, individuals must pass a written exam administered by the American College of Sports Medicine.

The cost of becoming an ACSM-Certified Physical Therapist Aide varies depending on the institution offering the training program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for tuition and fees associated with completing a CPTA program. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the certification exam which is typically around $200.

In total, it usually takes about 6 months to complete all of the requirements for becoming an ACSM-Certified Physical Therapist Aide.

10. International Board of Specialty Certifications-Physical Therapist Aide

The International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC) Physical Therapist Aide certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective physical therapy services. This certification is designed to demonstrate that the individual has achieved a level of competency in the field of physical therapy and is qualified to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

The IBSC Physical Therapist Aide certification requires successful completion of an approved training program, which can be completed in as little as 6-12 months depending on the program. The training program must include both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and must be approved by IBSC. Upon successful completion of the program, applicants may then take the IBSC Physical Therapist Aide examination.

To get certified as an IBSC Physical Therapist Aide, individuals must first complete an approved training program. After completing this training program, individuals must then pass the IBSC Physical Therapist Aide examination. The cost for taking this exam is $150 USD. Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Physical Therapist Aide Certificate?

Physical therapist aides are an important part of the healthcare team that provides physical therapy to patients. A physical therapist aide certificate is not required to become a physical therapist aide; however, having one can be beneficial in many ways.

The most obvious benefit of having a physical therapist aide certificate is that it shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a physical therapist aide. Even if you don’t have any prior experience in the field, having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to learning and furthering your education. Furthermore, many employers prefer to hire individuals with some sort of formal training or certification. This could give you an edge over other applicants who do not have any type of certification or training.

In addition to helping you get hired, having a physical therapist aide certificate can also help you advance your career by allowing you to take on more responsibility and higher-level positions. Having this certification may also open up opportunities for additional certifications or advanced courses such as orthopedic manual therapy or sports medicine which could increase your earning potential significantly.

Finally, having a physical therapist aide certificate can provide motivation for continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. The certificate will serve as evidence of your dedication to learning and hard work, which could give you an advantage when applying for promotions or seeking new job opportunities in the future.

All in all, obtaining a physical therapy aide certificate is not necessary but it can certainly be beneficial for those wanting to pursue this career path. It shows employers that you are committed, motivated, and knowledgeable about the profession; it gives you an edge over other job applicants; it opens up opportunities for advancement; and it serves as evidence of dedication to continuous learning.

Related: Physical Therapist Aide Resume Examples

FAQs About Physical Therapist Aide Certifications

Q1: What is a Physical Therapist Aide Certification?

A1: A Physical Therapist Aide Certification is a credential that demonstrates competency in providing physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Physical Therapist Aide?

A2: To become certified as a Physical Therapist Aide, you must complete an accredited program, pass an exam administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), and meet any additional state or local requirements.

Q3: What type of training is required to become certified as a Physical Therapist Aide?

A3: To become certified as a Physical Therapist Aide, you must complete an accredited program that includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and patient care. You may also need to complete clinical fieldwork.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a Physical Therapist Aide?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Physical Therapist Aide depends on your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary training and certification requirements.

Q5: Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my Physical Therapist Aide Certification?

A5: Yes, most states require that you maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.